Chain of Thoughts on My Family's Christmas 2013 Trip

During the Christmas week (Dec 21-30), my family went travelling around Cavite, Laguna, Metro Manila, Baguio, and La Union.  We attended a wedding, had reunions with friends and relatives, went to see the sights, and had the obligatory picture-takings.  Here are some of my notes and insights during the trip:

 - I forgot to bring my sunglasses.  And couldn’t find a new pair that would fit/look good on me during the entire time of our travel.  Its absence was a constant disadvantage to me throughout the trip.

- Nagged a lot about air con buses.  Travelling at night in them is freezing.  That is already uncomfortable, but it also totally enhances every other travelling discomfort a traveler has.

- Food and other products sold in bus “stop-overs” are around 50% (of its reasonable, usual selling price) overpriced.  If I have the mind of a conspiracy theorist, my train of thinking won’t find it hard to find a correlation between the air con buses and the “stop-overs”; air con buses would make their interiors horribly cold on purpose, so that their passengers would be forced to buy overpriced cup noodles or coffee to offset the coldness.  That’s how I see it.

- I find the staff and management of fast food chains in Legazpi friendlier and more efficient than the staff and management of the fast food chains we have encountered during our trip.  Especially in Pacita Complex, San Pedro, Laguna; the KFC branch there almost ruined the Christmas Eve for us.

- Went to Enhanted Kingdom for the first time.  The only available tickets are those for unlimited rides, so we had those.  I rode this bad boy…

…and was so shaken by the experience that I refused to try other rides anymore (4D movie doesn’t count as a ride).  Look.  Throughout my life, I never rode any carnival rides more extreme than the Ferris Wheel.  Thus, I was not used to it.  Also had a headache afterwards.

- It’s still my dream to go to Disneyland someday.   But I’ll probably avoid the extreme rides. 

- Funny how people are willing to pay money so that they can experience terror. 

- Went to Manila Zoo for the first time.  I’ve got the same opinion of it as I have its city: it’s crowded and unimpressive.  It was the first time I saw an elephant and a hippo in person though. 

The elephant was as bored as me.

- Seriously.  Metro Manila’s air is thick with pollution.  And there’s too much traffic and crowds.  I don’t have the patience and the constitution to live in it. 

- Also went to Luneta and Manila Ocean Park (but did not go see any shows) for the first time.  (Also dropped by Mall of Asia [my third time to be there])   

The thing that thrilled me about Manila Ocean Park was there’s a great view of a US Navy ship docked in Manila de Bay.  I feel like a badass.

- Saw this in Luneta:  

The Korean War was arguably the time in which the Filipino military had its shiniest moment in international warfare history.  

- Baguio’s road ambience, taxis (which mostly are large cars like Crosswinds and Innovas), and taxi drivers’ driving greatly reminded me of the anime Initial D.

- The place we stayed in Baguio – Asia Pacific Thelogical Seminary (APTS) – has a more awesome view that Mines View Park. 

 I exaggerate not.

- Baguio is a pretty nice place.  Especially where the trees are rampant (particularly, Camp John Hay).  We checked out all the sites there.

Burnham Park. Only tourist spot in Baguio where we encountered beggars.

Strawberry farm.  Was foggy when we went there.  Fog is a staple there; greatly reminds me of horror films and Silent Hill.

Bell Church.  Seriously, why is there a lot of Chinese temples in our country?  Just shows how significant and deep China influences our country.  Let’s not pretend that we’re going to war with them someday.  Sigh.  Our country is more or less prepared for occupation.  Hmp. 

Mine’s View Park. Very crowded with tourists.  Taking photos with St. Bernards is a trademark in this place.  I was not interested in having a picture taken with a costumed Beethoven, until I saw this dog dressed as an Igorot.  Now, that’s brilliant and adorable.  I just had to have a photo with it.  His name’s “Casper.”  No one there was clever enough to name a St. Bernard “Beethoven.”

The Mansion. According to what I heard, the President is supposed to be spending his vacation there till New Year.

 Clean Comfort Room. You can find this in all tourist spots in Baguio. It seems there are more of these than McDonald’s branches in Baguio.

Botanical Garden. There’s a miniature Golden Gate bridge where you can pretend you are a Kaiju on an onslaught.

And I can’t help but pretend that this is the yellow brick road towards Emerald City. 

 Camp John Hay. This is, hands down, the best part of Baguio.

First thing that came to my mind when I saw the awesome forest sceneries: “Let’s take pictures as if we’re in the Hunger Games!” 

“Ukay-Ukay” at Harrison Road. Tried my hand on it. No luck getting some cool stuff. Just not my thing, maybe.

This Haunted House? It’s President Marcos’ former property, seized by the PCGG.

- Baguio City, though generally refreshing because of the dominant nature presence, is not immune to littering and garbage mismanagement problems.

- There was also some medium to heavy traffic in Baguio when we were there.  This is due to the amount of tourists – many of whom brought their own vehicles with them – coming up to the city at that time of year.  Getting a taxi ride is a hassle, too.   Baguio is probably as crowded in Christmas season as it is during the summer.

- After Baguio, we went to La Union, our last stop. 

After the cool, foggy mountain comes the hot, steamy beach.

- To Kuya Orly, Ate Ana and Kuya Edgar, Kuya Griam, Pastor Rey and Ma’am June, Ate Remy, Pastor Arlan and Family, Kuya Oca and Ate Pressy, and the entire Trinity Gospel Church – San Fernando: my family is greatly thankful for your loving hearts, as you graciously served as our hosts, tour guides, and/or liaisons that made our trip a truly blessed one.  May God bless you greatly for your generosity and thoughtfulness. 

- “Home is where the heart is.”  That is so true.  Was so restless to go back home.  So restless to go back to my heart.     

For more photos of the trip, check them out in “My Photos”; these memories are now part of my life in pictures… 

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Joy Young People's Dance for the 26th Church Anniversary

For Joy Church's anniversary this year (the first one after its milestone silver anniversary), one of the special numbers was a dance number - to the music of "Father Abraham" and "Free As A Bee" - by the church's young people.  (As usual, it was choreographed by Ms. Arlene Bemida)

click here for more videos

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Food for Thought from an Optical Illusion Image

Check this out. 

Can you find a horse in this picture of a frog?  Really.  I’m not kidding you.  There is a horse hidden in the image.  You just need to look hard. 

If you finally see the horse or has given up looking for it, scroll down.

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This is probably my most favorite optical illusion image.  To see the horse, you need to look at the picture from a different perspective:

Pretty cool, right?

We can derive a simple but valuable lesson from this: it pays to look at things through a different perspective.

In solving problems, it is important to think out of the box.  The solution to a problem might be derived by looking at it differently.  See the problem from a different perspective to find the “horse.”       

Also, looking at a different perspective also helps in settling any disagreements.  Now, I acknowledge and believe that there are indeed such things as objective and absolute truths, in which there is only one way of looking at the matter.  At these particular instances, it is necessary to resolutely stand firm by the objective truth against the opposition.  But, in life, there are also many times where we will encounter subjective truths – a matter that can be look upon from many perspectives.  You might see it as a “frog” and another sees it as a “horse”, and you are both correct as far as the respective context or perspective that you are looking at the matter from is concerned.  Hence, if we find our emotions being roused to obnoxiously argue with someone that sees it as a “horse” since we see it as a “frog”, then it is wise to take a pause first.  And carefully think.  Let us be discerning and try to understand where the different view is coming from.  Let us put ourselves in their shoes, and try to look at it from their point of view.  By understanding that there are several ways to look at it, the opposing sides could have a proper and effective discourse and together reach a higher vantage point to see the whole picture. 

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Top 10 Fictional Sports Teams

Most of the time, I start getting interested on a particular sport after witnessing its portrayal on animation, movie, or TV show (take basketball, for example).  And what make these portrayals interesting are the fictional teams that have been depicted engaging on these sports.  Here are my favorites:    

10.) BLUE PLANETS

Battle Ball – or Go-Q-Choji-Ikkiman – is the name of the anime which features this team.  Battle Ballis all about a team of humans, the Blue Planets, competing against aliens in a game of galactic baseball.  It’s for the fate of the Earth, I guess.  Not sure.  What makes this high-tech innovation of baseball interesting is that different gadgetries and weapons – that are used as bats – are allowed in-game; attacking opponents are permitted in some instances (can’t remember the when).  It was pretty cool.  The players composing the team are not at all all baseball players.  There was even one human player – who, if I remember it right, was a soccer player prior Battleball – who bats (I think it’s the blonde man in the accompanying picture above) using his leg!  There is a basketball player, a hockey player, and a tennis player, too.  Also, I remember that the players had to wear “heart protectors” since getting hit by the heavy metal baseball was deadly.

9.) WASHINGTON SENTINELS REPLACEMENTS

Due to salary disputes, the players of the Washington Sentinels went on strike.  This prompted the management to recruit replacement players to play out the rest of the season.     The replacement players were made up of an interesting ragtag band of misfits – talented but flawed non-pro players.  There were four more games left in the regular season, and out of those four games, they would have to win at least three to qualify for the playoffs.  They lost the first one due to lack of teamwork, but gain chemistry afterwards to win the rest in close games.  It was never revealed what happened further after their qualifying win.           

8.) MEAN MACHINE

Another American football team that interested me was the “Mean Machine” of the movie The Longest Yard (the remake, I haven’t seen the original).  It’s unique in this list for the team is made up of incarcerated convicts. 

Paul Crewe is a former NFL star quarterback who went on a high-profile, drunken driving rampage, in which he was sentenced for three years in prison.  In prison, he was tasked by the warden – a big football fan – to help out improve the prison guards’ football team.  Crewe was threatened additional jail time if he refuses to comply.  Fueled by the desire to have the chance to get back at the antagonistic guards and to embarrass the warden, Crew convinced him that what his team needs is a tune-up game against the inmates.  Hence, Crewe was tasked to assemble and train a football team made up of the prison’s inmates.  There were several obstacles and opposition – from the hands of the prison guards and co-inmates – during Crewe’s recruitment and training process.  But eventually, Crewe succeeds in winning all the inmates’ support and assembling a football team made up of a diverse and eclectic roster – from hardened veterans of solitary confinement to the prison’s community of athletic black basketball players.  And, finally, in their game against the guards, the “Mean Machine” succeeded in their collective goal: kicking the prison guards’ butts.             

7.) THE SCOOBY DOOBIES

 

I love all things Hanna-Barbera.  And Laff-A-Lympicsis among my most favorite Hanna-Barbera programs ever for it put together in one show most, if not all, of Hanna-Barbera’s cartoon characters.   It features three All-Star teams of Hanna-Barbera characters competing in a couple of creative sport heats.  My favorite among the three teams was the Scooby Doobies.  I’m not really sure why I rooted for the Scooby Doo-spearheaded team back then, but I just found their roster and color motif as the cooler ones among the three competing teams.   Overall, the Scooby Doobies have the most first place finish throughout the show’s run.   

6.) TEAM SHAOLIN

I am no soccer fan at all.  The sport bores me.  But if it’s even as half as exciting as how Team Shaolin does it, then I will surely be a fan.

 In his desire to make kung fu relevant in modern times, “Mighty Steel Leg” Sing partners with “Golden Leg” Fung (a former ace but disgraced soccer player) to assemble a soccer team which Fung would coach.  Sing saw it as an opportunity to advertize kung fu.  He went on to recruit his Shaolin brothers, and together, they formed a formidable soccer team as they make use of their respective kung fu techniques in the sport. 

5.) MIGHTY DUCKS

I totally love the Mighty Ducks Trilogy.  Yes, they were not really awesome films, but those movies are probably the most entertaining hockey movies I’ve ever watched.   I adore the Mighty Ducks so much that a fourth Mighty Ducks film – a reunion movie – is one of the movies I strongly wish will get made.   I would even want to see that happen more than a Batman/Superman movie (nonetheless, I’m thankful it’s going to be made anyway).  Seriously.  I really, really, REALLY (can’t emphasize it enough) want to see the Ducks back together.  Read more about my “D4: The Reunion” fantasy in my second article of movies I want Hollywood to make (it’s at the last part of the article). 

4.) SHOHOKU HIGH

Slam Dunkis a major reason why I started loving basketball; the anime taught me a lot about the sport.  And Shohoku High was the basketball team I rooted enthusiastically before I even started rooting for any real-life basketball team.  I was easily enamored by the team’s starting five, whose exciting talents defined to me, to a degree, how the five basketball positions are played. 

3.) SEIRIN HIGH

My fondness for Slam Dunk and Shohoku High has been longer than my fondness for Kuroko No Basket and Seirin High, since I’ve just encountered the latter this year.  However, I’ve already found Seirin having a more interesting roster than Shohoku.  My thrill for Shohoku’s line-up is limited on its starting five.  Outside of Shohoku’s starting five – and, maybe, to a lesser degree, the sixth man – Slam Dunk has not made the rest of the roster that interesting.  Kuroko No Basket, however, invested personality and uniqueness in all members of the team – even its coach (Riko Aida, who is a mere high-schooler like the players, and a female, but is a very capable coach with an eye for physical attributes) – and introduced, even if it’s only minimal, a particular aspect or talent about each player that contributes something to both the team and the story.  Every player is utilized at some point.  Hence, you would care for everybody on Seirin’s roster. 

Moreover, Seirin’s players’ skill set are fresher and different. 

The main character, Tetsuya Kuroko, has no permanent position and has below average skills.  However, he has so little presence that people fail to notice him.  This he put into advantage, making use of “misdirection” to make himself invisible on the court. Hence, he is able to put himself in the best position on the court, without any resistance, where he can effectively make brilliant passes to his teammates on offense or steal the ball when on defense.  He’s the X-Factor, providing significant “intangibles” to his team’s chemistry. 

Kagami Taiga (PF), the team’s ace, is a naturally brilliant basketball player with exceptional leaping ability – allowing him to make thunderous pro-level dunks.  He benefits the most from Kuroko for he is the one chosen by Kuroko to be the “light” to his “shadow.”

The captain, Junpei Hyuga (SG), is a talented three-pointer whose shooting accuracy increases with the increase in pressure during clutch time.  Most of the time, he is composed, but when the pressure increases, his real hot-headed, “hooligan”-like personality emerges.

  

The point guard, Shun Izuki, possesses a special ability called the “Eagle Eyes” which allows him to mentally picture the court from any point of view.  Outside of the center and power forward, Izuki the point guard is the only one that is capable of dunking among Seirin players.  I find this cool and different. 

And the center, the mild-manner Teppei Kiyoshi, is the team’s second best player.  His original position is that of a point guard, but had to start playing center due to the need of his team back in junior high, for it doesn’t have anyone that has the body size to play center.  Nonetheless, he is capable of simultaneously playing both point guard and center in-game, much to Seirin’s advantage.  His large hands allow him to easily handle and clam the ball, allowing him to change his decision – to pass or shoot – mid-way his play after his opponents had already made their decision and reaction. 

The bench players also possess respective specialties – like a “jack-of-all-trades, master of none” skill-set (Shinji Koganei) and rebounding (Satoshi Tsuchida).  But the most notable is the sixth-man, Rinnosuke Mitobe, who specializes in hook shots and is a tough defender, especially in the post. 

2.) DEIMON DEVIL BATS

Another American football team, but is far the awesomest among all.  This team is a rich assortment of varied personalities and talents; each member, though flawed or unmotivated at first, has a particular strength that proves to be an integral asset – whether small or big, but an integral asset nonetheless – to the team.   Put together, they make the Deimon Devil Bats a very interesting, talented, and deep football team.  Led and assembled by the twisted but brilliant Yoichi Hiruma, several of the team members were initially forced or blackmailed – including the main character, Sena Kobayakawa, the titular “Eyeshield 21” – by Hiruma into joining the team, but all of them eventually learned to love the game of American football.

1.) TUNE SQUAD

This is definitely the greatest basketball team ever.  Composed of all those colorful, hilarious Looney Tunes characters, the team also has the legendary Michael Jordan, who most acknowledge as the Greatest Basketball Player Ever, in the team.  Moreover, don’t forget that the equally legendary Bill Murray played for the team, too!     

Most importantly, the Tune Squad’s captain is Bugs Bunny.  And it is a fact that Bugs always wins, always figuring out how to come out on top in the end  – more than Batman ever did.    

Hands down, this is the greatest sports team ever assembled in fiction. 

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RE: Superior Spider-Man Part 5 (Or "Peter Parker's Death Anniversary")

It has been some time since I’ve written about the Superior Spider-Man or SpOck (Spider-Ock) for short.  And a couple of notable things have happened since then: SpOck encountered the Scarlet Spider and Spider-Man 2099 (and he’s currently tackling with Agent Venom); Miguel O’Hara got stuck in the present time after crossing paths with SpOck; Carlie and Wraith did some secret investigating and finally learned of Doc Ock’s takeover of Peter Parker’s body; Carlie got captured by the Green Goblin’s posse (I have a gut feeling that Carlie will end up dead in the culmination of this arc); Horizon Labs and “Peter Parker” parted ways; “Peter Parker” got his doctorate; “Peter Parker” started his own tech company;  SpOck mind-controlled the Sinister Six to aid him in crimefighting (which I had accurately called back then); etc.

I actually intended of not writing about Superior Spider-Man anymore (at least, for this year).  And among the developments I’ve enumerated above, they weren’t that much compelling to make me rant about.   So why am I writing another rant on Superior Spider-Man?  Well… this month marks a full year since Peter Parker’s death.  So let me share my thoughts, for the last time (at least, for this year), about the Superior Spider-Man, in honor of Peter Parker’s death anniversary.  One year has passed of Dan Slott’s blasphemous (albeit, I admit, entertainingly kickass) Superior Spider-Man run and I’m tired of it.  I greatly miss Peter Parker, the Amazing – and RIGHTFUL – Spider-Man. 

Yes, there are still a couple of Peter Parker comic books out there: the Marvel Knights mini-series and Amazing Spider-Man #700.1 to #700.5, plus, a graphic novel that is on its way in 2014 featuring Peter Parker and his sister (?!).   The tales are, however, merely flashbacks – Spider-Man adventures prior Doc Ock’s takeover in Amazing Spider-Man #700.  Yes, I am thankful for these; that is better than no Peter Parker at all.  But it’s not the same as having him back in present continuity.  Not even close.  The actual return of Peter Parker would be an enough Christmas gift for me.      

Aside from the inspiration, the thing I miss most about Peter Parker as Spider-Man is the humor.  Gab, comedic antics, and witty quips have always been an integral part of Spider-Man’s charm as a character.  Thus, it’s one of the many reasons why this whole SpOck storyline should end as soon as possible, for the characterization of Spider-Man being a compulsive comedian might get lost from general consciousness.  If references like this are made…

…those that will grow up on SpOck, who will not be aware that Spider-Man used to be funny, will fail to appreciate how awesome Tony Stark’s comment is regarding Peter Quill’s witticism.   

Though SpOck’s arrogant personality can be unintentionally amusing in certain circumstances, it however induces more annoyances at most times than funniness.  Usually, he’s all about business.  No room for nonsense and fun.  However, there are rare gems like this…

With moments like this, I hate SpOck less.  He is being Peter-like.  And that’s good.  In fact, it makes me think that this SpOck – regardless of Superior Spider-Man #9 – could be actually be Peter Parker after all.  He only believes that he’s Otto Octavius.  Their personalities just got mixed up badly – Otto’s memories and personalities complexly integrating into Peter Parker’s; enough to make Peter Parker think that he’s actually Otto.  And as time will pass, Peter’s real personality will gradually resurface (instances where SpOck will act more Peter-like), until Peter Parker full “resurrects” by realizing and remembering his real personality.   Crazy theory. 

Still, most of the time, I hate what SpOck is doing as Peter Parker/Spider-Man.  Sure, there are a few awesome changes that Otto is bringing into Peter Parker’s and Spider-Man’s status quo.   I like that Otto made “Peter Parker” a doctor.  And I totally dig the new retractable spider-limbs at Spidey’s back (hope Pete keeps most of SpOck’s tech when he gets his body back).  But most of the time, SpOck seems to be messing up with the good that Peter has done.  

Greatest example: his treatment of Kaine – the Scarlet Spider – during their meeting.

That was horrible.  Made me sick.  Ruined how Peter Parker’s goodness touched Kaine into turning his life around.  Now Kaine thinks that Peter has given up on him.  (To be fair, it was kind of dumb in Kaine’s part for not noticing the difference in “Peter Parker”; this was not the Pete he knew.) 

(Sigh.)  I hope for the end of Superior Spider-Man soon.  Before SpOck completely ruins everything about what Spider-Man stands for.  The Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie is on its way in 2014.  Surely, it’s wise to bring back Peter Parker in the comics by then, right?  One year of SpOck insanity should be enough!

Oh, come on, stop Superior-ing everything already! 

Superior Spider-Man #27 has this intriguing title: “The End” (to kick off the “Goblin Nation” arc)– then, I hope that this end is of SpOck once and for all (though unlikely at this point).

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Even at the Face of Probable Defeat, Don't Be Afraid But Just Give It Your Best Shot: A Spider-Man Lesson

One of the greatest things about Spider-Man is the rich amount of inspiration and moral you can gain from him (which is nowadays absent, with the whole SpOck-thing happening now).   And Amazing Spider-Man #475 (published back in 2001) is one of the most powerful Spidey inspirational moments ever. 

It’s pretty moving.

Spidey finds himself at the ropes.  He knows that winning and surviving this battle is unlikely.  Nonetheless, he doesn’t back down.  Even with probable death looming, Spidey makes his stand with unwavering courage.  For that is the right thing to do – conforming to his “With great power comes great responsibility” motto.   Even if the odds are greatly against him, even if he loses, what is important to him is he tried and did his best.  The outcome – victory or defeat – doesn’t bother him.

That simply illustrates why Spidey is a true hero and role model.

From this, we learn a very valuable Spider-Man lesson:

Life is not all wins.  There will surely be losses as well.  But what is important is how we will conduct ourselves when facing our upcoming battles, especially when there is a very slim chance of victory; defeat almost a guarantee. Should we allow ourselves to be affected and scared, compelling us to fold, or be depressed, embracing defeat even when the battle is not even starting yet?  No, we should definitely not!  Rather, from start to finish, we should be courageous and give it our all.  And even if we lose, we should go down fighting. 

Especially if we are fighting for what is right.

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A Brief Tribute to C.S. Lewis

This month (November 22 to be exact) marks a half century since C.S. Lewis’ death.  Now I would like to talk about him a bit, for he is one of my most favorite writers of all time.   

I have most of Lewis’ fiction books in my literature collection; The Chronicles of Narnia books, the “Space Trilogy” (or “Cosmic Trilogy”) novels, The Great Divorce, and The Screwtape Letters (the volume I have includes Screwtape Proposes a Toast, an essay sequel) – I have all of these.  But for his rich non-fiction works, I only have Mere Christianity, but I have read plenty of excerpts of his most important non-fiction books from articles and books.  Still, I plan of acquiring most of C.S. Lewis books someday (as soon as I can find and afford them) – it’s gonna be worth it.

Lewis is a wonderfully talented writer.  He wastes no words; it’s as if he always nails the best words to use to perfectly strike his points home.  He provides thoughtful and clever illustrations to make his ideas more empathic and engaging.  His writings are always meaty, insightful, thought-provoking, appealing, and delightful.  Reading Lewis’ works is very rewarding and refreshing. 

My first encounter with Lewis was with, arguably his most famous work, the children’s book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, which remains as popular now as ever (a large thanks to its movie adaptations).  His creative and amazing integration of Christian themes and allegories blew me away.  It was sheer genius writing.   Later on, after encountering more of his writings, I found that Lewis had utilized this technique deeper, more compelling, and more creatively on his other works of fiction – especially with The Screwtape Letters. 

Lewis writes as much mind-stimulating non-fiction as he writes enjoyable fiction.  The Christian apologetics (particularly Mere Christianity) and theses he tackles are generally delivered through well-reasoned and interesting writing.  In fact, he is one of the reasons why I value the substance and beauty of logic. Many of his arguments are solid and intelligent, but, of course, I find some occasional points of his that I don’t agree with. Lewis has no proper theological training that he errs on some of his views.  Nonetheless, Lewis has perfect understanding on the most important truths, especially on the immense importance of pursuing ultimate joy in God, and he presents them with clarity and fresh, interesting perspective.    

In fact, it was due to his realization and longing for joy that led him to Christ, for he was an atheist as a young man but would become a theist and a Christian in his thirties.  Lewis is a thinker, and he had thoroughly searched for answers to his deep questions of life.  He understood that the arguments for the non-existence of God don’t make sense and that the evidences of the existence of God were screaming everywhere around him.  Moreover, he also understood that there is an infinite desire in his heart that can’t be fully satisfied by anything of this world.  Therefore, he concluded that since this satisfaction can’t be found in this world, then the satisfaction he seeks must be from out of this world – and that can be only found in an infinite God alone.

Lewis would then argue that the problem with human beings is that “we are far too easily pleased” by worldly pleasures that we don’t pursue a greater, eternal pleasure that is found in God.  He compared it to “an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.”  Lewis concluded that the problem with us is not because our desire for pleasure is too strong, but it was actually because our desire for pleasure is too weak.  “We are far too easily pleased.”  C.S. Lewis has shared plenty of great thoughts to us, but this was, I think, his most important sharing.

Truly, Lewis has greatly influenced and touched plenty of lives (including mine) even up to the present period. His writings have been great blessings. And I thank God for his life.

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The Guardians of the Galaxy Enrich Their Roster With Captain Marvel and Venom!

In an obvious strategy to promote/tie-in with the upcoming movie, Marvel’s “Free Comic Book Day” (May 3, 2014) special issue will feature the Guardians of the Galaxy.  And two new members shall be joining the team: Captain Marvel and Venom!

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Are Iron Man and Angela being dropped from the team?  They are no longer in the teaser art.  Well, whether they will still be in the team or not, I have currently no great interest in them being on GotG.  But I do have some tinge of curiosity on any development on Angela.  What is the purpose of her introduction to the Marvel Universe post-Age of Ultron?  Does Marvel actually have a brilliant plan behind this?  

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Captain Marvel and Venom joining the Guardians of the Galaxy is indeed a thrilling development.   But, honestly, I prefer the return of the old members – Bug, Major Victory, Astro, and Mantis – of the team.

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The implication of Captain Marvel’s GotG membership is what I like better.  But let me talk of Venom’s recruitment first.    

When he was still being teased as a “new mystery member” silhouette a few days back, the three major speculations were the Punisher, Cable, and Venom.  

My money has always been on it turning out to be Venom.

Venom has always been one of my favorite comic book characters, but it was when he became “Agent Venom”, with Flash Thompson as host, that I like the character best.   It’s pretty cool and surprising that he’s joining the GotG, but I still can’t figure how he would fit in on the team.  He seems out of place.  Sure, I understand that the Venom symbiote is from space and all that. But, in my opinion, the Agent Venom character works best on down-to-earth, covert-style adventures on earthly settings.  He has been fantastic as a Secret Avenger (he should have been retained in the current Secret Avengers line-up), and is just perfect as part of the current Thunderbolts (so, will he leave this team once he became part of the GotG?).  It escapes me how Venom would thrive in the GotG.  Just have to wait and see.        

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When it was revealed that Iron Man was going to join the new GotG team this year, only one reasonable explanation came to mind why it was done: Robert Downey, Jr.’s Iron Man was going to be part of the GotG film!   It makes perfect sense.  Iron Man is the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and that would be the most brilliant approach of connecting the GotG film with the rest of the MCU.  However, this theory has not materialized.  The movie is in production now, and there has never been a mention of Tony Stark being in it.  Thus, it’s highly unlikely (unless, Marvel is actually doing it under extreme secrecy).  It was clearly a missed opportunity to do something pretty epic.    

But with Captain Marvel joining the roster in the GotG comics, could it be that she is meant to be introduced in the GotG film?  The potential makes me pretty excited.  This would open up a lot of possibilities.  Would love to see her in an Avengers movie and her own solo movie.  Think of this: a Captain Marvel movie happening (in Phase 3) before a Wonder Woman movie is ever made?!  Pretty mindblowing if it becomes a reality.

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Thoughts on Christian Doctrinal Disagreements

In a past chapter of my irregular “Analysis of Christianity” series, I have already enumerated and analyzed the core beliefs of Christianity.  These – which are summarized in the Apostle’s Creed – are generally accepted truths by Christians.  And though believing in them is not the way to get saved (Jesus is the only Way!), the sincere confession of someone that he or she believes these truths is a big confirmation that he or she is a Christian.

However, outside of these core beliefs, Christians are divided on other “minor” doctrines.  I say “minor” because erring on these won’t necessarily disqualify someone from being identified as a Christian.  The doctrinal differences are on things such as practices, traditions, spiritual mechanics, spiritual nature, and the like.  And despite these “minor” divisions, Christians remain one in Christ.  

These different beliefs exist because of the imperfectness of the human-made religious structure or organization which Christianity had to – unfortunately – function in; as well as Christians, being human beings, have flawed human natures, and these flaws comes to play – consciously or unconsciously brought about – in causing different theological views: natural human hardheadedness, pride, bias, personal prejudices, arrogance on relying on self-wisdom, and tendency to cater personal preferences and self-conveniences.  Moreover, the devil actively working to cause divisions – both in major and minor details – among Christians is also a significant factor.    

Indeed, the foundation for Christian beliefs should be the Bible – God’s Word itself.  However, biblical misinterpretations do happen.  And different interpretations lead to different doctrines. 

Aside from misinterpretation, there are also manipulation and misuse of the Scriptures.  Unfortunately, not only cults misuse and manipulate the Bible, but some Christians as well.  They create a doctrine or belief that is convenient to them – something that makes them feel good to believe in (e.g. “God wants me to have [material] prosperity in life!”, “Everybody will go to heaven!”, “Obama is the Beast!”, etc.) – then picks Bible passages that can “support” the doctrine; these biblical bases that they claim to support their doctrines are either from Scriptures that were taken out of context or misinterpreted from vague passages (usually, the metaphoric, prophetic parts of the Bible).  The right way to establish doctrines is to examine the Scriptures first and then derived the doctrines from it (with the guidance of the Holy Spirit) – not the other way around.  And even if the process leads to a conclusion that is something that doesn’t give a “feel good” feeling, it shouldn’t be denied but should be accepted because it’s a truth!  Also, it is a fact that the Bible can never contradict itself.  Thus, if your interpretation regarding a vague biblical passage is conflicting with a detail that is explicitly comprehensible from another clear, objective biblical passage, then it is an obvious indication that your interpretation for that vague passage is wrong.        

But let me emphasize that a Christian should be a lover of truth!  It is wrong for him to stubbornly hold on an incorrect belief because it is something convenient or beneficial for him to believe in.  There are Christians who have this attitude unfortunately.  However, in general, a Christian’s desire at foremost is to give glory to God.  When a Christian believes in something, he sincerely believes that this certain doctrine, teaching, or practice glorifies God.  Presbyterians practice infant baptism because they believe it will glorify God.  Baptists don’t practice infant baptism because they don’t believe it will glorify God.  They have different doctrinal opinions about the matter but their desire is the same: to do things that will glorify God (and not do things that won’t).  They only have different opinions on what or what does not give glory to God, or what is the best way to glorify God (e.g., loud prayer vs. silent prayer, modern band worship music vs. solemn organ worship music, etc.).  So a sincere, faithful Christian may err on the doctrinal aspect because this certain false belief he has is what he thinks is the best way to glorify God.  The practice or belief could be incorrect, but at least the right heart is there.  That is actually greatly preferable than believing in something out of personal pride or convenience.  Moreover, once a sincere Christian, who puts God’s glory at top of everything and set asides his or her personal wisdom and conveniences, sees the truth and is convinced, he would toss away the false doctrine or practice he holds on to and embrace the correct one.  Healthy and Spirit-led doctrinal debates among Christians – as what debate is actually designed for – should aim to find truth, for truth glorifies God.     

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Daniel Acuña Almost Made the Perfect Avengers Poster

To commemorate the Avengers’ 50^thAnniversary this 2013, Daniel Acuña created this amazing artwork that features past and present Avengers members through the team’s 50 year history.  This artwork was divided and featured as alternate covers for the Avengers comicbook series.  It will culminate in Avengers #24.NOW as a fantastic six-foot poster.    

CLICK HERE to view its full size glory. (Do not forget to maximize.  If the link leads you to its Photobucket page, click the magnify button at the image’s right bottom corner.  And then click the “view original” magnify button at its right bottom corner once again.)

By itself, this poster is awesome.  It was nearly perfect.  And that’s why, at the same time, it’s a disappointment.  For it was only nearly perfect and NOT perfect.  Acuna and Marvel had the opportunity to truly create the perfect Avengers poster and they blew it.

My nitpicking:

• It is incomplete; not all Avengers are featured.  This is the main reason why this poster failed to be perfect. 
• El Nihilo, Abyss, Nightmask, and Starbrand of the main Avengers team; Victor Mancha, Doombot, and Alexis of the Avengers A.I. roster; Blue Marvel, the new Ronin (currently being “Spider-Hero”; I think he’s just Iron Fist in disguise, though), White Tiger, and Power Man of the new Mighty Avengers – these guys are not in it.    I understand that Acuna could have done this artwork in early 2013 or late 2012, in which he had no knowledge of the new additions for this year.  Still, it would have been cooler if these new Avengers are in it as well.  Acuña and/or Marvel should have had the forethought back in 2012 (or the date of its creation) to determine all members of the Avengers by 2013, that when the poster was finally released on its release date (December 2013, I think), it would have all the Avengers in it. 
• If this poster has been finalized in early 2013 or late 2012, then there is no excuse why Black Bolt is not in it. He was already part of the New Avengers book then.  His absence in the poster now gives the implication that this current New Avengers team is not a true Avengers team, which is just bad if so. 
• All former Avengers are accounted for, except for one – the Living Lightning.  It would actually have been slightly better if a couple of them have been missed.  But just one?!  An absence of one provokes excruciating annoyance in any collection or ensemble. [EDIT: an anonymous commenter pointed out that the Living Lightning is actually there between Wonder Woman and Daredevil.  I did not see him properly for he is in electric form.  My apologies.]     
• If some honorary members are included, then it would have been best if ALL honorary members have been included.  And if Jarvis is in it, Rick Jones should be in, too.    
• Why is Nick Fury, Jr. included but Phil Coulson is not?   The two share the same status.   Both are S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and members of the current Secret Avengers, which is actually under S.H.I.E.L.D. and not the Avengers’ black ops as it was originally, hence, its status as a bona fide Avengers team is unclear and questionable.  And because of that, I would have easily understood if neither of them was included.  But that was not the case.  Fury, Jr. is in, but Coulson is out; it doesn’t make sense.  Either include both of them, or completely exclude them.  Heck, if Nick Fury, Jr. is in it, Taskmaster should be in it also.        

So, Dan, you did great… but close, but no cigar.  The perfect Avengers poster – that assembles every Avengers in history – is still non-existent at this point.  

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