Why do we fast and abstain?

You walk because you know where you are going. You reach for something with your hand, eat your favourite dessert and watch your much-loved primetime series. We do things because we think. And this combination of thought, memory, emotion, imagination and will are proofs that man is not only a mortal being but a spiritual one connected into something greater than what we see and feel. In fact, we think first before we even move our body. Our physical being, ideally, obeys what the human spirit commands.

This proves that our spiritual nature is superior to the body. Lucifer knows this. And this is the root of his envy. As a light-bearer, he knew that the immaterial should be greater than the material. He could not accept God’s order that angels should serve man, especially bow down to the mortal form of God, Jesus Christ. His envy turned to rage that he decided to destroy material creation by tempting the greatest masterpiece of The Almighty, man. This is the reason why temptation exists, to mutilate the race of man.

How is this connected with today’s liturgy? We, as mortal beings, are confined to this world of temptation. Human as we are, we tend to follow what our body wants first before considering what our spirit commands. And this is how we let Satan ruin our lives, when we let our worldly desires prevail. The ash on the forehead is simply but a reminder that this life is temporary, that we are spiritual being first, a concept that was realized when God, out of His abounding generosity, let us live. Fasting and abstinence stress that it is not the body that is greater than the soul. Our spirit dictates what our body should do, not the other way around. If we decide to do the latter, we let Satan ruin us because he can only destroy our being through our material nature. This, I think, is the message of self-denial for the Lenten season: To tame our bodies that it may follow what the soul desires.

In this forty day journey of fasting, prayer and alms-giving, may our prayer be like the song of David after Prophet Nathan rebuked him.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
 Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

                         (Psalm 51:7-9 - New International Version)

Michael Voris, Jason Evert and The Battle Against Catholic Zombies

Talking about Christian reinforcement? Aside from my favorite Father Robert Barron, why not try Michael Voris and Jason Evert? I have always loved my Catholic faith with all its wonderful doctrines but these two speakers add so much spices to it that really blew me away. They just had their separate series of talks here in the Philippines and I just can't contain the enjoyment of listening to them so I'd rather write this entry.

Michael Voris on Truth and Dare Conference

Michael Voris is one of the most articulate doctrinal speaker there is. An Emmy award winning news reporter, he surely has that power to bring forth a deeper understanding of the faith responding to a range of trivial questions about basic religious instructions up to profound inquiries on apologetics. The best thing about this guy is that he strikes the mere legion of darkness inside the Church! And he does it with so much eloquence. No wonder some clergy doesn't like him. Or should I say, some clergy hate him. This man can actually make me believe that reincarnation can be a Catholic thing. Why? I think he is the John the Baptism of this generation. And we really need one.

Nat with Jason Evert

Now, who thinks chastity talks are full of clichéd arguments by old-fashioned speakers? Well, you better try Jason Evert. He has the most gifted tongue on issues of sex, marriage, relationships, vocation and morality. Holding a masters degree in theology, this guy is sure to rock your world with his gift of spontaneous words. He gives a barrel of laughs yet you might not notice how easily he brings you that awe feeling in every minute of his talk. If you are planning to hear his stories, expecting a preachy don't-do-this-because piece, you are in for a big surprise. He is usually accompanied by her wife Crystalina, also a very gifted chastity speaker. I have  just attended Jason Evert's last talk, in this particular tour, here in the Philippines and I got one word for him: Awesome!


I have always been in loved with Roman Catholicism. And even as I may fall into the lure of secularism, at least I know God's prophets of this new generation are just a click away. You may catch Michael Voris on www.theonetruefaith.tv and http://realcatholictv.org/. And of course check out Jason Evert's talks in faith and entertainment combo on www.chastity.com and www.catholic.com.

A Call for Another Revolution: An EDSA Baby’s Point of View

Everything transpired from February 22-25, 1986. And I feel proud being born on that fateful Saturday, the first day of the historical peaceful revolution that surprised the world and inspired other nations. I have been taught about the values, spirit and stories behind those photos of tanks, praying nuns, barricading civilians, yellow ribbons, and other spine-tingling images of those days. My mother told me that my Tatay wanted to join the rally but she was due that day and we were based in Olongapo then. So while my mom was in the hospital to deliver her first born, the rest of the Filipinos are marching in the streets, braving the circumstances of another make or break scenario as one people.

On its first anniversary, my family went to Manila to celebrate with fellow Filipinos. I can’t remember it vividly but pictures show yellow ribbons everywhere. My mother has been the passionate one in telling wonderful stories behind those pictures. During the Mount Pinatubo eruption, we had to transfer to Makati where I spent most of my childhood years. I was in the fourth grade when I received a good news. All the EDSA babies were called as a part of the 11^th anniversary celebration. I had this jubilant feeling not only for being one of those few privileged kids, but basically because of the patriotic upbringing I had. We had a tour inside Malacañang, had lunch with the President at Libingan ng mga Bayani, and had a cozy seat during the program in Camp Crame. It felt ecstatic! I was in awe.

People who took part in that significant event might share all the most memorable experiences with all the emotions streaming in every intensely epitomized encounter written. And yet, you feel that no single word could really embody that ardent spirit when you try reading the accounts on how people prayed, how soldiers got off the tanks, how they felt the Blessed Mother’s guidance, etc. It was an event of high hopes in the hearts of every nationalistic Filipino. It was an unexpected unity of people from different walks of life. It was a proof of how Filipinos are capable of doing.

Today, we celebrate that very day, a quarter of century ago, when we were able to topple a dictator. For me, EDSA People Power still has the same message over the years. It proved that Filipinos are able to carry out the mission of transformation. And that event happened because each individual who participated, decided for himself and stood for what he thought was better for him and for the nation. Transformation comes from within. It is a decision. We can still go to the streets together but that would not change anything considering the present context. Thus, if we want change, we are called for another revolution on a different level. Change in this nation happens when each one becomes open to the decision of self-transformation. We may blame the government and the corrupt Filipinos but at the end of the day, it’s the decision within that matters on how we live our life. If everyone considers hating the acts of injustice, imprudence and corruption, national transformation follows. Yes it is easier said than done. But EDSA has shown that we can do something for ourselves.

One year old Nat with mama
and cousin on February 25, 1987

I wasn’t named Gringo, Cory, Fidel, Enrile, Epifanio or Ferdinand. I know someone who was named after a combination of two from those. After all, even if I could have been born on some other dates, I am still a proud Filipino because of EDSA. Because being a Filipino means loving freedom and being capable of change.

Lessons from the Christmas Pickpockets

Last night I lost my wallet while striding along the Guadalupe night market. I was bound to Cubao so I took the broader part of the side walks which is near the road. When I reached the MRT Station, I discovered my backpack's front pocket was unzipped. "Oh Lord", I mumbled. Then I felt my body froze for few seconds.

I lost my first Italian Leather wallet. Stingy as I am, I don't buy wallet for myself. I only had one because my grandfather, whose based in Nevada, left it here in our home around two years ago. I only used it this year when my mother, who kept his stuff, noticed that my previous one, which was gifted to me and I was using since college, has already worn out. She handed me the handsome slick brown leather wallet.

There I put every cards that would fit. Enclosed were my IDs: SSS, TIN, National Library, and my most valued YFC and altar server ID's which I have been keeping since high school. Of course my other important cards were there, stuff like bank cards, health card, reward cards and regretfully, my Time Zone card. Lol. I had three thousand cash in my wallet which I was about to use for my second batch of shopping for my inaanaks.

That night also, I was scouting for a good model to replace my Nokia 1100. I had a good budget in mind. Now, I might as well delay the purchase. My penny-pinching attitude was not moved by the incident. People would suggest me to compensate what was lost and that its time to indulge myself to a nice gadget. But hey, my new year's resolution last year was to avoid being impulsive since I have a big deal of expenses at home. This incident is actually teaching me to be more responsible on every aspect.

One lesson on being responsible is "Don't tolerate those pickpockets". If you're reading this, keep watch of your belongings when you're walking around the metro, riding the train or even just by staying in a public place. Learn from me so you won't learn it the hard way as I did.

There was an hour of denial stage. Thanks to a friend who saw me staring aimlessly on the way. He treated me a bite and accompanied me to the police station to report. After having my cards blocked, it dawned on me how lucky I am. First, I didn't have to resort to those kind of things so I can feed my family. The good Lord gave me a good job and He can actually give me more than the amount I lost exactly the day after. Second, I wasn't hurt. I can't imagine another trauma of a mugging experience. I can tell because I had a terrible one way back in college.

I am simply blessed. I hope the one who stole my wallet will be blessed too! Honestly, I pray that this will be the last Christmas he or she will be stealing for their food in Noche Buena.

Semper Gratias Ago

Mediatrix

I don't know what's with the Blessed Virgin Mary but everytime I offer a mass for her, I find myself drawing closer to God. That even as I try to control my life away from Jesus, BVM inspires me to keep on track. I always remember December 8 as a date of redeeming myself. Even in the past years, I find myself at the gloomiest sorrow of remorse the day before the Immaculate Conception, only to be reminded that God loves me so.

You know what, Blessed Mother? Whatever it is inside my heart that makes your inspiring presence prevail, just let it be. I love God. And perhaps you are the biggest factor that taught me how to.

Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen

Campaign Against Child Abuse

One of the best and I suppose the most nostalgic campaigns I've joined on Facebook is the recent Campaign Against Child Abuse. It brings back all the childhood memories which was very effective (for those who have FB) to make it a personal endeavor on ending child abuse. Pictures from Walt Disney, Looney Toons, Marvel Heroes, Capcom, Japanese Anime, Manga, and other Tagalized Western Cartoons have dominated the site. It brings back all those theme songs we memorized, the names of the shows we almost forgot, the favorite characters from the most comic to the poignant ones, the superheroes we imitate in words and acts when we play with our neighbors and most of all the memories of being a child, when all you think about was to play, obey your parents and discreetly break the rules.

In a post from whatisthetrend.net written by Ed Pudol, it is mention that this campaign started in Greece and Cyprus last November 16 with the same goal. Now it has gone more than its original purpose and conquered other countries simply because the idea is a lot of fun. We do not only help in spreading the advocacy but we also help ourselves be reminded of the rights of every child.

We were all once a child. Every child deserves to have a normal and healthy environment. This campaign is a call for us to give the just treatment for the next generation of this world. Let's not deprive them of what they deserve for a good foundation in life.

Fresh Flower and Beaten Eggs

The greatest thing to happen on earth is food. And my favorite? (Drumbeat) Puso ng Saging! Tonight, I prepared Banana Blossom Tempura for my family's dinner.

My upbringing as an obedient child (ehem) made me love vegetables. My mom used to convince me that squash can make my eyes glow and that slimy okra, which made me puke a couple of times, was good for my body. I wasn't aware of the nutritional value then. Thanks to Nanay for all those hyperbolic fabrications, I love veggie now. I even decided early this month to be a seasonal vegetarian. I tried it two weeks this month and perhaps I can do it again for the Lenten Season next year.

The veggie I come to love the most is Puso ng Saging. I don't know what's with this plant, whose fruit is a fruit and it's flower a veggie. It's blossom has a different appeal to me. I decided to have this on my birthday when I was in high school. And my friends got a little on their plates, for those few who did I mean. Still, it's my choice on top of Guinataang Pagi, Adobong Pusit, and Sisig.

Now it doesn't matter if it's guinataan with siling labuyo, kinilaw, enchilada, or burger patty. As long as it's Puso ng Saging, I have the reason to live.  This heart of mine beats for that of the banana tree.

The King and I

Here I go again, attempting to set up a new blog. I used to get not so bad grades in writing but never really practiced it on my leisure time, except when something really noteworthy came in and I wanted to have souvenirs, LOL. I am now again starting a new blog with hopes of pursuing this for my own good. Ever since I graduated, I missed to consider the fact that writing can actually make one's communication skill better. I tried but then again I got easily lethargic to continue. There I said it. Tinatamad ako. And one valid reason might be my fear of writing something that'll uncreate me - not exactly destroy but downplay the positivity. People might know me as an optimistic and prayerful person, but as an artist, I admit being crabby at times, well that's rarely (Defensive? LOL). But now I must face the fact that I am not getting any younger to do the things I should've done earlier. And so this blog is born. Yay! Well, enough of this nonsense dragging intro.

So what is this yet-another-time-wasting so-called attempted blogging about? Honestly, I don't know. And that's it. Anything goes now. It won't be as themed as my previous attempts were with all-religious or all-vanities stuff. This time I just want to be honest, still sensitive as a contemporary Catholic dude but bold enough as a mature guy if I mean self-expression. I won't aim to gain hits nor impress my friend critics. With this, I simply hope to harness some writing abilities I have forgotten. Pahintulutan ninyong halukayin ko ang mga halos naparam nang mithiing makapaglathala.


Allow me to put some Catholic inputs here. I suddenly thought of starting this blog on the eve of Christ The King Solemnity of the year 2010. It means that next week is a new year in the Catholic Calendar. I hope this could be a good form of resolution - to give writing a chance. And I also hope that more than the artist mood, I would let the King of my life reign in everything I say, write and do. Amen

Semper Gratias Ago.