One Sunday in Manila

God is more concerned about your direction; not about your perfection.

Apart from the overwhelming worship experience, this line swiftly struck me with absolute precision. It cleared and lead me out from a clouded path that aren’t supposed to be existing. Roadblocks as we may tag it, we are sadly succumbed to some cynical belief systems that certainly corrupt God’s will in our lives.

I attended the afternoon service in VCF Malate and here are the three things that I learned while paying attention to the pastor’s message. By the way, the series was entitled, FAQ (frequently asked questions). It is so because the church wants to know the “frequently asked question” in Christianity. And what they statistically got, which was at the top of the chart, was the question of God’s will.

What is God’s will? How will we know that it is God’s will and not our own feeble will? What would be our action plan in knowing God’s will?

The youth pastor shared three compasses that would effectively help us in knowing God’s will for our lives:

1. God’s Spirit

2. God’s Word

3. God’s People

The first one is worship and stirring up the Holy Spirit in our lives as we live it out with God’s moral will. The second reminds us that God is a creative God but He is not always mystical. He can speak through simple and common circumstance. We can only do that if we read the bible. Lastly, if the first two cultivates the personal benefits of a person, the third one shows the effectivity of our Barnabas’s or partners in faith in knowing the will of God. Yes. They may be imperfect but they are, too, Spirit-led.

Above all, here’s the point of the matter:

Knowing God’s will means knowing God.

How to know God? Read your Bible. Pray everyday.

Are You Mature Enough?

Maturity is defined as the state, fact, or period of being mature. Mature, on the other hand, means:

1. having reached an advanced stage of mental or emotional development characteristic of an adult;
2. (of thought or planning) careful and thorough;
3. used euphemistically to describe someone as being middle-aged or old;
4. (of a style) fully developed; and
5. (of certain foodstuffs or drinks) ready for consumption.

In relationships, this is one of the interminable clichés that people face each day. The other may say that he is not mature enough to play his role in the relationship. The other may also say that she is just too good for him. Yes, we can always have excuses. But remember that excuses are for losers. We don’t want that.

“It takes two to tango.” I just wanna send my heartfelt gratitude to the one who said this. Because it is just the straight-cut literary allusion that can encapsulate the point of relationships.

When you enter into a relationship, don’t evaluate your maturity. Instead, let your relationship lead your maturity. One should not out-mature the other. It should be both steps at a time.

It’s not about the age. It’s not even about the years of being together. It’s basically being able to communicate with each other in equal transparency. Let it be mutual.

Work Travel #1

Today is the jump-start of my work’s journey. First stop is Cavite. This brings me to the purpose of our practicable existence–we are gonna market. Apart from acquiring new accounts for the company’s sales, our main aim is to penetrate the marketplace with our sole presence. In other words, awareness generation.

We want the world to know, starting locally up to the national scope, that we basically exist. And not just that. We exist to satisfy their printing needs most especially in their yearbooks and school publications.

Midtown Printing Co., Inc. is a yearbook printing specialist that sells quality beyond all else. It is its core desire to address the possible problems and be part of the effective solution in hard-copy printing. Again, in quality, that is. In its four decades of experience, it is definitely a guarantee that Midtown can.

A few moments from now, we will be heading to the “Historical Capital of the Philippines, the cradle of Philippine Revolution, and the birthplace of Philippine Independence.”

 

System Over[whelmed]

Truly. There’s so much to blog about. But of course, we will take one step at a time. One inspiration at a time. And of course, one blog at a time. I still need to continue the Boracay Escapade and… just recently.. The Avengers!–that totally blew my hat off. I’m definitely gonna watch it again. No questions asked.

Anyway, it’s getting late. I still need to work early for tomorrow. Good night everybody! Live life to the fullest! God bless.

Marvel’s The Avengers

In a couple of hours from now, I will be watching this most-awaited epic film of fantastic superheroes who don’t just fight for justice, but especially for friendship (albeit some characters who were and are still in their denial stage).

Some of my friends have already watched it last night and they can’t fathom the exhilaration that the movie brings. There are also online comments that are positive yet so far.

Regardless, if it may or may not suffice my hankering, I believe it will still be worth it. I am a superhero fan, whether DC or Marvel–although the balance scale weighs on the former).

Getting stoked, it’s time to go! I know I will blog about it afterwards. GTG!

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When I was young, I really thought that superheroes exist. I was even hoping that I, myself, would be a superhero. Especially in times of danger. The thought of it was weird but it somehow helped establish my childhood. In the end, it was worth it.

I am more of a DC fan than a Marvel. Simple reason. All DC superheroes can see each other given that they are found in one universe–of course, the DC Universe. Marvel, on the other hand, has multi-universes which makes it impossible for the Ghost Rider to meet Blade. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not against Marvel. I still hold it in high regard. It’s still one of my altruistic passions. I love sharing my knowledge about these superheroes.

Here’s a sneak peek of the movie, “The Avengers”.

Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

In addition to “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including “Iron Man 3″ on May 3, 2013; and “Thor 2″ on November 15, 2013.

The Upper Venture

In practical application, I work as a corporate communications specialist in a yearbook printing company. I graduated as a mass communicator and I love to write. I studied in Dumaguete City, which is located at the heart of the country–Visayas (not the capital; just situated as the nation’s geographical mid-region). I relentlessly toil in Davao City, which is located in Mindanao (lower part). Now, I am assigned at the upper part which is Luzon. I guess I’m just being random right now, but it’s just an interesting fact that I am actually experiencing a lot already. As soon as now.

I’m starting to fall in love with the word, travel. Probably soon, I will want to be a travel blogger or a professional writer in that specific field. It’s gonna be an awesome probability and it even hypes me up.

Truly, there’s so much to learn. I’m with my comrades in the marketing team. Three of us will venture to the north as we market schools and universities for their yearbook and publication needs. It’s a challenge. It’ll be a challenge. And I’m definitely up for it.

Today is the start of an exhilarating adventure that will undoubtedly teach me new things. New things that will certainly add up to an experience of a lifetime. I’m totally stoked for it.

I cannot do it alone. That’s why I am in an awesome team and of course, God’s there. Always. Yey to that!

Dinner at BonChon

Together with my fellow marketing colleagues, we arrived safe and sound in Manila. The flight was delayed but it was not a big deal because we got to enjoy our time together anyway.

I’m now at our condo unit in Taft and I am very excited to venture new stuff especially with regards to sales and marketing. I’ll be meeting Sheldon (who was with me in Boracay) in a few minutes and we will be eating at…

• Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (daily)
• Phone: (02) 516-1818
• Cuisine: Korean
• Budget: P200+
• Delivery: Minimum Order of P300
• Payment: Cash / Credit Card

It’s deep fried, times two. GTG–Got to gulp.

Bon appetite!!!

 

Boracay Escapade: Day 1

Boracay is not just the finest white sand beach that people enjoy during the holidays or the summer vacation. It’s more than just that. It’s a total escapade and an ultimate tourist destination by which people freely splurge and maximize their opportunity to break free from work, school or basically what we call, “real world”.

• Tourists: Russel, Sheldon, Arlan-z, Tapan, Niko, Dust
• Home Base: Davao City
• Port of Call: Boracay Island via Iloilo City

April 19, 2012 ; 5:00 AM

*Wake up everyone!* (to the tune of Jason Mraz’s Make It Mine)

We get out from bed and ecstatically prepared for our early morning flight to Iloilo (a province located in the western part of the Visayas region). It is best known for their Chicken Inasal–an Ilonggo (Iloilo demonym) delicacy.

Upon arrival at the airport (Francisco Bangoy International Airport), we took our breakfast at Solomon’s Den. I gobbled down a huge serving of corned beef wrapped in an egg omelet (P150). After which, we patiently waited for our 7:45 AM flight to Iloilo.

Waiting for our rocket to come. Snapshot of the travelers at Davao airport (L-R) Niko, Sheldon, Me, Arlan-z, Tapan. Taken by Russel via iPhone + Instagram effect.

At 8:50 AM, we arrived at the Iloilo airport and immediately met up with the driver that Russel arranged for the group. There are a lot of ways to head to Boracay. You can opt to use the bus transit which will consume about six hours of travel. You can also fly directly from Cebu or Manila to Caticlan–although the latter is more expensive. The ticket from Davao to Iloilo cost each of us about P3500-4000 (roundtrip). It’s more preferable to book your ticket ahead of time, and you might also be able to avail of airline promos which will definitely lessen your airfare cost.

Two hours later after the lengthy road-trip, we had a pitstop at Capiz where we had our lunch at Pengee’s Restaurant. I got two native pritong manok and a cup of rice (P110). It was undeniably succulent as it slides through my empty throat down to my starving stomach.

Nothing’s beats the native [chicken]!

When I was young, I used to be a motion-sick kid. I used to throw up whenever I travel with my relatives especially when using a taxi cab. As a matter of fact, nausea became my close friend. I just kept on traveling until I sort of conquered it. It was totally a  breakthrough!

At long last, we arrived at the Caticlan port going to Boracay Island. As expected, there were a lot of people from different places who were lining up for boat ride tickets from the port. Most of the people are from the southeast asia given the fact that there are actually direct flights available from Hong Kong to Kalibo (northwest part of the western Visayas region; two hours from Caticlan).

In order to enter the majestic isle of Boracay, you need to pay for three separate fees:

1. Terminal free for P50
2. Environmental and Admission Fee for P75
3. Passenger ticket for P30

While waiting for our boat ride, I managed to sit on a vacant chair amidst a group of veteran inhabitants who were entertaining for the waiting crowd. I just wanted to take a picture with them when suddenly, one of them offered his guitar for me to play. Strumming the stringed instrument as if I know what they are doing, one of my friends  took a quick shot of the moment.

Five to ten minutes from the Caticlan jetty, we arrived at the island at around 2:00 PM and marched to the tricycle terminal which is just located in a walking distance from the port. We hustled our way under the scorching heat of the sun via yellow tricycles which transported us to our hotel location. We passed by the third and second station, and finally made it to the first station where we strolled a couple of minutes to Isla del Mar. We checked in, quickly fixed ourselves, and in no time, went to the shore and embraced the waterfront.

After taking some pictures of the beach, we toured ourselves around the vicinity. We went to the second station’s D’Mall (Boracay’s emporium which encompasses one-stop-shop stores, restaurants and bars). It is located at the heart of the stations. At 3:00 PM, we grabbed a snack at Lemoni Café. I ordered the Lemons Club, Pesto, Mayo, Chicken, Bacon, Shrimps on Focaccia which costs P320. Since it is too big to consume, we split it in half and shared the other half with one of my companions. For those who are citrus enthusiasts, this is the best place for you. They specialize in sour-based gourmet food from cakes, pastries, pies and breads that are undoubtedly scrumptious.

After filling up our belly, we wandered around the open-air mall. I dropped by in a store and bought a handy dandy steno notebook and a pen to document the trip. Instead of paying for P21, the lady in the counter gave them for P20. It gave me an inkling that the stores in D’Mall are totally flexible and pliant for price haggles.

            

At 5:00 PM, we went on swimming.

We also witnessed the “15th Nestea Beach Volleyball” event which ran from April 19-21. Among the schools that participated, University of Visayas (UV) concluded the men’s division, while Central Philippines University (CPU) secured their position in the women’s division.

As soon as the sun set, we headed back to our hotel and got ourselves ready to party the rest of the night out.

At 7:00 PM, we stopped by in a breakfast station and I ordered tocilog (Tocino + Egg) & iced tea for P85. For dessert, I grabbed a mango shake at the Truly Fruity Fresh Fruit Shake (P50; small 16 oz).

After which, we promenaded and explored the unrevealed terrain. We, once in awhile, stopped by in some stores along the way. Russel bought souvenir bracelets for some of our friends who prayed for our safe and sound trip. Because truly, prayer works.

By the way, the island is divided in three different stations (1, 2 and 3). The party havens are located in the second and first stations, where people rave their lives up like there’s no tomorrow. There used to be jetty ports in every station but they were obliterated to put the transportation system into proper order. It also helped the trike drivers’ livelihood in a regular operation.

It was already 9:00 PM when we pulled over a henna (or temporary tattoo) artwork shop. Each of us had a henna tattoo with epic designs that may or probably may not represent our personalities.

          

Better known as “henna” tattoos, these black temporary tattoos are made from powdered leaves of a tropical shrub called lawsonia inermis or the Henna tree. It is primarily used as self-expression or plain fashion for those who don’t wish to put a permanent print-mark on their bodies. As soon as it is painted on the skin, it will take about two to three hours in order for it to dry. Rinse the overlapping ink which might cause a splatter so as to leave the base print in a perfect condition. With regards to its longevity, this non-permanent tattoo will slowly wither after a couple of weeks.

After getting ourselves inked, we stretched our legs along the seashore and passed by some good music. We then halted in a yellow-dimmed resto-bar which exuded an acoustic ambient feel.

Good music. Good food. Good times.

Craving for an iced up dessert, I sauntered a couple of steps from the resto to the Fruits in Ice Cream stall and grabbed a Raspberry Rapture (P75) to soothe the night down.

That was at 10:00 PM when we continued to jam with the acoustic musicians. There was one performer who amusingly entertained us with the use of loop music. It’s as if he’s performing as a full band when in fact he’s only using an acoustic guitar.

Another performer who also enraptured our evening is a lady who sang like Adele and Up Dharma Down combined. In a swift hindsight, talents in Boracay are irrefutably talented. To think, each set of musicians only get to serenade the crowd with three to five songs per set. They don’t leave dull and monotonous moments; instead, successfully entertain diverse people of different faces from different places.

11:30 PM. We headed back to our hotel and called it a night. It was definitely a night! Oops. Before hitting the sack, we dropped by at a barbecue stall and got hold of Boracay’s famous “Chori” burger.

Chori because the burger patty used is a Spanish pork sausage or chorizo. Other option is the “Longa” burger which contains a longaniza or longganisa patty.

What a perfect way to end the night!

End of the Boracay Escapade: Day 1

PS. Thanks to Sheldon who shouldered our hotel expense.

To be continued…

Boracay: Underwater Helmet Diving

This picture was taken during the Underwater Helmet Diving in Boracay. This is also a follow-up picture of the blog before this post.

Overwhelming indeed.

When the Pressure is On

Not being able to blog for as long as two days is just too much. It can be frustrating in a way especially when you already got a hang of it, but it is also essential.

Anyway, I’m (together with friends) maximizing my summer jaunt in the best white sand beach island of the country–Boracay, that is. I will most definitely blog about my experience when the adventure culminates. I got to enjoy new things by which I thought I never would have experience such: ATV mountain trekking, underwater helmet diving, and so much more.

Apart from being a complete escapade from the same boring strokes, this trip is unforgettable. It’ll be something that will remind me of certain epiphanies that caused me to push.

Underwater Helmet Diving Lesson:
When going into the deep, there’s pressure. And when there’s pressure, there’s magnificence. We won’t be able to lavish and bask into the glorious wonder of the underwater and the sea creatures without the pressure that goes with it. Good thing though is that we can release the pressure by puffing it out of our head, which is guided by the assisting diver who commands us when to puff.

In retrospect, we cannot obtain pure joy if we work within the realms of our comfort. Sometimes it’s hard–I mean, most of the time. But when all things appear to be a blur, we will always have a Guide who will, at the right time, signal us when to puff it out.