YOU ARE LOVED

Fulfillment and joy flows in an abyss

Of great wealth and fortune makes your life full of bliss

With great friends, you thought would never leave

But there you are alone in your grief.

You forgot of everything, your family and loved ones

Neglecting them with your meager importance

You chose people who said they wouldn't make you frown

But they are standing on top of you mocking you with your fall down.

With one wrong moved, you stumble and fall

And now you try to crawl

You, once boastful and proud

Now dethroned, eyed by the crowd.

You were lost, you cannot find the way

Your weariness takes you over, make your nights into days

You wanted to give up, end your life with a knife

But your conscience still fighting, trying to survive.

Your pain and sorrow got the best of you

The journey of your life seems to be so blue

But you forgot someone who remained to be true

His loving kindness will never adieu.

You just need to kneel down and pray fervently

And you will feel his grace magnificently

For He is kind, for God is love

And we are blessed that we are loved.

ASOP: Songs of Wisdom

Songs are created depending on the mood and intention of the writer. Some are written to show love and others with anger and hatred, and there are songs made to inspire and change a certain belief. However, a song which is intended to praise God must be written with wisdom as quoted by Bro. Eli Soriano, presiding minister of the Members of Church of God International during the A Song of Praise (ASOP) 2013 Finals last December 24, at ADD Convention Center Apalit Pampanga. “Ang isang magandang composition may wisdom, pag yung little bits of wisdom ay hindi nakita sa isang composition, hindi natin maco-consider na perfect song”. Brother Eli, reiterated that it is of great importance that a song of praise to God must contain wisdom, not just an ordinary song created ordinarily it must be special.

As the show continues Bro. Eli said that his attention is mostly focused on the lyrics since it is a song of praise. But, melody and instrumental background adds color to the song, lyrics is the most essential. The event was very special for all the attendees. The audience is once more ready to be inspired by the message of the song while the participant who includes composer, lyricists, and interpreters are all persistent to hear the comments of the judges especially Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel.

Indeed, the competition is a tough one surely I can feel the pressure felt by the contestants who joined the competition. Membersof the Church of God International across the country participated these include song entries from Rizal Province entitled Oh Ama Ligaya Ka (Father You’re My Joy), from Cambodia entitled “Inari Mong Anak Na Rin (Considered Me As Your Child As Well) while there are two song entries from Singapore one is entitled Dahil Mayroong Ngayon (Because There Is Yesterday) while the other is May Ngiti o Luha Man (In Smiles or Tears), However there are also two song entries from USA the song title is Sa Iyong Pagtawag (For Your Calling), and the other one is Oh Kay Sarap Maging Lingkod Mo (Oh How Sweet It Is To Be Your Servant). There is also a song from Visayas Region entitled Unending Thanks To You. Brazil, South America had their entry entitled Purihin Ang Ngalan Mo (Praise Your Name) On the other hand, Australia is also a finalist with a song title Dahil Ikaw Ang Aking Dios (For You Are My God) and from Germany entitled Salamat Amang Banal.

Bro. Eli commented that most of the songs performed during the ASOP finals had no problems in terms of melody and song interpreters (singers) they give justice on the song. Brother Soriano suggested that creating a good song requires good effort. For an instance, those who have good command with words should work on the lyrics while those who are musically inclined should work on tones.

The event was full of wisdom from the Bible; Brother Soriano also mentioned that Songs of Solomon express love the songs of David express deep gratitude to God. As the event is about to finish all are overwhelmed by the biblical explanations of Bro. Eli and the letters of each song entries which captures the heart of the audience. When everyone is ready to go home each has their souvenir which is worth to remember that when writing songs of praise to God it must have wisdom.

Isang Araw (One day) movie: A certified must-watch

Get your popcorn ready! It’s movie season again, but before you grab your bag and rush to the nearest movie theater to buy tickets to The Hunger Games Sequel: Catching Fire or Disney’s Frozen, you might want to reconsider your plans just now.

If you’re in for an action-packed movie, with the right amount of humor and drama, and a moral back-drop story to ponder on, Isang Araw (One Day) the movie is just right for you. This is the sequel of KuyaDaniel Razons first self-produced movie, Isang Araw Lang back in 2009.

Many movie-goers would line up to blockbuster movies where the same plot never seems to quench their thirst for a good movie over and over again. But, if you’re tired to that same old formula that makes big production companies even wealthier, Isang Araw (One Day) the movie will give you a new perspective on quality film.

Screen shot from Isang Araw official music video

Kuya Daniel with his sidekick Djani and Bayani

Screen shot from Isang Araw Official music video
Ritz Azul with Daria Ramirez

Screen Shot from the movie Isang Araw official music video
Kuya Daniel giving food to Daria Ramirez

Unlike many main-stream movies in cinemas now, the movie has an inspiring plot of how the character of a simple man played by Kuya Daniel Razon himself, stood up to fight for what is right and help innocent people who are persecuted by the many adversaries of good in the film. The film is very realistic and timely especially now that our country has been experiencing several events where the wealthy and powerful abuse their influence to intimidate and harass the poor and meager. People will be pleased to know of one of the main antagonists in the film, Ms. Annette Nepales played by renowned and versatile actress, Ms. Jackie Lou Blanco, who will trigger many associations as the country faces a current issue where the name seems to ring a bell.

Screen Shot from the movie Isang Araw official music video
Jackielou Blanco discussing matters with Ka Rene

Together with Kuya Daniel Razon, Ms. Jackie Lou Blanco, other actors and actresses of great caliber are also part of the film. The casts include Rey PJ Avellana, Jess Lapid Jr., Toby Alejar, Daria Ramirez, Ricardo Cepeda, Eagle Riggs, Lou Veloso, Ritz Azul, Jeffrey Santos, Dennis Padilla, Bayani Agbayani, Dinky Doo, Ryan Ramos, Djani Packing, Long Mejia, Rep. Erin Tanada, Atty. Regie Tongol, Louella De Cordova, among others.

Screen Shot from the movie Isang Araw official music video
Kuya Daniel's close-up shots

Aside from that, the plot of the movie is given justice as the proceeds of the film will go to a very special cause. Charity institutions will be the beneficiaries of the film, truly, Kuya Daniel Razon, together with Brother Eli Soriano, in partnership with UNTV, live up to their advocacy of genuine public service.

With all these in mind, surely, Isang Araw (One Day) the movie is one you should not miss. So, movie-goers and film fanatics, what are you waiting for?

Get your popcorn ready!

PHOTO WALK: LEARNING INSTRUMENT

In terms of scientific knowledge – walking is one of the best exercises as experts would say, simply because it helps the circulatory system function better and as a result it also improves someone’s thinking faculties as the blood delivers oxygen to the brain faster, and thus giving more oxygen to the brain that it needs to consume during a thinking activity. Little we realize that through walking we also get the chance to do other meaningful things like perhaps taking a photo. Walking lets you travel and wander around to see the beautiful gifts of nature, to know the story behind people that you meet in the street, and to make sense of the different realities that unfold in your eyes as you walk, something that you can relate to – photo walking.

On September 20, Friday the group of Mass Communications Technology (La Verdad Christian College- Caloocan) was scheduled for a photo walk activity. The students will now execute all the lessons they have learned during the discussions and seminars in photography. How to make a good angle, how to set the ISO, shutter speed, aperture or in short how to take a perfect picture. Each one of us gets more excited after the activity instructor divided the groups. At 9am all was settled and geared, every group has its team leader (a PHOTOVILLE international member) ready to get it on. 

The first destination is in the vicinity of Intramuros, as the group went on we spotted a child which is leaning in a cemented wall, waiting for the passer by to give him pennies. Not wanting to lose the moment my colleagues rushed to get their cameras, (DSLR and point and shoot) the boy was not that shy he keeps smiling to all those who is after to get a portrait from him. As a token they gave him biscuits and candies. On the other street there are three children playing, the other child- a girl gives attraction to my companions she is very active and loves to pose on every students taking pictures.

However near the children playing, someone attracted me, a woman in her 60’s I bet dressing rugged clothes she was busy arranging garbage. She has a wooden cart full of big black bags, afraid to disturb her I slowly went backwards to take a photo of her, maybe she feels that someone is attentively looking at her she glanced to me 5 seconds, blank face, then turn again to do her stuff. Ironic as it may seems that woman who is already a candidate for retiring to work still needs to convince herself she have to do it, no matter how bright the sun is, no matter how weak her bones is and no matter how the smell and dirt of the garbage penetrates to her nostrils she will do it or else she will be starving.

” Too many subjects, beautiful sceneries”, said by a student who, not from a far, saw a Canadian woman named Marie, a tourist who wanted to visit the beautiful places in the Philippines. She was surprised with the group of boys and girls who run after her who are eager to take pictures of her.

Look. Talk. Walk. Stop.  Shoot.  Even though it gives cramps to our legs and back yet the eyes do not get tired. From the riverside where we found cargo ships and ‘bangka,’ we stayed there and take pictures of a man riding on that ‘bangka.’  However, three young boys who fearlessly dive from the bridge into the water to bathe themselves got the attention of the students and also took pictures of them. Rest for a while then the students went to Luneta Park, and took pictures of pigeons, kalesa, children playing and the dancing fountain.

The last destination was in Manila Bay, the weather is not friendly anymore raindrops started to fall but it did not last long so we are able to get pictures. When I went on walking and looking for my subject three young girls with unwashed clothes perhaps got my attention. They are laughing hard, chasing each other and then keep teasing. I talked to them and asked where they live and said “here” I cannot explain but I am really happy that time I cannot resist myself to take pictures from them. These three young girls also love to pose and asked me and my other friends to take pictures of them.

When I am on my way home, on the LRT all the things that we encountered in our photo walk flashbacked on my mind. I was very happy that our instructor together with his co-photographers allowed us to experience such activity. This event taught me not only the technical aspect in photography rather it opened my eyes and my heart to a reality. I am really blessed I can go to school, eat three (more than three actually) times a day, I have clothes to wear and things I needed. I learn to appreciate more and more as I got to know these things. So walking and taking photos make harmonious relationship, giving us an opportunity to value our nature and to know the story of others and able to help them in a little way we can. It serves as a learning instrument to us in being grateful, Thanked God that I saw the bigger purpose of photo walk. 

FEELING BLESSED

Is it really over? As I was sitting on a pavement outside the convention center in Apalit and waiting for a public transportation vehicle to arrive I try to recall the scenarios happened in the last three days. I remembered the early morning rise (around 2 or 3am), the rushing feeling of going to the bath rooms, the narrow and busy passages that people walks by and by every break time, the lively performance singing songs of praises and most especially the unfathomable teachings that each brethren understood with God’s help. Each scene was pictured in my mind while we wait for almost an hour and a half. I remembered how I prepared a week before the thanksgiving- arranging all the stuffs I need for three days, from clothes to wear, hygienic materials even slippers and handkerchief and most importantly- the heart. I always hear from Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon that one must not have a heavy heart which consist of hatred, jealousy and alike especially when attending occasions intended to worship God. I feel the excitement as I am looking forward to the teaching I will be learning from my preachers. Though three days had rapidly passed I still wanted to reminisce each breathtaking time when Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel explain the topics in the last International thanksgiving.

Once more, an overwhelming experience is what I felt when I witness my brothers and sisters in faith coming from the continents of Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, South and North America, and Australia actively participating in singing songs of praises, moreover how attentive they listen when it comes to the topics being delivered. Distance, time zone and language are not an impediment for the Members of Church of God International to offer the sacrifice of Thanksgiving to God. For the last three days Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel delivered four topics that even a man spent decades in his past religious affiliation can testify they never heard such. With that, I also have the courage to say “So do I”, I hear many teachings of different religions and none of those can be compared to what we have understood with God’s help. The topics discussed were subjects I have not imagined before and it became very clear after Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel talk about. All topics are really striking and much worth for the time the brethren spent. No one can deny the fact that each detail is essential as Bro. Daniel say “Nothing to lose but everything to gain”. There is also a part wherein Bro. Eli told us the authenticity of the Bible, each angle he showed amazed me. If I may describe the feeling I had that time it is mind-blowing. I thanked God for the abundant topics he taught through his preachers, I feel very full not only materially but spiritually. It was also heartwarming when Bro. Eli said that because of faith our brethren are able to endure staying late at night with very little sleep to listen to the teachings.

It came to a point that we need to go home for now because the 3^rd day of thanksgiving ended but before we go to a closing prayer Bro. Eli said he is very thankful that he got to know his brothers and sisters in faith in which these people by faith always help the congregation. Even if I am a little sad because we ended the thanksgiving Bro. Eli already announced the upcoming 4^th quarter of International Thanksgiving in December and still there is regular thanksgiving every Saturdays so nothing to be sad at all. Thanks be to God for I was able to learn these things which are very vital to salvation. As we still wait for the bus until 3am, and thought that maybe it will arrived at 5am we decided to ride on a van. When I walk towards the vehicle I felt the happiness penetrating in my being, embracing such happy memories and as I close the door of the van I can’t help but smile because, again for that moment in time, I am one of the brethren who feel blessed.

UNTV's Plug awarded by UP Gandingan

          A soaring company that aims to produce quality shows and at the same promotes public service- UNTV Radio La Verdad 1350 KHz http://www.untvradio.com/ continues to give their audiences informative and educational programs. Having said that, UP Gandingan Awards acknowledged and honored one of the radio’s public service plug Bloodletting as “Most Development-Oriented Radio Plug.” Bloodletting plug exemplifies public service, through its massive campaign to people that 1 bag of blood is a big help for the recipients and how it is also essential to the donors. We cannot deny the fact that many Filipinos are in need of blood bags, each with different cases and situations every day.  And promoting this kind of advocacy plug will also encourage others who are capable to donate blood and help other people.

            UNTV Radio La Verdad http://www.untvradio.com/ public service programs are Ikonsulta mo hosted by Lyn Perez together with Atty. Reggie Tongol that provides free legal advice, health concerning issues and a reserved schedule for government agencies to discuss the documentation and policies of each departments. Other programs are Ask Legal.com, hosted by former human rights commissioner Atty. Wilhelm Soriano which gives awareness to people about legal rights and it also provides time for the listeners to ask questions. There are also programs that offers informative discussion to audiences such as Ano ang Totoo, Bakit, Get it straight, Huntahan in which political and economical issues are being conversed.

            These programs were spearheaded by Mr. Public Service Kuya Daniel Razon http://www.danielrazon.com/ together with Bro. Eli Soriano http://esoriano.wordpress.com/ and the Members Church of God International organization http://www.mcgi.org/. Through Isang Araw Lang campaign, which is also conceptualized by Kuya Daniel we from our little ways can help build changes. Thus, we can give evidence that there are still programs that exhibits true public service and promote development in our society. I also hope that there are other company who aill get inspired to show true public service even without cameras or praises from other people. Keep up the good work UNTV Radio La Verdad! http://www.untvradio.com/

WITHOUT PORK BARREL, PUBLIC- SERVICE IS PUBLIC SERVICE.

Damned, abused, deprived- the Philippines suffered a lot of maltreatment from the invaders of Juan Dela Cruz’s land. However, after a long time of suffering, the country was freed from the conquerors but this was not the end of the battle. The Philippines is fighting continuously, one thing is the never-ending issue between the corrupt officials and the masses. Today our country faces a big controversy which is the pork barrel scam. We may ask, what pork barrel means?

In American history, pork-barrel is a term used by the Americans during the civil war the slaves were given pork in a barrel on holiday season as a reward. Although that time it was clearly used as a term for literal pork, today especially in politics it is a different thing.  According to Wikipedia, http://tl.wikipedia.org pork barrel means a lump-sum discretionary fund granted to each member of Congress for spending on priority development projects of the Philippine government, mostly on the local level. In investopedia, http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/pork_barrel_politics.asp it is a slang term used when politicians or governments "unofficially" undertake projects that benefit a group of citizens in return for that group's support or campaign donations. Pork barrel is also known as Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), form the word priority it must prioritize the needs of the people. But honestly speaking, people are still suffering from poverty because the fund that is intended for the poor and other projects were not being delivered. Though PDAF per se is not bad at all but the people who misused it still it is the root of the corruption in the government. Since the scam was vulgarly discuss by the whistleblowers and pointed out the officials and head of it, the people of the Philippines gone mad and went to Luneta for a million-march to abolish the PDAF.

            Today, the case is still being discuss and little by little the involve senators and officials were being revealed, I just hope that this issue will not be another line up for trash. The Philippines had encountered various problems before and now being forgotten by now. Since the President’s campaign is “Daang Matuwid”, I just look forward for his commitment to his advocacy and him, as a leader of the country must spearhead to solve the case. As I assess this issue I just realize that if these officials real intention is pure public service PDAF is not an appropriate word for them because they can serve without asking money, just like what I have witness with Bro. Eli and Mr .Public service Kuya Daniel Razon they help the unfortunate ones without having pork barrels.