Smokers in public transports. A real pain in the butt.

Today was one of those rare days that I take public transport and It wasn't a pleasant experience. As I got on to a jeepney this morning, I could smell the fowl odor of cigarette smoke. I looked around to see where it was coming from and I saw this guy seating at the entrance of the jeepney with a cigarette in hand. I was on the verge of asking him to stop but I didn't get that chance because the driver of the jeepney that I was on asked us to transfer to another jeepney because there were only a few of us.

As we got off the jeepney to transfer to another one, I told my self that if this guy continues to smoke then I would not hesitate to tell him to stop. Good thing he got rid of it before we boarded. As far as I know, smoking in public places and transportations are not allowed. if your caught smoking, you wither pay a fine or spend the night in jail. if this is still in effect then jeepney drivers should remind their customers about this law.

Smokers will say that they have a right to smoke if they chose to. If they want to kill themselves with cigarette smoke then they shouldn't bring others to the grave with them. People like them are very rude, whatever happened to the phrase "you mind if I ______? I'm guessing that if I had politely asked that guy to refrain from smoking while inside the jeepney, he would feel offended and would start a quarrel or a fight with me. Some citizens just don't have any manners at all.

Bike ride to Marikina River Banks

I spent half of the day on a bike ride with my friend Vinnie to the Marikina Riverbanks. I met her in front of her apartment building in Makati then pedaled out way via Mckinley avenue towards C5 road then on to E.Rodrguez avenue towards Libis then left going to Marikina. As we were biking along the banks of the Marikina River, we could already smell the stench because of all the trash that was dumped in the river. I even saw a few people trying to catch fish with their fishing poles. I was like, whoe! They actually eat the fish that came from the river? Blech!

The dirty waters of the river

Vinnie and I just kept riding for at least 4 kilometers along the riverbanks then went back cause our stomachs were already craving for food. We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant along the banks of the river and had a hearty lunch. Good thing we coudn't smell the river from there otherwise we would have lost our appetites.









As we started to make our way back towards Makati, I just had to stop and take a few pictures of some unique structures that can only be found on the riverbanks of Marikina.

Challenges and Responsibilities of Leaders.

With great powers comes great responsibilities. This is a truth that Spider Man has learned shortly after acquiring his powers. I guess the same thing holds true for people who are in leadership roles. We often have to deal with situations that are not so pleasant but it must be done for it is a part of our responsibilities as leaders. We make decisions which may or may not please everybody, there will always be critics, people who would judge us if we did a good job or not. Most of the time though, critics would always have something negative to say. Maturity and wisdom are traits that a leader or a potential leader must have in handling different scenarios.

Leadership roles can sometimes be stressful as we have to wrestle with a lot of things that would take us out of our comfort zone. There would be times as well that the things that you deal with in an office or in an organization would be following you when you are at home and craves for rest. One thing is certain, leadership is not something that is easy. We would make mistakes on the job but we must be flexible enough to learn from our mistakes and not be rattled so much by it. There is always something to learn.

King Solomon, a great and powerful king had to deal with a lot of issues everyday and I think that he found it stressful which is why he asked God for wisdom in performing his duties as a king. Solomon placed his confidence and trust in the Lord and as a result, God granted him success. In my position as head usher for the first service, of the Union Church of Manila I am sure that I would be facing situations that will put me to the test. My integrity and motives as a leader would sometimes be challenged but I know that God placed me in this position to teach me valuable lessons about life and leadership. leadership in the form of a servant and not some self appointed exalted leader. I pray for wisdom as I go about my duties as the lord's servant.

New year, New Sport.

This year, I started training in powerlifting. I had my first session at the University of the Philippines the other day and I must say that I had fun doing it. My muscles were aching almost immediately after training and became worst the following day. I was having a hard time moving, particularly bending. All this because of the deadlift and squat exercises which I was doing.

My coach had me lifted a barbell weighing 60 kilogram since it was my first time. I have never lifted a barbell over my shoulder before while doing squats. I was having a hard time with the move cause you don't simply bend but have to stick your butt out and naturally bend deep. This is of course something new for me because that is how I normally squat. Now my thighs are hurting. I feel like an old man who aches every time he bends down.


All this pain ir normal though since it is my first. The same would be true to everyone who would try out a new sport. I've been watching videos of powerlifting and I must say that I'm already in love with the sport and would want to pursue it further. Don't get me wrong though, Judo is and always will be my first love! I'm looking forward to getting stronger and develop more muscles this year. Time to be fit! Powerlifting world here I come!

Why are government employees so rude?

I went to the Bureau of Internal Revenue today to request for the new TIN ID Card. As I was going about the whole process which includes waiting; I can't help but observe the different ways of how government employees treat the people that they are suppose to be serving. Despite the efforts that the government does in changing the image of their employees as being friendly and ready to serve, the sarcasm in their character still shows. behind the fake smiles in their faces are really frowns that tells you, "I'm just doing this to earn a living". This is always the feeling that I get whenever I have to go to one of their offices.


What is it about these people that make them treat people like dirt anyway? As foolish as it may sound but their rudeness also rubs off in the private sector as well. I know this from my days in the corporate world. Some departments in different companies have a way of treating people from other departments like dirt. Is this kind of attitude that will be present in different sectors of the government who are suppose to serve? Service with a smile, a true honest to goodness smile is something that these people do not have. As a result, their service is also affected because they do not do their jobs with heart. It seems to me that people like them are just in doing this to earn a buck; they don't really care about the people.


It saddens me that people like them exists. Service has to come from the heart but the fact of the matter is they do not have heart. Behaviors of this type is something that has always been an enigma to me. What does this say about our culture? Every government offices that I have dealt with from the past until now share this attitude. What is it about government employees that make them so notoriously rude? I honestly don't understand it at all. I really don't.

First day of the new year musings.

The smoke from all those fireworks are gone and we are all stuffed from food. I fell asleep around 2:45 in the morning or so only to be awakened by a group of what sounded like highschool students have a street party in front of our house. So much for sleep; just when you though everything has settled down. I wasn't able to fall asleep until 4:00 in the morning then woke up at 9:45 because I felt hungry again.

I haven't done much today yet except my devotions. I started reading the book of genesis again and plans to meditate on 3 chapters per day of the Bible and finish it in a year's time. I really don't have any special plans today although I do want to go out for a bike ride but my post new year celebration laziness is getting the best out of me. I am actually tempted to go back to bed and get some more sleep. If I have someone to go riding with then I would be totally pumped up but it seems that everyone is either sleeping or partying somewhere with friends or relatives. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what will happen today. My bed is so tempting right now. Zzzzzzz

Farewell 2010. Welcome 2011

An old year has gone and a new one has just arrived. Like most people, I can't help but wonder what the coming year has in store for us. Is it going to be a productive one for a lot of people or will it turn out to be a disaster? I believe that the future is what we make of it. We create our own future by the decisions that we do in the present.  I for one intend to make the most of 2011. It's true that there might be some things which I won't have any control of but I know that Christ has me in the palms of his hands, that he is in control of my life because I surrendered everything to him. I am not the captain of my life, Christ is!

It's funny how some people get into different new year mumbo jumbo by buying trinkets that are suppose to bring them good luck or re-arrange their houses into an interior decorator's worst nightmare. Some people would jump at the strike of midnight believing that they would be taller by doing so. Oh well, I guess each individual have their own way of welcoming the new year. I can't say that the year 2010 has been bad on me but I do want the coming year to be better than the previous one, we all want something better but the question is, have we learned from our past mistakes in order to make good choices for the new year?


The Bible tells us to forget the past and look forward to what is ahead; keeping our eyes on our Lord Jesus. When I say keep our eyes on Jesus, I mean that we shoudn't get distracted with whatever life throws at us. We look on to Jesus because he is the one who is guiding us in the right path. If we do get distracted then our goals would seem hopeless because we have lost hope already. I welcome 2011 with open arms for it is a blessing from Christ. I am excited about this year and willing to make new changes for the better. I bid good bye to the year 2010 and welcome 2011

New Year, New Physical Challenges.

I'm not the type to make new year resolutions cause I am unable to keep them; but I am hoping that I would have more discipline in the coming year. As I grow older, I find my self being more responsible in some new roles that I am undertaking. I hope to achieve the same kind of discipline and responsibility in getting into shape. I am not getting any younger but I still want to be athletic and become more competitive in my sport and getting a new body. One that doesn't just look good but a powerful one.


I will be joining the U.P. Judo Team in TRX training under Coach Armand and will be taking up powerlifting as well. My Dad has always encouraged me to get a good looking body ever since I was a teenager but I was to lazy to get into the program for a regular workout. TRX and powerlifting would demand a lot of me but nobody ever said that it's going to be easy. No pain, no gain. I would really have to wake up early for this since I live very far from U.P. but I will try my best to make things work out. I'm hoping that this is something that I would really stick to like a glue and not give up. 2011 is going to be a year of new challenges for me; physical challenges that is.

Disturbance of the peace in the form of parties.

Here in the Philippines, there is no such thing as disturbance of the peace. People here would just party at night until the wee hours in the morning with their videoke machine set to it's loudest. They don't care if people get some sleep as long as they have the time of their lives in their merry making. This was the case in our village last night; because of it, I didn't really get to sleep much. I can hear the bad singing until 3:00am so I decided to call the Baranggay Tanods (village police) hoping that they would put an end to the music from hell. To my dismay, they didn't ask them to call it quits, they just asked the party goers to keep it down. This is totally unacceptable!

Why do people have to start a party late at night and disturb the good people who are already in bed? From what I noticed, it was the local gang members who were having a party and the baranggay are to afraid to restrain them. A bunch of cowards that's what they are. They can't do their jobs well. Most Filipinos are not considerate of their neighbors. I say this because it happens everywhere, not just here in our village. The holidays is not a reason for out of control merry making just like what these people are doing.

Missing my childhood Christmas days

Christmas in the eyes of a child are full of joy. The joys of being with cousins and playing with them during family reunions, the thrill of opening presents coming from my Mom and Dad and from aunts and uncles and other relatives. These are some things that I miss now that I am an adult. Don't get me wrong though, I still look forward every year to Christmas and I still love it; it's just that it's different when your a child. As a child, you don't have to worry about preparations for the holidays; all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy what's in store for you.


We would always have two reunions during the holidays back then. On Christmas day it self, we would be at Tito Rio's place with my first cousins; then on new years day, we would be at Tita Paulita's house in Mandaluyong or Uncle Dido's with the rest of our cousins. I can still remember the days when when my cousins and I would run around the house and play or watch movies in a betamax (those things were hot back then) One of the highlights of those days was falling in line for Christmas gifts and eagerly opening them to see what new toy we got. man! I really miss those days and I wish that I could go back in time and re-live them. Right now, all I have are memories of the good old days.; Christmas in the eyes of a child.

I wish it is Christmas everyday of the year.

Christmas is finally here one again! I really love the atmosphere that the Christmas Spirit brings. You can feel it everywhere you go. Is it the decorations, the Christmas trees, the Christmas carols or the cheerful spirit in each individual? Whatever it is, I wish it was like this all year long. Christmas is a time when every body forgets all about their trouble and try to be happy despite their present circumstances in life.

For Christians, Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ who came into this world. But I also hear stories about non-Christian countries also getting into the spirit of the season.It only shows you that no such person in history has truly made an impact in the world the way that Jesus has! It's a phenomenon! I really wish that it was like this everyday of the year but we have to face the reality that it isn't. Oh well, I am still thankful and looking forward to this season even though it is just once a year. merry CHRISTmas everyone!

Being Thankful For all Circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. This is something that I recalled from scripture as I think about my present circumstance in life. I may not be so blessed financially like others and I am having a hard time making both ends meet in the family. As I lay down in my bed with my thoughts lifted up to the Lord and just being honest with him, I ask him. Why does life has to be so hard, my Lord? I didn't get a burning bush answer but instead I was reminded to give thanks in all circumstances. That was loud and clear enough for me to hear. We always thank the Lord for every good blessing that comes along our way even for small things; but when was the last time we thanked him for the bad things? Sounds difficult huh? It is!

Saying thank you God in the midst of difficult situations is acknowledging his greatness over everything. To be thankful in grief, in need, in sickness is to fully trust him that he is there no matter what and that somehow, things will be okay. This is a hard concept I have to admit but nevertheless, it is a commandment and we must follow if we claim that we trust God. I like the idea that God welcomes our honesty, that we can pour out our feelings, our frustrations, our deepest hurts and longings towards him and that he is there to listen. This is what I found my self doing earlier as I cry out to the Lord. My life, just like everyone else is filled with pain and grief in every form. You know what? I feel better after casting my burdens on him. My problems are still there, my circumstances hasn't changed yet but I feel better knowing that a loving Father, a loving God is there for me. They say that pain is there to mold us and I have to agree that that is true.


Again, when was the last time we were thankful to the Lord for the not so good things that are happening in our lives? it's been a while for me, that much I have to admit. I tend to complain and pout like a little child when things don't go my way. Today the Lord has reminded me; to thank him is to trust him. He is teaching me and reminding me that in this world we will always have trouble but to take heart cause he has overcome the world. All that he asks from you and me is to thank him in every circumstances. God knows your name, He knows our every thought, He sees each tear that falls and hears you when you call.

How to overcome December Traffic.

December is really a bad month to be driving or taking public transport because of all the traffic that you see everywhere. It will take you an hour or two to get to point A to point B. It is just so bad really. Traffic is already bad enough all through out the year but December is the worst. So how do we resolve this? The government can't do anything as we already know so it is up t us citizens to do something about it. I AM ONE LESS CAR. Think about that and let it sink in to our brains. There are obviously to many cars on the road already which is we we get so much traffic and of course, pollution.

In this day and age, the only way for us to really get around and avoid the major headaches in the streets of metro Manila is to hop on to a good old, pollution free and gas free transport called a bicycle. It may be slower than a car but it sure is a lot faster in the city with the streets clogged by cars and all. I have been bike commuting for almost two years now and I can tell you that it saves me money and gives me a good workout! I find it very practical even if I have to ride under heavy rain. Riding a bike to work or school may not be for everybody because of the glamor that a car has to offer but riding a bike makes more sense for the wise and practical.

Why do people join fraternities if they are known for violent acts?

Why do people have the need or desire to join a fraternity? What attracts them to join a group that get themselves involved in violent acts such as fraternity wars, hazing and humiliating initiation rituals for the sake of what they call brotherhood? These are just some of the questions that come into my mind ever since I became aware of the existence of these organizations.There are a lot of fraternities out there who are infamous with violent acts such as frat wars and gang rapes as well as bullying other people. I don't know what it's like in other countries but here in our own country, fraternities are more like a street gang.

When I was in high school, I got into several fights with fraternity members when they try to bully me. I have to say that I have not and will not be intimidated by bullies of any form. From what I have heard, there are some fraternities that are not like that and I do hope that is true. Campus Crusade for Christ started out sharing the gospel to fraternities in the 60s and is still continuing to do so. Knowing how some fraternities are engaged in violent acts, why would people still join them if their only reason is to belong? Could that be the real reason for joining? Your guess is as good as mine.

Looking forward to 2011.

As the year 2010 comes to an end and welcomes another year, I can't help but wonder what the year 2011 has in store for my life. The past years have always proven challenging for me and I don't think that that will change. All of us would have challenges one way or another. With that in mind, I would simply like to stress that it's the kind of attitude that we display in facing challenges that would reveal our very own nature. I am not the type to make new years resolutions since I cannot keep them but I would like to try to recall all the has happened in my past and make changes for the better. Maybe not in my current status in life in terms of career or financial gain but as a person, as an individual.

I believe that it is human nature to strive for perfection; perfection however would all depend upon each individuals point of view. I for one would like to have perfection in my attitude towards life in my quest to be more like Christ each day. Some people have this concept that nobody is perfect. There is some truth in that, however, people tend to use it as an excuse not to better them selves because they think that it is a hopeless task. If that is the kind of attitude that every man and woman have then we will never ever be truly happy because we would be stuck and not able to move on at all. What are you looking forward to in the coming year? What expectations you have? Some people would consult mediums to tell their fortunes for them which is totally bull. Our future is what we make of it and no fortune teller can tell us how we should live because they can't. We alone together with God's guidance can stir us into the right path for the coming year. Out your hope, your future into Christ's capable hands. trust and obey for there in no other way.

Let Justice be Served for the Vizcondes

As of 4:00pm today, December 14, 2010; Accused killer of the Vizconde family massacre has been acquitted of the crime he has been accused of and served time for fifteen years. I was surprised when I heard the news this afternoon and immediately thought of Mr. Lauro Vizconde and how he must feel in the midst of this. My heart goes out to Mr. Vizconde who taught that justice has been served after his family was brutally murdered; at the same time I can't also help but think if Hubert Webb is really innocent and how our justice system screwed up by sending an innocent man to prison.

The saying that crime does not pay may be true here in the Philippines; the criminal justice system still has a lot of flaws I guess. I wouldn't be surprised if some hotshots are able to manipulate the law in their favor. I think this is one of the reasons why I don't trust authorities here in my country because the officials them selves who runs our government are corrupt. It is my prayer that whoever really murdered the Vizconde family will have the courage to turn him self in and admit his guilt. As for the people claims to uphold the law, I hope that they would truly get their act together and prosecute the bad guys and let justice be served. No one, absolutely No one should be above the law.

The true reason for Christmas

It's that time of year again. A time of year where friends, employees and families gather together in an almost month long of gift giving and merry making. What is the reason why we party anyway? Do we ever stop and ask our selves what is the reason behind for celebrating the season? Are we the kind of people that just party because we want to and everybody else is doing it? If we are indeed like this then I feel sad for all of us. Most of us don't even remember the true reason why we are celebrating Christmas and it's significance in the lives of mankind.


More than two thousand years ago, a little boy was born in a town called  Bethlehem. This boy was Jesus Christ, the lamb of God. In the midst of all the merry making , let us stop and ponder upon the true reason for the season.. Christmas is not about a satanic creation called santa claus and frosty the snowman. Christmas is all about Jesus and Jesus alone.

Lessons from Joseph The Dreamer.

As I listen to tunes from the musical Joseph The Dreamer; I can't help but ponder on the message of the songs and how it relates to Joseph's life which was a roller coaster ride. He was up one moment then all of a sudden he was down. What strikes me most is how he never lost sight of The Lord despite the way he has been treated by his own brothers and how he was locked up in prison for many years. If I were in his shoes I would have wallowed in despair saying that I have been forgotten and that I'm done for.

The life of Joseph is an amazing story of faith and patience in suffering. The question is, what lessons are we getting from his life? God obviously wants us to persevere, to hang in there but it seems we tend to give up on the Lord easily. I know I have but God pulled me back from the dark pit that I was in. I don't usually understand why things happen as they do but I do know that whatever the reason is, God is always looking after us and that we are not alone. I guess it's only human nature to feel so down in trying times when all hope seems lost but we do get back up in the saddle after falling right? it takes time but we always get back up.


Now I don't know anyone who has gone through something like Joseph had but I do want to learn from Joseph and have the same perseverance and determination to hold on to his faith no matter what. Easier said than done? You bet! But I do want to be like that. I guess, we just always have to remember that when God closes a door or a chapter in our lives, he would always open a window so that we can see. But we have to see things from God's perspective not our own; for our own vision will lead us only in despair because we see with our own heart and not our minds. Emotion can be a dangerous thing sometimes if we rely on them to much and not the facts or the birds eye view tha God has laid before us. Think and see things from God's line of sight.

Missing the 80's!

Some people say that I am stuck in the past, particularly the 80's. I can't say I blame them cause in some cases it is true. I miss a lot of things from the 80's like the music, the movies, the fashion etc... Don't get me wrong though, even though I like the fashion back in those days I don't go around today wearing tight jeans with colorful jackets and sneakers. As a kid who grew up in the 80's I can definitely say that that generation was a lot more decent than today. Just watch the movies and listen to the music and you'll know what I'm talking about. Even Filipino 80's movies had a lot more sense back then. Something that you don't see in this day and age anymore.

Talk to me about the music and artists of today and chances are you would hear me say WHO???? That's right! I have no idea who or what is popular these days in terms of music because I don't listen to the radio anymore. I only listen to music like Duran-Duran, Spandau Ballet, Rick Astley, Aha and the like. I guess I am stuck in the past. If I had a time machine, I would travel back to the days of glory, a decade that's full of parties and good clean fun. Sigh... I wish that I could turn back the clock and bring the wheels of time to a stop.

Bike Commutting for Clean Air.

Smog and traffic are just two of the things that every citizen has to go through everywhere we go. The city streets are clogged with vehicles of different shapes and sizes which pollute the atmosphere that we breath. Fortunately, there is an alternative form of transport that we can use to get around without having to get stuck in heavy traffic. It also promotes clean air and good health. I am talking about a marvelous invention called the bicycle.

I have been using my bike to commutte for more than a year now and I have to say that I enjoy it a lot and saves me money which I can spend on other things. I rarely take a jeepney or a bus these days and I can get to my destination faster than any commutter in the city. I'm also happy to say that I am not one of those people who emmits bad fumes from motorized transports causing health problems. There are however some people who do not like the idea of bike commuting simply because of glamor. They would rather be seen driving fancy cars with the lates gizmos than be seen on a two weel, led power vehicle and a helmet. Sure, they might have other reasons for not getting into a bike like safety and hygine; but for me these are just minor. Some people would say that they don't want to arrive at work all sweaty and that they don't have shower facilities. These are all valid concerns but is that really the real reason why they can't get on the saddle and pedal?


There is a saying that "If there is a will, there is a way". I agree with that. If you really want to ride your bike to work there will always be solutions to the common reasons why not to bike. Bikers can always chose not to go fast so they won't be as sweaty when they arrive at their destination. If there is no shower room then they can always freshen up a little with moist towels and a fresh change of cloathes. Is bike parking the problem? Company or building premises would always have a security guard who will prevent intruders from coming in and protect everything in it's premises. There might not be bike racks in your building but I'm sure there would always be a small place where you can lock your bike.


I am not saying that we should get rid of cars, no! There are some cases where cars can still be used. Going with the family on trips, transporting equipments, etc are all valid reasons for driving. But the less cars on the roads then the chances of having clean air will be a reality and no longer a dream. Bike commuting can be for everyone. It's all a matter of having the proper mindset.