Math is Badass

In fiction, the use of Math is heavily romanticized.  Like in the TV show “Numb3rs”, where Math is used to aid the FBI against crime.  Then again, I have read that such practices are actually being done in real life!  Also, in Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” books, there is a science called Psychohistory (which I had already discussed in a list of thought provokers), in which actual sociological and historical factors are converted to statistical-probability equations that would make it possible for the prediction of the future of humanity.  Sounds absurd?  But consider that others are actually venturing on mathematical study that are somewhat parallel to some Psychohistorical concepts!

Clearly, Math is badass.  And, believe me, not only in fiction, but in real life as well.

When I was a kid, I hated Math.  And I grew up hating it all throughout my academic life.  (Though, ironically, I was “Best in Math” in Nursery. LOL) However, I have loved mysteries and puzzles and logic (long before I learned that that’s the word for that process or exercise), but have not realized that Math was the most perfect avenue where I can work them out.  When I was about a young adult, I started to see how special Math real is.  And I felt regret, since I haven’t started loving it when I was a kid, when it’s the best time to learn its skills.

I know no real Math.  Yeah, I know basic algebra and such.  I mean the REAL Math.  The mind-blowing Math.  The Math that appears to be the key to the mysteries of the universe.  Math, as much as Science, is not a panacea, nor it can answer everything.  But, still, it is a very invaluable tool in expressing or interpreting seemingly incomprehensible facts of reality into some form of comprehension.  The Mathematical World is magical.  I find it amazing how numbers and equations can interpret reality, even across its visible boundaries; and how numbers and equations can prove a fact before an actual hands-on scientific experimentation, when experimenting about it is still impossible or it hasn’t been figured out how to carry out the experiment.  There are concepts of Quantum Physics (and also in other sciences, but mostly this) that only Math can touch.  Sci-fi concepts like time-travel and alternate universes are not laughable ideas at all because of Math.  Besides, Math can and have proven things that were thought unthinkable before, like for example, establishing that, at the essence, matter and energy are the same thing.

    

But there are also cases when something that is impossible in the world of reality is only possible in the world of math.  Examples are mindblowing paradoxes (e.g. Zeno’s paradox or the “Achilles and the Tortoise” paradox).  They are sound in paper and equations, but in reality, they are impossible.  Below is an example of a geometrical paradox.

Also consider how Math, without any logical or mathematical fallacy, proved that 1 and 0.9999… are equal.

assume that 

x = 0.999999...

multiply both sides by 10 

10x = 9.99999...

subtract both sides by x (which is 0.9999999...) 

10x - x = 9.999999... - x

or

10x - x = 9.99999... - 0.99999...

which becomes,
9x = 9

divide both sides by 9 

9x/9 = 9/9

which results to,
x=1

conclusion 

1 = 0.999999...

And as we continue to learn more about the world of Math, we see how really mindblowing it is.

Of course, there will be times when it’s impossible for numbers and equation to tell the whole story in a particular case or system (e.g. basketball statistics), since there are some other aspects or factors of the system that can’t be put into equation.  However, there might come a day when someone will build a perfect equation that would be able to successfully translate ALL the factors and aspects of a case or study, allowing it to become the perfect and final word on the subject.  As I’ve said, Math has already proven some things to be possible which had been thought impossible before. Who knows, maybe in a century or two, people would be doing real-life Psychohistorical analyses.    

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Floodgates (at Bicol Celebration of Hope)

Will Graham, grandson of famous evangelist Billy Graham, went to Pili, Camarines Sur for a massive 4-day evangelistic crusade entitled "Bicol Celebration of Hope", where thousands of people - from different churches across Bicol - participated.  It was held at Pili's Freedom Stadium (inside the Sports Complex) from April 28 to May 1, 2011.  Aside from local performers from Bicol churches (which went through auditions in their hometowns), there were also Christian celebrity guests (during the day we performed, it was Barbie Almalbis and Donita Rose) that performed and gave testimonies.  Our band, Floodgates, was asked to open Day 2 (April 29).  We just recently got the official video (personal video recording was prohibited during the event) from the organizers, and here it is:    

click here for more videos

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Analysis of Christianity Part 3 - "Basics"

(Previous: Part 2 - “Believing in God is Only Logical”)

Due to the inevitability of religion being imperfect, Christianity functioning as a religion is not perfect.  There is no perfect Christian church.  And due to this imperfectness, Christians have different ideas on Christianity and are not able to agree with each other on ALL the doctrines and concepts.  That’s why there are divisions.  That’s why there are plenty of Christian denominations and churches.

But, still, even if there are disagreements, ALL Christian churches share the belief on a set of important doctrines or concepts of Christianity.  These important beliefs are the core of Christianity, that if a church does not agree in just one of these, then it is very probable that that church is not really a Christian church even if they claim that they are. 

 

What are these basic beliefs that all Christians agree to?  I will use the Apostles’ Creed as a guide to discuss these basic beliefs, since they are already organized and summarized in it.

First, a brief background on the Creed…

The Apostles’ Creed – contrary to the name might imply – was not written by the Apostles or any Apostle.  It is known as such because the clauses are in accordance with the teachings of the Apostles.  The origin of the Creed is not easily determined.  But it is the common creed by the early Christian Church (circa 2^nd century A.D.).  It had been used during those days for catechisms, as a comprehensive set of reminders, for instructions, for reference, and a material to use when defending the faith against heresy and attacks.  Since then, the Apostles’ Creed’s contents were the common denominator of all Christians’ beliefs.

* * *

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth

Christians believe in the existence of God.  Not only does the belief in God is established, but three other things about this God are established as truths to be believed: a) the Father person of the Godhead or Trinity; b) He is Almighty – sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent; and c) God is the Creator of Creation. In Part 2, I had already discussed extensively about the existence of God and that He had created all things so I don’t need to say much about this.    

And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord

Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is the Son (or Word) person of the Godhead or Trinity.  And that He is the Head of the Church (…our Lord).  There are those that say that Jesus was just a mere man, a prophet, a good rabbi, denying that he is God.  This claim is unbiblical, and once an organized religion or church say that Jesus is just a man, then it is a clear indication that such church is not a Christian one.

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary

Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of Man.  He is God incarnated as man.  100% God and 100% human simultaneously (a mystery).  As stated in the gospels, Mary did not have any sexual intercourse with anybody when she got pregnant with Jesus.  It was the Holy Spirit that put him in her womb.     

Why did God need to be incarnated as Man in the first place?  He needed to be able to become a Second Adam, a qualified representative of mankind, just as Adam was the representative in mankind’s behalf in Eden.  Mankind can only be represented by a Man.  As Adam brought curse to mankind, Christ, as the Second Adam, meant to bring hope and salvation.

Suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried

To wash the sins of mankind (or, rather, specifically speaking, His sheep), Jesus took it into himself to be humiliated, tortured, beaten, spat, ridiculed, slandered, abused, and to be crucified and killed on the cross.  He endured the hell of a suffering (pun intended) that was meant for mankind as punishment for sin.  He became clothed with mankind’s sin.  And he took the curse upon him (“Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree,” as the Scripture declared).  And he died.

He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead

Jesus descending to hell is just a matter of poetical semantics.  The English word Hell was taken from the Greek word Hades (since the New Testament was written in Greek).  Hades might mean Hell, the place for eternal torment, but it can also mean Death or the realm of the disembodied spirits (hell, but the letter “h” in lower case).  Death happens when the spirit is separated from its vessel in the flesh, and when Jesus died, his spirit had really left his body (“You’re your hands I commit my spirit”).   Thus, “descending to hell” merely means that Jesus’ spirit left his body and passed into the abodes of the spirit.  This merely emphasizes that Jesus’ death was as human as it can possibly be; that there was a real death that happened.  This is in context with the second part of the clause.

The second part states, “the third day He rose again from the dead.”  So, Jesus was under the power of death until the third day.  The empathic reality of his death magnifies the empathic reality of his resurrection.  Indeed, Christ’s resurrection is very very important.  His death would have been meaningless if He hadn’t risen from the dead.  Christianity would have, in the Apostle Paul’s words, in vain.  The resurrection was an essential part of the completion of Christ’s mission in saving us from our sins.  When he rose again, he had gotten victory over death and his claims of being the Son of God and of being the Messiah are affirmed. 

He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty

Forty days after his resurrection, in plain view of his followers, he ascended to Heaven.  Christ’s Ascension completed the Resurrection.  Now, He is glorified and honored by the Father.  In Men’s custom, being in the right side is the place of glory, honor, and power; therefore to sit on God’s right is the place of highest glory, honor, and power, which Christ now enjoys as a reward for his accomplished mission.  And now sitting on the right side of the Father, the Son is now in the perfect position to have His Father’s ear all the time, to mediate and plead for His sheep since he is our High Priest.

From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead

Christians believe in a “D-Day”.  Which is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  There is no exact date stated in the Scriptures on when will it be (“Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not angels of heaven, but my Father only.”).  But Christians are instructed to live each day as if it was the last since Christ will come unexpectedly (“like a thief in the night”).  During his first coming, he came humbly, born in a smelly manger.  But in this Second Coming, he will come in all glory and power.  He will come as a Conqueror, with the Mighty Armies of Heaven with him and his saints (the Christians) by his side.  He will also come as a Judge of mankind.  All humans throughout history shall stand before the Judgment seat, where the righteous – those that are made righteous by Christ’s blood – and the wicked will be separated.  The righteous will come into the glorious joy of the Master, while the wicked – along with Satan and his angels – will be dismissed to eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire (Brrr. Always gives me goosebumps when thinking or talking about this).

I believe in the Holy Ghost

Christians believe in the Holy Ghost person in the Godhead or Trinity.  Some claim that the Holy Ghost is a mere “energy” or “force” and not God.  This is, of course, false and unbiblical.  The Holy Ghost is God.  He was the promised “Comforter” by the Son, the One that will replace Him as the day-to-day Companion of his disciples, before he ascended to heaven.  Christians also believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in every Christian’s heart and works on him and through him.

The Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of saints

Firstly, the label of “holy” on the Church means, not because its members are now without flaws, but it is holy because its Head – Jesus Christ – is holy and he had made his Church holy.  And someday, the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying process would completely make all of the Church’s members perfect. 

The Christian Church is expressed as “The Holy Catholic Church”.  This was not intended to mean as the Roman Catholic Church at all.  The word “Catholic” means universal.  The Christian church is universal, meaning it is not exclusive to any race or culture, which would require submission to an earthly citizenship or cultural traditions as a condition to join, but it is open to every tongue and nation. 

Just as the Church being “Catholic” means that it is universal, not dependent on race or culture, it is also universal in the sense that it is not exclusive on any denomination.  The Church does not mean as something limited to organization.  Indeed, there are plenty of Christian denominations.  But the Church means the Christians as a whole.  And though Christians are divided by denominations and by their personal opinions and interpretations of biblical doctrine, they are one as a Church, because the Church is the Body of Christ, Christ being the Head.  Christians are one in Christ. 

The word “saint” means someone set apart, and thus, all Christians, who are set apart for Christ, are saints.  And “the Communion of the saints”, means the united, harmonious and sacred fellowship of Christians, regardless of their differences and lack of agreement on all doctrines.  All Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ and fellowship among them is very imperative.     

Now, considering all the things mentioned above, it also means that a membership to a church does not make you a Christian or grant you salvation.  Only with a personal encounter with Christ will one have salvation and be a truly sincere Christian.  Thus, any church or religious group that claims that they are the only “true” church and only those that are members of their church will be saved is a sure giveaway that they are not a true Christian church.

The Forgiveness of sins

After the Fall of Man in Eden, mankind was under the bondage of sin.  And the consequence of sin on mankind is being separated from God, because being holy, He hates evil and can never associate with it.  Because of sin, there is death (“the wages of sin is death”).  We might be breathing and walking physically, but in the eyes of God, since we humans are destined for death (and Hell), we are dead already.  We are spiritual zombies.          

But because of God’s grace and intervention, He had sent His son to save us from our sins (already discussed above).  And, by this, Christians believe that Christ is their Savior, by his blood they are cleansed from sin and clothed with his righteousness, making it possible for them to be reconciled and have a personal relationship with God.  Moreover, this allowed those that are forgiven to be free from being slaves of sin, allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in them, making them holy, and enabling them to live lives that are pleasing to God.     

The Resurrection of the body

As already mentioned before, all of humanity throughout history will stand before Jesus Christ when he returns to be judged.  Thus, there will be a resurrection of all dead – righteous and wicked – in general.  The resurrection will not only be limited to our souls, but our bodies as well.  We will rise with the same bodies that our souls had left when we die.  We can never tell how can this be brought about, but in God, all things are possible.  There will be two types of resurrection: for the wicked and the righteous.  The resurrection for the wicked will be of shame and eternal revulsion.  Their bodies and souls shall be thrown to the Lake of Fire, but though their bodies will be annihilated by the fire, their souls or consciousness will remain, and they will suffer the burning for all eternity.  On the other hand, the righteous, though their resurrected bodies will be the same as that in which the soul have dwelt in, will undergo transformation into glorious and beautiful spiritual bodies.  Christians believe that Jesus is not only the redeemer of the soul but is also “the Savior of the body.”  Thus, there will renewal of the body (after its resurrection) as well as the spirit of someone that is of Christ.  And, blameless before God, they will be received by Him to enjoy eternity in His presence.            

And the Life Everlasting

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Thus, all deserve to die.  But because of Christ, instead of death, Christians received the gift of immortality instead. 

God gifted life to man for one purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  But after the Fall, in which the curse of death replaced the gift of life because of sin’s entrance, man lost this purpose.  However, God sent His Son, that through Him, by grace, we would receive Eternal Life, destroying the hold of the curse of death, and we would find our purpose once more.  Eternal Life is the great gift in which will enable us to perform the purpose why God had created us: to glorify God and enjoy Him FOREVER.  Though Eternal Life will climax once eternity begins, the gift of Eternal Life, however, starts as soon as one receives Christ in his life, and not only after the resurrection.  Thus, performing our purpose can start as soon as on that point, which will carry on in eternity.  Eternal Life is having the privilege of being able to enjoy the happiness of Heaven, as this immortality will be spent in basking in the overwhelming glory and splendor of God forevermore.      

* * *

Take note of the fact that there are churches that claim to be Christian churches but are NOT, and there are those who belong in Christian churches but are NOT Christians.  That’s why knowledge of these basic and universal beliefs that are shared across Christianity is useful since it’s an effective determinant if one is a true Christian.  A true Christian believes all of these truths.  Though believing in all of these is not a “requirement” to get saved or be born again, belief in them, however, is a “proof” that one is saved or born again.  

As mentioned several times already, Christians however do not share an agreement on other doctrines.  These debated doctrines are “irrelevant”, in the sense that they will never put a Christian’s authenticity as a Christian on doubt, considering he believes in the core beliefs.  These separations and disagreements happen because of good ol’ flawed human nature.  Humans are stubborn, proud, tend to rely on personal wisdom and ability, and give importance to personal conveniences.    

Of course, Christians function with a desire to glorify God and as lovers of truth.  So if a Christian does err in some of his doctrinal beliefs, then it is not because he is malicious and intentionally motivates himself to cause confusion or separation, but it is because he sincerely believes that his erroneous doctrinal beliefs are the “truth” and they “glorify God”.  And stubborn as he might be in holding on his doctrinal beliefs, if discussion or study will show him that he was wrong with his doctrinal opinions – the Holy Spirit opening his eyes – then he will acknowledge his wrong understanding and would now believe in the true doctrine.  Because, again, Christians desire to glorify God and find the truth.

(I think the most popular or “hottest” of doctrinal debates is the “mechanics” of salvation between the Reformed view against the Arminian view.  Personally, I believe that the Reformed view is the correct biblical view.  That’s why it’s what I will discuss next: Part 4 - “Salvation and TULIP”)        

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Top 10 Pro-Wrestlers

John Cena sucks.  Let’s establish that.  I don’t understand why most of today’s wrestling fans love him.  Back in my days (90’s to early 2000’s), he will definitely be dismissed as trash by the fans.  I admit, I liked Cena back before he became a WWE icon.  He has this mean charismatic smartass rapping tongue and entertaining antics as a white hip-hop.  Now, I can no longer find him charismatic nor entertaining.  I say it again – and if you were already a fan during the Attitude era, you will agree with me – John Cena sucks.

In this list are the top ten wrestlers that I found most entertaining and charismatic – two factors to determine the quality of a wrestler.  Professional wrestlers are not only tough athletes but good actors and can sell their characters very well.  Actually, I find that those that are good actors are rewarded more in this business than the athletic ones (since if it’s the other way around, Billy Kidman should have had several world titles during his career).  I am not saying that athleticism in wrestling is unimportant, but I think being able to make your character’s personality more interesting is more important than athleticism.  It doesn’t matter if a wrestler is a babyface (good guy) or a heel (bad guy).  Fans appreciate creativity or good characterization when they see it, regardless of being a good or bad guy.  Besides, in wrestling, the characters and storylines are dynamic and ever changing.  A wrestler might be a babyface in this storyline, and then a heel on the next, and then back to babyface.  And so on with the cycle.   Some wrestlers are better off as babyfaces, some wrestlers are better off as heels, and some are good either way.

By the way, before starting, I want to make this clear, this top 10 should not be interpreted as who is the top 10 greatest according to my opinion.  This list means my top 10 favorite performers (though the top 1 of this list is also who is, in my opinion, the greatest of all time in the history of wrestling).

10.) MICK FOLEY

He was given the nickname the Hardcore Legend because of his trademark toughness.  In his career, he had endured an unbelievable amount of painful stunts just to make the matches he is in – especially the hardcore and no-holds-barred matches – more compelling and badass.  Together with the Rock, they had formed the second most entertaining duo (I will mention later which I think is the first) in wrestling: the Rock N’ Sock Connection.  He was known to characterize three personalities: Mankind (the most famous and fun), Dude Love, and Cactus Jack (the most hardcore).  At one Royal Rumble, though Mick Foley lost, all three personalities had participated!  His signature move is the Mandible Claw, in which he put a sock on his hand and grabs his opponent’s jaw. 

9.) STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN

The Texas Rattlesnake was the ultimate anti-authority figure in the WWE.  He answered to no one.  He was badass and uncompromising.  He was a primary reason why the 90’s was known as the Attitude era – which had put more grit into the WWE.  Just looking at his signatures – from his Stunner, to his beer drinking, to his gesture of raising his middle fingers – you can determine how much of a rebel he is.

8.) THE HURRICANE

This is no joke.  I really liked the Hurricane.  Yes, he’s mostly used for comic relief, but his ridiculous antics and mannerisms as a superhero in the wrestling world really cracked me up.  I actually find it sad that he had not much success as a competitor. His most funny (and best) moment was during his short but memorable feud with the Rock (where the Rock made fun of him and called him “the Hamburglar”).     

7.) KANE

Not the Kane now, but the legendary masked Kane of the past.  Prior to removing his mask, Kane was the most terrifying star in WWE.  Terrifying in the sense that his mask added to the mystique of mystery about him.  There is a reason he is nicknamed the Big Red Machine, as he was like an unstoppable mechanical force of destruction.

6.) BATISTA

I have to add someone with Filipino blood on this list.  Batista was just an enforcer-type of wrestler before he was catapulted to superstar status when he became a world champion.  I think he was made to be so to replace Goldberg as being the “Animal”.  But I find Batista better than Goldberg.  He’s classier (but still retaining the savageness of being the “Animal”), more charismatic, grittier, better with the mic (an important and invaluable skill in the trade), and does not seem to exaggerate as Goldberg does with the “Animal” characterization.      

5.) THE UNDERTAKER

He had also donned a “Hell’s Angel biker”-type of character, but he is more famous as the eerie, scary Deadman.  With his “back from the grave”-persona with Underworld powers as the theatrics of his character, he is the most intimidating wrestler in the WWE.  But more than theatrics, he is also among the most formidable and skillful wrestlers in the ring.    He can even tightrope on the top rope, something impressive for a seven-footer like the Undertaker.

4.) TRIPLE H

I cheered against Hunter Hearst-Helmsley when he was feuding with my favorite wrestler (see number 1).  But though I cheered against him, I respect him as a wrestler and performer.  He is one of the greatest ever in the business, and at his best when he is a heel.  He and Shawn Michaels form the most entertaining duo in wrestling with D-X.  And he was also the leader of one of the best heel groups ever, Evolution.  The best moment of Triple H was during his tagteam match with Stone Cold against Christ Jericho and Chris Benoit.  Somewhere in the match, Triple H’s left quadriceps muscle burst and rolled up his leg.  A famous orthopedic surgeon would describe it as as if someone had shot off a gun inside the muscle.  Triple H surpassed the limit of human tolerance for pain, as he continued to finish the match, even enduring a Walls of Jericho along the way.  That epic performance showed Triple H’s heart and dedication for his trade, earning him the respect of everyone.    

3.) SHAWN MICHAELS

HBK or the Heartbreak Kid is one of the most dedicated and skilled performers in the WWE.   His finishing move, the Sweet Chin Music, is one of my favorites.  No complicated hype but still cool. Sometimes he deliver it after some build-up or flair, but it is at its best when it comes out of nowhere, knocking his opponent unconscious.  In a way, the Sweet Chin Music reflects its wielder; unpredictable, fundamental, effective, sexy, and striking.  As an icon, HBK is one of the most beloved ever.  

2.) RANDY ORTON

My most favorite wrestler in the post-Attitude era, Randy Orton would fit well during that Attitude era (unlike Cena).  I had seen great potential in him when he was being built up by Evolution to be “the future.”  And then he became the Legend Killer (targeting legendary figures), became the youngest world champion, and, now, he’s one of the top superstars in the WWE and consistent champion or contender.  Most of the time, he’s a heel, but even during those times, with that smirk and arrogance in him, he was lovable.  These days, he is the Viper (though I kind of like his arrogant Legend Killer persona more), cunning, uncontrolled, and deadly.   Just like a Viper, his signature RKO finisher can strike unexpectedly.  It is so entertaining to watch those RKOs coming out of nowhere.  My dream match is between him and the number one in this list.         

1.) THE ROCK

The People’s Champ.  The Brahma Bull.  He was captivating, entertaining, and electrifying.  He was blessed with a witty and charismatic tongue, his promos delivered with unique flamboyance and humor, and he had coined plenty of trademark catchphrases.  He was that great with the mic that I remember that there was a time, that even though he was the heel and talked trash against the audience, they still cheered for him!  He was not that breathtaking in terms of ring athleticism but his collection of delightful antics, behavior, mannerisms, facial expressions, and body languages made his ring performances special.  He was also passionate with wrestling, and it is demonstrated by how much effort he put in performing, by the creativity he shows, not only in building up his character, but also making his opponent’s character look good, making the story more interesting.  I don’t need to elaborate more how much a great performer he is since you already know that he is now a Hollywood actor (proving my point).  The Rock is the best.

That’s why it’ll probably drive me mad if the writers require the Rock to lose against, ugh, Cena in Wrestlemania 28.     

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I Love Writing. I Love the Lakers. I Love This Blog. Happy 5th Year Anniversary!

Five years ago, on May 2006, I created this blog.  The first post I wrote was about how, as a Laker fan, Laker defeats are made more painful when there are plenty of haters surrounding you that celebrate when the team fails.  More about that later.   First, I want to talk about why I decided to make this blog.  I made this blog to house most of my written works.  Later on, I would also use it to archive my videos and host my photo albums.  But initially and primarily, this blog was for my writings.  I wanted to create a form of “autobiography” of myself through my writing and discussion of various topics (and, now, also through the photo albums of my life and videos) and not just explicit journal-type writings of what happen in my life.  I write about all things that interest me or what was on my mind at a particular time, and through these, a reader might catch a glimpse of who Bernel is.

In those five years, I had written more than a hundred posts – in essays or scribbles – on a range of topics in this blog.  I love to write.  I write to organize my thoughts.  I write as therapy (in fact I consider it as my best form of therapy for myself).  I write to chronicle a particular moment I want to look back to.  I write as a pastime.  I write for fun.  I just love to write.

Yes, I love to write.  It doesn’t matter what particular mood I am in (though the mood does help a bit with the quality and style), I will write.  Even if I would have to write about something painful, the act of writing helps in easing the pain (as I’ve said, it’s the best therapy).  Indeed, the mood is (almost) irrelevant.  Five years ago, my first post in this blogwas prompted by the Los Angeles Lakers’ disappointing defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.  The underdog Lakers surprisingly took a 3-1 against the favored Suns, and it looked as if the Lakers would pull off an epic upset.  However, the Suns won three straight, winning the series 4-3.  It was hearbreaking to a Laker fan like me.  More made painful by the rejoicing of the Laker haters (note: just part of being a sports fan).  But writing about it was healing.  Coincidentally, now in the 5^th year anniversary of that debut post of the blog, the Lakers suffered a heartbreaking loss once again.  This time, being swept by the Dallas Mavericks, ending the dream for a third straight title.  And just like 5 years ago, to write about my thoughts about it will ease the disappointment.

When the LA Lakers was down 2-0 (losses coming from the Lakers’ homecourt), I was not worried.  They are the type of team that can come back from it.  Then, the Mavs took a shocking 3-0 lead.  Even if there was no team in NBA history that came back from a 0-3 deficit to win a series, I was never really totally anxious.  I have been a Laker fan for more than half my lifetime and I can say that I am a tough enough fan to trust my favorite team – even if it’s improbable – to win 4 straight games.  I would only go down when the Lakers’ elimination had been certain.  Until then, my attitude was still “meh”, though it’s very unlikely to still win the series, I – with my Lakers – would go down fighting. 

But there you go.  A 4-0 sweep.  Kudos to the Mavs.  They certainly did a great job and deserve to win the series.  I am proud of the Lakers team, for what they accomplished in these last four seasons, reaching the Finals three straight, and winning the championship two straight.  Yes, I am proud, but I am a bit disappointed as well.  As a fan, it seemed to me that they did not give their best at it.  I know that they were capable of doing better (I now have second thoughts if Pau Gasol is really what I thought him to be: greatest power forward in the NBA; maybe I was quick at concluding it.  He was definitely “Ga-soft” this playoffs).  Still, I love this team and trust that they will rise up from this defeat, like they always did in the past (It is very likely they would try to trade for Dwight Howard in the offseason).  In the highs and lows, I hold my head up high, proud to be a Los Angeles Lakers fan.  To be honest, this recent Laker defeat did not sting me as much as their past defeats (especially in 2008, although their 2009 and 2010 victories made up for it).   Hmmmm.  Maybe it is due to being a tougher fan now than before, as I mentioned a while ago.  Or maybe because I am so happy nowadays that even a Laker defeat does not bother me much (*wink*wink*).  Anyway, I am optimistic of the future.  (By the way, after the Lakers got eliminated, I’m rooting for the Memphis Grizzlies to win the title this year.  That would be awesome!)     

I love writing.  I love the Lakers.  And I love this blog.  These will never change.  5 years old, my dear readers, this blog is 5 years old.  Or 5 years young, if you prefer it that way.  Either way, celebrate with me.  Looking forward for the next five years… and beyond.  

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Performances in Mission Trip '11

Last May 4 to 6, we (Joy Church) went to Manila for a mission trip.  In Dawn Dew Korean Church, we performed some evangelistic numbers for the congregation there.  Here are videos of some of the performances:

click here for more videos

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Love... And the Related Topics Part 2

More than half a decade ago, I tried to summarize all my thoughts about love and its offshoot issues in one comprehensive essay.  I was a sixteen year-old back then and those were a sixteen year-old’s thoughts.  Now, I am a young adult and have a more organized – if not better – perspective on this subject matter than my teenage self.  So, I decided to write this “updated” essay, to add more to the original essay or to revise or improve some of its contents.  Here goes nothin’…  

Is love easily analyzed or defined?  No.  I don’t think so.  In fact, love is something so complex.  Our viewpoint on love varies, depending on our own unique individual encounters and experiences.  It has different facets.  It is more than an emotion.   More than a concept.  And there might be something more in the saying “Love makes the world go around” than a cliché. 

Let me first try to define or conceptualized “Love” in its purest and truest form.  And it’s God.  God is Love.  Not only is God loving, but God himself is Love.  The truest and purest form of Love is found in God’s nature and nowhere else.  And since it is impossible to fully comprehend God’s nature in our lifetime and present mental capabilities, then it is therefore impossible to fully comprehend what Love really is.  Only God knows. And only God can really love purely and truly.    

As humans, we are created in God’s image.  Thus, as creatures created in God’s image, we might be able to wield some of his qualities… or, rather, to wield POOR IMITATIONS of God’s qualities.  God loves, and we humans also love.  We have some idea of what love is, but considerably fall short on the concept of God’s Love.  Nonetheless, as humans, we love, in our own limited and flawed ways.  We have different forms of “love”.  Affection to others.  As comrades loyally and passionately having each other’s backs (philia or brotherly love).  The concept of lovers (eros or romantic/sexual love).  Parents’ love for their children, and vice versa.  Several form and complicated hybrids of these forms, and within these forms, different and indescribable intensities.  You can never perfectly diagram these facets of human love.  In some ways, these forms of human love have some ingredients of nobility that gives us an idea on how God’s love might function.  People willing to sacrifice even their lives for their friends or families.  Parents lavishing their children with love even if they’re ungrateful and selfish brats.  A lover’s readiness to give up his own happiness for the best or for the happiness of the person he or she loves.  Etc.  However, human love will always be imperfect.  Human love is conditional.  It is limited.  And it always expects something in return. 

God is Love.  He is the only one that has perfect idea on what Love is, since it is who He is.  And He is the only one that can wield in perfectly. 

God’s love is unconditional – no, let me correct that – God’s love is certainly conditional… but He was the one who fulfilled those conditions so that we can enjoy the experience and benefits of His love .  His love is more than unconditional. 

When a human loves, it is always limited to his capabilities and strength.  Though he might want to give the most expensive gift to his loved one, but he won’t be able to do so if he can’t afford it.  He might desire to be beside his beloved always, but it is impossible for him to have his eyes on his beloved 24/7.  His weakness limits him to perfectly protect his beloved.  However, God’s omnipotence and sovereignty assures that His love can’t be limited.  Nothing or no one can frustrate His love.  If He wants to give someone He loves a particular gift, He is able to give it.  He is able to be by His beloved’s side always.  And His protection is absolutely perfect.   

With God’s love being unconditional, He does not need anything in return.  We have nothing to give in return for His love anyway.  Love God back or not, God will remain as He is.  Though, whoever God gives his love to, he or she can’t help but to love God back. 

And only those that saw and experienced God’s love can truly wield love… or, at least, as close as a human can on truly wielding love (since, again, only God can truly love).  God’s love has never been more expressed when His only Son was incarnated in this world.  The Latter brought and taught outlandish concepts such as “loving your enemies” and “turning the other cheek.”  And then He was humiliated, tortured, and crucified on the cross.  All that He endured out of love.  To save His children from Hell, He had undergone Hell for himself.  So, that they can reconcile with His Father and to enjoy experiencing being Truly Beloved.  Take note that He is not obliged to do it.  His being God will not be lessened if He didn’t do it or be increased if He did.  He just did it out of love.  

Those people who Jesus died for – people who encountered and received what True Love is – will have their hearts filled with love and gratitude to God, ready to do anything for Him.  They would be enabled to carry on the outlandish concepts he taught like “loving your enemies” and “turning the other cheek”, because they love God and want to please him and because God’s own love itself is overflowing through them.  Again, only those that have been Truly Loved can truly love.  To love the unlovable.  To wield the kind of love that the Apostle Paul wrote in the famous Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13 to those who are not aware of their Bible).  It’s not as perfect as God’s, but it’s the closest thing we humans are able to truly love.

Human love per se in all its forms – romantic, brotherly, parental, etc. – are flawed and, in a sense, selfish.  But combined with this God-given Love, only then they become special. 

Now from this point, let me concentrate on humans’ – or, at least, the recent generations’ – most favorite kind of love (thanks largely to Shakespeare and pop culture): romantic love (eros).  Why is it the most favorite?  Maybe because it is the most fun.  And also most natural, since human physiology is a main reason of its being.  God created us to be attracted to the opposite sex, and our biological make-up ensures that we do.  So romantic feelings are mostly because of chemicals pumped by the body.  Is it more than that?  The answer is a complicated “Yes” and “No.” 

Let’s look at the “No” aspect first.  I had already argued in a past essay that romantic love is the same all over – different types of attraction, different intensities, but same emotions.  Emotions that are mostly triggered because of the God-designed bodily chemicals.  And when the chemicals wear off, the emotional high also wears off.  So, at this sense, romantic love is nothing more than God-designed bodily chemicals. 

It gets complicated because of the “Yes” aspect.    As I’ve mentioned in the past paragraph, these emotions (of romantic love) are mostly triggered by chemicals.  BUT these chemicals are (definitely) triggered by external stimuli.  Usually, we “fall in love” because several factors or conditions are favorable in a “butterfly effect” (review your Chaos Theory if you are unfamiliar with the term) way rather than the person per se – though, he or she is of course a major factor, but just not the sole factor.  Given a favorable person in a favorable setting in a favorable time in a favorable circumstance (and other favorable applicable variables),  getting attracted or “falling in love” happens.  And when the conditions become unfavorable – i.e. long-distance, revelation of dark secrets, external (outside of the two parties) variables, found someone better, etc. - we “fall out of love.”  Emotional high wears off.  Romantic love all depends on how fast and hard the chemicals that make us “fall in love” can be stimulated by the conditions or external stimuli, and how long the conditions or external stimuli can sustain the emotional high.  E.g. a girl might have “fallen in love” with a boy, because he came as a “knight in shining armor” during the loneliest part of her life.  That’s why we “fall in love” and “fall out of love” a few or several times in our lives (until we fall in love for final time, but I am getting ahead of myself).  And the intensities on each time are different, depending on the variables present.  E.g. a boy might have “fallen in love” with a girl, but due to their young age, the intensity is mere infatuation.  Yup, romantic love occurs and has different intensities due to complex sets of conditions.

I am not saying that there is no such thing as “One True Love” or soulmate or Mr. Right or Ms. Right.  Indeed, I believe that God destines two people to be together.  It happens not only because of favorable conditions that make them “fall in love”, but because of PERFECT conditions.  And since it is perfect, there will be no emergence of “unfavorable conditions” (even if it appears to be as such) that would make them “fall out of love”.  Perfect person in a perfect setting in a perfect time in a perfect circumstance – made possible because of the Master Matchmaker.  The intensity of this romantic love would lead to marriage.

As much as one can, fight the feeling of romantic love, never yield to it.  Since if it’s true or too strong anyway, it will break through in the end; it will overflow from the heart.  People who allow themselves to “fall in love” easily, who rush into their decisions, become “romantic love junkies”, people who actually “fall in love with falling in love” rather than “falling in love with someone.”  They “fall in love” just for the sake of “falling in love”.  They rush to “fall in love”.  Since it is rushed, it is likely that the conditions will become unfavorable, and when they do, these people get their heart broken.  To fill the pain, they would be in a rush to “fall in love” again.  And will get their heart broken again.  And so on.  Junkies indeed.  So sad.   “There are many people who believe in serial love, loving one person after another,” as Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago (the most entertaining senator in Philippine history) mused, “I don’t think it is good for our mental health.” 

I always believe that when you get your heart broken, you have nobody to blame but yourself since it is you who allowed yourself to fall in love.  So as much as one can, fight the feeling and never yield until the feeling breaks through.  At least, by that, when you indeed fall in love with someone, you can be sure that you fell in love hard, that you can’t help it now but to go all in, risking even heartbreak, since, as a favorite quote of mine goes, “[Falling in] love is giving someone the power to destroy you, but trusting them not to.” 

   

When that time comes – a time when you are willing to risk it all – you would see every girl (or boy, if the reader is a girl) paling in comparison to her (or him).  You would feel uncomfortably incomplete without her.  You would be oblivious to the rest of the world when you’re with her.  You don’t care about anything anymore but to be with her.  There will be nothing or nobody else better or more important.  This type of falling in love is what Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago means when she said, “It’s like measles, you know.  You only get it once in your lifetime and you are immune forever.”   This is falling in love for the final time… the good kind of falling in love since it is true.

This usually leads to marriage.  I used to roll my eyes on marriage.  That’s when I knew nothing better.  Then I learned that in marriage is where human love as a lens to have a glimpse on God’s love is at its best.  With the passage in Ephesians 5:25-30 (read it if you aren’t familiar with it.  It’s just beautiful), we can see how marriage was used as an analogy – the most perfect analogy possible – for Christ’s own love for His Bride (the Church).  Before, since I was a kid, I never thought of myself as someone that would eventually marry.  Maybe it was a possibility that I would, but I never entertained the thought.  “I will never marry.  It is more advantageous to be a bachelor,” were my usual words.  But after really seeing how special marriage can really be, now, maybe for the first time in my life, I start to really like getting married someday.  To have someone hand-in-hand in the journey for True Happiness that is only found in Him.  To live out the analogy that would make me feel and appreciate greatly the greatness of God’s love. 

But I also believe that you don’t need to romantically fall in love to get married.  Some couples even fall in love only when they’re already married; learning to love each other after getting married.  Romantically falling in love before marrying is a convenience of modern times that the majority enjoys.  Historically, marriage is not always because of so.  Marriages get prearranged.  There were times that a couple would see each other for the first time on the wedding day itself.  But these marriages, surprisingly, work.  Ironically, more often than not nowadays, those however that married because solely of romantic feelings have marriages that aren’t successful.  Mostly because these marriages are selfish and not God-centered.  But, I believe, that even without romantic love, a marriage will be successful if there is the kind of love Christianity has (which I already talked about many paragraphs ago) in it.  At some point of the marriage, the “favorable conditions” that brought the couple to “fall in love” might even disappear.  But the marriage will be sustained because of the Christian love they have for God and each other.  But, of course, the best marriages are those that have both the high of romantic love AND the God-centeredness of Christian love.  And we have to be thankful that falling in love before marrying is of fashion nowadays instead of prearranged marriage.  I, for one, am thankful for such convenience.        

I still can’t talk much about marriage because I am yet to experience.  So I leave it at that.

In fact, I think I’ll leave this essay at this.  This “upgraded” essay on “Love... and the Related Topics” is long enough already.  A Part 3 might be written in another half a decade – give or take a few years.  Maybe I would have more ideas or understanding about the topic at hand by that time.  Who knows, I might even be married already at that point. 

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