Palm Sunday : HOPE

Hope is when we trust our future into God’s hands, even when things are less ideal in the present.

Have you ever seen the sunrise in the morning?

Seeing the light shining in the horizon is such an amusing scene to watch to. Sunrise is the simplest expression of hope. There could have been darkness in our lives, but rest assured that the sun will comes out tomorrow.

The bible says, ‘be joyful because you have hope, be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. – Romans 12:12. We are God’s special child. He is preparing us to be the best of who we are. In the bible, Paul met Jesus Christ in a blinding light, and that appearance has changed his life. He used to be a persecutor, an arrogant braggart and self-sufficient man. But when he found Jesus in his life, he turned to be an encourager, a humble preacher and reluctant to God. Instead of keeping his eyes from the past, he looked at the future with an incredible sense of hope (Philippians 3:13-14).

We don’t need to be in the blinding light, Paul taught us some reasons that we can live with hope even in the midst of adversity:

1. God Forgives Us – When we are at peace with our creator, the future is always bright. ‘Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God.’ (Romans 5:1)

2. God Favors Us – We don’t have to crawl and beg to God to help us with our endeavors. He loved you even when you rebelled against him. ‘But shows his great love for us in this way; Christ died for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)

3. God Turns Suffering into Hope – With God at work in our lives the very trials that could crush our spirits actually makes our hope even stronger. ‘We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

4. God Helps Us When We Are Weak – One of the reasons we feel hopeless is that we just don’t believe we have what it takes to overcome challenges. Not to worry says God; Ill do for you what you cant do for yourself. ‘When we were unable to help ourselves, at the moment of our need, Christ died for us although we were living against God. (Romans 5:6)

So whenever we feel unhappy and lonely, have the hope that you can overcome your situation. Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that was given to us to control our fears. Today is Palm Sunday, we are approaching the most important week of the year. Holy week is an annual tradition to us Christian nation. This is the perfect time for us to reflect and reclaim our faith to our God and analyze our self. Mahal na Araw, were not meant literally that the price cost rose, but it means that God saves us at a very costly price. He sent is only son to suffer and be crucified in order to redeem us.

Money Money Money !!!

This afternoon I was singing along with Jessie J’s Price Tag, and chorus has the lyrics that goes: ‘Its not about the money, money, money.. We don't need your money, money, money We just wanna make the world dance, Forget about the Price Tag.’ And it made me think that indeed, the world today is all about MONEY. The humans today are obsessed over money, wants, things etc. When we are obsessed over these things, we encounter problems. Worst is, we became distracted from God; we starts to hate others because of greed and envy and we became unhappy and ungrateful of what we have and instead, we focus on what we do not have.

How many homes were broken because of money?

How many relationships were wrecked because of greed?

How many lives were lost because of envy?

 

God think about what we do with our money. Jesus told us that we should not put money and other things in the highest priority in our lives. He taught us to give a portion of our income to him. A British evangelist and social reformer John Wesley once uttered: “Make all you can, Save all you can, Give all you can”. As we work hard for our future, God wanted us to share a part of our hardships to everyone. Not only to those who need it but to everyone. As we seek to honor the Lord by asking for his counsel and guidance in terms of money and work, He will meet our needs.

Let me tell you story, a friend of mine rushed his father in the hospital due to some attacks of high blood pressure. My friend used to work in a community social welfare and a call center representative at the same time. At the time he rushed his father in t he hospital, he does not have a single cent in his pocket. Upon knowing the incident, his family and friends came in to pay sympathy. His worry is, how will he going to provide the medication of her father? He is very worried of his father’s health, so as the waits for the doctor he asked God to give him all he needs – including courage for himself for him to survive this trial in his life. The next day, the doctor told my friend that they can be discharge soon. His father had some unserious attack, and he may be able to rest at home. He was shocked to found out that his friends and some relatives contribute and gathered money for him and his father.

The lesson we need to remember is God has been so generous to his children. And in return, we should learn to give back to him. Not just to the beggars on the street, to the homeless people but also to those strangers who needs us. Why not offer a single day to work in our community and let us help. Let me leave you by this scripture from the book of Matthew 6:33: “The thing you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you.”

Life’s Greatest Lesson: ‘Have Faith to God’

Whether times are tough or easy, firm belief in a good and loving God is the only road to vibrant living.

There are times that we do not understand the things happen to our life today. Life challenges, peer pressure, workloads, and many more easily break our physical stability. But how about our “spiritual stability”? How much do we trust God? How do we find God in times of crisis and darkness?

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust the Lord with all our heart, and don’t depend on you own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success.” In this scripture, God wanted us to trust him at all times. How? Remember the story of Job in the bible; he is the man who lost everything in his life; fame, fortune, health and even his family turn back to him. But he still managed to stand up to his faith and trust the Lord that he can survive each trials came his way for the God is with him.

The keyword is TRUST: trust the Lord with all our heart. God designs each and every person in the world to be his wonderful child. He allows us to face obstacles to be the best that we can be. A similar scene entered my mind. Take this picture as an example; a 5 days old bird was left in the top of the tree. His father was just around looking for food to eat. His father taught him how to use his wings and fly freely in the air. The little bird was eager to try it on his own but the father advised him to be prepare for the perfect time that he can do it all by himself. One day, the father bird was not around and a group of bad people went to the forest and cut the tallest tree they can see. Sadly, their tree was one of the chosen to rip off. The bird cried and scared. He remembers the advice told by his father. He spread his wings and step out of the nest. He slowly heading off the ground, as he tried harder he flew high above the clouds. Seeing the world so high and reaching the horizons.

 My mother died on the Christmas Day of 2010. She was diagnosed with terminal stage of Breast Cancer and she has a metastasis on her left lung. My life flooded with obstacles and downhill side. But I stay in the light of God.  Three weeks before my mama died, I immediately flew from Manila to Bohol just to be with her. The doctors assured me that my mama will live longer but not for a very long period. I prayed to God that whatever his will will be done. I entrusted him my mama’s health and life, my papa’s life and mine. I painted my future asking God to be my canvass. I took care of my mom, loved her with all my heart. It hurts to see her silently weep and feel the pain. We pray. We always pray together that whatever the physical pain we feel right now will be reimbursed in the kingdom of God. On the day of Christmas, my mama passed away. It hurts me so badly. Knowing I am in a strange place with no one, I trust. I shared my strength to my papa for I know he needed it more than I did. At the moment of grief, I felt that a small spot in my heart are rejoicing. Rejoicing for I know, my mama is celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ in heaven.

I trusted God that he will provide all my needs. I trust him my future and surrender all my grieves and mourns. He never fails to brighten up my mornings and filled my nights with stars. And at the moment of darkness, he lay his hands to mine and guide me to his path. I want you to do the same thing. This is the perfect time for you to trust God. Not tomorrow, NOW!

HAY NAKU ! (Mc Donalds' BFGF Commercial Pulled Out)

I felt sad when I heard the news that the Mc Donald's commercial ad was pulled out upon the request of the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The TVC showed a little girl asking a little boy if they are already boyfriend/girlfriend yet the kid hesitated of the reason that girls are so demanding. However, the girl says she only wanted a french fries, on the video playing as an object of focused, the McDo store can visibly seen. 


For the sake of those who wasnt seen the video yet watch it here: http://youtu.be/p-Njqzj8b-o

On my opinion, I havent seen anything wrong with the commercial. The theme of the ad was based on the real life situation of kids talking things in their lives. In reality, worst thing can happen or be happening. Similar themes has been also used by the advertisers before. India also has the similar 'BFGF' TV ad for the same establishment. Most of the commercials here in the Philippines uses children for they has the biggest impact to the viewers. And I am certainly sure that there were no exploitation happens or been happening to these kind of commercials. 


Fr. Melvin Castro, Executive Secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life said his interview in a newspaper that the commercial was 'very swallow' and 'cheapens human relationships'. I respect the opinion of the council of bishops in the Philippines, however, they must have been open minded regarding some things that might be spreading in the country. The video, for my opinion doesnt violated any catholic rules or standards. I do not understand the point of  the reason of the CBCP imposing that the commercial is shallow and cheap. Thinking on the boarder aspects, there are things we wanted to have and wanted to do, but there are things that we wanted most. There are more issues that we should have been talking and waiting the council to intervene. Bullying, Gradual Increase of Tuition Fees, Pollution, High Rate of Teenage Suicide or the numerous Billboards posted in the metro showing off sexy men and women. 

I dont want to think that it has something to do with the Willie-Jan Jan' controversy. I never heard them talk about it. The council must have been fixing issues inside their premises, and have a thorough study on subjects or objects before they will intervene. Lady GaGa's blasphemous videos, underrated violent music videos and movies, high percentage of piracy that gives youth easy access to Pornography, Poverty, ETC. These are some of the issues we need to hear from them. As a catholic leaders, they must have been careful criticizing objects and issues. Let us open our mind and our eyes, be vigilant and be intelligent. 

Remake Runs the Primetime ABSCBN Programming

The ABSCBN primetime programming today is flooded by remakes from local and international drama series. In some research data analysis, they assured that ABSCBN primetime programming rules the rating system. Most of the viewers are indeed attached to their shows. Other local station may perform well in ratings game, but most of ABSCBN shows consistently positioned at the top slot.

Talking about the remake, let us talk about the drama series recreated for the present viewers. These are the dramas much likely previously aired for years now and presented for the current Filipino audiences. 

Synopsis:

Mara and Clara were switched at birth in the nursery, and the details of this event were recorded by Karlo, a hospital staffer and Clara's real uncle, in his diary; only Karlo and Gary know the truth. Mara lived as the poor daughter of the couple Susan and Gary David. Clara, the David's real daughter, was brought up by the rich couple, Amante and Alvira del Valle. Mara grew up to be a simple, intelligent, kind, pretty and good-natured girl despite being brought up by a poor family. Clara who was brought up by a rich family grew up to be a spoiled brat, mean but intelligent, and a girl who will do anything to be number one. Mara and Clara's fight started when Clara thought Mara was taking her spotlight but they eventually became friends. Their problems in life tried their friendship and it broke. Clara became angrier when she and Mara were unwillingly switched to their real families. A strategy tried Mara and Clara and their people around them, That Mara died but it's not true. And it was Lenita. And then, Mara and Susan tried to go away with them. While Gary keeps doing evil plans and Clara lives in the del Valle's. Will Clara stay in the del Valle's? Will Mara have a good life with Susan forever? Will they will ever met again? Will Mara and Clara become true friends again?

Mara Clara is a 90’s popular drama hit in the television starring Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes. However, with 2010 version it has starred the newest drama gems of ABCBN; Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes. The show's highest ratings were 39.7% and the lowest is 25.9% based on TNS ratings. Moreover, up to now, it is one of the station’s top rater in primetime slot. In addition, as a price of being popular, these lead teen stars are now enjoying various applauds from different critics and viewers. 

Plot:

Jerome (Jericho Rosales) starts working in his dream company as cargo shipper for SR Corporation and here he met a second encounter with Angela (Anne Curtis). The two fell in love while spending a night in the woods after the vehicle broke down for a shipping assignment. Upon knowing of the relationship, the president of the corporation and father of Angela, wants to end their love. Given the circumstances, Jerome is framed for the attempted murder of his girlfriend's father, flees and returns a different person longing to unravel the truth and exact revenge.

Green Rose is a remake of the 2005 Korean drama; Green Rose produced by SBS and was distributed in the Philippines by ABS-CBN. The remake stars Jericho Rosales as Jerome Delgado, Anne Curtis as Angela Tuazon, Jake Cuenca as Edward Fuentebuella and Alessandra de Rossi as Geena Rallos. The reunion series of Echo and Anne get me hocked to the TV screen and adding up the gorgeous naturally built body of Jake and charming Alexandra is just so perfect. I am so addicted to this show now. 

Story:

Via (Claudine Barretto), the only daughter of Don Fernando (Juan Rodrigo), was raised as his darling princess. On her eighteenth birthday, she found out that her father has promised her hand in marriage to her childhood friend, Michael (Diether Ocampo), and before the birthday party was over, she was kidnapped. She was rescued by a good Samaritan named Gabriel (Rico Yan), whom she fell in love with. Michael, at the latter part of the story, became romantically involved with Via's best friend, Trina (Rica Peralejo). As the story unfolds, Via ended up having to decide between the two men in her life, while learning more about her mother Magda (Jaclyn Jose) and fighting off her evil aunt Selina (Princess Punzalan).

In the story, Selina was one of the most influential characters, due to her desire to acquire the power and wealth of Don Fernando (Juan Rodrigo), her brother. She possesses intelligence in illegal tactics that made her stronger and she used people in order to manipulate them when a bombing in the departure of Via and her family to start a new life began. Via lived a new identity but came back to her family, and they all faced Selina one last time in dignity and Via restored peace in her family.

Mula Sa Puso is a Philippine remake of the original 1997 TV series that starred Claudine Barretto and the late Rico Yan airing on ABS-CBN. Two years after the series had its finale in 1999, it was adapted into a film where the whole cast reprised their roles. On March 2011, ABS-CBN announced that they had decided to remake the television series after the success of Mara Clara. The remake will star Lauren Young as Via, JM De Guzman as Gabriel, and Enrique Gil as Michael. Ariel Rivera and Eula Valdez, who were both part of the 1997 series and the 1999 film, are set to join the cast playing different roles this time. Wenn V. Deramas who directed the 1997 series and the 1999 film is also set to direct the remake. This is one of my favorite telenovela in the 90’s and the 2011 remake never disappointed me. Its so refreshing to watch Dawn Zulueta and Eula Valdez justified the role of antagonist Selina. By the way, is Eagle Rigs for good now on ABSCBN?

Upcoming on Primetime Series…

Synopsis:

Elisa, (Melissa Ricks) is a beautiful and rich teenager and the eldest daughter of Mariano (Albert Martinez) and Dana Altamira (Agot Isidro). She is the perfect daughter, but little does her parents know that she is not who they thought she was and she kept a secret personality that they never knew of. One night, after Mariano's party, Elisa insisted her father to go out with her younger sister, Cristine (Isabella De Leon) and her cousins, Santi (Franco Daza) and Eduardo (Aldred Gatchalian). They go to a local club where there is a party being held there. The three, except Elisa soon get drunk. When Dana and Vivian (Mickey Ferriols) come to fetch them, they see that they are drunk and find out that Elisa is now missing. The investigators, Cristobal (Joem Bascon) and Giselle (Desiree Del Valle) investigate the mysterious indecent and they manage to list down names of people who might have possibly kidnapped Elisa, including her family members (aunts, uncles, cousins), her friends and classmates. The investigators then went to the places where Elisa used to go to, to try to solve the mystery. Will they find where Elisa is? Who is the one who kidnapped Elisa? Will the mystery behind the disappearance of Elisa be revealed?

Nasaan Ka Elisa?  is the upcoming teleserye of ABS-CBN, a Philippine remake of the Chilean 2009 drama Dónde Está Elisa? (later remade in Mexico in 2010), top billed by Melissa Ricks. Also starring Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Eric Fructuoso, Vina Morales  Christopher Roxas, Mickey Ferriols. The trailer is good and it looks like excitingly to watch.

Plot:

María Hernandez (Erich Gonzales) is a naive girl who dreams of a Prince Charming in her life. When she meets Luis Fernando Dela Vega (Enchong Dee), she thought she already met her Prince Charming. But when she sees him with another girl, Soraya Montenegro (Paw Diaz), she gets hurt and seeks revenge as she transforms into a rich, gorgeous woman and becomes the girlfriend of Luis Fernando's younger brother, Vladimir Dela Vega (Inno Martin). Will Luis love her again for who she was or who she changed into?

Maria La Del Barrio is the upcoming teleserye of ABS-CBN, a Philippine remake of the Mexican drama María la del Barrio (later remade in Mexico), top billed by Erich Gonzales. After GMA Network remade and brought the success of two of Thalia's soap operas; MariMar and Rosalinda ABS-CBN's decide to make their own version of Maria La Del Barrio Which was a Mexican TV telenovela that was first aired in 1996 on RPN 9 Dubbed in the Tagalog language it became the Second Philippine Phenomenon. It was aired on the television network RPN-9 the home of all classic Philippine Dramas and became the most loved soap opera in Philippine History dubbed in Tagalog. At the same time Thalia sang also the Tagalog version entitled Mariang Taga-Baryo under her Philippine album Nandito Ako. It also stars Enchong Dee, Ian Veneracion, Angel Aquino, Kaye Brosas, and with special participation of Ai Ai Delas Alas.

Truly, remakes rules the ABSCBN primetime dramas and will rule more in the coming weeks. So better fasten your seatbelt, seat back and relaxed and be entertained by these wonderful shows.

Music Video Review: Britney Spears' Till The World Ends.

Britney Spears released her new music video on March 4, 2011 and been hitting local and international charts. The song is her second single for her seventh studio album Femme Fatale. Till the World Ends was written by Dr. Luke, Alexander Kronlund, Max Martin and Kesha and produced Luke, Max Martin and Billboard. The song was leaked on March 3, 2011, and was released for digital download the following day. The song has uptempo dance-pop and electropop song with a chant-like chorus, where Spears sings about dancing until the end of the world. The music video shows an underground dance party of Britney Spears set on December 21, 2012. The video was filmed inside a basement in Los Angeles, California. 

The Music Video of 'Till the World Ends' was directed by Ray Kay and choreographed by Brian Friedman. Ray Kay has also directed various videos of popular artist including, Lady GaGa's Pokerface, Willow Smith's Whip My Hair, Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber's Eenie Meenie, Justin Bieber's Baby and Adam Lambert's For Your Entertainment and many more. The video begins with the words "December 21st, 2012" flashing on screen, while Spears appears strutting in an underground party wearing a studded leather jacket and stockings. Several people are seen running to a manhole and enter the sewer system to arrive to the party. This is followed by a dance routine in which Spears is wearing a sequined bodysuit and a small jacket with shoulder pads, while accompanied by female dancers. During the video, there are scenes of buildings burning and debris falling, as well as intercut scenes of Spears in front of an illuminated background. As the second verse begins, she dances provocatively with her male dancers. 

The Music Video is a danceable video. You can see Britney dancing along with people in an underground party. Comparing the video to her previous video Hold It Against Me, I certainly like he latest video. It reminded me of the music video of Lady GaGa Just Dance. Seeing Britney Dance along with people and partying while the world is crashing. Visually, the video has a bright quality and it showcases a very good music video. The song is a solid dance music with up beat tempo that will make you want to dance. The choreography was just too good compared to he previous videos. What this music video did lack was anything memorable. There was nothing special or unique about the music video for “Till the World Ends,” and the only thing that really stood out was Britney Spears motorcycle gloves, which I want. There seemed to be an orgy going on between the party goers, which you can somewhat make out in this screenshot of a girl grabbing someone’s leg in a sexual manner.

Overall, the video was just too good.  Britney is impressive in her dance and the song is just quite good. I'll give it 4 stars out of 5.

My Adam Levine Look

After three months, my hair had its renewed make over. It means, after of dozens of stresses, work loads, paper works, etc., I had a make over. I had a massage from a nice friend, I had hair cut and along with my sister-friends we had a bottomless food trip. We promised that after all the deadlines, thesis and school works we will go to Quaipo. We just did. 

During those days when we are haggard and stress, we tend to buy and eat everything that caught our attention (FOOD ONLY). We tagged ourselves as stress eaters. DISCLAIMER: Food Eaters eats EVERY FOOD THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION, REGARDLESS OF THE PRICE. Thank God I have rich and fabulous friends. 

Here is my Adam Levine look. I asked the hair cutter to follow Maroon 5's front man's haircut but he seems to get overwhelmed and removed all my hair. :D