RE: Christmas Exchange Gifts

“Exchange gifts” – whether straight-up random exchanging of gifts among participants, “Kris Kringle”, “Secret Santa”, “Manito/Manita”, or whatever variation of it – is a popular feature of the current Christmas season culture we are familiar with.  When done right, it is incredibly fun for everyone.  However, when commercialism starts touching the activity, prices of the gifts are compared and assessed; murmuring and frowns are stirred; disappointment is cultivated on the hearts; and, worst of all, goodwill is ruined – thus, the whole point of “exchange gifts” is killed.

A price standard is set.  “The gift should be worth at least 100 pesos!”  We prepare a good gift.  The gift we prepared might even significantly exceed 100 pesos.  And we expect that the gift we receive in return at least matches the quality and worth of the gift we give.  We don’t want to get terrible clichéd gifts such as calendars, photo albums, or picture frames.  Mugs are tolerated… if of good value or design.  Then, we rage if the worth of the gift we receive is obviously less than the agreed price standard. 

If this is our attitude, well, we should definitely change it.  Because it’s appalling. 

This is also true the other way around: those who intentionally give inferior gifts; who are so cheap to buy something around the decided price standard, making no effort of preparing their best – just preparing something for the sake qualifying for the “exchange gifts”, to exchange their bad gifts for something superior. 

Both cases are wrong because both have the same wrong purpose in participating in “exchange gifts”… and that is, to be able to RECEIVE SOMETHING, and NOT to be able to GIVE SOMETHING.      

Seriously, isn’t Christmas about GIVING?  (That’s why commercialism – with Santa Claus serving as its mascot manifestation – is the greatest threat to the true meaning of Christmas.  Commercialism encourages the expectation of receiving and materialism.)

If everyone’s heart for joining “exchange gifts” is for having the chance to GIVE somebody an awesome gift, then it shall be a very special activity.  There will be good cheer all around.  Bonds and goodwill between participants are strengthened.  Christmas love shall abound.    

If we receive an awesome gift, then good!  But even if we only receive a picture frame or a gift valued lower than the agreed price standard, our cheer should remain intact since our main purpose and joy was preparing a great gift that would put the recipient in high spirits.  Receiving an awesome gift in return is just a bonus.  

I feel terrible whenever this happens:

Someone poor or currently struggling financially, for the sake of Christmas good cheer, decides to join the “exchange gift”.  He or she prepares something less than or just exactly the set gift value.  This could even be one of the frowned-upon gifts of picture frames and mugs – because they’re the only things he or she can afford.  After the gifts are exchanged, the recipient of this poor participant’s gift opens it, and then after seeing the contents, he or she openly – consciously or not – shows his or her displeasure through words or facial expression.  The poor participant, witnessing this, gets humiliated and heartbroken. 

And my heart breaks with them. 

Of course, I would prefer to receive a great gift on “exchange gifts”.  I even loudly state oftentimes – jokingly, of course – that I don’t want to receive a picture frame.  But if the fun and goodwill of it will be ruined because of participants who care more of what they get, I would choose to be the one who receive those inexpensive but sincere gifts from the poor, struggling participants.  I really don’t mind at all what I would get in return – if any at all.  You see, I could be selfish the rest of the year, but when it comes to Christmas – my favorite time of the year – I know how to celebrate it and have the heart for it.     

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Floodgates at "Unified" Live

"Unified" - whose logo is a clever throwback to United - is a project of "God Has the Answer" (GHTA) Church.  (In which, the YOUnyTH concert last October was an "appetizer" for this event.)  "Unified" had two phases.  The first phase was the production of the "Unified" album.  The tracks of the album are original compositions of the participating bands; Floodgates, my band, was one of those bands, and our contribution was "Pangako" (composed by our bassist).  The "studio recording" of the album was done at GHTA's church.  The second phase - to coincide with the release of the album - was a live concert at BU Amphitheater last December 28.  Here was our performance, in which we performed "Pangako" live and then did a cover of "Ikaw Ang Number One"...
  

BONUS: This was the output of our recording of "Pangako" for the album...

click here for more videos

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Chain of Thoughts: Pac-Man Remains the Champion in My Book

• It’s really funny that the loss of Pacquiao has more effect on me than the destruction and death caused by the typhoon “Pablo”.  The loss of Pacquiao stings and gave a blue let-down.  But I was generally apathetic with the tragedy brought by “Pablo” (I was just glad it didn’t hit us).   I know most Filipinos are like this, too.  That’s something to think about. 
• This defeat was really devastating.  But, in a way, I prefer this over Pac-Man’s loss against Bradley.  With Marquez, Pac-Man’s loss was definite.  With Bradley, however, it was extremely obvious that Manny dominated that fight, but two judges gave the victory to Bradley – showing that pro boxing is absolutely corrupt!      
• Among all of Manny Pacquiao’s opponents, Juan Manuel Marquez is definitely the one who stands out.  Among all opponents, Marquez is the only one that Manny obviously has a hard time fighting.  They split their first meeting, and their next two battles – that Manny won – were extremely close.  So I was glad they didn’t opt for a rematch with Bradley, since despite being officially a loss, no man in his right mind would see it as such.  The Bradley fight, regardless of the judges’ decision, was clearly a win and Pac-Man has really nothing to prove with a rematch.  So I didn’t mind a Pacquiao-Marquez 4 since their meetings were always intense and thrilling, and Manny has to win convincingly to finally declare that he’s finished with Marquez.  But with Marquez being the one winning in convincing fashion, Manny – who already said that he has no plans of retiring yet – should not move on to another fight without having at least another duel with Marquez.  I won’t mind watching another fight or two with Marquez.  Pac-Man needs vindication to move on. 
• That nasty, well-timed punch from Marquez that annihilated Pacquiao was really stunning – not only to Pacquaio, but to, us, spectators, too.  I know Pacquiao was going to be knocked down (I watched the delayed telecast) but Marquez’s punch still shocked me.  It just came out of nowhere.  Of course, being a Pacquaio fan, it was a real downer.  But I always call a spade a spade, and as someone who appreciates boxing, I acknowledge that it was an amazing, sick and beautifully-executed counter.
• Pacquiao said that, at that last slugging out at the closing seconds of round 6, he slipped forward, which made him completely absorb the fullness of Marquez’s counter.  Hmmmm.  Was it really a slip?  Or something else?  You decide.

• Angel Hernandez, Marquez’s strength and conditioning coach for this fight, has a history of juicing up Olympic athletes with steroids.  Just sayin’. But I’m not implying anything.  (It’s a possibility, though, that Marquez could have taken performance enhancing drugs for this fight)
• So Justin Bieber mocked Pacquiao in his Instagram.  I’ve always thought that Bieber was greatly unlikable, so there’s nothing new about this.  But there’s something that annoys me more than Bieber’s lack of class... Ignorant people are absurdly and irrationally blaming Pacquiao’s last two defeats to his religious conversion.  I can rant longer about this, but I won’t.
• Still, it’s kind of discouraging to see Christian sports celebrities currently having difficulties.  Pacquiao lost his fights after becoming a Christian.   Tim Tebow is not really being spectacularly potent with the Jets as he was with the Broncos, that he made millions of people curious of John 3:16.    While Linsanity is, so far, not being repeated in Houston.  It’s as if God’s favor is not working on them.  As a Christian, it seems a part of you questions a bit, “Lord, these guys are your children.  Why aren’t you favoring them, making them succeed and dominate their respective sports, to show the world that You are pleased and glorified by their lives?”  Nonetheless, I believe that God is in total control and that everything happens – even the results of sports – according to His will.  And things that go according to His will happen to bring Him the greatest glory and, by extension, the greatest good for His children.  We have no right to question His wisdom.  Indeed, God has plans for His children, and though they could be in a low point at present, but in the end, glorious victory is assured!  Just need to completely surrender to and trust God; that He will work in the lives of these Christian sports heroes I root for, as well as with my life.
• Manny and Jinkee’s interview with Diane Castillejo was very uplifting.  Of course, Pac-Man was saddened with the loss, but he was a true class act.  He showed true sportsmanship and grace in his loss, and remained positive.  But the best thing of all is how Manny and Jinkee showed that their faith is unshakable despite the defeat.  They proclaimed that worldly glories are all temporary and having a strong faith and relationship with Christ – not only in good times, but in bad times as well – are what really matters and is their real victory!  They just surrender everything to God.  Seeing how Pacquiao positively responds to his loss really inspires and comforts someone like me who is both a Christian and Pac-Man fan disappointed by the loss.
• I am actually pretty excited of Manny’s career from this point on.  He’s now back as an underdog.  And it’s a pretty interesting matter – story-wise and career-wise.  From this point on, Manny will be working again to rise to the top.  With a Christian perspective this time around.  And I feel it’s going to be a more exciting ride.
• Pacquiao-Marquez 5!  And beyond!  See you.   

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RE: Superior Spider-Man (Or "Why Peter Parker Should Remain As Spider-Man")

As part of Marvel NOW! – my thoughts on which I’ve already shared a while back – Spider-Man is going to undergo a very big change.  Spider-Man’s flagship comicbook, The Amazing Spider-Man, is going to end with its 700^th issue, which will come out this late December.  It’s going to be replaced with Superior Spider-Man, its first issue coming out this upcoming January.  Something will happen in Amazing #700 that will change the Spider-Man we know of.  He’s no longer going to be the carefree, happy-go-lucky, wisecracking hero that we love.  The Superior Spider-Man is going to be a no-nonsense Spidey.  Grittier.  Darker.  And more powerful.     

Moreover, it is confirmed that this Superior Spider-Man IS NO LONGER Peter Parker.

 

(Sigh)

This was my worst fear, as I’ve already mentioned in the article of my initial thoughts on Marvel NOW! 

 First of all, what’s up with replacing “Amazing” with “Superior”?!  I don’t dig “Superior” as the adjective for Spidey at all.  The adjective “amazing” has already become Spidey’s iconic description.  Moreover, “amazing” is a throwback to the comic book which Spidey first appeared, Amazing Fantasy (formerly Amazing Adult Fantasy).  “Amazing” is cool and sensible.  “Superior” is obnoxious!      

 

Second, Spider-Man is not the dark, serious type of superhero at all.  It’s not what makes this character special.  If I want a dose of a gritty, brooding superhero, I would go check out Batman.  But with Spider-Man, I expect warm wit and humor. 

There are talks that this Superior Spider-Man is going to be Miguel O’Hara – the Spider-Man of the year 2099.  Now, Spider-Man 2099 was indeed awesome and I’m actually cool with Agritty, serious Spider-Man like Miguel O’Hara a.k.a. Spider-Man 2099 or the current Scarlet Spider identity of the Spidey clone Kaine.  I emphasize “A” there since I mean it as far as a version of Spider-Man is concerned.  But making THE [main] Spider-Man gritty and serious?  No way!  Again, being gritty is NOT what makes THE Spider-Man.

Being a witty smartass is an integral part, not only of Spidey’s character, but of his arsenal, as well.  Humor has been both a weapon to psych out opponents and a defense mechanism in dealing with all the antagonisms and problems he constantly experiences both in his personal and superhero life.  His humor – along with his strong sense of moral responsibility and conviction – helps him in having a positive outlook in life in spite of all the rotten things that fate throws at him. 

Which leads me to the third and most important point: Stan Lee created and designed Spider-Man to constantly wrestle with personal problems and dilemmas, whether big or small, that normal people experience so that we might perfectly relate to him and, thus, be inspired by him.  Because despite of being constantly bombarded with problems, Spidey never gives up being a hero.  He continually lives out his motto of “With great power comes great responsibility.”  He always selflessly and bravely chooses to do the right thing, regardless of what’s the effect of this – even if it’s harmful or painful – on himself, or if he’ll be appreciated for it or not.  He courageously makes a stand for good even against immense odds or threats.  When he is knocked down, he will stand up and continue to fight.  He is tempted and discouraged – because he’s human after all – but he overcomes in the end.  And throughout all these struggles, he remains cheerful and positive in life.                     

Therefore, it is imperative that Peter Parker should be Spider-Man, because it is Peter Parker who has these necessary characteristics that makes the Spider-Man character great and inspirational!!!  If Peter Parker is no longer Spider-Man, how can we relate to and be inspired by the character?!  Spider-Man is Peter Parker, and Peter Parker is Spider-Man.  That should be the formula and the status quo forever!       

Yes.  Spider-Man has inspired me.   That’s why I really value this comic book character greatly, that this “Superior Spider-Man” reboot – especially replacing Peter Parker –  hurts me and makes me mad.  At least, when Ben Reilly temporarily replaced Peter Parker as Spider-Man back in the late 90’s (during the Clone Saga), the vital personality and values of a Peter Parker remained intact with Spider-Man since Ben Reilly, being a clone, was still technically a Peter Parker.     

Moreover, it gets worse…

So it seems Spider-Man and Mary Jane is going back as a couple.  Only that is, Superior Spder-Man is not Peter Parker anymore.  And since it’s no longer Peter Parker, what’s the sense now?  It only pisses me more that after that stupid “One More Day” storyline brought Pete and MJ apart, there is no more chance of bringing them back together (or, at least, a reunion delayed indefinitely).  Seeing this new Spider-Man freely kissing Pete’s MJ is so heartbreaking.        

I’m praying those guys at Marvel would realize how stupid this Superior Spider-Man concept is;  that after a few months of Superior Spider-Man recording poor sales, they would decide to cancel it and bring us The Amazing Spider-Man back with Peter Parker returning as the one-and-only Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.  

Before I end this, let me give my theories on who this Superior Spider-Man could be…

a.) Miles Morales

I actually don’t like when the Peter Parker of the Ultimate (Earth-1610) universe died.  But I’m not really that mad since it wasn’t the main continuity after all (Earth-616) and tons of popular characters – Wolverine, Daredevil, Cyclops, etc. – had died in the Ultimate universe, too.  Moreover, Miles Morales, who has replaced Peter as Spidey in the Ultimate universe, has been an entertaining Ultimate Spider-Man so far.  Now, could it be that Marvel has decided that Miles Morales (but Caucasian and adult in this universe) should be the Spider-Man of the Earth-616 main continuity as well?   Moreover, what does the conclusion of Spider-Men (the comicbook min-series this year in which the Earth-616 Peter Parker and Earth-1610 Miles Morales met, and marking the first time the two Marvel Universes interacted with each other) mean?  After returning to the 616 universe, Pete googles “Miles Morales” and is shocked by what he found...    

Was this a hint for Superior Spider-Man?         

b.) Miguel O’Hara

 This teaser art for the “Age of Ultron” event implies that “Age of Ultron” significantly involves Superior Spider-Man.  

Thus, since Ultron has connection with future timelines, it’s a strong possibility that Miguel O’ Hara will time travel to the present to become the new Spider-Man.  Also, take notice of the fingers of Spidey… it appears to be the retractable talons that Miguel O’ Hara a.k.a Spider-Man 2099 has.   

       

c.) Someone possessing Peter Parker’s body

In the current Amazing storyline, Doctor Octpus has been able to switch bodies with Spider-Man.  Now, Marvel is being stupid with this Superior Spider-Man development, but I don’t think they’re that stupid to indeed settle with Doc Ock possessing Pete’s body as the Superior Spider-Man.  However, the storyline established that the “body-switching” medium is available, thus, it could be that at the end of #700, someone else – a good guy and not Doc Ock – is led take over Pete’s body.  However, it won’t explain the “more powerful Spider-Man” element of Superior Spider-Man considering it’s the same original body after all.          

d.) Peter Parker

It’s still Peter and Marvel was just trolling us when they said that the Superior Spider-Man is no longer going to be Peter Parker.  Maybe what they mean by “not Peter Parker” is that Pete will just change his name and identity at the end of The Amazing Spider-Man #700.  Now, I like this theory best.  It’s unlikely though :,(   

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