THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Christmas is just around the corner.The most awaited season of the year, especially for us Filipinos.Philippines is a nation, pronounced as an origin of Catholicism.The reason why Filipinos even those residing abroad are always
looking forward to, this time of the year w/ joy and excitement .
The word Christmas comes from the words Cristes maesse, or “Christ’s Mass” w/c means the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus, celebrated on December 25 and now generally observed
around the world.
Christmas symbolizes LOVE.God’s love for mankind.He sent His Only Begotten Son,Jesus Christ, into this world to deliver us from sin. The reason why,Christmas symbolizes also gift-giving.
Here in the Philippines Christmas is celebrated for a longer period compared to other countries.In fact, as early as September, Christmas songs are already played everywhere.Christmas decors are usually put-up in advance as early as 1st quarter of November.That only shows how excited Filipinos are to celebrate this Yuletide Season.
As we get busy preparing for this season ,let’s not put aside the real essence of Christmas spirit.In this day and age, the spirit of Christmas has truly become overshadowed by commercialism. With Christmas displays set up in the stores, Christmas parties and reunions,Buying this and that…
We tend to neglect the celebrant,JESUS CHRIST,who chose a stable to be HIS birthplace,and to belong to a family of humble beginning.Meaning,the real essence of Christmas are humility, purity and sincerity to serve rather than to be served.Just hope and pray that this will aid as a motivating factor for our aspiring politicians comes 2010.

WOMAN

Often times, women are referred to as the weaker sex.Sorry to say, especially to the so called male chauvinists that I beg to disagree.Though I believe what is stated in the bible that God took a rib from Adam's side and made a woman, I acknowledge the fact that women are still independent-being, created by GOD.
Women are fearless and emotionally stable compared to men.They aren't afraid to face life's battles no matter what, especially when the one at stake is their children's refuge.They may look fragile but inside they are tough. In the sense, that they don't easily give-up to any kind of adversities that come their way.
Bearing a child is an exceptional endowment that only women could perform.And I believe that in GOD'S SUPREME POWER,He knew that women got more competence to carry through this task.Therefore a woman deserves respect and recognition, being the one chosen by God to deliver humanity into this world.
When a woman loves she gives all,even the last strength left.Her capacity to love is beyond what you expect.But, at the same time just be on the look out because by the time you push further her limits,she is most likely to burst ... and there goes all the positive emotions, what is left, is the intense feeling to survive, not only for herself but most of all for those who depend on her.
There might be some who will object but then, it's given that in every man's success, is a woman behind.This only proves that women are not just
ornaments in a man's life, but a valuable better-half of a man's existence.
I know it would be hard to admit that women are equal to men when it comes to ability,emotional strength, and capability.If there are men out there who question this reality, my only suggestion is to approach the one they MOST look up to who happens to be their MOTHER.

MARRIAGE

Marriage as we all know is a sacred vocation. It is supposed to be a life time commitment to someone you choose to be w/ for the rest of your life.As we usually hear the couple promise each other in a wedding ceremony ".... through sickness and health till death do us part..". Thus says the promise, and it'll remain as is until it's EXECUTED after the ceremony.Unfortunately, promises are usually quiet hard to fulfill.Luckily or unluckily in marriage, you are not simply affirming a promise, but declaring a vow in the presence of families, relatives, friends of both parties, a priest or a minister and above all " THE ALMIGHTY FATHER", thus making it blessed.
Being a holy pledge it is hard for us not to take it seriously.As the overused cliche
says " Marriage is not a joke. It is not like food that you can spit out when it is too hot to chew." This what I call realization of what really marriage is. Our folks frequently tells us about this tale, yet instead of feeling alert you feel intimidated and most of the time upset( most especially if you thought you're in- love).
Most probably it's assumed that LOVE, is an important factor in marriage.But then, love could either make or break you.Don't get me wrong, what I want to point at is, when one is " heel over head " in- love w/ somebody the person becomes bullheaded.Making that person certain of what he feels at the moment.After the excitement of being married in the presence of everybody and the honeymoon period of the couple, comes the authenticity of it all.
Marriage is a full time job.Most importantly the relationship must be based from mutual respect,fidelity,dedication, selflessness,and give and take partnership.It's not an easy job but at least you can try.Just try hard enough so you won't regret,but then, because it's a difficult journey to go through, be prepared of the consequences that comes w/ it.Though in the lighter note, the idea of having someone to share w/ (perhaps if you get lucky) the rest of your life is inspiring.Just be careful in choosing whom to entrust yourself for it's quite a bad experience to fall w/ the wrong person ( I should know for I experienced it myself ).

A FRIEND

I've written quite a few topics already. They were all based from personal experiences not only mine but also from those close to me as well. One topic that I really want to discuss is considerably subjective.
Since I could remember, I was always a loner. My elder siblings were all grown ups when my mom gave birth to her youngest child who happens to be me, making my post in the family unstable. But don't get me wrong, being the youngest I was well loved by everybody. From my grandmother down to my one and only brother who was then 6 yrs older than I was. What I meant by being unstable was I could hardly fit - in the age group of my other siblings for they were already in their teens while I was still in my childhood.We may call it generation gap, the reason why I couldn't relate to their activities at that time. It's either I was playing by myself or with myself, for they were so protective that I seldom had the chance to go out and play w/ other kids.
Maybe this is the reason why I feel only at ease when I'm in an intimate rather than in a social gathering, even as a a grown- up already.Others used to label me as unfriendly and hostile. Don't get me wrong, you might accuse me of being atypical, of course not, but yes I admit I'm anti social. I'm just being careful I guess in choosing whom to trust and insure my confidence w/.But then, just like you and everybody else I also need a friend, a true and sincere friend that is. I believe in the saying, " No Man Is An Island". Next to our Family and relatives, I think Friends are the most important people in any ones life.What does really a friend means, and how important really a "FRIEND" is.Anyway , I've been thinking anybody could be a friend, isn't it? even a relative or a family member could also act as a friend.This only means how important a friend is.Someone you could confined to, especially personal problems and to share w/ your personal secrets. But real, true and sincere friends are just hard to find, especially now a days. A friend for me must be someone who honestly appreciates you as a person, someone you can entrust your dark secrets, will always sympathize w/ you, though not necessarily gives easily his consent w/ the not so good things you do, but will never adjudge you.And most importantly, a friend is always there for you at all cost. Friends are like diamonds so precious, so valuable, that if you happen to own a small piece of it will certify you as someone well-off. In the other hand, if you got even only one true, trusted friend, will already mark you as "ONE HELL of a LUCKY GUY!".

2012

I just watched the movie entitled 2012.This movie was adapted from one of the prophecies of NOSTRADAMUS, a noted and popular Astrologist and Physician of his time. According to the Book of Prophecies, Michel de Nostredame (his real name), predictions often times
occur. The reason why his prophecies are still widely read until now. Readers have discovered apparent predictions of such world events as the French Revolution and World War. Anyway , I'm not really interested in his prophecies.I just came to know about him and his predictions through a documentary film introduced to me by my son. One of them quite interest me.Its his prediction about the end of the WORLD, COMES 2012.
While I was watching the movie I felt horrified, shaken and shocked, by the occurrence of a very dreadful happening before my very eyes.It was really frightening, to see the whole country of United States and its people being literally eaten by the grounds as it break and divide into pieces, the volcanoes were exploding, the buildings were collapsing and ocean water rapidly rising so high( in fact as high as Mount Everest) forming huge tidal waves as the entire Nation, being swept out from the map. The people were simply helpless and got nowhere to hide.As to my own opinion the most significant event in this movie aside from crumbling and falling apart of buildings, especially the "Statue of Liberty", was the scene where in the President of the United States, has chosen to stay to be of service to his country and its people until his last breath, instead of going w/ His salvation troop.I won't divulge the entire film so you get the chance to experience the way I did as I watch the film. In the movie you'll be able to see different human behaviors. There are selfish and selfless, hypocrites and honest, materialistic and patriotic. Just like in real life. Though the movie is still considered as fiction it has the essence of reality and anticipation.In the end the scriptwriter still considered the feeling of the viewers, by giving a hopeful ending ( why? just try to catch the movie ).
This morning I attended the Sunday Mass, The Gospel happens to be somewhat related to the movie I just watched. I would like to quote :
Mark 13: 24 - 32
24 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26 And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
27 And then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
28 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.
29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away before all these things take place.
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32 "But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
This is what I believe-in. As a Catholic in my heart and in my mind, I truly accept HIS WORDS, that all these written in the BIBLE are bound to happen.We usually tend to set a goal for the future and our children's future.What if,we make a goal beyond the future. To invest something permanent even beyond 2012. I am not trying to be holy for I myself could attest that it's really difficult. Mind you, I think it's easier to climb Mount Everest than to Love the people who persecute you,to be gentle to those people who are mean to you.Much more those who doesn't stop pulling you to the brink. In short to love your enemies.Though, if you analyze honestly all the chaos that we are experiencing now are also due to our own doing. Because of greed, selfishness and insensitivity towards others we tend not to take all these matters seriously.For most of us will never be contented of what we have. And the irony of it all, all these will be left behind. For we are compelled to go back to HIM w/ nothing as we came w/ nothing as well.All of us humans are bound to face our Creator and HIS FINAL JUDGEMENT when the time comes.

LIFE

IN LIFE , THERE ARE MOMENTS WHEN YOU MISS SOMEONE SO MUCH THAT YOU FEEL LIKE YOU COULD ONLY FULFILL YOUR DREAMS BY HOLDING THAT PERSON TIGHT IN YOUR ARMS.

WHEN THE DOOR OF HAPPINESS IS CLOSED, ANOTHER ONE OPENS; BUT MANY OF US CONTINUE ONLY TO LOOK AT THE CLOSED DOOR, AS A RESULT YOU FAIL TO SEE THE NEW DOOR W/ ITS NEW OPPORTUNITIES .

DO NOT TRUST APPEARANCES, THEY ARE OFTEN FALSE DO NOT INTEREST YOURSELF ONLY IN WEALTH, IT MAY DISAPPEAR SEEK SOMEONE WHO COMMUNICATES W/ YOU IN LAUGHTER, FOR LAUGHTER WILL TURN A SAD DAY INTO A JOYFUL ONE.

DREAM WHATEVER YOU DESIRE GO WHEREVER YOU WISH SEEK WHATEVER YOU DESIRE BECAUSE LIFE IS UNIQUE AND IS DEPENDENT ON HOW YOU SHAPE IT.

YOUR FUTURE HAPPINESS MAY DEPEND ON YOUR ABILITY TO LEAVE THE PAST BEHIND.

THE LUCKY ONES DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST OFTEN, THEY SEEK SIMPLY THE BEST OF WHAT THEY SEE IN THEIR JOURNEY.

LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST,AND BE POSITIVE ALWAYS.. IN SPITE OF DIFFICULT TIMES.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL AFTER ALL.

PATHETIC

This adjective is what I often use for people who are referred to and considered as lowest of the low. What does this word really means? According to Webster it means distressing, wretched, and most of all worthless.To be tagged as worthless is already SO PATHETIC in itself, imagine if that person who is cited at as PATHETIC happens to be you, isn't it a disgrace to your PERSONA?
The PERSON WHO IS IN THIS STATE of ailment is AGONIZING inside thus making HIM/ HER so miserable.Always focused on what he/she can do (especially people he/she considered as rival in business, popularity, fame etc.) to pull down anybody who gets in his/her way.The person's life isn't complete unless he drags down his opponent to the brink. He/ she is like a devil, who finds pleasure in "dragging mortals to HELL".
Not all PATHETIC individuals are brainy, though some of them are trying to act as one.Why? because they are also pretenders, and somewhat childish meaning loves to play fantasy games.They are like a child fabricating (ha ha ha) issues to that effect which are merely product of their imagination. . And mind you they'll never stop attaching their rivals at all cost. Funny, for whether they admit it or not they are born losers .

JUDGE NOT

Usually when I have a topic that I want to bring - up or else an issue that I need to write as my blog,first and foremost I must have a title before I could conceptualize the storyline. But this time, it's the other way around.
Yesterday,I had a chat with my cousin, out of the blue he mentioned to me about his friend who recently arrived from Riyahd for a one & a 1/2 months vacation. This friend has been working there for almost 5 yrs. as a psychotherapist, in one of the biggest hospitals in Riyahd. A day after his arrival, with his family,they went for a shopping spree in one of the most popular and prestigious malls in Metro Makati. My cousin's friend happens to be imprecise about image.But mind you his intelligence is quite a big contrast to how he looks. As expected, they shopped so many things ( as in sooo... much ) as you could imagine. As they were about to reach the cashier, to pay for their items, they were astonished, as well as the other costumers around them when all of a sudden they heard the cashier yelling at them. She was commanding my cousin's friend to transfer to another line. Instead of yelling back, he approached her and ask why, after waiting for an hour for their turn to come will just be yelled at, to transfer to the other lane and start allover again?, what is this,some kind of a joke?. " This is only for cash items, for credits,it's there in the opposite lane! " answered the lady impatiently. " Don't worry Ms. all these will be paid as cash". As expected the woman cashier was so embarrassed.Good for her.
What I want to point at in this intrinsic incident, is how could some of us be so judgmental. For us, LOOKS count a lot. Usually our basis to adjudge a person is from external angle. How fashionable the person is, how expensive is he/she is wearing, branded bag, jewelry..etc.In short these are our crude basis of how a person should be treated.I hate to say this, usually we experience this kind of treatment from people with mediocre state of mind.It may look ironical, but sometimes we find those who are really filthy rich,bigwigs and those who are considered and referred to as born w/ " silver spoon " are rather the one who are humble, accommodating, and graceful in dealing w/ those people who are not so lucky, ordinary and the needy.I would like to think that this might be the reason why until now some of our brothers and sisters are still waiting for their REDEEMER to come down from heaven. Why? because they are expecting somebody Who's influential, rich, and guarded by a battalion of armed men.So different from what we Catholics know about The LORD JESUS CHRIST, our REDEEMER. Anyway I'm in no position to condemned or judge anybody, as the bible say's,"Judge not as nobody has the right to judge you".I would also like to quote Melanie Marquez "Don't judge a book by it's cover, and my brother is not a book ,so why judge him". Quite right, don't you think so? therefore I conclude that this blog will be entitled....

DEATH (IN MEMORY OF MY DEPARTED LOVING PARENTS AND BROTHER)

It's a fact that everything in this world is temporary.I think, everyone of us is aware of this.
Only, it's taken for granted.Why? because it's but human nature that when we are enjoying a state of comfort and contentment,much more if we got everything that this world of ours can offer, we tend to...or we choose to consign into oblivion that all of these will come to an end.
There's a saying that Money can't buy Love and Happiness, of course this is true.But there is something else that money can't buy and it's...DEATH.
Death is one of the most daunting issue to tackle.Though we know that whether we like it or not everyone of us will have to face Him, sooner or latter.LIFE, is the beginning as DEATH is the end.But for us Catholics, we believe that DEATH is only the beginning of a new, better and permanent LIFE,though it depends on how you manage your life in this world. A life full of real contentment and happiness.If only all of us will take this matter seriously I'm sure this temporary world could also be a better place to live in.
I remember one time, my departed brother,who was murdered 7 yrs. ago, showed to my son in a dream.According to my son he appeared to him just like the one he used to when he was still alive.You see, it has been my brother's habit to stand by, in front of our gate every afternoon and chat w/ anybody in our household.That was how my son pictured him in his dream.My son asked his uncle why he was there,"Aren't you dead already?" he said.And my brother smiled and nod at his nephew and said, "The reason why I'm here is because I want to tell you something.It's true that there is HEAVEN".That's it and eventually my son walk up as if having a nightmare.I wasn't around when he had this dream,he told me this story only 2 yrs.after it happened. That's why, believing that DEATH is just a beginning to an end,somehow serves as a consolation, that all the sufferings and pains we are going through in an unfair world such as this, do still have something beautiful to look forward to in the next place intended for us to go to.A place where in everybody is at peace.No more oppressors and oppressed,no more calamities and adversities. Only A never ending happiness and glory.