Empowered Conference 2011

“WANT TO MAKE A MARK

& ATTAIN SUCCESS

IN THE

CORPORATE WORLD?”

JLY City Church’s Empowered Emerge Youth Fellowship invites you to the first ever…

For more info, click on this link: tinyurl.com/EMPOWEREDEMERGE

The Day “Bagyong Ondoy” Came To Visit

On September 26, 2009, I remember waking up to my name ringing in my ear. Still in a trance, I was puzzled by the alarming tone in my sister’s voice, shouting and calling on to me, as if there was an emergency and I needed to take action immediately. I wobbled toward my sister to see what the fuss was about, and from the second floor I peeked downstairs, the situation caught me by surprise. I was called unprepared to face the terror brought by, as according to Pres. Arroyo, the once in a lifetime storm, “Bagyong Ondoy”.

There was water everywhere. My mind was able to catch on quickly to what was happening, and in less than a second, I hurriedly pitche in to help my parents get everything to the second floor. As time passed by, inch-by-inch, the flood was engulfing the entire first floor of my family’s house.

Here’s a video I shot with my phone during the flooding. It was 2:15 in the afternoon.

There was no room for complaining and murmuring, the only thing I could utter at that moment was a prayer. I stayed up all night that day. With my half-charged cellphone in hand, the built-in radio was all that I could rely on at that moment for recent news and updates. With reports of houses and properties being destroyed, hungry people stuck on their roofs, and missing people, even the radio was being flooded in with cries for help. I knew the condition I was in at the moment was much more comfortable, and with that  a resurgence of hope and gratitude started to fill my heart once again. I was reminded that God was still in control.

As I ponder on my thoughts upon this great calamity and nightmare that has befallen us, surely this was not God’s Divine punishment for the Filipinos, nor an opportunity to point a finger and blame it all on Him with what we went through. Let us take into perspective that this is merely a product and consequence of our thoughtless actions. Neglecting the responsibility we have in taking care of the nature and our environment. But it’s never too late to make a change, now is the time for us to set things right. Let’s start to take on our role as good stewards of God’s gift, the planet Earth, and we, in turn, may be able to experience the benefits of caring for the environment. On a positive note, through all these disaster, tragedy, and death we are experiencing, the Spirit of  “Bayanihan” was rebirth. Due to all those years of disagreements, war, and mentality of putting one’s self-gain before others,  “Bayanihan” a characteristic of the Filipinos slowly withered, and only through this tough time, was it once again revived and restored. Everything was set aside, and we became unified as a nation. We must remember, the best lessons learned are through experience, and let us take into heart to put value with what God has bestowed upon us, the Filipinos, whether it be the environment, our country, the people around us, or the unique and admirable traits possessed only by the “Pinoys”.

Let’s learn to see everything the way God wants us to see it, not the other way around.

My prayers still goes out to the “Ondoy” victims. God will see you through. God bless you all.

Credits for the photos: Facebook Friends – Neil Villamayor and Ruth Anne De Leon

And a New Chapter Unfolds…

Finally, finals are over, and the beginning of a new trimester awaits. It’s been a long time since I’ve logged in, and I undeniably miss this blog so much. Since there are no latest posts, my blog has been unvisited for a while. But enough with the rambling, I’m here to bring good news! Okay, I am exaggerating a little bit, but seriously this is good news.

The Celebration Church’s Youth Fellowship has prepared an original musical play, all written, directed, and produced by young people. In Emerge Teatro, we would like to showcase and focus on the astounding creativity and unique talents of the youth, used and harnessed, all for the Glory of  God. So without further ado, Emerge Teatro Presents,

“Time to turn your ‘light’ on.”

What if God gives you an assignment, would you be willing to finish it? What if this assignment is beyond your capability and capacity? And what if it goes beyond your comfort zone? Would you still be willing to do it for God? Let’s witness the journey of Aimee and how she undertakes an assignment beyond herself, knowing that God is with her to help her fulfill anything that the Lord requires of her. Now, it’s time to turn your “light” on!

Coming this September 20, 2009, Sunday, 10 o’clock in the morning at Tradehall (near Food Court), 2nd Flr., Starmall, Mandaluyong. Come and be blessed! With special participation of PSYaweh, dance troupe from the University of the East’s Department of Psychology.

Dedicated to a great father, Roberto B. Micaller.

Growing up, life has not been easy for you. Hardships and trials came like storms that would never end. Your childhood wasn’t as carefree as you hoped it would be. But you saw through all the pain and sorrow that there is a God who would rescue you and give ease and comfort to your aching body and heart. You fought hard. You were a brave soldier in the midst of war. Whenever you stumbled, you easily stood up, knowing that He is fighting your battles for you. Giving up is not an option for you. You just press on and step forward, believing that He is ahead of you.

It is not for what you’ve done or what you’ve sacrificed that makes us, your children, proud of having a father like you. It’s who you are and the way you care for us and other people that makes you worthy to be looked up. Your greatest deeds didn’t make you a good example, but it’s your humble spirit that made you into an inspiration, not only to your family, but also to the ones your life has impacted. If ever you felt you’re not doing a great job in being a father, don’t be sad, for you already had been a great father the moment I came into this world.

You are truly a precious gift from above. And I would never ask God for an exchange or return, for no other fathers in this world can compare to a unique father like you.

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!!!

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

We pray for whatever your heart’s desire be fulfilled by our God this year. ü

Written by: Sam

From Your Loving Family,

Cy, Sam, Jan, Camille, and Aki…

The 81st Academy Awards and more…

Has everyone seen the Oscars live this morning? I happened to watch only the first half of its live telecast and sure missed a lot of the awarding of the most anticipated categories this year. But thanks to KC, a.k.a “Astroboy”, I hadn’t missed one single info on the winners. Hugh Jackman sure have done a great job in the opening performance of the Oscars. Despite not being a natural comedian, he carried his act well by showing his versatility in entertaining people. I’d have to say, he’s pretty good at dancing. I’d give him five stars for a job well done. Who would forget Ben Stiller’s impersonation of the now-fully-bearded Joaquin Phoenix? It was hilarious. However, some of the international viewers, including my younger sister, may not have guessed what the joke was. She even asked me this question, “Who’s that guy?”. It’s unfortunate not everyone got the making-fun-of-Joaquin-Phoenix thing. I would like to congratulate Kate Winslet for winning “Best Actress” in her astounding performance on “The Reader”, she deserved it, and Sean Penn for snagging the “Best Actor Award” from co-rivals. It was clear from the start he would win the said category. It’s hard acting as a gay man if  you’re straight in reality. Unsurprisingly, the movie who took home the most awards in this prestigious ceremony was none other than “Slumdog Millionaire”. I was kind of expecting these results even weeks before the Academy Awards. I’m hoping this movie would be released here in the Philippines. I wouldn’t want to miss seeing an Academy Award-winning film.

While I was reading Yahoo’s featured inside scoop on the Academy Awards, I decided to listen to some music. I searched for some good music saved in my computer’s hard-drive. Then I found Nichole Nordeman’s “Legacy”. I remembered every time I was listening to this song, I gain the awareness of what I live my life for and why I want to leave a legacy in this world. Now I’m asking you, what kind of legacy do you want to leave when you are done with this life? Just listen to this song and let its message have an impact in your life.

Here's the lyrics of the song:

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
And such and such... it wouldn't matter much...

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well-traveled, not well-read, not well-to-do or well-bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well done, good and faithful one..."