MATAPOS ANG PITO, SUSUNOD AY ANO?

Maraming kabanata sa aking buhay ay maiuugnay sa bilang na walo, una ay ang aking kapanganakan na uminog sa "numero otso"; naging isang kritiko ako at isa sa mga kasapi ng grupong "The Big Eight" na kinabibilangan naming mga walong mag-aaral na walang takot na pumupuna at bumabatikos sa mga maling patakaran at pang-aabuso ng ilang mga guro at ng Student Council sa aming paaralan na muntik ko na ring ikatanggal bilang 3rd year HS sa pampublikong paaralan. Kaya't di ko matatanggihan itong tag sa akin ng mga kaibigan kong sina ni Bhing of Gumamela sa Paraiso at Rhodey of Kape at Yosi, at naririto ang samu't saring walong kasagutan sa mga katanungan:

8 things I'm looking forward to:

1. Ito laging nasa unang kahilingan ko kay Bro bago ako matulog, "isang bago at magandang umaga sa pagdilat ng muling pagdilat ng aking mga mata."
2. Mabigyan ng maagang katarungan ang aming pamilya sa aming isinampang kaso sa kabila ng mabagal at usad pagong na hustisya sa ating bansa.
3. Makapagbakasyon ang aking asawa sa Pilipinas ngaung Hunyo.
4. Makapagbakasyon ang aking unica hija sa Doha sa kanyang Christmas break ngaung Disyembre.
5. Maipagkaloob nawa ang usap-usapan na "salary increase" sa civil at defense employees ng Qatar.
6. Mapanatili ng aking anak ang kanyang scholarship status sa kanyang paaralan sa PSBA.
7. Financial recovery ngaun taong 2009 matapos ang mabibigat na pagsubok ng nakalipas na taon.
8. Patuloy na paglikha ng mga panulat sa "Palipasan" na naging aliwan ng aking pagal ng isip.

8 things I did yesterday:

1. Good Morning Bro - grabbed a cup of coffe, checked e-mails and new blog comments (my body clock was set at 4:00 am)
2. My Bread and Butter - reported for work (6:00 am - 1:00 pm);
3. Chef Rules - prepared sinigang na baka and have a late lunch with my wife (her work is 7:00 am till 2:00 pm)
4. Blog Matters - read new blog articles and posted comments, answers e-mails, chatted with my daughter.
5. Dog's Life - took Jucen (my pomeranian dog) for his regular walk and give him a warm bath (routine every 2-3 days)
6. No News is Good News - watched TV Patrol, dined with my family (Me, my wife and my dog), sinigang na baka parin hahahaha.
7. Blog Still Matter - Continue reading blogs, posted more comments, searched for new photos for my next post, ito na nga yun.
8. Night Recap - hit the bed, chit-chat with my wife (from celebrity tsismis and swine virus), say a prayer to Bro and went into a deep slumber.

8 things I wish I could do:

I wish I could:

1. find a lasting solution to the peace problem in Mindanao;
2. persuade the rich, the elite, and power grabbers to moderate their greed and have mercy on the sufferings of the Filipino people;
3. give more out of my meager savings to the poor people of my community;
4. practice the seven Cathoilc virtues namely humility, kindness, purity, patience, moderation, generosity and diligence;
5. prevent the extinction of country's exotic wildlife animals such as the Phil. eagles, the Dugong, Flying Lemur, Phil. deers, tamaraws and tarcier;
6. travel across the 7,100 islands to discover the complete beauty of our country;
7. continuously provide quality time to my wife and daughter;
8. live long enough to witness my dreams and aspirations that Philippines will rise from its ruins and transforms into a self-sufficient nation.

8 shows I watch:

1. T.V Patrol
2. May Bukas Pa
3. Matang Lawin
4. Wowowee
5. MBC2
6. MBC4
7. Action Channel
8. CNN International

8 people I tag:

1. Doc RJ ng The Chook-minder's Quill
2. Crisiboy ng Jologs na Yuppie
3. Bampiraako ng MorOnMe
4. Kablogie ng Kablogie
5. Binobogart ng Usapang Bogart at Bino
6. Hari Ng Sablay ng Tambay
7. MikMik Mik ng Tambaytambayan
8. JoShMaRie ng Mundong Parisukat

Kunin na ninyo ito ngaun, para makaligtas kayo sa susunod na tag - ang "Bente-bente" (joc-joc-joc) wala naman sanang magsimula HAHAHAHAHA.

"THEY DO NOT NEED TO GO AWAY, YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT"

More than 500 million people are living in "absolute poverty"

and more than 15 million children die of hunger every year.

One-third of the population is underfed

and another third is starving.

In Africa, a child dies every three seconds

from AIDS and extreme poverty,

often before their fifth birthday.

Last year, the Philippines ranks No. 5 in the list of countries

with the biggest number of hungry population,

and the only one in Southeast Asia.

Hunger hit a new record high in September with some 3.3 million Filipino

families going hungry at least once according to SWS survey.

Rice used to be the staple food of Filipinos.

Now it is quickly being replaced by instant noodles.

"Jesus said:

They do not need to go away;

you give them something to eat.”

(Matthew 14:16)

The narratives of the bible, commonly known as the multiplication of loaves and fishes brings us to the events on where the apostles are confronted with a challenge on how to deal with five thousand hungry men and only a few pieces of food. Andrew’s evaluation of the situation is exactly what we might imagine ours to be; “What good are these few loaves and fishes for so many?" sending them to back to their villages will solve the problems and let us divide the few loaves and fishes with the Lord.

But on the part of Jesus, that was perhaps a good suggestion but it came too late, He already assessed the situation that there is imminent hunger, no immediate food, no means to secure for it and by sending the people to their own villages, they might simply faint on the way. So, something immediate must be done. The five loaves and two fish must MULTIPLY to feed the hungry crowd!

The bible draws us to the real miracle behind the story of Jesus of feeding the 5,000 people - it was an example of self sacrifice, His disciples shared the little they had. They inspired those who had brought food to share it. That greatest miracle was what happened in the heart and mind of those who had more than they needed. They shared the little they had with the hungry and all had enough.

It’s all about equal sharing. That we don’t have in the Philippines except among the poor. That’s how they survive; they share and help each other.

In a nation that claims 80 percent Christian, the extent of hunger and poverty is an evidence that the teaching of Jesus is not practiced, that the preachers and teachers have apparently failed to inspire the development of a society built on social justice. That’s the kind of miracle we need in the modern world and especially for the Philippine elite - to eradicate greed in the hearts of the rich and people in power, the greed that forms basic foundation for graft and corruption, and the exploitation of the poor.

Tonight as we take our dinner alone or with our family, let us pray and give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the food in our table and the abundant blessings that we are enjoying in life, and seek His divine mercy on our neglected "kababayans" who have been deprived of food and shelter, and may His spirit open our hearts, that we may find compassion , spread love and charity to the under privileged, to practice self sacrifice and equal sharing which He has taught us in the lessons of multiplication of loaves and fishes.

On April 29, BlogCatalog members and Heifer International are partnering to call for the end of world hunger and start of hope - let us bring into conciousness the sad reality of hunger in the Philippines and around the world in the 21st century.

"What I can do, you cannot

What you can do, I cannot

But together, we can do

Something Beautiful For God"

Mother Teresa, 1910-1997

POWER OF LIFE

Life is a challenge - meet it.

Life is a gift - accept it.

Life is an adventure - dare it.

Life is a sorrow - overcome it.

Life is a tragedy - face it.

Life is a duty - perform it.

Life is a game - play it.

Life is a mystery - unfold it.

Life is a song - sing it.

Life is an opportunity - take it.

Life is a journey - complete it.

Life is a promise - fulfill it.

Life is a beauty - praise it.

Life is a struggle - fight it.

Life is a goal - achieve it.

Life is a puzzle - solve it.

Life is eternal - believe it.

NICOLE, SMITH AND THE VFA

The Court of Appeal (CA) has acquitted US Serviceman Daniel Smith of raping "Nicole", a Pinay inside the Subic Free Bay Freeport in November 2005. The CA described the incident "a spontaneous unplanned romantic episode."

The decision of the CA does not surprised me, neither the Filipino people after Suzette Sombilon Nicolas a.k.a. "Nicole" recants her testimony last March 12, 2009 and attested that she received P100,000 and thereby terminating the services of her counsel, lawyer Evalyn Ursua. A few days later, Nicole's mother confirmed that her daughter was already in the USA, and as of this writing it was also confirmed that Nicole's brother has been issued a US Student Visa.

Now that the court's decision is final, its about time that our lawmakers in the Senate convene and terminate the existing US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement, uphold the dignity of our women and of our own sovereignty as a nation.

Based on a provision in the VFA, which stated that the US embassy would retain custody of American servicemen pending all legal proceedings on any offenses they might have committed.

According to Gabriela representative “At the height of the US military bases in the Philippines, around 50,000 women have been prostituted in Olongapo and Angeles City (in Pampanga province) from 1985-1991. Many of these women were trafficked from poor provinces like Samar and Bicol. The presence of US bases has institutionalized prostitution and sex trafficking in the country through the Rest and Recreation industry that primarily catered to US troops".

It is really shameful, until now our Government keeps on bowing to his past Colonial Master. If our Pinays cannot be protected by our own government in our own shores, how can they give protection to our OFW women accross the globe.

CHERISHED POSSESSIONS

Ninamnam ko pa ng husto itong mga natanggap kong awards kaya't it took me a week to publicly parade my latest cherished possessions, which were given to me by my fellow bloggers, from whom all these blessings came from, and through their writings, I drew my strength in continuing my journey in this world of blogging.

Blogger Award Trophy

I'll start with the Blogger Award Trophy - specially crafted trophy, dahil mukhang mamahalin ito, please forgive for being madamot but I think I'll keep it for sometime before sharing it with my you. And I would like to acknowledge the generosities of NJ of Desert Aquaforce , Sherwin of Mokong (Anung Nasa Isip Ko!), John of Ultraelectromagneticblog, and Goddy of A Friend Named Goddy.

Vespa Blogger Friendship Award

Blogger Friendship Award was also given to me by NJ of Desert Aquaforce , Sherwin of Mokong (Anung Nasa Isip Ko!) , and Sardonyx of Hula Scoop.

The rules are so easy:

1. Place the logo / banner on your blog.
2. Add a link to the blog who gave the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs. (It says at least! If you've got more friends, go ahead)
4. Add links to the blogs that you have nominated.
5. Let them know by leaving a message (shout) on their blogs.

I am sharing this award to the following bloggers whom I just recently added in my blogroll "Aking Sinusubaybayan" as a friendship offering to:

Rhodney of Kape at Yosi

FJordz of Hiraya: Endless Journey

Binobogart of Usapang Bogart at Bino

Hari Ng Sablay of Tambay

Pin(K)Oy of Pin(K)Oy

Gillboard of Gillboard

MarcoPaolo of A Journey of My Simple Life

Angel of House of Angels

The Pink Tarha Team of The Pink Tarha

Bampiraako of MorOnMe

Jee of Wit's Expression

Poging(ilo)Cano of Poging(ilo)Cano

Mike Avenue of Mike Avenue's Pinoy Blog

Uber Amazing Blog (Pink Edition)

This "Pink Edition" of Uber Amazing Blog" award was given to me by my very good friend Sardonyx of Hula Scoop, her skillful writing amazes me and it lifts my tired spirit and inspired me to post "The Power of Laughter".

Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:

• inspires you
• makes you smile and laugh
• or maybe gives amazing information
• a great read
• has an amazing design
• and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

The rules of this award are:

• Copy the badge and put the logo on your blog sidebar or post.
• Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!
• Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to this this post and to the person you received your award from.
• Come back and comment here so that your link could be added to the masterlist of awardees

It is most fitting to share this award to the women bloggers who deserve greater love and adoration as follows;

Bhing of Gumamela sa Paraiso

Angel of House of Angels

Yanah of Life's A Twitch

JoShMaRie of Mundong parisukat

Violet of Silip

The Pink Tarha Team of The Pink Tarha

Pin(K)Oy of Pin(K)Oy

Jee of Wit's Expression

Certified Blogger Addict Award 2009

This special award given by my new found friend, Jee of Wit's Expression . Sa mga ginigiyang na blogista na tila walang kapaguran sa paglathala ng sari-saring artikulo at pagsubaybay sa mga blogistang tulad ko - I am sharing this award to you guys:

Bomzz of Bomzz in Iraq

Mulong of Naks Naman

Pajay of Klasrum Ni Pajay

Kosa of Trip Ni Kosa

John of Ultraelectromagneticblog

NJ of Desert Aquaforce

Lord CM of Dungeon Lord

Nebz of Isla de Nebz

Bloggywood ("What Doing U")

And I would like to express my appreciation to dear good friend Bomzz of Bomzz in Iraq who keeps on supporting my blog and most recent for tagging me on his post "Wat Doing U?" featuring his creation - a beautiful artwork entitled "Bloggywood".

Sa inyong lahat, MARAMING SALAMAT PO, YOU ARE REASON FOR THE EXISTENCE OF "PALIPASAN".

“Filipinos Abroad – Hope of the Nation, Gift to the World"

The Pinoy Expats-OFW Blog Awards (PEBA) launches its second global search for 2009 Top 10 Pinoy Expats-OFW Blog Award in recognition for the best Pinoy pens in blogsphere that gives inspiration, hope and courage to our fellow Filipinos who are in solitude and in despair.

This event will also open an opportunity to all OFW bloggers worldwide to converge, unite and make our presence felt in this blogging world to stand out under PEBA 2009 theme “Filipinos Abroad – Hope of the Nation, Gift to the World”.

"From May to October 2009 any Filipino blogger can nominate or be nominated except for last year’s top 10 PEBA awardees. Guidelines are available from its official blogsite. By December 2009 winners will be announced in a public event in the Philippines whose details are still being prepared and ironed out. Sponsors, supporters and volunteers are very much welcome to make this endeavor a success."

You may please visit Mr. Kenji of Thoughtskoto for additional information and updates on this event. Similar invitations were already published by my friends Nebz, NJ, Lord CM, Yanah, at Poging (ilo)Cano for your interest.

Makiisa tayo sa isang makabuluhang pagtitipon na ito, iwagayway nating ang ating bandila, ipagmalaki natin ang lahing Pilipino at ang buong mamamayang OFW.

MASDAN ANG KAPALIGIRAN SA EARTH DAY 2009

Earth Day 2009, April 22, will mark the beginning of The Green Generation Campaign which will also be the focus of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day 2009 must be a day of action and civic participation, to defend The Green Generation’s core principles: Family with windmills: Renewable energy for future generations.

• A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuels, including coal.

• An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption.

• Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and transforms the global education system into a green one.

Philippine Earth Day 2009's slogan is “Tubig at Lupa Buhayin, Hangin Linisin, Batas Tuparin!” . As we look forward on the on this global event, let us focus in our own backyard, how we have abused our rivers, creeks and even the air we breath, we still have a chance to change our ways. Look what we have done to our surroundings -

Salamat Smokey Mountain,
pinakilala mo ang Bayan ko sa buong mundo.

Ilog Pasig, makailang beses kang inusal
ni Rizal at Balagtas sa kanilang mga Obra.

MRT at LRT Stations,
ikaw ang simbolo ng ating kaunlaran.

Bata, sa iyong maikling byahe, kumapit kang maigi
at pagmasdan ang mahiwagang usok .

Usok na iyong ibinubuga ay
syang ring usok na pumapasok sa baga

Isang katotohanan, mas maraming poste at pader
ang naihian ng mga tao kesa sa mga aso.

Tumulong tayo sa kalinisan ng ating kapaligiran,
hindi pa huli ang lahat kaibigan.

DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO HEARTS

Shout!

‘Why do we shout in anger?’ A saint asked his disciples, ‘Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?’

His disciples thought for a while, one of them said, ‘Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.’

‘But, why do you shout when the other person is just next to you?’ asked the saint. ‘Isn’t it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you’re angry?’

Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint. Finally he explained, ‘When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.’

Then the saint asked, ‘What happens when two people fall in love? They don’t shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small…’

The saint continued, ‘When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that’s all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.

‘MORAL’ said the saint: ‘When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return!’

(Source: Pravstalk)

TO MY READERS, YOU CHANGED MY LIFE

Today, April 16 is a Blog Reader Appreciation Day, an event spearheaded by Bloggers Unite, a day of tribute to our blog readers, I am taking this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of you readers.

It was winter of January 16, 2009, when I published my first post entitled "Monster Machine", and "Palipasan" was born. On that same day, I got a comment from Mr. Kenji of Thoughtskoto, the first and single person who reads my blog, di ako makapaniwala , he introduced me to this blogging world, I found the community of Ka-Blogs.

I started this blog just to find something useful to do with my free time, I gave myself a month to see if I wanted to continue with it. Because I feel that writing blogs makes me feel that you're writing out into the darkness, and you are not sure that anyone is really listening - and this becomes a challenge. And the challenge becomes an obsession when commeters and people leaves their marks and footsteps - and I appreciate every single person who reads and contributes to Palipasan

Commenters and people who write to say thank you help me know that you are indeed out there reading. So first of all, thank you to my commenters. Getting feedback on posts helps me keep going.

To the "Mga Sumusubaybay" (the 25 "Followers") your presence provides "Life Support" to my blog - the same reason for its existence.

There are a few special people I want to thank for specific reasons:

KENJI, for his encouragement in the early days which showed me for the first time that blogging can make us friends around the world.

NJ, the first person who tagged me on "Graphology Test" and most recent are the "Neno's Award" and "Friendship Award", Engr. Sherwin Mokong Calalang for the "Uber Amazing Blog Award" and "Food For the Soul Award Blog" Moks Award, Lord CM on his "Nagbabagang Blog Award", Ron Centeno for the Neno's Award, John for Neno's Award" too, and Marlon for the "Pinoy Blogger ID" - all these tags and awards makes me feel like I was a ‘real’ blogger.

A big hug to all of you readers, yes "You Changed My Life" I am not joking when I say blogging has changed my life. The knowledge that I have gained, the connections and friendship that have been forged of consistent blogging over the past 3 months.

"Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs;
sing and make music from your heart to the Lord;
giving thanks always for all things unto God"
(Ephesians 5.19-20)

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy".
(Philippians 1.3-4)

MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

THE POWER OF LAUGHTER

We talked about Power Hug, Power Verses, Power Kiss, and the Power of Forgiveness, now let me bring you the Power of Laughter - and I want to dedicate this article to Sardonyx, his wits amazes me and tickle my funny bones.

Two of the greatest healing forces in the world are available to you at this very moment. They are the healing power of laughter and the restorative strength of joy. A merry heart is your greatest weapon against deadly emotions.

With the high cost of prescription drugs these days, we can all benefit from some good medicine that's free. When you laugh, powerful endorphins, which act much the same way as morphine, are released in the brain. Endorphins trigger a feeling of well-being throughout your entire body. So you see, a merry heart really does work like medicine! Ideally, we should all laugh -- often. Yet, experts estimate that while children laugh up to 100 times a day, adults laugh just five or six times a day if they’re lucky.

Over the years, many physical benefits to laughter have been reported by doctors and health care professionals. Here are just a few:

• Decrease in stress hormone levels
• Strengthening of the immune system
• Muscle relaxation
• Pain reduction
• Lowering of blood pressure
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Natural anti-depressant

Humor is not a sin. It is a God-given escape hatch, a safety valve. To lack a good sense of humor is a serious deficiency. But in the best of humor we learn to laugh at ourselves. For while it's perfectly human to deride ones enemies, it's divine to see the humor in oneself. One of the very first steps on the road to salvation is learning to laugh at one's own mistakes. Only when we are in touch with our own flaws can we truly open ourselves to the saving power of God.

During these rollercoaster days of political anxiety and global financial crisis, laughter might be just the thing Bro has ordered. A simple prayer we may say to Him:

O God, grant us a deepening sense of humor, that the tragedy of this world may be swallowed up in the joy of a graceful and godly life. Amen.

"A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart; good news invigorates the bones" (Proverbs 15:30)

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength"(Proverbs 17:22)

HE IS NOT HERE, HE HAS RISEN

The Empty Tomb of Christ - Relief at the Outer Wall of a Church

Oberkirch, Black Forest, Germany

The angel said to the women,

"Do not be afraid,
for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."

(Matthew 28:5-6)

A blessed and Happy Easter to my family and all my friends.

NENO'S AWARD

This blog tag award is given to me by my good friend Ron Centeno ("In My Own Words ") whose creative talent in writing has given me inspiration and support to continue my craving in writing blogs. Thank you Ron, this as an advance Easter gift from you.

Why do I love blogging?

New Year 2009, I was soul searching for things that could restore my troubled mind, after a tragedy struck my family last December 2008. I started with blog hopping, a simple hobby and I was inspired by the literary writings of Filipinos particularly from OFW, it was simple and straight from their heart anecdotes which makes me laugh, cry, lift my spirits... and I just find myself creating my own blog and PALIPASAN was born and I started writing, post here, comment there, reply to them - it gives me therapeutic benefits, it heals my troubled spirit and gives me a relief from mental stress. The countless people who reads my posts, the unsolicited comments, and friends whom I met online are heartwarming signs of acceptance which are the pillars of my inspiration to continue on this blogging activity and now I am surprised that I have already crossed my 50th post. Simplest words to say is - I LOVE BLOGGING.

Now going back to this meaningful award, here are the rules:

The aims of this award:

• As a dedication for those who love blogging activity and love to encourage friendships through blogging.

• To seek the reasons why we all love blogging!

• Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it

• Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.

• Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.

• Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.

• Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

I want to pass this blog tag awards to the following bloggers whose friendship and support - your constant visits, reading my posts and leaving comments continues to inspire me, with all the gratitudes, I am sharing this tag award with you guys :

Lord CM of Dungeon Lord

Sardonyx of Hula Scoop ...atbpa...

Nebz of Isla de Nebz

Kablogie of Kablogie.com

PaJay of Klasrum Ni Pajay

Mokong of Mokong (Anu'ng Nasa Isip Ko)

Mightydacz of My Kaleidoscope World

Marlon of Perspektib

BlogusVox of The Sandbox

Mr. Thoughtskoto of Thoughtskoto

Violet of Silip

Bhing of Gumamela ng Paraiso

Goddy of The Lighter Side of Life

Ruphael of perfect Square

RJ of The Chook-Minders Quill

Xprosaic of Xprosaic's World

COME, FOLLOW ME...

As we unite ourselves with Christ's loving sacrifice for us this Good Friday, we submit ourselves through prayers, fasting and abstinence and other Filipino Lenten traditions such as "Pabasa", "Bisita Iglesya", "Senakulo" and "Penitensya".

However, it is not enough to be moved by Christ's bearing of the cross; we must trust in Him, His sacrifice, and take up our cross and follow Him.

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16: 24)

We have our own crosses in our life, for the Cross always means pain. the true cross of Christ is the pain we suffer for other. It is the sanctifying pain involved in sharing our blessings sacrificially with others like the poor. It is the pain involved in controlling the temptations of evil such as lust, greed, envy, graft and corruptions. Sometimes ourselves create many of our crosses by careless living and evil addictions.

It is the pain involved in standing with Jesus his ideas and ideals and gladly following him even if that means scorn or humiliation from the rest of the world.

Let us deny ourselves and take up the cross in a unique and splendid way for the poor, helpless and defenseless least of of our brother. We need to draw strength and inspiration from Jesus Who walks ahead of us carrying his heavier cross while supporting us in carrying our crosses.

Sometimes the cross of faith seems to be a heavy load. But, through prayer, reflection and involvement in our faith, Jesus continues to help make this burden light.

By carrying our crosses we become imitators of Christ in his suffering for us.

Will you answer the call of Jesus, "Come follow me?"

“I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live,
no longer I, but Christ lives in me.”
(Gal 2: 19-20).

Passing Time

Maliban sa mga "Aking Sinusubaybayan" na Blogs na patuloy na patuloy nagbibigay kasiyahan, n at inspirasyon sa akin, may mga ilang blog sites rin akong laging sinusubaybayan na hindi ko nababanggit sa aking blog roll. Isa dyan ay ang Pravstalk - Inspiring Blog From Pravs Words, isang blogsite kung saan matatagpuan ng iba't ibang inspirational words at nais ko ring i-share sa inyo, tulad ng sumusunod na likha mula sa Pravstalk.

Passing Time

Don’t ever say that you don’t have enough time.

You have exactly the same number of hours in a day that were given to Helen Keller, Louis Pasteur,
Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein.

Make best use of all the time you have. Once lost, you will never get it again…

ISANG PAANYAYA

Restaurants in Manila often display this sign to show who's not welcome at their table.

"SHIRTS AND SLIPPERS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE"

But outside the Lord's Table, a different sign is posted at outside His door and reads:

"NO SHIRTS AND NO SLIPPERS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE."

An open invitation for us this Holy Thursday to approach the Lord's Table -

Menu:

"Bread and Wine"

Special Service:

"Washing of Feet"
to be performed by
Jesus Christ

An invitation for a spiritual journey towards love, conversion and forgiveness as we reflect on the events of His Last Supper.

"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said,
Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you:
this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup,
when he had supped, saying,
This cup is the new testament in my blood:
this do ye, as oft as ye drink it,
in remembrance of me."

(1 Corinthians 11:24-25)

LINGGO NG PALASPAS

Jesus rides into Jerusalem as a King

And as he rode [into Jerusalem), they spread their garments on the road. As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying,

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

(Luke 19:36-38)

And, a week later, walks to a humiliating Death

The last week of Jesus' life was crammed with events, as we follow him from his glorious entry into Jerusalem on Sunday until his death on Friday. In the days in between, he preached, taught, presided over the Passover supper, stood trial, and was condemned to death.

This week we call Holy Week.

POWER OF FORGIVENESS

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." (Lewis Smerdes)

We reacted with anger at the "creative outburst" of Mr. Fajardo, and we felt violated and protested with strong words on Mr. Tsao's discriminating remarks. Everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness and even vengeance. And forgiveness, like so many things in life, is easier said than done.

Sometimes forgiveness can be confused with condoning what someone has done to us.The act that hurt or offended you may always remain a part of your life. But forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness also doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act.

Jesus himself gave us a three-step model of forgiveness among believers in the Gospel of Luke. He said: "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."
(Luke 17:3-4)

Forgiveness can be very challenging. It may be particularly hard to forgive someone who doesn't admit wrong or doesn't speak of their sorrow. Keep in mind that the key benefits of forgiveness are for you. If you find yourself stuck, it may be helpful to take some time to talk with a person you've found to be wise and compassionate, such as a spiritual leader, a mental health provider or an unbiased family member or friend.

Holding grudges are not only bad for your mind, but research is showing that it’s also bad for your health! More and more evidence is being gathered and shows that hanging on to long-term anger can actually cause a variety of major health problems. Forgiveness, on the other hand, offers numerous benefits, including:

• Lower blood pressure
• Stress reduction
• Less hostility
• Better anger management skills
• Lower heart rate
• Lower risk of alcohol or substance abuse
• Fewer depression symptoms
• Fewer anxiety symptoms
• Reduction in chronic pain
• More friendships
• Healthier relationships
• Improved psychological well-being
• Greater religious or spiritual well-being

It may also be helpful to reflect on times you've hurt others and on those who have forgiven you. As you recall how you felt, it may help you to understand the position of the person who hurt you. It can also be beneficial to pray, use guided meditation or journal. In any case, if the intention to forgive is present, forgiveness will come in its time.

Forgiveness is good for your body, your relationships, and your place in the world. That’s reason enough to convince virtually anyone to do the work of letting go of anger and working on forgiveness.

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

(Matthew 18:21-22 )

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

(Luke 6:37)

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

(Colossians 3:13)

"April Showers Bring May Flowers"

Ang buwan ng Abril ay pagdiriwang sa nalalapit na Pasko ng Pagkabuhay (Easter) at buwan ng pagtatanim sa bukid bilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na tag-ulan.

Ito rin ang buwan kung saan ang mga bubuyog at paru-paro ay nag-iipon-ipon upang magsimulang simsimin ang nektar ng unang bulaklak ng panahon.

At ngaung buwan ng Abril, aking nasaksihan ang pag-ulan ng mga papuri at "blog awards" sa komunidad ng Ka-Blogs.

Maraming salamat sa inyo,

Engg'r. Sherwin "Mokong Calalang, sa "Food For The Soul Blog" Moks Award
(Abril 1, 2009)



at

Lord CM, sa "Nagbabagang Blog Award" (Abril 2, 2009)

at sa patuloy na pagsubaybay sa Palaisipan na ang tanging adhikain ay maibahagi ko ang aking payak na kaisipan sa daigdig ng blog sa pamamagitan ng pag-uugnay ng mga "Ginintuang Aral" sa kasalukuyang agos ng reyalidad sa ating buhay.

Purihin ang nagkakaisang Pinoy sa Daigdig ng Blog.


"I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. "
(Ezekiel 34:26)