MY POV

Soul Contracts: Why Some People Become a Part of  Your Life Temporarily

I'd like to share something: I am a wanderer. I don't stay in one place for a very long time, and I always try my best to establish good connections anywhere I go. Sometimes, I fail. Sometimes, I find lifetime friends who always keep in touch even if I am miles away.

Is it a hard thing? Well, yes and no. I recently discovered that I am an ambivert. In a nutshell, it means that I love hanging out with people who are of the same wavelength as me, but my social battery is also quick to deplete, and my only way to recharge is to be alone and shut down.

I also enjoy my alone time, playing games, chatting on Discord or Facebook, or maybe watching a movie, or reading an article or a book.

Am I happy? Yes. It can get sad sometimes, but what can I do? I can only ponder, but the rest of the time, I am happy to have the social balance of physical encounters and then shifting to digital conversations.

But what does this have to do with soul contracts?

Let me ask you this: Have you ever met someone who felt meant to be in your life, only for them to leave suddenly? He or she could have been an acquaintance, a mentor, or even a romantic partner. The common denominator? Well, the connection was real, but it didn’t last.

I've read somewhere that some spiritual traditions explain this through the idea of soul contracts.

According to that material, a soul contract is a spiritual belief that before we are even born, our soul picks certain experiences and relationships to help us thrive. It's like an energetic agreement—not written in ink, but woven into one's fate.

According to my research, the idea has been discussed in modern spirituality by authors such as Caroline Myss (Sacred Contracts) and in many New Age teachings about reincarnation, karma, and life lessons.

So what does this mean to me?

Temporary Soul Contracts

However, not all soul contracts are meant to last forever. You will meet some people, but only for a season. Their purpose is specific, and once it’s fulfilled, they move on. Think of it as a small chapter in your life, and they will either leave a mark, teach you something important, change the course of your decisions, or maybe even affect you in a very life-changing way, sculpting your perspective into something that would impact your life.

A telltale sign that this person is someone who has a soul contract with you is that these “temporary contracts” often feel intense and meaningful, but at the same time, short-lived.

For example, a teacher or mentor who guides you and gives you impactful advice at the right time and then drifts away. Or maybe a brief friendship that changes the way you see yourself. In some cases, it's a relationship that ends painfully but forces you to heal and grow stronger.

Ok, so now you might be thinking, "So if these people are just temporary, why should they matter?"

Do they need to be in my life permanently?

Well, if you're asking me if you "need" them, it really depends on how you see it. Would you like them to be a part of your life on a long-term basis? Of course it will involve relationship building, bonding with them, learning their likes and dislikes, and determining if you and they have something in common, or even if you don't have anything in common, would you be able to jive with them?

In most cases, we really don't need them to be a part of our lives permanently. Their purpose is to just be there at the right place at the right time. A few things that they can do for you are:

• Awaken something in you. Like self-confidence, courage, creativity, or self-love. We already know what we need to do in many situations; we just need to hear it from other people sometimes.

• Holding up a mirror. They show you patterns or wounds you need to face. In reality, these people are strangers. They don't know anything about your past other than what you told them. But somehow, they'll be able to read past that and verbally slap you in the face with real talk.

• Acting as a bridge. They might have connections that will lead you to new opportunities or relationships. Oftentimes, they offer it to you. Sometimes you need to ask them for it.

• Delivering a message. Again, sometimes we need to be reminded of something we would have forgotten about ourselves. Taking in the perspective of a complete stranger is sometimes more meaningful and eye-opening because we won't be able to choose the words they will say, and we'll hear what we need to hear and not what we want to hear.

When we think of relationships this way, endings feel different. Instead of asking, “Why did they leave me? ,” we can ask, “What was their role in my journey? ” As I've said, some people are meant to walk with us a lifetime. Others only walk with us a mile or two, but that mile can change everything.

Ok, so what now?

To my belief, soul contracts are, of course, a spiritual belief and not a proven fact. But they offer a comforting perspective: every person who enters our life does so for a reason. Whether they stay for years or only for a short but life-changing moment, their presence has a purpose.

In conclusion, the next time someone touches your life and then drifts away, you might see it not as a loss, but as a completed agreement. A contract made long before you were physically born.

A course-changing chapter in the larger story (and journey) of your soul. -fin

Tagpuan: Three Years Since the Rebrand

TAGPUAN, was conceived in 2020 as a rebrand of their former franchise, according to businessman and proprietor, Mark Brian Magsumbol. 

Where it all began. With Mark Brian's girlfriend and partner, Mira, cooking and serving the customers, Mark Brian was able to focus on developing their menu.

Tagpuan in 2023. Tagpuan now boasts of well-trained staff: a powerhouse of servers, cooks and delivery bikers.

Located at the center of Kaalinsabay Street, Brgy. Manggahan, Pasig City, the business started when Mark Brian became a franchisee for another food business, but then decided to make it his own: from the recipes and proportions, as well as adding his own food items to the menu.

It used to be deep fried Filipino classics: Lumpiang Shanghai, Isaw ng Baboy, Isaw ng Manok, and their best-selling Crispy Pork Sisig and Lechon Kawali.

Fast forward to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown of 2020, Tagpuan, being a food service who wishes to cater to those who got stuck in their homes during the time when work from home became a mandatory work setup, decided to delve and venture into food delivery. Little did they know that it is what will catapult the business even further.

BIKERS AWAY! Tagpuan delivers to areas around Karangalan Village, as well as anywhere within Manggahan Pasig City, through their own bikers, or some customers book Lalamove/Grab to taste their food.

Now, Tagpuan offers a wide variety of food. From your favorite assortments of silog, as well as the recently added binalot.

My personal picks. I often order the Binalot na Bangus (top) (they didn't have the banana leaves the day I ordered, but I will include a photo of that here), and Tapsilog (bottom), served in a pan.

I also ordered their Tagpuan Iced Tea which is a blend of the right sweetness and coolness, properly blending with the in-house ambience: a beach setup.

Let's go to the beach... without the sand and without getting wet! If you want to dine in and just chill, you can definitely visit Tagpuan at Kaalinsabay Street, Manggahan Pasig City!

Binalot favorites. Tagpuan's take on Binalot is one of the most affordable around! Personally, the Bangus one suits my taste.

Mindest. Mark Brian still finds more ways to expand his business. He is planning to add more unique food items in their menu which I am very excited for!

The business and real-life partners. Mark Brian (right) and Mira (left), me (center). Thanks for the yummiest food nearby!

If you want to order, go to facebook.com/tarasatagpuan and send them a message! -fin

A Train of Thought

A Train of Thought

by Vernon Andrew Reyes

So here I am, writing my thoughts on how people can be so insensitive. I cannot understand how many of us are keen on keeping the tsismosa attitude. Along with the tsismosa attitude is the crab-mentality trait that many Filipinos possess.

Worst part is, you won't find these crabs among many of your friends. You will find them among your relatives.

Now I do not wish to hate on these people. I am simply asking: "Why?"

Why do we have to be so dense, that instead of wishing someone well or giving them words of encouragement, we hear criticisms. Honestly, the critics are not even half worth of your while. I will gladly listen to critics who either:

• Helped me in my times of true need and did not ignore me.
• Those who treated me well.
• The people who gave me a chance to prove myself and not TYPECAST me into who I was.
• Those who shielded me from controversy and not started one.
• Someone who is continuing to help me in some way.

I am basically in awe becauseinstead of being able to rest and have peace of mind, here I am, needing to explain myself, when all I was asking for is to get well and move on with my life. Sorry for being forward but I am tired... I am tired of being tried all of the time. I am sick and I am tired of being pulled around by the hamstrings.

There is also a difference between wall posts and private messages. I did not force you to drive by my wall. You can unfriend me anytime. This is so stupid because instead of being able to rest without prejudice, here I am blogging random thoughts to someone who has been a critic instead of being a human who understands.

Who, in the right state of mind, will ask:

"Bakit palagi kang nao-ospital?"

If I had known why I am feeling the pain and why my body is like this, I would not spend time in a hospital. I will not spend money on medicine, nor doctors just because. Who wants to be in a tight space, being experimented on, just so they can practice on you?

If I were to answer this seemingly rhetorical question in a philosophical way...

Kung alam ko kung bakit palagi akong nagkakasakit, eh di sana hindi ako nagpapa-ospital palagi. Sana naging doktor ako para masagot ko yang tanong na iyan.

ARE YOU DENSE, INSENSITIVE AND STUPID?

To be honest, hindi ka na nga nakatulong, nakaka-stress ka pa. I would have kept quiet and moved on but not this time. I am human too and I deserve better. Starting today, I will unfriend and block those people who are treating me like a piece of crap. I do not deserve this kind of stress, reading a comment which is super insensitive.

I finally got that off my chest. If you have issues, PM me. Doon tayo magtuos.

The Day My Hard Disk Died

We have our own ways to keep our memories. Sometimes, in diaries or journals, in our phones, or on Social Media. But most of us, more often then not, save those memories on hard media or Flash Drives and Hard Drives.

Everyone who knows me, know how important my files are, to me and my business. I have to admit, it's about to be a month and I still remember it like it was just hours ago.

So here's a little a snippet of what happened:

My super-close friend, who is like a sister to me, held her 18th birthday last April 15, 2018. I was put in charge of the event. So I hustled to get things done, even though firstly, we were working on a tight schedule and on a very, tight budget. We had to adjust this and that, just so we can fit it all in a very small, small monetary budget.

So there I was, in a dilemma on how to work around it. There were a few hisses and barks, but we got over it.

So, I was in charge of:

- Layouting the Tarps
- Video Presentation
- Musicality
- Over-all Aestethics of the Venue
- Coordination of the Programme
- Invitations

...just to name a few.

The day finally arrived and everything was set. Until right before the event finished, I passed out due to fatigue. I just came out of the hospital so I was still coping up. Anyways, I passed out.

Many hands helped in bringing me to the nearest hospital. Including the parents of one of my staff. They were also the ones in charge of the sound system. They took me to the hospital and my team decided to pack up, in a frantic rush, to see me in the hospital.

This particular person, 'accidentally' dropped my hard disk and did not tell me when we talked the day after the event. And worse of all, I had to pass some songs I created for another project, which cancelled, by the way, because the files I needed to sumbit were in the hard drive. Now the client does not want me to do any songs anymore, which was my auxillary income.

The hard disk was put on top of the laptop, then was carried. If one had common sense, why in the name of all that is holy, would you put a hard disk on a slippery surface, drop it and not even talk about it. (She did not PM me that the hard disk slipped, and that she's sorry. I would have let is pass...)

I plugged in my External HDD and it was not working. I tried everything I could but, to no avail. Professional recovery costs, 12k minimum. I don't even have money for rent or utilities, even food! (Yes she did offer to split the cost of the hard disk, but seeing how "mapanumbat" these people were, THANK GOD I did not accept the offer).

The person who dropped it, said and I quote and rebutt:

"I am just a teenager"
- You're 18. You're considered an adult.

"It's your fault you got sick because you abused yourself..."
- And what exactly does that have to do with my hard disk?

"We were just concerned... and I feel really bad..."
- So? Pay up! I fucking lost projects because of your negligence! It's your fucking fault!

And here comes the father to the rescue...

"You should be more responsible."
- I passed out! What do you want me to do, pack-up while I convulse?

"She provided you a lot of help and you should be greatful..."
- THERE IT IS. The one reason I did not accept your offer initially. Guilt trip. So I am the one in debt? What about the fact that your daughter's negligence had cost me bigger than that of a new replacemeny disk? OWN THE FUCK UP!

That's the matter with you people! You can't even say "I am sorry..." or OWN up, unless someone tells you to.

I lost 60% of my life. You cannot blame me. That was my source of income. And the only way I will shut up is:

1. Replace my hard disk.
2. Recover at least 80% of my files.
3. Get out of my life.

I'm sorry if did not end at a good note. It's totally nerve wrecking! If only people were more responsible with their actions and not making excuses to steer away from the facts! I would have remained quiet, but after those messages I recieved? I will fight for my rights and for what is right. Those files were priceless! You cannot replace it with all you money in the bank! That's what's wrong with rich people. MONEY TALKS.

Battling With Multiple Sicknesses

Hi! Vernz here. I don't usually blog everyday but I want to do so now because I want to make sure that every step of this battle, I could document and I could make use of my vacant time to raise awareness. 

First, I am currently battling with vasovagal syncope, a sickness that makes the body sensitive to pain and stress, that to cope, it rushes the heart's pumping the  abruptly slows down making the brain lose blood supply causing loss of consciousness. Basically, it may be a  stress-related condition with no medicine or direct cure.

I am also treating the small lumps found in my lungs which if left untreated, may become tuberculosis or progress to cancer. Good news is, it is not contagious and it is detected early and very easy to treat. Sputum examination says it is not coontagious. So those who smoke, or are frequently exposed to smoke and don't take vitamins? Beware! Please have it checked.

I also have a very weak immune system that makes me susceptible to viral diseases. I am the one who should be avoiding human contact because I easily get sick, not the other way around. The food, the environment, and many other factors contribute to what we call "factors to take care of".

Due to the fact that my immune system is being attacked right now, there are two things found in my colon during colonoscopy and fecalysis. First, there's a bacterial infection found in the stool sample called cryptospirosis. Second, the lining of my colon has polyps, (very small, but they extracted and performed biopsy), which we are hoping is not cancerous and is treatable. I may have colitis (swelling of the colon) or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). We still have to hope or pray...

So right now, I need to rest. I need to drink multiple medications. I need to think more about positive things and stress is not one of them. So along with this post, I need to address also, someone who is discriminating me.

I will do it in taglish so that she will understand. I meant to post this on Facebook or Instagram but I decided to blog it instead...

"Pasensya na po sa mga makakabasa nito. Hindi ko na kasi kaya. Bawal na bawal akong mastress. Shoutout po pala sa taong di na nga muna nagtanong, nagmarunong at hindi pa nakuntento, nanghusga pa. Si Lord na po ang bahala sa iyo. Hindi ko kailangan ipagtanggol ang sarili ko dahil una, hindi naman kita kaanu-ano. Inexpect ko lang na mauunawaan mo ang kalagayan ko pero ayun... iba pa din ang ipinaramdam mo sa akin --- hinusgahan mo agad ako. Pasensya na ulit ha? Perfect ka po kasi. Pero no worries! Mailabas ko lang ito, okay na ako.

Yung tipong di pa ako nakakatulog ng maayos, yung mga sinabi mo sa akin hindi ko pa din matanggap. Sana naman, sa edad mo na iyan, makaramdam ka naman.

Kung makarating man ito sa iyo, sana maging masaya ka at mahanap mo na sana ang kapayapaan ng isip at puso. Pagpalain ka po at Hari nawa ay hindi mangyari sa iyo, sa anak mo o sa sinuman sa iyong pamilya ang nangyari sa akin. Kasi kung talagang marunong ka umunawa sa paligid mo, hindi ka dapat ganiyan magsalita at hindi ka dapat nanghuhusga ng kapwa mo. Hindi kita kamumuhian. Pero hindi na rin kita ituturing na magandang bahagi ng buhay ko. Kumbaga sa quotes eh, push away the negativity and breathe in the positivity.

Ok na ako. Ang mahalaga, nai-voice out ko na. Kailangan ko na lang munang magpalakas at nang makabalik na sa trabaho. Move on na po tayo mga kapatid! :)"

Please don't discriminate without awareness. You do not know what people are going through just to get well.

That's it for today! I will be posting, if not frequently, but enough to bring my thoughts forward! I hope you enjoy you Feb-ibig month! God loves us all! Keep the faith y'all!

It Has Been A While

It has been a really long time since I last typed a word on my blog. I haven't been very active lately because I am preoccupied with a whole lot of things --- work, health issues, etc. I cannot, however, keep silent about how I really feel and I know that the only way I can say these things without being "pre-judged" and for me to be able to put this experience on record is through this medium.

DISCLAIMER: If you think you're the person I am pertaining to and you feel mad at me for posting this, well this is how I do feel. This is my blog. If you don't like what you see, then don't read it. And I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that the words I'll say here are far more artistic than what you will hear directly from me if you keep crossing the lines in my sands of coolness...

First of all, there are so many people on earth with so many personalities. Among the people on earth are the creative and free-spirited people.

Back in the day when I would write songs for a living, the greatest achievement that I could ever get is a nod of appraisal from those who are listening to it. It is truly rewarding to hear that I have at least done something good and worthy. There are critics, of course, but these critics do understand how hard it is to write something, and I do believe that an intelligent critic would only critic one's work after its rough draft, or its second presentable rough draft.

What would you feel if someone interjects RIGHT in the middle of your work? Is it productive? Have you taken into account how the person you are criticizing really feels? Or are you just being a pushover?

Here's what I wish to share:

No matter how ripe your age is, it will never mean that you know everything. AND it will never be possible to LOCK other people into your personal standards. The RULE of being creative is that there are NO RULES --- NO CONSTRAINTS.

Additional fact: Did you know that repeated criticism creates emotional distress, stress and eventually depression?

Let me put this simple: YOU are depriving ME from being creative by pushing your standards in me, when in fact we are two separate entities and of different perspectives.

Here's another cliche: The road you took is the same road I am currently taking. --- WRONG! My mom never says that. My dad never says that. "Papunta ka pa lang, pabalik na ako..." That cliche is so over-rated! SINCE WHEN DID TWO INDIVIDUALS TRAVERSE THE SAME LINE IN THE UNIVERSE? There may be parallelisms but I doubt that it is one and the same! It's so insulting to insinuate that the world you had back then is the same as it is now.

Your generation is and will no longer be the same as now.

Gone are the yellows complement blues or any other color combinations. This century focuses in reinventing the norms and exploring. If you cannot accept that, stay at home...

Why do we need to lash out our insecurities towards other people? AT THE WRONGEST TIME! I am feeling sick and questioning my health, and yet what you do is torment me. It happens every day. Every time I am doing something on the computer.

And what about the times you would BUTT-IN when I am talking with someone? Just because you are of old age, means you are exempted from etiquette.

Among so many others....

Now, I know and I realized that I am still the creative me: and you will not be the person to destroy it.

Who Am I?

I am a simple guy! *winks*

Nah! To tell you frankly, I'm a little sophisticated. Too hard to handle and easily broke. Maybe I was born with a fragile heart. I don't want to be alone. Hey, who does? Whenever I am alone, many peculiar things pop into my mind! If you read up until this point, well then my friend, you're in for a heck of a ride!

I was born on February 2, 1989. Year of the Earth Dragon. Amethyst. Aquarius, the Water Bearer. Wait. Too psychic? But then again, who isn't? Emotionally unstable and extremely moody! I can be a pain in the butt most of the time. Nonetheless, I admit my negative sides. It is really up to you if you will accept me for who I am and not as someone who is not.

I have always dreamed of being popular. I really want to be known by everyone. A celebrity. I want everyone singing my songs. Oh how I wish I had the guts. That would surely hit the spot! That is why, even for a low payment or no payment at all, I accept projects. But as years pass, I realize that it is important for me to earn, for me, for my future - for security. That is why I also admit that I am extravagant. I tend to overspend on nonsense things. Friends are always the top priority and my ego loves it when I am surrounded by them. I feel like a star!

I am an artist. As an artist, I feed on approval. I feed on appreciation for my craft.

...to be continued...

Some Questions Needing Answers

The Author

Everyday, we all encounter different questions in our heads that simply need answers. But because our lives are going fast everyday, we tend to forget those questions and leave them unanswered. These are just some of my random thoughts:

Happiness is such a profound word. Factors like contentment, completeness and many others affect the way we define happiness. Well, for me, I think happiness is finding a home -- not just any home, but a place where you can be who you are and people will accept you for what you are, and not try to change you, or expect you to change abruptly. It's just like finding a comfort zone, only, much wider and broader. Somewhere you can wake up and see or feel no stress at all.

Some say that those stresses are there to stay, or problems make a person, etc. Those are actually not motivational and oftentimes mislead a person into thinking that problems are encountered everyday. But guess what: WE make the problems! Deep inside our heads WE make things much more complicated than it should be. Simple words, we take offensively. And I would like to reiterate how we always, ALWAYS, take things too seriously. For instance, personal wall posts or tweets. We get affected and get involved to much that we fail to see that the main reason why people blog, or tweet their emotions online, is because, posting it in space, makes in neutral. It stays that way and is simply put out in the world. The blogger really don't need your opinion whether it was right or wrong! That is his/her only time alone in cyberspace, spending all their time there where they can be who they want to be; to put out the words they can't say in real life! In short, that is their happiness.

Another question in my mind is who can give advice to who? Or what factors make up the "I-know-I-am-right"? Does it involve age? Or position? Or titles? Or degrees? Are those factors enough to say that they are more superior? Or that they are always right? I have encountered that a whole lot of times and believe me, it's not always easy to compete with someone who has a degree, or reached the age of whitening hair, or someone of authority. That is the stereotype: authority always wins! But does it really have to be that way?

We all have a voice and we can say what we want. But when someone relates to that and is offended by it, we get turmoil. It is simply sad that we cannot accept that as adults, we can also be narrow-minded and wrong. We must learn to listen to the young ones---to listen to the inferior. We may be older or smarter, but we should not always guilt-trip on the latter. A key to wisdom is to listen and analyze every aspect of what we do or say. When we feel violated, we have two options: react violently or react silently. To me, I approach the person, in any way, and tell them right in the face: "You are dead wrong, my friend." But how do others take it? They take offense! We do! All the time!

People also forget to ask other people: "How are you?", "What's on your mind?", or "Have you any problems lately?". That is why it is so enticing to blog it on Facebook because it asks us, "What's on your mind?". Facebook won't react to your post! It stays neutral. Who reacts? People. How do they react? One-sided perception---their own side. Not everything you learned in life is utterly the same with others. But instead of bickering and commenting how wrong this person posted his thoughts, I honestly think that we should ask him/her, what's wrong. listen and understand. That way, we know how to handle that person in the long run. Not by condemning him/her and condoning his/her actions. That is just unfair!

And we tend to ask ourselves, "Why is he/she that way?" However, we never observe. We just think he/she is wrong, preach and move on. Instead of giving support, we give a reason to make him/her sadder and more inferior about himself/herself. We have love and concern towards another person which we develop through the course of time we meet him/her. Shouldn't we use this love to understand another person instead of making him/her feel remorse and guilt?

This is why suicide occurs. Those people who need another person to talk to, fails to reach out his/her message or feelings. I don't condemn those who commit suicide. I condemn the people around them! Why? Because they failed to listen and failed to understand. People who are down and/or sad don't need to take crap from guilt-trippers. They need extra care! They need to burst out their feelings without anyone contradicting them all the time.

BELIEVE ME, because it happens to me every time! Thanks to my faith, I never and will never course to suicide.

That's it for now! See you soon!

I Consider Jesus Christ as a "Superstar"!

Ama Namin

Composed by

Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ

Performed by

III of a Kind:

Annie Nepomuceno

Edward Granadosin

Gelo Francisco

Arranged by

Yoyong Nalasa

Recorded and Mixed at

Mixsonic Recording Studio

by Dominic Benedicto

Video Courtesy of

Rosyel Sawali (YouTube)

Uploaded on

Oct 11, 2008

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMA NAMIN

Ama namin, sumasalangit Ka,

Sambahin ang Ngalan Mo,

Mapasaamin ang kaharian Mo,

Sundin ang loob Mo,

Dito sa lupa para nang sa langit,

Bigyan Mo kami ngayon,

Ng aming kakanin sa araw-araw,

At patawarin Mo kami sa aming mga sala,

Para nang pagpapatawad namin,

Sa mga nagkakasala sa amin,

At huwag Mo kaming ipahintulot sa tukso,

At iadya Mo kami, sa lahat ng masama,

Sapagkat sa'Yo nagmumula,

Ang kaharian at kapangyarihan,

At ang kaluwalhatian, magpasawalang hanggan,

Magpasawalang hanggan!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He has done a lot for me...

Throughout the course of my life as a young kid, my mom and I are very active in church activities. My mom was a CWL (Catholic Women's League) Member, and a choir master. We are both inclined in the field of music and we share almost the same genres.

Christ became my number one musician. To me, His image will always be a jovial but firm Christ --- a hipster, a friend, a brother. He gives me the boost to go on and on and on with life. Struggles are a phase and will always be gone at any point in time. It all depends on how you built up your relationship with Christ.

But not only is He a friend, He is my Savior. No words expressed in any book or in any translation of the Bible can describe how much He has done for me ever since I left my home and lived alone. He understands me when I am furious. He is always there to provide whatever I need. He gives my a light tap reminding me that what I am doing is against His will. And He seldom leaves my side.

I may not be the best person. I may not be a very good person. In fact, I am a person full of flaws... full of mistakes... I am a very sinful person. However, I always check-in on Him and ask Him: "What am I going to do?" In His presence, I am small; seemingly insignificant. But whenever He uses me for His Holy purpose, I submit to Him completely.

Why do I always get into trouble? Because I am human. I make mistakes. I commit them intentionally. Unwary of its repercussions. But what does He do? Did Christ ever leave me? I don't think so. Because if He did, I would be literally dead by now. As a human, I feel lonely at the end of the day. I even blog about those moments! Loneliness is a natural emotion for humans to feel. The sense of seeing no one physically gives any man a sense of loneliness.

However, at the end of each day, out of all the mistakes and sins I commit, I always believe that Christ is always by my bedside, patting me on the back and comforting me whenever I feel remorse and guilt from what I did. The sad part is not everyone realizes that. Because of the natural human structure and "recall" or memory, we can never start again with a clean slate. It is always waking up that makes us realize that what happened yesterday MUST be a part of today. I don't know if that makes any sense but I think you get the idea.

Again, I think it is humanly and Godly wrong to keep on doing bad things. But as Christ puts it, we must forgive, spite of all the things that happen to us. He oftentimes call us the "hypocrites" because we show other how valuable we are and how wise we are and how knowledgeable we are in interpreting and understanding the scriptures, yet we do not live these words in our lives. In fact, we "study" His words just so we can quote our advice from the Bible. I think it's unfair. God did not give us the Word ti interpret and understand; He gave it to us so that WE ourselves can have a revelation about it and apply it for our OWN daily lives. I could just imagine Christ laughing His heart out while you struggle the understand the complexity of His simple teachings.

Everyday, we encounter these people. People who are so full of knowledge about the "word". (Notice the capital "W" and the small "w", pertaining to the "word" defining a word, and the "Word" defining Christ's teachings). Their rudimentary knowledge and skills that came from far across the land! The interpretation on how we should praise God. Their earthly interpretation about God's will on choosing how and where and what do we do when we worship God.

God is so simple, that He is so profound. He is a straight-to-the-point God. A Father figure. Our Creator. And He should never be mocked. But people put words in His mouth. The so-called "liturgists" know so much about God---at least that's what they think. As a parishioner, I personally never EVER looked at priests or bishops or popes as "holy". I see them as humans, delivering God's message. They level off the playing field for those who cannot understand the Word. And by golly, some use it to their advantage.

Nowadays, it is common for me to see these men smoking and drinking. I see them stepping out of priesthood and marrying. I see them with fancy cars and fancy possessions. What about their vows that our teachers keeps on reiterating in out heads when I was young? Poverty, chastity and obedience. Where are those? Did they change the rules so that Padre Damaso can marry or own hundreds and thousands worth of lands?

I never saw the word religion in any of the four gospels of the Bible. Jesus never talked about religion. What about God? God never talked about religion. The word "religion" shows up at books involving the apostles and other servants of God. A cooked-up term to call those who worship Him, "religious". Religion, is not about faith or relationship with God. It pertains to a group of people sharing one belief, one faith. For me, the word "religion" causes divides. It's so ironic. I grew up believing about religion, but never really got to know Christ. I learned more about the life of our parish priest or local pastors or ministers, but never about Christ. What we should be teaching our children should be about how God loves us so much, that in spite of our sinful ways, His Son died on the cross to save US. Not some cooked up dogmas, written by human hands.

Don't get me wrong! Whatever you believe, I respect, truly. I just expressed my opinion and I do not expect for anyone reading this to change their perspective. I was just thinking, what if Christ were here in the flesh. What would His religion be? Ever since, the world is divided in many ways: culture, religion, language, color, race, etc... What if we removed all those factors and treated every creature on earth as our own brothers and sisters? What if we just praised God and exalted His Holy Name and thanked Him for everything we have now? What if we were contented with what God has provided us and lived under the greatest commandments: Love GOD above all things and love your neighbors as you would yourself? What if we all believed in repercussions and what we do to other people, would be done unto us? There are so many questions but only one answer: Love.

If we love our neighbors, we wouldn't lie, cheat, steal, kill or dishonor them. If we love God above all things, we would do as He says and spread peace, kindness and love to everyone and everything He created. LOVE is such a big word that we can't even understand its true essence. But deep inside, it is instilled in us. How GOD gave us His love, so must we to His creation.

It's not about the songs we sing in service. It's not about how good a preacher is. It's all about being bold enough as parents to make our children's foundation about GOD and His unconditional LOVE stronger. How we teach them to become good people---to become contented with what GOD provides.

And what about the existing population? Well, they are grown-ups who grew up in a twisted society. We already know that we do wrong, but we hate to admit it and move on. Always factoring that "I was on earth first so I am always right." or "I am in authority, so I am the law." Well, if that's the case, if you have a close mind, there is no hope for you then, is there? Remember: Christ is watching over you.

-fin-

A Song: Rama at Sita's "Ako'y Iyong-Iyo"

This song was introduced to me by Mr. Melvin Barrantes and Ms. Jasmin Gallardo. I played this for the wedding of Mamu Josefina Fabricante's son's wedding. I never found a well-transcribed lyrics on-line and so I decided to post this up. If I am not mistaken, this was pre-recorded by Mr. Ariel Rivera and Ms. Lani Misalucha, and performed by Raymond Lauchengco and Chiqui Pineda.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any part of this song.

Ako'y Iyong-Iyo

Ariel Rivera and Lani Misalucha

ARIEL: Init ng 'yong yakap, tamis ng 'yong halik,

Dikit ng katawan, habang nagtatalik,

LANI: Ako'y iyong-iyo, walang pagkakimi,

Ibibigay sa'yo, langit na sandali...

ARIEL: Bango ng iyong buhok, lambot ng 'yong dibdib,

Nalalasing ako nitong pagsasanib,

LANI: Ako'y iyong-iyo, walang pagkakimi,

Ibibigay sa'yo, langit na sandali...

Reprano:

ARIEL: Halina giliw ko, sa dulo ng sabik,

LANI: Buhayin ang panata ng pag-iisang dibdib,

ARIEL & LANI: Ako'y iyong-iyo, lindol man o bagyo,

Walang pag-alinlangan, ako'y iyong-iyo...

LANI: Ningas ng 'yong dila, nagbibigay sigla,

ARIEL: Himas ng 'yong palad, nakakapangliyad,

LANI: Dampi ng 'yong labi, kirot napapawi,

ARIEL: Akit ng 'yong titig, nakakapanginig...

Ikalawang Reprano:

ARIEL: Halina giliw ko, sa dulo ng sabik,

LANI: Buhayin ang panata ng pag-iisang dibdib,

ARIEL & LANI: Ako'y iyong-iyo, lindol man o bagyo,

Walang pag-alinlangan, ako'y iyong-iyo,

LANI: (Ako'y iyong-iyo...)

Huling Reprano:

ARIEL & LANI: Dalhin na natin 'to, sa rurok ng langit,

Buksan ang kabanata ng pag-iisang dibdib,

Ako'y iyong-iyo, lindol man o bagyo,

Walang pag-alinlangan, walang pag-alinlangan,

Walang pag-alinlangan, ako'y...

LANI: ...iyong-iyo...

Koda:

ARIEL: Init ng 'yong yakap, tamis ng 'yong halik,

LANI: (Ako'y iyong-iyo...)

-fin-

A Song: Oyayi ng Isang Ina

I first learned of this song when I was in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. This was performed by Ms. Lea Dipol Abela+. It deeply touched my heart because I can relate to this song. I remember my mom, Aida Reyes, when she was still alive.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any part of this song.

Oyayi ng Isang Ina

As Performed by: Ms. Lea Dipol Abela

Himbing sa ‘king bisig, iuugoy kita,
Aking pag-ibig nawa’y madamtan ka,
Ang haplos ko, ang dampi ko maging lakas,

‘Yong ipinid isipang pagod;
Sa pagtulog payapang lubos,

H’wag mabahala, gagabayan kita,
Sa ’yong paglakad ay aakayin ka,
Sa pagtahak ng ‘yong landas, kasama mo,

Sa daluyong ng iyong buhay,
Ika’y lumapit ako’y na rito,

Reprano:
Sa pagtulog mo, ‘di mapapano,
Ang dibdib ko’y himlayan mo,
Pag-big ko’y ikumot mo,
Idudulot sa’yong buo,

Sa ’yong paglisan, at mangulila ka,
Ng alaala, aaliwin kita,
Sa ’yong labi iguguhit ang ‘yong ngiti,
Bubuhayin damdaming hapo,
Sisikaping loob mabuo,

(Ulitin ang Reprano)

Koda:
Sisikaping loob mabuo,
Ika’y lumapit ako’y narito,
Aking himig maging baon mo...

-fin-

Robin Williams: A Star To Shine Forever

by Vernon Andrew Reyes

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

News of actor/comedian Robin Williams truly shocked me, among the other millions of his fans all over the world. He was a part of my "growing up" years and I must say that his movies and stand-up acts really had an impact on me.

He was very, very animated when he tells a story, as if the background music and images moving around him were unnecessary. I saw him as a simple man with a simple source of happiness: making other people share what he feels.

I was not shocked that this person had sadness dwelling inside him. Depression is common with many people. Believe it or not, the saddest people, I believe, has the ability to bring joy and laughter to other people the most. Many of his movies portray this deepness inside him.

Movies like Mrs. Doubtfire and Bicentennial Man are the movies which really touched my heart. It seemed to me that these roles were totally suited him. He was the one who gave me the valuable lessons of love and family values, plus the occasional comic quips and antics, giving sweetness in the stage play we call "life".

Amongst the stars that shone in the limelight, Robin's star would shine the brightest--not to mention the most colorful. I believe on a quote that he once said: "All the new people you meet, it's pretty amazing. The vampire needs new blood. And there is still a lot to learn and there is always great stuff out there. Even mistakes can be wonderful." Yes. He, in his age, said that there are still a lot to learn. He never stopped to be inquisitive and never ceased to embrace new ideas.

I remember how awestruck I was, watching him on a documentary in koko.org where we met Koko, the gorilla who can fluently talk through the American Sign Language. It was truly amazing! Not only that, all of his interviews were fun to watch. I will also never forget how my favorite online show =3, hosted by Mr. Ray William Johnson, featured him. He was very candid and welcoming.

All in all, I believe that Robin Williams' star will shine forever. Now, we have a comedic angel watching above us and can give us another reason to look up and smile. He may not have lived to "200" (Bicentennial) physically, but you will be living forever in our thoughts and memories.

We love you Robin! We will truly, dearly miss you!
God rest your soul!

-fin-