A Step To National Recovery

A priest once told this following story:
Satan gave a Filipino in Hell a privilege to call his friends that are left in this world by the use of the Hell's telephone. The Filipino was very happy to be able to call his friends from the afterlife. As he was about to call his friends, he observed in a list that there are expensive rates in calling to other countries. However, he noticed that calling to the Philippines is only cheap.
He asked Satan, "Why is it that the call rates to other countries are expensive while the call rate to the Philippines is cheap?"
Satan answered, "Calling to other countries are expensive because it is a long distance international call. The call to the Philippines is only a local one."
The story is a funny one. But seriously, is the Philippines really a "Hell"? Some people may think that living in this country is a, figurative or/and literal, "Hell". An Exaggeration? Maybe… but maybe not.
This country has really made a name for itself. Not only positively but, sadly, more on negatively. Our country is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Our country is nearly one of the poorest. Our country is known for a haven for criminals and terrorists. It seems that there is no one safe here because of countless snatchers, "holdapers" and kidnappers.
That is why tourism is weak here nowadays. And if, in some sense, tourism is great here it is because of prostitution, child trafficking and such. Our country has been branded as a "sex country" and many pedophiles, perverts and other sex maniacs chose to go here.
Drugs are so abundant here. Gambling is abundant, too. Filipinos are known for people who have many vices.
Most Filipinos have low discipline, moral and self-respect. Throwing garbage and spitting anywhere are instincts of Filipinos. People have no respect for rules.
Politicians and law-enforcers here are known to be related to crocodiles (buwayas). Politics and justice in the Philippines are big jokes. Everyone can be bribed. It seems that money and power are the only ones important. Worst of all, this kind of people run this country.
We cannot deny that this is our country. Full of poverty, corruption, blasphemy, hypocrisy, immorality and violence. So much for our country being "Asia's Only Christian Country".
Do not get me wrong. I am only stating the facts. I love my country. I am proud I am a Filipino (especially when Pacquiao wins a bout). I really do believe that this country can improve.
I am often thinking what kind of life will I face after I graduate in college. I can feel the sting of our country's "hell" today but I will certainly feel the full blast of it when I entered the real life. Will the status of this country be the same? Or it will change? But what kind of change? Will it grew worse or better?
What kind of Philippines will my generation and I find ourselves living in the future? Most of my peers really think much about the future. Sadly, my peers think that this country will never improve and they decided to quickly live this country if given the chance.
I really believe the theory about the "brain drain" of this country. Many talented Filipinos are using those talents for different countries. Foreign countries are the ones who benefit from the Filipino's talents. If this "brain drain" will continue, what kind of Philippines will it be in the future?
Our economy is always failing. Consider this fact, we sell lumber to Japan, then Japan sells plywood to us. Of course we are always losers in this kind of trading, we export raw materials and import manufactured ones. With the economy also failing, will the future of the youth in this country look good? Failing economy also leads to rarity in jobs. Maybe it is really the reason why many Filipinos choose to live this country, to find greener pastures.
This country has great natural resources, human talent and power, and opportunities. We only need proper management and manipulation of these advantages to improve our economy. But with leaders that are corrupt and Filipino morale low, this is vague to happen.
If these conditions in the Philippines will continue, this country will shortly be in chaos if not already in chaos. I guess we cannot blame those people who consider this country as a "Hell." Will there be a chance to change all of this?
For me there is only one thing that can change our country. That is if there will be a revival. Revival in our lives and revival for our country are the things that will change this country for the better. We need to recommit ourselves and this country to God.
Some may say, "Wait a minute. We are already committed to God. Remember that we are the only Christian nation in Asia. We, Filipinos, are already religious."
Yes, I agree that Filipinos are religious. But are they really committed to God? I don't think so.
God is the only one who can change this country for the better. Filipinos are religious but self-centered. Filipinos are religious but does not really trusts God. Filipinos are religious for themselves.
I saw documentaries about cities and countries fully humbling themselves before God and asking for help. They see that only God can make the difference. And their prayers were answered, their countries or cities greatly improved. Morals were raised, economies improved and the way of life flourished.
I really do think that this can also happen to our country. God revived those countries and cities and He can do this to us. I believe that God can and will heal this land if we surrendered ourselves to Him. All Filipinos should sincerely ask for a revival.
God is powerful and He can certainly "scare the Hell out of this country". As a young Filipino, what I can do is pray for a personal revival in my life first then pray for a national revival. Revival starts with one's self. The national thing will follow.
May God help and guide us. God bless the Philippines!

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HELL

Hell is true. It is the final destination of all who are damned. There is suffering here day and night. The damned ones will burn and burn for all eternity. Worst of all you will be separated from the presence of God. Only the Children of Light, God's Chosen Ones, will be saved from this fate in the afterlife. But in some cases, for me, hell also exists here on earth. Really. There is hell on earth. Poverty. Hunger. Greed. Jealosy. War. Hate. Lust. Selfishness. Suffering. Diseases. Corruption. Discrimination. Terrorism. Self Righteousness. Heartbreaks. You name it. Now you may see, there is a figurative, or maybe it can be a literal, "hell" in this earth.
I am fond of saying hell. When I am frustrated, angry, lonely or dissapointed about a certain problem, I will find myself saying,"Hell!". It is really part of getting over with that frustaration, anger, loneliness or dissapointment. And later, I can get over with that problem and return to my old self and smile. It reminds me that the problem is not a "hell". You see, as a Christian there is no hell for you. Either in the afterlife or now in your life in this world. Like me, you encounter problems in this life. Health problems. Money problems. Identity problems. School problems (especially those "hellish" math problems). Girl problems. No matter what problems, big or small, when you are a Christian God will help you overcome those problems and you will find yourself still happy. It will never be "hell". That is the significance of Christ's death and ressurection. You may experience problems, but you will never ever experience hell (in the afterlife or in this world) in your life if you are a Christian. That is the truth.
Don't believe me. Read the Bible, it will scare the hell out of you.

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CHOICES AND DILEMMAS

We make choices everyday. It's part of human life. From choices of eternal consequences, to the simple choosing of what dress to wear.

People sometimes get into trouble because of making a choice without thinking about it. They just jump into it, without proper thinking. In making decisions and choices, the consequences, advantages and disadvantages of each option should be evaluated.

I don't like dilemmas. I feel uncomfortable in times of dilemmas. I believe most people do too. Dilemmas - to make a choice. Ethics. Moral issues. For good or bad. Right or wrong. Life and death. Weighing the things we want and need. To ought to do and want to do. For our own good, or for the greater good.

Dilemma is the gift and curse of free will. Sometimes we try postpone making decisions. But sometime, we have to conclude, to say the final word, to finally decide… we cannot escape dilemmas. And it is better to face it than run from it.

And the pain or happiness of our choices are things that we cannot avoid. It is easier said than done, "think first before we act." But we all know, it's hard. And sometimes, even if we know the terrible consequence of a particular choice, we still go for it.

Every choice has a reward, or punishment. And dilemmas are there to make us think of our options. So, how will we resolve dilemmas? I think a very beautiful line in Spider-Man 2 is the answer to this question.
It goes something like this:

"Sometimes, in doing what is right, we have to be steady… to give up we ever wanted, even our dreams."

And I say amen to that.

* * *

I encountered a very difficult dilemma recently.

It was a weekday night, and I just finished a homework in Business Statistics. At last, it was time for some relaxation. To read a book, play my guitar or laze around.

I decided to get some snack while I relaxed myself. And I had two options of what I should eat. Apples were on the dining table, and a Tobleron chocolate was in the ref.
Should I choose an apple or a chocolate? Dilemma.

I weighed each one. The apple is more nutritious and better for my body. However, the chocolate might cause teeth problems, and it is a "junk food." So, after considering and evaluating… the answer to my dilemma was easy.
I took the chocolate.

(Hey, I love chocolates… so sue me :)… and besides, tradition tells us that Eve got into trouble when she chose the apple)

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NOSTALGIC ABOUT THOSE OLD TV SHOWS

I feel nostalgic when my sister asks me about the cartoon TV shows I watched in the past. And as I think about them now, I miss them. Those shows that I watch of the span of my childhood, those great shows back at the 90's. I really miss them… all of them.

Back then, the local station, ABS-CBN has some pretty good morning and afternoon shows for kids. Mostly made by the Japanese, but with Western themes, mostly drawn from literature, like "Heidi", "Charlotte", "Cedie", "Princess Sarah", "Little Women 2 (Actually, the Little Men)", "Georgie", "Cinderella", "Huck Finn", "Adventures of Tom Sawyer", "Daddy Long Legs", "The Three Musketeers", "The Secret Garden"… to name some of them. And there were, the so-called, animes, too. Like, "Zenki", "Magic Knight Rayearth", "Saber Marionette" and others. GMA has some good shows, too, back on my days, before the "anime" era. Like Disney Adventures. And here is where I first caught glimpse of the cool cartoon, "Biker Mice From Mars". But those days were an ABS-CBN rout when it comes to children cartoons and TV shows.

I remembered the X-Men's popularity back then every Friday on ABS-CBN (though I was able to see episodes of it again, years later through cable channels like Star World and Jack TV). The very catchy opening theme song is the kind that gets stuck in your head, that's why, all these years, I still can hum it.  And I love it when the narrator says, "Previously, on X-Men"… Though there is an X-Men Evolution TV show now, and I like it, too, I still love the X-Men animated series back in the 90's. Friday night was kid's night, because of shows like X-Men, and Spider-Man... yeah... I love that show. And Power Rangers! It was a cult back then. And when my sister watches today's Power Rangers: Ninja Storm, and Dino Thunder, I always tell her about the Power Rangers of my days, the first power rangers and the Zeorangers and the Turborangers and the Power Rangers In Space. And later on, Beast Wars: Transformers arrived in the Friday night schedule. Until high school, I loved that show, even though it was transferred to Studio 23, and I like the sequel of the show, the Beast Machines.

ABC-5 has some pretty great shows back then. I really love "Bravestar". I used to play I was him, "Strength of the bear (with the echo "bear… bear… bear")". And "He-Man" and "She-Ra", I cannot forget those shows. And the Five-Man, the "Japanese Power Ranger Copy Cats" (which might be probably the original). And other shows, especially on weekends. And the first time I caught a glimpse of "Slam Dunk" was here, before the GMA "Slam Dunk".

My first awareness on anime can be credited to VTV on IBC-13. Dragon Ball, Ghost Fighter, Battle Ball, Time Quest, to name a few. They were first shown here before the other stations.

Then we got those shows on cable, especially during weekends. Star World has pretty neat shows on weekends during those days. "Voltron", "Saber Riders and the Star Sheriffs", the Japanese version of  "Transformers", "Dinky Di's", "Dino Riders", "Denver: the last dinosaur", "Dungeon and Dragons", etc.

Cartoon Network's Hanna-Barbara cartoons are really good classics.  In my opinion, they equal Disney ("Mickey Mouse & Friends") and Warner Bros. ("Looney Tunes") TV brand in greatness. The Danger Zone, back then, introduced me to the likes of "The Centurions", "Swat Cats" and "Ninja Robots".  Other kid's channels arrived, but Cartoon Network was the first and most dominating early on.

There used to be a Kermit channel, now defunct, with awesome kids shows also, like "Fraggle Rock", "Muppet babies" and "Encyclopedia". And I love the specials of this channel.

The cable channel Nickelodeon shows back then were also great. "Ren and Stimpy" may be plain stupid and disgusting, but, I admit, I watch it sometimes. Those were the days of "Rocko's Modern Life", "Angry Beavers", and some of them can still be seen today like "Rugrats", "Hey, Arnold!", "Catdog" and "Spongebob".

I was in late elementary when Disney Channel came in cable. And more shows and toons came to catch my attention and viewing time. I used to remember waiting patiently for "Archie's Weird Mysteries" - my favorite back then - every night.

And of course, the anime mania. Yes, our generation become addicted to Japanese cartoons. GMA boasts of starting the anime era in the Philippines. But I already watched "anime" back before that, in AXN and other channels.

The shows I watched back then… ah, how I really miss them… "The Simpsons", "Captain Bucky O' Hair", "GI-JOE", "Transformers", "Super Mario Bros.", "G-Force", "Muppets", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" - oh, there are so many great shows in my childhood, I can't mention them all.

I really miss those shows. They were part of the memories of my childhood. When I lie in our sofa, very relaxed, with the remote in my hand and my concentration focused on the TV. Those were the days…

I am about eleven years older than my sis, and she had grown to be a TV aficionado like me. I kept on telling her how she missed out most of the best TV shows I enjoyed in my childhood. Some, she was still be able to watch. But most of them are not shown anymore. Yes, there are also several good new shows and cartoons in the present, too.  But I think my era was better.  I am still wishing that I can obtain a DVD collection (and a DVD player and a TV set) of those shows and cartoons in my childhood.

Many say that too much TV is bad. Maybe they are right - hey, they are mostly right, I admit that too much TV is bad. But I think they should also see the positive and brighter sides. My TV viewing experiences had brought me several good memories of my childhood. And believe it or not, anti-TV activists, I learned many lessons from those shows I watched. Yes, there is also some good in watching TV.

There is a cliché that goes, "we are only children once." Yes, and therefore it should be enjoyed. There is no harm in watching some TV (just not too much that it takes all our time to do other great things). To have fun. To enjoy.

I still enjoy watching TV. "We are only children once." And I am still a child at heart, though I find that life become more and more complicated as you grow up. But sometimes we have to forget those complicated things, and be a simple child again. In which watching TV (or reading a book, or playing, or watching a butterfly, or picking flowers, or eating chocolate, etc.) can make a child happy and satisfied.

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LOOKING ABOVE THE NIGHT SKY

I like it when there are a few clouds, or none at all, during the night. I like to look at the stars and the moon. Sometimes, when I get lonely, depressed or if something is bothering me, I look at the night sky. I look above in awe…

I used to dream, back when I was a small kid, of being an astronaut when I grow up. I wanted to blast off to outer space, to float in weightlessness, to watch the Earth from above, to walk on the moon, and reach for the stars…
Back then, being a small kid, dreaming and admiring the outer space, I read a lot about it: planets, space flight, heavenly bodies… I was deeply interested in learning about th Space, and how to get there.
I don't dream of being an astronaut anymore, though I still like the idea than being a CPA. Me, being, an astronaut may not be impossible… but close.

But although I lost my dream of being a n astronaut, I still am interested about Space. I read and watch sci-fi; keep informed about new discoveries and new space projects; Moon Landing Conspiracy; hazards of space junk; possibility of life on Mars; aliens… I'm still into those things. And I will never outgrow my liking of looking up the cloudless night sky… to wonder and ponder.

I'm not really aware of star constellations, star positions and other astronomical stuff (the only things I can identify in the night sky is the moon and the "big dipper [or is it the small?]"). But I want to learn about them someday… want to learn astronomy.
And I wish I have high-powered binoculars, or wish that I still have my telescope (the one my lil sis broke).
But, at least, you don't need fancy gadgets and not being aware about "star facts" does not hinder me to admire the night sky.

I am not really sure why looking above at night time at the stars and the moon comforts me, calms me or cheers me. But it is so.
Maybe it's one reason God created them.

Lately, I have been looking above the night sky a lot. I have been often thinking about a lot of things. At our house's third floor, with my acoustic guitar, and a cup of coffee and pack of crackers beside me, I look above… and think.

And sometimes, while I admire at the beauty of the night sky, and outer space… I think of a more beautiful and glorious place which is located way beyond the skies and Space.
Heaven… I believe in that place. God's place. Where there is no sorrow, worry and wants. Where complete peace, joy and satisfaction lies.
One great evidence that it exists is you can catch a glimpse of Heaven in this Earth. Some of the things I catch a glimpse of it are when I see: a happy occasion, a selfless deed, an inspiring event, love, faith, hope, unity, miracles, wondrous works of Nature, breathtaking views, a beautiful sunset, or looking at the night sky…

Looking above brings comfort, cheer and calmness - no matter how down you are - looking above can do that.
Heartbreak is no match against Heaven. Hell can never prevail against Heaven. If you are having a Hell in your life, look above!

I wonder if I'll see a meteor shower or a comet, tonight?
Anyway, I'll enjoy the night sky, I'll strum the guitar and sing my heart out, enjoy the heavenly taste of coffee, and ponder on the fact that all joy and suffering in this world is temporary… and dream of my future Home…
I don’t need to be an astronaut to fly there…

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KNOCKED DOWN... BUT NEVER KNOCKED OUT.

Ludwig Von Beethoven.
The Master.
You should hear his masterpieces (got a tape cassette of them). Among the best of the best. He's a genius in composing of music - a true genius.
You see, Beethoven was deaf. Since he was young, he has begun to lose his hearing. And he completely lost his hearing by the time he was forty-eight - but five years later, he finished the awesome Ninth Symphony. He never heard it by ear. But he heard it in his heart and mind.
For a musician, losing your hearing is terrible. But that's what I admired about Beethoven. His deafness did not stop him loving the thing he loves - which is music. He loves music so much. He never allowed his deafness, or his other many problems (love life, social life, etc. read about it…), to stop him.
A true Master

* * *

Brewster M. Higley, M.D.
Composer of the song "My Western Home" or better known as "Home On The Range".
His life was tragic, too. Lost four wives. And he turned to alcohol n his depression. Poor miserable man.
But he moved on with his life. He went to the American Frontier - to be a pioneer out on Indian Country in Kansas. Yes, there were many dangers - Indians, snakes, prairie fire, heat, cold, plagues… you name it. Plus, the long distance from supplies and help.
But there he found solace. He found himself. He found a home. And found time to be awed by Nature and his surroundings and write a song about it. "Where seldom is heard a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day…" Lovely.
He never allowed misery to completely beat him. He manage to compose a great song, as well as compose himself to stand up again after the pain of the past.
Well, he married again - for the fifth time - and lived happily ever after.
A true man of optimism.

* * *

Jon Bon Jovi's slow rock love songs are almost all about goodbyes and heartbreaks; the girl leaving, but him still loving her. Bed Of Roses, Always, I'll Be There For You… Song of goodbyes and heartbreaks.
It's all based on his experiences… those moving but lonely love songs. It seems a girl (or girls?) left him, but he still loves her loyally even with the pain he felt.
Cool guy. Never allowed the heartbreak to bring him completely down. He managed to do something constructive - he wrote love songs.
Like Beethoven and Higley, Bon Jovi was knocked down but never allowed himself to be completely knocked out. It's not only true to musicians. I could name other great people - like Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison - that failed, but did not allow themselves to be complete failures. They stood up and continued to fight - to win. Knocked down but never knocked out.

* * *

Why am I writing these?
Well, I was recently knocked down and barely did not made the ten counts.
I was - or rather, am - brokenhearted for the first time. The girl I love and I broke up in our relationship. And it was very painful.
But I managed to stand up again - still hurting, but ready to go on.
And like Beethoven, Higley and Bon Jovi, I am going to make some music.
I guess I am going to compose a new song - this is going to be my sixth composed song. I already have some music in my mind, and I'm sorting out the lyrics.
The song might be a lonely one… all about my feelings and emotions now, like pain and loneliness. I'll not only dedicate it to my ex, but also to the Beethovens, Higleys, Bon Jovis, Einsteins, Edisons, Lincolns, etc. of this world. Those guys who were knocked down, but stood up to continue the fight and never knocked out.

* * *

And I'll dedicate it to God, too, like all the songs, secular and worship, I composed. This song might not be a worship song to Him (maybe I'll make one for Him, too) but its' also dedicated to him because. He's the one who lifts me up when I'm knocked down, encourages me to keep on fighting, and promised, that with Him, I will never be knocked out.

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BREAKUP... BROKENHEARTED... BREAKING DOWN...

Brokenhearted
That is my state today
My girlfriend, my high school sweetheart, broke up with me
I was a bit ready for it, but it was still painful
I love her so much
Yes, I was prepared to let her go if that's the best
And I have to let her go
But it's painful
It was like seeing the Los Angeles Lakers lose
Only a hundred times more painful (that's the best description I can give)
It's my first time to be brokenhearted
And I find it really painful
Hellishly painful

I call her the "Luv Of My Lyf"
She's beautiful
Her character matches her beauty
Has a good heart
Talented
Intelligent
But most of all, I love her'
And that what really matters
I love her for what she is

She was sorry it had to happen (me too!)
But I guess she's right to prioritize many important things and let go of me
At least, she was honest
And although she is gone, as a lover…
She's still my friend - I'm still glad of that

It's both joyful and sad when I think about the bittersweet memories we shared
I'll always love the dances we shared
The times we're together…
Especially when we go home from school
It was fun to be with her
All about her was fun
Now it's over

As to date, this is the lowest point of my life
Yes, I still have my happy and carefree nature (Thank God!)
But there's loneliness and pain in my heart
And melancholy and depression comes once in a while
I'm glad I still find sources of comfort
To be thankful and happy
Reading literature and playing music lifts my spirit when I am down
But the pain was too much…
It's been days after the breakup before I could pick up my guitar or read a book
I'm glad I can do those things now - takes a bit of the pain away
Food helps, too. Food is always there when you need it
Entertainment - yeah - will do, too
TV, PC, movies, Internet, games, jokes, fun… good things that makes you forget
And I can turn to drawing… to practice to draw again… to learn…
Writing is always good as well as therapeutic… that's what I'm doing now
And other hobbies and interest of mine might help
Might take some of the pain away… or make me forget for a while

But I'm thankful… thankful for many things
That I got the chance to meet her
That she got to be once mine, and I hers
The memories
The happiness
The inspirations and motivations
The love
I'm thankful she came into my life

I am confused why it should happen
I guess God knows best
His plan is perfect
This may look bad now… I may be down now…
But I believe the future is bright
It was God's promise
Yes, it's going to be a long time before I can recover…
Before my heart will mend
Before the pain and loneliness will disappear
Before all will be forgotten
A long time…
But I know Best Friend JC is with me… to comfort me
The Man Upstairs is looking after me
And the Holy Ghost will guide me
With Him… I put my trust…
I surrender all my worries to him… now I surrender this heartbreak to Him
The Big Guy will get me through

And as I pray each night since my girlfriend and I broke up:

Lord,
I am thankful for letting me meet her
And for the love between us
It was good while it lasted
Now she's gone
I do not know why it should happen
I do not really understand
Maybe, I was so in love with her that she was beginning to be an "idol"
And I love her more than I should love you
Maybe that's why you took her away from me
(If that is the case, I am sorry, God…)
I do not know the true reason, but I put my trust in You
That You know what is the best for us
I do not know what will happen from now
I am still confused and brokenhearted
Help me to get through this heartbreak
Please, ease the pain
I might not be his boyfriend anymore, and she not anymore my girlfriend…
But she is Your daughter
And I pray You will always be with her
To guide and comfort her
Please give her the True Happiness and the True Love that you - not I - can only give
I still love her, God…
If this is a "true" one, help me to hang on
And help me to be a good friend to her
I trust in You to take care of this
I surrender this matter in Your hands
In the name of Jesus Christ, the true Author of True Love…
Amen.

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