J e z r e e l F a i t h M a n u g u e

My 2010 List

2010-12-28T01:09:00.000+08:00

Year 2010 in Review

J A N U A R Y 

[Jan 1] God gave me a clear message, command, and promise for this big year. My order was to enlarge my tent on 2010! (Isaiah 54)
[Jan 12] THAT day of my life

[Jan 27] My thesis turned out to be a pathway to campus ministry! This was our first open-door (at GSCA)!

F E B R U A R Y

[Feb 5] Leaders’ Retreat at Itogon, Benguet

[Feb 14] Realized that I am full of love -- with wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord.

A portion of the text message I’ve sent them that night:

“Feb 14.. Who’s love-less? Well, wala akong boyfriend or any of that sort, but that’s definitely not me! ...... It gives God joy that we treat each other as brothers and sisters, and not as potential girlfriends and boyfriends....”

M A R C H

[Mar 21] being more and more open with my disciples (and them to me)

A P R I L

[Apr 27] Bangon Pilipinas “photographer” -- I became like the official photographer for Banon Pilipinas’ sortee in Nueva Ecija :-) F na F to be allowed on the stage with them the whole event!

[Apr] Preparations for the Camp --- first camp we’ve organized ourselves! :)

M A Y

[May 2 to 6] Virac -- It was a joy to minister to our brethren there. I also enjoyed travelling with my friends (Vanj, Giovan, Jett + a few adults).

[May 6,7,8] Youth CampThe Lord moved mightily! Twas a regeneration, indeed. *tugs, tugs, tugs!*

third (last) day of the camp

[May 18] MacBook Pro

after I opened the package! Ordered it thru apple.com

[May 25] Passion Manila 2010

from Upper B to Patron! Simula ng love story namin ni Chris :-D Haha! JK

J U N E

[Jun 4] What to Wear to War: Equipping Series for Current and Emerging Cell Leaders

At first I was counting our mtngs, but I’ve lost count in the middle as it became really a part of every week! Powerful talaga ang mga ito! This gave birth to a chain of increase sa ministry.

[Jun 23] Ma’am Jez na ako :-)

J U L Y
June, July, August, pukpukan sa sa mga emerging leaders!!! Prayer, fasting, presence of God, opening cells...

A U G U S T
[Aug30] G12 Immersion at Davao

S E P T E M B E R

[Sep 8] Generations: Keeping the Pipeline Strong (Preaching at Betis) - The people at Betis were shocked to hear me preach! Parang ang bata ko pa raw dati, ngayon preacher na (well, bata pa rin naman talaga ako). The Word I shared was very relevant to my testimony and as to how I related to that community :-) Powerful!

[Sept 11] Ground Zero -- our biggest harvest event for the year!!!

O C T O B E R

Consolidation
Ignite (a one-day retreat) --- New life for the souls won!

Hong Kong week-long vacation with the family!!!

Make a slideshow

N O V E M B E R

[Nov 8] 20th birthday -- Teen no more! But I am joyful that I have made the most of my teenage years all because of God’s grace in my life. My celebration was all spontaneous --- 5 AM surprise visit from my disciples, surprises from my students, dinner with the family, lots of sweet and thoughtful greetings :)
[Nov 10] New House -- “old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!” (2 Cor 5:17)
[Nov 17] Throat and vocal box’s medication. Stopped talking for a couple of days. Had to deal with levels of loneliness and feelings of dumbness at times, but was also able to overcome. Up to this day I still am under medication though I can talk lightly and softly now (which is really difficult.haha).

D E C E M B E R

[Dec 20] Youth Network’s Chistmas Party --- Every year, our Christmas parties act like the biggest time for assessment, and this year I just told the new and old youth cell leaders “for 2010, job well done!”
[Dec 23] New Lumix GF1
[Dec 23] Christmas Cantata -- glorious!

I also thank God because this year I witnessed...

- the spiritual growth of my disciples

- my relationship with my disciples also grew stronger and closer

- how He transformed me to me a discipler and leader to many

- the Lord used my disciples in different ways -- opened cells, preached, taught in the cell, grew in their ministries...

My favorite teachings from the Lord this year:

Faith

No Fears

Only by God/s Grace

The Power of the Blood

Holy Spirit

Overflow

Faithfulness

Fruitfulness

Discipleship

Purity

It’s not about me

Songs of the Year:

1. Our God (is greater)

2. Simulan mo na *tugs, tugs, tugs*

3. You Deserve

This 2010, God gave me a very strong personal revelation of His faithfulness like never before in my life. It’s sooo good to grow in the knowledge of who God is and to experience him. Thanks be to God for making 2010 fruitful and meaningful --- because of God's generosity for his revelations, wonderful friends and partners in the ministry, loving disciples, souls ready to be harvested, awesome mentors, and a presence-filled church :-)

It has been my biggest and best year so far!

WOW!

Ground Zero

2010-11-02T09:36:00.001+08:00

Ground Zero.

This event was a glimpse of the fulfillment of the vision that God has planted in my heart. 500 souls may be too little still when compared to the population, but out of these will come the multitudes!

No, it didn’t happen just like that. Ground zero was a product of a train of commitments, trainings, works, prayers, and a lot of faith!

If I’d start narrating our humble beginnings (though I know we’re really just at the beginning up to this point), I’d consume kilobytes after kilobytes of space on the web, so let me cut this blog short by just sharing how joyful, humbled, and awestruck I am for what God has done and is doing!

Greater things are ahead! Like what Joel Osteen would always declare, our best days are ahead of us and not behind us!
Ground Zero is just a small sight of 1 Corinthians 2:9!

I am determined and committed to pray, fast, soak, study, listen, learn, train, speak, teach, and preach all the more!

Here we commmme!

picture slideshow

Special thanks to the youth leaders as well as the new Life Group leaders whom God used to reach out to these young people. Simula pa lang talaga 'to.
I am grateful for a wonderful team that God has graced me with :)

I love you, youth!

*photo album link*

Right Connections

2010-10-26T03:19:00.000+08:00

Right Connections
(short blog re our Davao trip last September)

Proverbs 27:17 tells us that "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (NIV).
   For the past few years that I’ve been really serious about my relationship with God and with the ministry, I have discovered a very significant key to fulfill the destiny God has set before me --- it is through surrounding myself with the right people.
   Success is primarily by God’s grace. Moreover, my (continuing) spiritual growth as well as the advancements in the ministry God has entrusted me with are also correlated to my connection with those people who encourage me through their testimonies and with their commitment to the Lord. God has indeed blessed me with the right connections whom He uses to speak life, impart faith, and transmit vision in my life.

   Last August 31 to September 4 of this year, I had a chance to meet my friends from Davao City. I’d like to give honor to the Lord by honoring these people:
♥ I am thankful for Pastors Noel and Demi of LTH Church together with their teams of twelve who generously shared about the nuts and bolts of the G12 Vision. We (my parents and I) would only see and shortly meet them at conferences, but the solidarity between us during the week-long Immersion Seminar was so strong!
♥ Ate Rejoice and my friends from BCC. Since being friends with her in 2008 through a group of pastor’s kids (PK’s), she’s always been an encouragement to me. Though in Davao, wala siyang ka-malay-malay that she, their family, and their local church is constantly being a blessing to me!

   It’s exciting to know that I don’t have to walk and do the work alone because God has arranged the right people to come into my life to inspire, challenge, and help me grow and fulfill my God-given dreams and vision!

a video blog during our visit to Davao City:

Ray Ban

2010-06-28T23:11:00.001+08:00

Finally got my first Ray Ban sunglasses!
My mom got me the new RB2132 wayfarer. I chose the classic black/grey combo.
Wearing my pair make me want to go places :-D

Just sharing (and just trying to update this blog!) :-P

Okay, sige na, sorry sa pag-fi-feeling fashion blogger. HAHAHA!

Passion Manila 2010

2010-05-27T10:28:00.003+08:00

For the second time I have been part of the crazy Passion Manila.

Passion Manila 2010
Araneta Coliseum [sold out]
May 25, 2010, Tuesday
Featuring Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, and the all-time star, JESUS.

People-ing before the conference-concert
Was with 29 other young people from my church. Left at 10:30am. Arrived at 3. Great time of sharing, fellowship, and some sleep with my cell on the road (I would like to tell more about this part on my future blogs).

Sisters’ date at Coffee Bean. Hung out at Cafe Bola ‘cause the heat on the streets surrounding the coliseum was unbearable (at least for me). Met with our childhood friends, Zion and Kim (plus a new friend, Karl). [photo]

Also, I finally met my dear Shing [photo] whom I got to know though Passion ’08 :-D
Entered the coliseum at around 6 PM. This time I got to spend time with the other students I was with.. UNTIL I left to buy a Passion Shirt.

From Upperbox to Patron
I was also with my girls (cell) when Vanj and I bought our Passion shirts.

We were supposed to get foods and drinks when I “accidentally” entered into an upperbox B entrance/ door (not really on the fiddle--- was just checking out). We continued walking and checking out the place when I incidentally entered into a lowerbox entrance. The ushers were kind enough to have just let us pass.
Jumps. Shouts. High five’s.
From Upperbox B seats, we got ones beside the stage! Whoohoo! My cell kept on joking that really they should always follow their leader :-P

Hang on in there.. something more interesting happened....
When the lights turned off while the opening video was being played on the large screens of the coliseum, someone gave us passes to the patron area (beside the stage)! Whoohoo!
So yes, my friends, patron! Later on we found ourselves in the front! As in front.
My cell and I are grateful for such a great favor and surprise from God!

Say, Say, Say. Sing, sing, sing.
Of course it was AWESOME to dance, sing, and shout in worship with 10000+ crazy Filipino young people! Pinoy’s are really loud and expressive when it comes to worshipping God through songs (my thought: may we also bring this boldness in winning souls and making disciples!).

Chris Tomlin again sang the Tagalog version of his well-know song “How Great is Our God”. On a slushy side, check what I’ve got after the event: Chris Tomlin’s own! :-D Yay!

(photo credit: Passion268 Blog// the paper is my shot AND is mine now.Yes!)

All for His Fame
I have heard about that message from John 12 (death of a seed = fruit) for so many times, but it’s just amazing that because God’s Word is truly living and is dynamic, I have just died. again. I have reaffirmed my death on myself and that I am now living for Him alone, for His renown.

Maybe some of you, if you’ve been reading my blogs and know me, would say “but you are already doing that!”.. Well, I could say yes, but as I see it there can only always be a deeper, next, higher, greater level for the things we do for God, and well, this event made me praise God as I have seen my heart’s desire in the past (up to the present) to really take part and take the lead in leading this generation to knowing Jesus.

I don’t care if I’d be the biggest or smallest person in this world; I just want my life to be used in making God famous in this generation!

All-time. Epic. Jesus!

-----------------------------
PS. on a totally random and silly thought: Chris Tomlin is seriously cute! :-D
It's shivering that he kept gazing at me when I was in front. Sinabi din ni Presh sa akin ito. Hindi ko nga lang sure if it’s because (on the credit side) I totally look good or because I was totally boisterous. But I’d like to think it’s because I am both :) HAHAHA. Okay, I have to stop typing now while my dignity’s still intact :-P Kinilig lang:-P Please let’s now all pretend I didn’t just publish this last part.haha. Yaiks! :-D
-----------------------------
Will post more photos on my Facebook and/or Flickr
**most photos taken by Vanj with her LX3

Shooting photographs for Bangon Pilipinas

2010-05-14T01:06:00.001+08:00

Last April 27, I have been given the chance to shoot photographs for Bangon Pilipinas when the team visited Nueva Ecija for (1) a press con at San Jose City, and (2) a meeting de avance at Cabanatuan City's Freedom Park.
You see, I'm only a hobbyist and not a professional photographer, but I am grateful for such a great opportunity.

Some perks: getting front seats, getting to see them up-close, being on the stage (with the team) for the whole event, backstage pass, having good shots, feeling close! Haha :-D

(L-R) Bro.Eddie during the press con, the famed Bus ni Bro and me, Bro.Eddie and some senatoriables,

Bro.Eddie being welcomed by the crowd, Bro.Eddie with the Diyos at Bayan hand sign, hands play,

Yasay, Bro.Eddie with Yasay and wife Dory, Bro.Eddie and the crowd

Another cool thing that happened was that Alex Tinsay happily asked me to take photographs of him in front of the huge crowd, then gave me his email ad so I could send him copies of the photos. After that he told me, "hija, ipahawak mo muna sa kanya yung camera para makapag-pa-picture tayo". Yeehee!

I think one of the most awesome things that happened was meeting and getting to converse with Perfecto "Jun" Yasay, former SEC secretary and the whistle blower for Erap's ill-gotten wealth. I might sound fangirling already, but I really do admire him --- his integrity, wisdom, and leadership abilities (add to that he's a fellow PK!). My mom could attest to this.. before the event she even joked that she'd try to get on stage only to tell Yasay that I am his number one fan! Haha. Little did I know that I would tell him that myself :-D

I also got to take a picture with Bro.Eddie, though I didn't get to really 'talk' (as in like I did with the other candidates) to him as he was frequently on the center-stage.

I'll end this blog through sharing a panoramic shot (8 photos stitched) of the park, the huge crowd, and the candidates on the stage..

It was a great experience. When I got to see my church mates, mom, and dad again after the even (yes, I was on the stage the whole time!), dad teased me by telling me "alam ko ikaw ang pinakamasaya ngayong gabi". And really, I think so, too! :)

A heart to impart (Virac mission trip)

2010-05-13T06:13:00.003+08:00

DESIRE.
During one of my prayer times on the early days of March, I felt a strong conviction to pray for the youth group of our daughter church (outreach) in Virac, Catanduanes. I subsequently reached their youth leader (thanks, Facebook!) to communicate my heart’s desire to help their youth group grow. A month later, my dad assigned Pastor Rodel to visit Catanduanes. It’s humbling that I was the first person he asked to be part of the team. Above the reason that it’s gonna be my first time to see Bicol, what made me most excited was seeing how God has provided a venue for the desire he’s sown in my heart to be materialized.

TRIP.
May 2 (Sunday), 9 AM, I left for Virac together with three more youth leaders – my sister, Vanj, Jett, and Giovan, and eight other church leaders and pastors. Travelling for 26 hours has not been boring for us at all – it was full of all kinds of good conversations! (more side kwentos next time). Sure, it was tiring to have to be in a vehicle for more than a day, but I believe because I had the mindset that I am going there to bless God’s people by being an encouragement to them, the long trip seemed to rather be a journey of excitement and just being prepared to do the works of God.

We arrived at the place the following day, May 3 at 11 AM. 26 hours on the road! 26 hours!

DAY 1
It was made known to me from the start that our main purpose on visiting Virac is to empower their youth group so I have been fully occupied by the notion that I am not leaving that place without being used by God to make an impact in the lives of the young people there. Well, I can say that I was able to truly minister to their youth group having that mindset. In the afternoon of our first day there, I've met with their youth group (together with my colleagues) for a special youth service. We initially got to know each other so they’d be at ease with us ministering to them and leading them. I began the service telling them that my heart is not only to share information, but to have impartation.

I preached about fruitfulness in terms of Christ-likeness and multiplication. I think the message was extra powerful because I have always mentioned of my experiences in the youth ministry in the past, and how we actually begun the youth ministry from a very small and young-in-faith group of budding youth leaders (more like them). They were challenged and were given hope that if God was able to do it in our youth ministry, He too can move in their youth group. After the message, tuwang-tuwa ang pastor nila. I was told that I’ve scored a bull's eye! Glory to God!

Not wanting to waste a moment, in the evening I’ve stayed up ‘till 11 with some girls who didn’t want to leave just yet (did I mention they were hungry and eager for fire?)– taught them the significance of doing devotions, and having accountability over each other. Ayaw pa talaga nilang umuwi by 11, but I insisted na kasi baka mapagalitan sila ng parents. :-D [Note to leaders: don’t neglect balance.]
So yes, first day pa lang God has already made such great moves na! Oh how I love to partner with the Holy Spirit!

DAY 2

I had to wake up before 8 the following day for a special church service. I didn't preach in that service but I shared with them a short testimony about our ministry. Told them to love and support their pastor because our ministry in San Jose City wouldn't have been this successful so far if there weren’t people who worked hand in hand with my parents in our early years in the ministry.

We’ve joined their anniversary celebration in the evening. I know that church started from a small family a few years ago, so it’s my joy to see how they’ve grown through the years. They may not be the biggest church in their place (YET, I tell you. YET!), but God has manifested Himself greatly through the advancements made on the local church.

After the celebration, I was told that there were young people who asked their parents’ consent about sleeping over at the church so they could spend the whole night with me and my colleagues. Well, since it was our last night in Virac, I’ve made up my mind that I will really maximize the time I could spend with the eager ones.
At 12 AM, I’ve asked the girls to take a nap before we start our sharing. Meanwhile, I’ve spent I think two hours with some male young people (who were murdering chickens! Haha. JK) along with Giovan. We’ve basically talked about relationship within the (boys') group. They were inspired to build a deeper relationship with each other, especially that boys are somewhat rare in the group.
After our conversations, Giovan was amazed at how I dealt with the boys. Told him I’m following Jesus’ model --- a Jew to the Jews, a Gentile to the Gentiles! :)

The girls got up at around 2AM. We’ve begun our sharing then along with the boys. We talked about the importance of having an active personal relationship with Christ, and its role as a prerequisite to multiplication. They were sooo hungry for the Word! They also shared of how they became determined to really get deeper in their relationship with Jesus. It’s a very simple matter that I highlighted, but I think it’s what really matters. Everything else regarding ministry growth will only be outcomes of perfecting that. Anyway, we wrapped up our fellowship at around 4AM.

As our team left at around 6 AM, the youth were still up as they wanted to bid us their goodbyes and see-you-soon’s. They were grateful for the fire they have received!

Well, I too am grateful for such a great opportunity to minister and encourage my sisters and brothers in Virac. Truly, God never runs out of venues for us to serve Him and His body. Sure, my trip there was not that luxurious and comfy, but I believe because God has blessed me with a heart to impart, God was able to maximally move through me in that place. No, by saying that I don’t desire to bring glory to myself but to the One who planned this all.

What God has revealed to me through this whole trip is that when there are hands that desire to serve, He’ll provide areas for them to work. Not only that, He’ll also equip those hands with His anointing, fire, and strength.

I thank God for a great opportunity to work for His Kingdom! What a great master/boss I have.

Trailblazer

2009-12-28T06:44:00.004+08:00

The youth leaders surprised me during our Christmas party last December 20-- I was given the Trailblazer Award.

For me, this is the most valuable tangible plaque I've received so far (well it wasn't really a plaque-- it's made of Styrofoam!). Though I don't work and serve for appreciation and reward, receiving it sure made me feel good :-) ..well, probably because it serves as an affirmation of my passion of leading young people to constantly-accelerating faith.

One of the most valuable leadership lessons I've received from the Lord through my dad/pastor is this:
A leader is a forerunner... a trailblazer... a pioneer.

This is one of the costs of leadership -- stepping into unknown territories and un-taken roads. (I'd really want to share more about this, but I'd sound like I'm preaching already so I'd reserve my thoughts for now..)

I thanked God and gave Him the glory back after I've received that award, but I also asked if I'm really worth it. I have been reminded that I also have my personal weaknesses, but that it is not I but He who works in and through me.

You guys may not have received an actual award as such, but what a wonderful thought that spirit of The Pioneer IS IN YOU so you, too, have the innate characteristics of a trailblazer!

Thy Word is a Lamp

2009-11-26T15:14:00.003+08:00

Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Though born as a pastor's kid, I personally received Christ back in 2002 during our church's first Encounter God Retreat or EGR (now simply called Encounter). After that life-changing weekend, I began trying out to read my Bible and fill the pages of my small devotional notebook. Honestly, it wasn't easy for me. I kept on being inconsistent with my devotions (my former cell leader could attest to this!).

Conversely, though, as I continued my Christian walk, I eventually saw the significance of God's word-- it has become my faith's foundation and the center of my being. I began to become genuinely hungry and thirsty for God's Word, and I think that was when God started to really move in my life. Now I take God's word not just as vitamins that are supplementary, but as food and water that I basically NEED -- that, my friends, has sustained me and helped me go deeper into my relationship with God. Also, God's rhema word has helped me go through both major and minute decisions I has to make.

A lot are amazed of what God has been doing in the youth ministry for the past one to two years. I couldn't take any credit for that. My part was only to allow God's word light my path, our paths [in the youth network]... for how could we ever have walked without God's light?

God's Word has truly been my feet's lamp -- what I've become attests to this. I know it's still a long, exciting journey ahead.. gotta keep the lamp with me!

God's word -- what is it to you?

----------------
Photo details:
My ClearlyU Bible and the night lamp my cell group gave me as their bday present on my desk
f/5, ISO 100, no flash

Birthday

2009-11-08T16:38:00.002+08:00

Prelude: Hindi ito mahaba-- just has a lot of photos in it, which you have to click to have larger views.

Nov 7
Vanj was insisting that I bring my *new* SLR. “Wala naman akong pipicture-an sa meeting”, I rebuffed. Went to church at 9AM for a youth leaders’ meeting/ Dclass.
The moment I stepped inside the building, Vanj left me, running towards the office (which they locked for me to just stay outside). I noticed that the sound system, DLP, & laptop were all setup-- there was also a countdown video being played. I kept on knocking at the office, but all I got were giggles!
03, 02, 01--- Happy birthday, Jez! It was a slideshow for me :) the first part contained photos (which I bet most they took from my Multiply), while the second was sweet enough to have made me cry: messages from the youth leaders! Those sweet words of affirmation and love— oh, supreme! Take note, the bg music was Thank you by Ray Boltz :D

As the video ended, one by one they came, each handing me flowers :)
Thanked them, talked about how they planned it, and then we finally went on with the meeting.

For lunch, we’ve decided to go on with our fellowship at our place. We had our first ‘picnic’ at our ~~garden~~ garage using my cell group’s official banig :-D

[Multiply photo album link]

Nov 8

After P&W at church, the emcee called me up onstage. The people sang the most famous song in world for me—the birthday song! After I gave a short message of thanks and testimony about God’s greatness in my life, my girls rushed towards the stage handing me a bouquet of red roses, a gift, and a cute cake. Funny thing was that the cake candle hasn’t been lit kasi nag-mamadali sila dahil mbilis daw akong mag-salita :-D So then I told the people, “ibblow ko nalang po ito by faith!”. Haha.

I so, so, so love them! Their genuine hearts of love and thoughtfulness encourages me to serve the more.
On the afternoon, I treated SOL 1 & 2 students for a simple meryenda.
My birthday celebration ended with lots and lots of jump-shots :-D

I thank the Lord for 16 wonderful years (Nyeee. Nag-sinungaling pa). Seriously now... The past 18 year have been very, very fruitful, but I’m seeing that this new phase God has granted me is bound for greater things that will outweigh what He’s done through and in me for the past.

~~Cheers~~ Jumps to getting older (but feeling younger!)
[Multiply photo album link]

SLR

2009-11-05T12:59:00.000+08:00

05 November 2009. Went to Marquee, a newly-opened mall at Angeles City, with the family.

Mom and dad’s [advanced] present for me:

Yay! My first SLR :-)

At this age, I think I've taken hundreds of thousands of digital photos, but I'm a rookie SLR digital camera user. Throughout my picture-taking life, I've been using just convenient regular digital cameras, so being an amateur SLR user, I'm more than thrilled to learn and to improve my photog skills. Conversely, though, I guess I've already somewhat mastered point-and-shoot photography, so it's just time I shift to this thing :)

---
PS. I just changed my header! :-D
Photos on the header were taken by my good ol' Sony Cybershot handy cam :)

wowoweekend

2009-10-26T09:45:00.003+08:00

HAHAH! I know.. the blog title is equally lame and cheesy :-D
But this weekend has seriously been a WOW for me, so yeah..

[click photos to enlarge]

FRIDAY
-Was able to submit another draft for my thesis!
-Was late for the first time in a long time for the youth service as I had to get over my headache -- natulog muna, but was awakened by mom & dad at around 7PM. I arrived just in time for the group review for Matthew 4,5 & 6. Got so giddied up kasi nnalo kami.. 1st :)

SATURDAY
1. Cell
Cell group in the afternoon at my buddy’s place.

For the first hour (4PM to around 5 PM), we used our newly-ordained official cell banig (may ganon!) to have a sort of an outdoor picnic while sharing about random things. Habang nagsasalita ang isa, the rest were munching on junk foods, potato chips, toasted peanuts, & soft drinks. We wouldn’t forget how a cow almost rushed us forward, and how cows around (there were 3 or 4) mooed as if saying ‘amen’ to my girls’ words. That was so much fun! Gave us a countryside feel.

So anyway, we transferred to my buddy’s room and went on. I talked about shining our little lights :-) Very moving and passion-stirring discussions.. eager ears.. open spirits determined to win, win, win!
Had [super daming] pancit malabon + gulaman drinks after. Went home sabay-sabay – you wouldn’t believe it pero we all fitted in a tricycle! Haha.. talk about flexibility and siksikability :-D

2. Practice
After ng practice for the Sunday worship, we got to watch our 20-min worship presentation last May..

Mga comments nila/ namin: Hindi pa air-conditioned ang church, ang pangit daw ng mga suot namin (dahil nga mainit pa ang church), ang pangit daw ni Jett sabi niya (mga 300 times niyang tinawanan ang sarili niya), ang likot ni Giovan kumanta-- Action Man!, ...at maraming-maraming pagtawa sa mga sarili namin :))

Our way home was also so much fun— I sat on Vanj’s lap, buddy on Jessa’s (her younger sis), while Jett sat on Jio and Gio’s laps. Kandungan daw ang magkakapatid e :-D
Takutan at tawanan mode!

SUNDAY(San Jose in the morning, Pampanga in the evening)
Wonderful time of worship + great message about having an uncommon faith!

I missed Vanj & mom though, as they were in Pampanga cause mom was invited to speak at our sister church there..

Nonetheless, dad and I drove to Pampanga after the service to join the family fellowship that was to take place in the evening. My ate (older sister) who’s living in Cavite with her family also came by. FUNNN!
I feel so blessed to belong to a Christian and God-serving family :-)

(my ate, Vanj, Lola Ma, & I)

This weekend was totally wow – how I wish I were able to make a better blog about it!

Here Am I

2009-10-08T04:43:00.008+08:00

[photo]

Isaiah 6:8

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,

"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"

And I said, "Here am I. Send me!

I'm on it, Lord. I'm sooo into it.

(Have you responded to His call, too?)

-Ber time again (what have I become?)

2009-09-02T23:46:00.023+08:00

Here goes the -Ber-month blog! It's tradition already :-D
What's good about this 'tradition' is that I get to see and analyze changes --physical, spiritual, etc-- in me through the years.
So anyway, what do I love about -Ber months? Technically, it gives the appeal of the pasko (Christmas) season.

Here's what I'm looking forward to having for the rest of the -ber months:
finishing my thesis' first part, sem break, trip to anAsian country (my hopes are up!), celebrating my last teenage birthday (sigh.bigat sa loob ng part na ito), my younger sister's 18th, my parents' silver wedd anniv, practices for our church's Christmas Cantata and the event itself, youth Christmas party, Christmas eve with, Dec25th at Pampanga, pre-new-year shopping, being able to bring out my jackets/coats again, and.. chapped lips :-D

Photo-digging time (a.k.a. the highlight of this blog)

And here is my picture for 2009 :)
I couldn't just present myself without them. As dad told me a few months ago, one cannot define a mother without her child/ren.
I've been ministering to these girls for years already (been a leader-leaderan back in 3rd year HS.hehe), but it has just been a year since I really became a ~~father~~ mother to them; spiritual mama, that is.
God has done a lot in year.. siguro para na rin to compensate for the lost time [that we didn't gave much attention to cells and the strategies of G12]. Pastor Noel Alkuino's right when he said that when there is fire and Spirit in the ministry, there's fast growth among believers. I, myself, have experienced and witnessed such skyrocket growth in my [and these girls'] Christian life[ves] for the past year. Wow. God's works are really unpredictable and amazing!

I'm excited to check out what I'll be able to write for next year's -Ber blog!
..but then, I also enjoy living and witnessing God (and The life) a day at a time :)

[on a lighter note, I look so cute back in 2005! haha.Nyee]

Related blog posts:
-BER na! (Sept'07)
SeptemBER 1 (Sept'08)

Fruits and Advancement

2009-08-29T09:41:00.015+08:00

It has been almost two weeks since Ptr.Phillip, our youth pastor for more almost 3 years (and I’d like to believe is still my youth pastor), came from KSA. Missed him so much!

Every time he’s in the country, the Lord would always give me a venue to deeply evaluate our works for the youth ministry. Last Thursday, we (youth net leaders) had a meeting/ fellowship with Ptr.P.. we shared updates about the ministry, cell groups.. Talked about a lot of things, but there were two that really awed me: (1) seeing how far we’ve gone in our Christian walk (I know there’s still a long exciting journey ahead, though). As we reminisced, I commented, “dati hindi uso yung nagbabasa ng Bible at consistent sa prayer life, pero ngayon, pag wala ka nun..”, “hindi ka IN”, said some, finishing my sentence. How the youth leaders have supernaturally matured in faith is, I believe, a fruit of the seed God has sown in us though Ptr.Phillip (and other church pastors) years back. (2) This growth has not been an end in itself. Kahit nilipat ni Lord si Ptr.P, the seed these youth leaders have received, they (we) also have sown-- out of being captured by the visions and a God-planted compassion.

When Pastor Phillip left, God assured me that He was preparing us for an ADVANCEMENT.. and indeed (not in-dead. haha), there was. It wasn’t/ isn’t an easy task God has entrusted me [and my kapatids na youth leaders], but through this condition, God has really taught me what FAITH really means.

Borrowing the words from the Apostle Paul, I am committed to being diligent in these matters, and in giving myself wholly to them, so that everyone may see progress (I Timothy 4:1).

I smell something TWEET-y

2009-07-20T21:04:00.007+08:00

Check out my first ever tweet (post made on twitter.com)

more than a year, I only had like 20+ updates on twitter. Lately, however, I've been enjoying this tweet stuff. I even added twitter applications my blog (check that on the left side), Facebook, multiply, and Friendster accounts! This means even if I rarely update my other online profiles (as i've decided to stick on to my blog nalang), I could still actually update them (labo ba?) :-D

What added to my fascination on tweeting was a site/project called ISIP.PH. I love, love, love it because it allows registered Filipino tweeters (users of Twitter) to actually send tweets thru their mobile phones via SMS--kahit hindi iPhone or BlackBerry-- for free (or for a peso, pag hindi naka-unli--yata, ha. I still have to check that out).

Well, even if others say that Plurk is the site to go for microblogging, I'd still go for the ~~so-last-month~~ classic Twitter :-)

Best worship experience, anyone?

2009-07-13T02:08:00.007+08:00

Do you have what you consider your 'best worship experience'?
----------
After Hillsong United’s worship concert [and I Heart CD promotion] here in the PH last year, the blogosphere was filled with posts that went like “it was my best worship experience” or “never praised like that before”. My heart rejoiced. HSU have been catalysts for breakthrough!
Anyway, while I agreed that it was indeed an unforgettable night, I do remember that in a casual talk with Ps.Phillip a few days after the concert, I mentioned that unlike most recent blogs on the WWW, I simply couldn’t say that it was the first time I worshiped God that way, nor it was the ultimate and best worship experience for me. Instantaneously, Ps.Phillip responded that he could say the same. “Mas matindi pa sa youth service”, he replied (not the exact words, though.hehe).
Having that outlook, I just praise God because (now in exact words I’ve put it last year—recorded sa diary ko ito, that’s why) “hindi na kailangan pang i-lead ako ng HSU para makapag-worship ng totoo at superb kay Lord”.
After all, worship is the abundance of a life, heart, spirit that connects to God, and not the abundance merely of a magnificent musical experience.

Up to this day, I delight in the Lord when I look back at that moment when I was able to realize that I have caught the heart of worship even at an early age. Yes, I do also have little times of obscurities that parallel to moments of back-face from worship and pleasing God, but He is faithful enough to always have His arms wide open. Thus, I live to this day still being thankful that worshipping God doesn’t necessarily require a dome, a great band or choir, but a heart and spirit that meets His heart whether I'm at school taking a quiz, at home sipping a cup of hot choco, at church leading worship, or in my room praying :)

*Last photo credit

Remojo Family's visit

2009-06-01T00:19:00.003+08:00

[May 30,31, and June 1]

It was long anticipated… and when it had come to place, it seemed so swift!

Vanj and I have enjoyed our overnight conversations with two of our our kababata back on our Baguio days, Zion and Kim, while mom and dad also got to spend time with Bro.Barry and Sis.Tess. Sulit :D
Zion also got to share a message of encouragement to the youth leaders-- and whoa, they (we) were definitely blessed! You sure should do that again soon, Zion :D
Bro/Ptr.Barry also got to preach during our youth service. AYOS! Sure I’ve heard him preach when we were still in Baguio City, pero since ang bata ko pang sobra noon, I’ve never really listened to him (siguro).

Thank you for your short-but-sulit visit, Bro.Barry, Sis.Tess,
Zion, Kim, Kish (na kinantahan kami ng kinantahan) and baby Khloee!
Let's have lots of ice cream again soon.

..an event hoped for turned into reality :)

2009 G12 Int'l Conference (Singapore)

2009-05-31T18:43:00.009+08:00

I'm blogging about the G12 Int’l Conference. However, since I do not want to pour out much time just to blog about it (the same way that I do not wish to get much of your time reading), I’d just post short notes and photos re highlights of each day we’ve spent in SG.
Mahaba ba? Compressed na 'to, pramisss.

DAY 1
Day one is a libot day!
Sentosa (where we tried out the fun SkyRide!), Esplanade, Merlion park (which sadly was under construction), a few shopping malls, and Raffles’ street.

DAY 2
Raffles Place mall, bargain shopping at Little India, opening of the conference in the evening.
Ptr. Lawrence Khong, G12 coordinator for Asia, commenced the conference with a message about the challenges of applying the Vision.
“Is it difficult? Yes. Is it possible? Absolutely.” - Ps. LKhong

Ps. Cesar Castellanos (also called CCD) also introduced her daughters that were with him and his wife - Lorena, Sara, and Manuela. They taught the delegates the song Revolution, which I apparently have memorized during last December’s G12 nat’l conference in Manila.
He also talked about the DNA of Christ that now runs in us because the sin and curses we’ve inherited from the first Adam have already been canceled by the last Adam who suffered on the Cross - Jesus Christ. We just now have to join Jesus on the cross so we could celebrate the redemption brought by the Cross.

DAY 3
FCBC (the host church)’s worship team sang Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Awesome!
Ps. Khong had a practical teaching about the paradigm shift to the G12 cell church. CCD preached about the unfailing blood of Jesus, which he also got to preach last December in Manila.

During the lunch break, while everyone was busy leaving the hall, I whispered something to my mom in a trying-to-be-moderate tone… “mom, ‘yan ang Deliriousss!” Pero composed pa rin naman ako. :D They were setting up their instruments and stuff on the stage.
Anyway, my mom’s so cool to have responded “sige, picture-an kita sa kanila”. Whoa. Well then, we got up the stage as if no guards were there when Jon Thatcher, Delirious?’ bass guitarist, said something like, “it’s okay. I will just come to you.” So there. Dad took a few pictures of mom and I with JonT! Yay!
I got to talk to him for a while. While talking to him, I thought of how favored I am for having opportunity to meet him.. I mean, they’re set to have a concert in Manila the following week, but I’m sure not everyone from the Philippines will have the chance to hang out with the band like I did with Jon! Whoaaaa. Wala lang. haha.

Anyway, I also got to hang out with my PK (pastors' kids) friends from the PK Republic. Had lunch with them. It was really fun to have had spent time with them. Sosyal daw ang mga PKs-- sa Singapore pa nagmeeting! Haha.

In the afternoon, Sara C, the youngest preacher I’ve listened to, preached about life in the spirit. She talked of how the spirit gives us a means to live out our life’s purpose, how it gives us strength and a chance to learn to rest in God amidst all the random things that go around us. The session was extra special because it was Sara’s 17th birthday :)

Delirious? lead the worship before we had our first session in the evening. Along with them, we sang Rain Down, So Great, and more.

CCD introduced his wife, Ps.Claudia. She shared a message entitled ‘Follow your star, and you’ll shine’. It was all about getting to know our call, our purpose, and being able to match it with commitment.

Sulit!

Day 4

Lorena and her sisters, Manuela and Sara, lead us in singing [and dancing to] Filled with Joy and Revolution.

The day was extra special because Ps.Cesar honored FCBC’s senior pastors, Pastors Lawrence and Nina Khong. He prayed for them and their 144s (288), and even asked Ps.Nina to commit into sharing a word to their church every Sunday. Ps.Cesar even challenged Ps.Nina to enter politics! Now that’s something to watch out for ;)

Pastor CCD shared about three weapons to help us overcome: The Blood, declaration/ word of our testimony, and a life of brokenness.

In the evening, Delirious? had a one-hour worship concert! Yay! I was in the [super] front! Awesome. :D We took pictures with the Castellanos ladies after the concert.

Day 5

We attended FCBC’s Sunday Celebration in the morning. The hall was fully-packed! The church staff was professionally accommodating :) I couldn’t count how many ushers greeted me with “Hello, good morning! Welcome to TFBC. God bless you!”
Ps.CCD preached on that service. he talked about living in God’s purpose.

It was a wonderful experience to have had attended one of their Sunday celebrations.

Had our last shopping at Robinson’s mall… tapos, uwian naaaa….

Yay! Thank you, Lord, for having brought me to that conference!

Announcement: Youth Factor (Youth Camp '09)

2009-04-29T01:36:00.005+08:00

It’s the time of the year again where we all get giddied up for a mind-blowing event..

…although this is already sort of a late announcement (haven’t had enough time to blog), I’m really thrilled to announce of this year’s youth camp!

Last year’ camp was AWESOME, but we believe that every year, camps just get better and better! You can click and browse over here for my archives re last year’s superb camp.

Here’s this year’s promo video (which we shot and edited within 8 rushed hours!)..
Try watching it in in high definition/quality through clicking HQ.

In case the image loads really slow, here are the details:

Youth Factor (Youth Camp ’09)
April 30, May 1 & 2
Caraballo Springs Resort, Pangasinan
Camp Registration Fee: P 450 [inclusive of accommodation, camp venue, meals, and camp materials]

Sama ka na! :-D

Related blog post:
Announcement: Youth Camp '08

So why have I not been updating?

2009-04-22T01:36:00.007+08:00

Thanks for asking [myself].

Well, there have been a lot of things, which are more than just 'stuff', which I've been very dedicated to, that obviously kept me from bringing on a so-called active cyberlife..

The Youth Network's a big factor. Been busy with G12 -- discipleship classes, groups, programs, camp, etc. But yes, I love the realization that I'm totally into all of it!

University has also taken from me a significant amount of attention as I needed to complete all my requirements before I can finally have my practicum this summer, which brings us to another thing..

My course department failed to organize well with my OJT matters (okay, I'm half guilty, too! hehe) , and so I needed to exert effort looking and applying for/to companies that could accommodate psych~~otic~~ interns. I will probably be starting working for a nearby hospital's HR Department next week. Sana lang talaga.
Next, I have literally THOUSANDS of photos and more or less a hundred videos to deal with. Grabe, these folders need serious effort! Thank goodness for gigabytes!

..And that was just a slice of why I'm TOO preoccupied.
Hope to update very soon about the Singapore conference :)

Anyway,

Yeehee! Enjoy the summer vacation :-D

---------------------------------------
I will be updating my Q&A site, too!

I'll be at the G12 Int'l Conference 2009!

2009-02-25T22:53:00.005+08:00

I will be attending the G12 International Conference 2009!

Plenary Sessions & Celebration: 12-15 March 2009, Singapore Expo, The MAX Pavilion
Encounter Sessions: 15-17 March 2009, TOUCH Centre & TOUCH Community Theatre

We actually booked our flight last January 22, and registered through Doulos (thank you, ate Dahlia!) the next day --weird no? nauna yung booking ng flight. hehe

We’ll be leaving on March 10 (Tuesday) and will be back on the 16th. We won’t be attending the Encounter Sessions, btw.
Soooo.. I have to get done with all my research and/or paper works in 2 weeks so I could leave school without [much] worries.

The speakers will be G12 Movement Founder Pastor Cesar Castellanos and wife Claudia, and Apostle Lawrence Khong & Rev (Dr) Nina Khong, senior pastors of Faith Community Baptist Church. To know more about the speakers, click here.

We will also be catching the Delirious? band in action as they lead us in worship at the conference and the Sunday celebration. As some of you may be aware, they will be disbanding at the end of 2009, and will also be having a concert here in the Philippines on March 17 (Hmm.. mauuna na akong makipag-Delirous sa inyo, ha? hehe). On the final night of the conference, they will lead the conference delegates in an outreach concert. And, as posted on the website, We trust God that many hearts will be touched through their anointed music, songs and the preaching of God’s Word.

I’m believing and expecting for whatever God has prepared for the conference delegates.
I’m bringing a huge, huge container of faith and a pure and thirsty spirit (plus a camera, my handy-dandy Bible, and my devotional notebook!) :-D

We’re conquering multitudes -- what can be more exciting than that? :-)

Re-launching of the G12 Vision at JRC

2009-01-18T23:59:00.004+08:00

The Lord’s way of letting us begin with the new year was through re-launching the G12 Vision (Government of 12) in our church. We’ve adapted the vision at JRC since 2004, but as lapses were inevitable, we’ve decided to have things afresh. :)
The event was a total wow! Friends and old associates from different parts of the country came over to celebrate with us as we begin another milestone of doing the ministry through the vision (and to celebrate with dad’s 53rd birthday as well). Both of my grandparents from Pampanga came, too!

My favorite parts:
Old Testament anointing
Lola Ma’s prayer for daddy
My little bro’s song number, “Pastor ang Tatay Ko”
Ptr. Pablo (from JRC Tarlac)’s preaching
the Davidic & Messianic dance number from the JRC Dance Ministry *super proud of them*
formal installation of the primary 12
giving our pastor the special cake from the Youth Network

I’m more than thrilled to start working with the Vision on a different level.
Vamos, disipulos :-D

My 2008 List

2009-01-01T17:01:00.002+08:00

*I modified the post's date; Blog post actually published online on Feb17'09*

After the new year kicked-in, I wrote something on my personal diary, which I identified as My 2008 List (quite similar to My 2006 List).
There, I listed the highlights (be that positive or negative circumstances) of every month of the previous year. With that, I’d like to share some with you through this blog post. I might place a lot of external links, so make just make use of your web browser's "right click--> open link in new tab/window" feature :-D

J A N U A R Y

[Jan13] Dad celebrated his 52nd birthday together with the people of JRC.
[Jan17] Lola Ma celebrated her 80th birthday!

F E B R U A R Y

SJA have been given recognition (good for 50yrs) by the DepEd.
[Feb17] Youth Service launching (Sundays @ 4)! I lead the P&W after a long time since the YoUthNITED event

[Feb23] SJA had its very first JS Prom night. I co-emceed with T.Jacky.
[Feb24] Juancho's death :(

M A R C H

[March7] We changed our youth services' schedule from Sunday afternoons to Fridays at 5:30PM
[Mar8] Eunice Gabrielle “Gabby” Ramos' 1st Birthday Celeb and Dedication; I insisted to be her ninang. hehe
[Mar16] 2nd worship leading experience for a Sunday service
[Mar19] Got red Thalia eyeglasses from EO
[Mar22-23] Baguio trip. Presidential suite at Summerplace hotel :D
[Mar28] Biscuit-white Mitsubishi Outlander

A P R I L

[April1] SJA's 1st High School Graduation (Vanj's grad as well!)
Youth Camp '08, “YOUth Hold the Torch: Shine Your Light!” preps:
--meetings/planning sessions for the event
--shootings for our promotional advertisements: [Apr10] at my buddy's place, and [Apr12] at Tayabo river (Team Kapamilya tayo, yeah, yeah, yeah!)
--I edited the promotional videos! Whew. Movie Maker lang, ha.
Youth Camp na! [Apr28-30] Pangasinan. Grabe 'to! The Time has Come! Ahoo!
Giovan's spiritual growth exemplified

M A Y

[May9] My blog became a semi-finalist for the Candy Teen Blog Awards
[May16-17] Women's Retreat at Baguio City. Got stranded on the way home because of typhoon Cosme
[May26] Hillsong United Live in Manila! Araneta Coliseum (Blog: Part 1, part 2)
Trained new young dancers

J U N E

[June6] Candy Blog awards' Finalist
Ptr. Phillip left for KSA :( :)

J U L Y

[July6] Mom preached re “Connected to the Vine”
[July9] My blog won at Candy Blog Awards' Best Special Interest Blog category

A U G U S T

[Aug1] Passion Manila event. Philsports Arena (formerly ULTRA); with Ps.Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin & band, Kristian Stanfill & band, and thousands of fruitcakes from the Philippines!
[Aug15] We applied what I proposed as “welcome groups” for our youth service
[Aug18] Mom got me an iPod Nano-3rd gen at SM Baguio :-)
[Aug26-28] G12 1728 Encounter, Baguio Convention Center

S E P T E M B E R

[Sept1-3] G12 Conference at Davao! Sunog Mindanao II.
[Sept28-30] G12 Conference Cebu; MJ's first plane flight

O C T O B E R

[Oct24&25] Youth Encounter Weekend

N O V E M B E R

[Nov8] I had a Thanksgiving Debut-Dinner Celebration for my 18th Birthday
[Nov28-29] PAPJA Convention at DLSU-M. CLSU team, which includes me, made it to the top 10 universities to compete for the PAPJA Quiz Challenge!
[Nov29] Zion, a kababata of mine, and I met again after 12 looong years!

D E C E M B E R

Rehearsals for the Cantata '08
Super kaduper dance practices kasi rush. O Jah-Shouts of Joy-Sing for Joy-Roni Roni
[Dec10-12] Es Tu Turno! 2nd Philippine G12 National Conference, Cuneta Astrodome. Finally saw the father of the vision, Ps. Cesar D. Castellanos!
[Dec21] Youth Christmas (costume) party. Sobrang okay 'to! I was an iPod. Ps. Phillip preached for us again!
[Dec23] JRC's 11th Anniv Celebration and Christmas Cantata '08. iWorship. A Christmas Offering. Ako operator. Mega tension!

My 18th Birthday 11.08.08

2008-12-30T01:54:00.009+08:00

I’m about to blog on an event that happened almost two months ago… how ~~awful~~ cool is that? :-P

So, there. After five or six weeks of groundwork, I finally woke up one day with everyone saying either happy birthday or dalaga na siya!. Yesss… November 8 na (but I consider myself to be yet a ’dalagita’, hindi pa dalaga. haha)

Everyone at home, including my relatives who came from different places, started dressing up at around 4 PM--- except mom and I. While she was busy with last-minute preparations, I had to shoot for my pre-debut AVP. Showbiz!

Some photos..

The four of us left home at around 6:40 PM

I was told that there were heavy raindrops before we arrived, but all glory be to God for not allowing the bad weather to push through (if it did, the event must’ve been a huge disaster!).

So at around 7, with the garden all-dried up and with everyone at hand already, the program launched with the entourage of those that are included in my list of 18 Symbolic Gifts, 18 Wishes, 18 Candles, and 18 Roses. They then formed a queue along with the path I would be taking.

MJ, my little bro, escorted me from the vehicle to the hall, in company with mom and dad.
It was such a humbling experience to be the core of a minute! Everyone was clapping and cheering as I walked down the alley of the garden and the aisle of the hall. After which, we sang the classic hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. Wow, thank You, Lord, for eighteen wonderful years.. You are more than faithful to me!

After my parents gave their welcome remarks, my 18 Wishes spoke their hopes and prayers out. Afterwhich, some of my high school buddies from MCMC sang along with partner Micah as she sang Mata and Umbrella.

Grand Cotillion Dance. My surprise dance partner was daaaaad! :-D
Hence, it was also the Debutante-and-Father Dance.

Tito Bishop Ed gave the inspirational message. My request daw was irresistible, kaya he had no choice but to travel for four long hours to speak on my debut party. Hehe.
Weeks before the event: (a telephone conversation)
Jez: Hello Tito Ed! 18 na po ako. Mag-ddebut na po ako :)
Bsp: Ah, oo nga. Happy birthday, happy birthday!
Jez: Gusto ko po sana kayo ang mag-speak sa debut ko…
-----at ‘yun na nga----

Dinner after.

18 Candles’ Presentation --My deepest secrets were veiled off! Salamat ha, sana hindi ko nalang kayo sinama sa program. haha. JK. It was the funniest part of the event, sobra. Aliw.

18 Roses’ Presentation (Dance) --My hairstyle and make-up were tattered. Haha. Thank you, guys, for not stepping on my gown :-D

18 Symbolic Gifts’ Presentation. Each gift was unique and was obviously filled with deep thoughts and significance. The list were of couples who are being used by the Lord to fulfill His ideals in my life. Anyway, since isa lang ang ninang ko when I was dedicated to the Lord, sila na ang mga bago kong ninang at ninong :-D
And oh, I just had to blog about this-- Ptr.Phillip sent his message through a recorded video snippet all the way from the KSA! Vanj played it on Ate Cecille ( Ptr.Phil’s wife)’s cue.

Singing of the Traditional Birthday Song.

A Word from the Debutante.
I remember that my first line was like, “Salamat naman po at pinagsalita niyo ako. Kanina pa iba-iba yung nagsasalita, e birthday ko naman ‘to. haha”. Moreover, I also remember saying stuff like, “Ganito po ako ngayon, ginagawa ko ang mga bagay na ito, not because I am a pastor’s kid, or dahil I am not normal.. I do all these because I truly have encountered the Lord, at dahil I have really fallen in-love with Him…”.
My speech was pretty long (I guess) as I've wanted to make the most of such opportunity to thank every significant person in my life, and to give glory to the Lord, above all. I may not have mentioned the names of all the persons that have contributed or have continually been contributing greatness and advancement in my life, but you know who you are --- I praise God for you! I can never boast on my own. Ako po ay bunga ng napakaraming tao na dumaan at dumaraan sa buhay ko. My life is an outgrowth of my Creator, my kin, and my JRC family.

Cheers for the 18 years of His goodness in me :-)

-----------
Related Posts: 1 2

Debut preparations

2008-12-18T03:15:00.004+08:00

I know! This is loooong overdue, but I still wish to blog about it.

I was clueless about it ‘til Vanj told me of their “secret” plans a few weeks before the special day. I was informed that mom, along with Ate Joy and her, had to plan for something because I totally seemed to have totally no idea on how to totally celebrate my totally 18th birthday, totally! :-P
It was, I believe, just right that they confessed of such plans seeing that going through A LOT (note that I just typed that in bold and in all caps!) of preparations became more efficient with me, the celebrant, around. Mom was, of course, the busiest bee of all, so I shall give her the highest credits for the event’s groundwork.

Some preparationssssss…
●got a coordinator (though I can say that mom was still the “chief” coordinator and overall planner)
●talked to Dr. & Mrs. Sanchez for the venue, The Travieza Garden; checked on the place

●got souvenirs from a nearby shop; made the souvenir tags
●made-up a list for my 18 candles, roses, treasures, and symbolic gifts (This is one of the hardest parts since I wanted every significant person to be included)
●got a Cotillion dance instructor; had a series of practices (waltz! waltz!)

●made the superb invites with Vanj, Nay Paz, Che, Dang, and JenRose (hmm.. a new business is brewing!)
●got someone to distribute the invites, although I did some of the circulations

●Foods (and basically everything related to it)
●contacted Dacanay Studio to cover for the event
●decoration
●gown by Imelda Lansang (Pampanga)
●shopped for jewelry, shoes, and other needed accessories (they shopped more than I did!)

●hair & make-up (c/o Tam Geronimo)
●sound system
●lights

And dami pa, actually, pero tinatamad na rin akong mag-isip :-P

K. Follow-up blog will be up in hours (or, days).

Sunog Mindanao2 (Davao, Sept1-3)

2008-11-27T03:09:00.010+08:00

Hello to you!
I know my blog has been outdated for more than a month now, but I have good reasons, anyway. My personal diary is even more outdated!
..but I’m trying to catch-up :-)

You know how colorful, activity-filled, and fun my life and my days are, and with that, I bet I won’t be able to give you even a digest of what has been up lately. Nevertheless, I’m more than willing to share with you these two trips that I’ve had (the second would be a separate blog post)

You what to do with the photos, k? Right click->open in a new tab or window, or directly click on them to view the original (large) size.

Davao, 09.01-03.08
I’ve been to Davao last September 1-3 along with Vanj and my parents. It was our first plane trip together! (my first plane trip was just with Vange). It was my first early morning plane trip so I was so much giddied up to see the sun rise! If only I had a better cam, I would’ve taken hundreds of photos from the plane’s pane. Sooo… guess what was playing on my iPod during the whole trip--- Indescribable!
Anyway, the trip was really anticipated for another G12 Conference called the Sunog Mindanao 2. The speakers were Pastors Rich Witmer, Johnny Touzet, Ptr.Ricardo Santiago -- one of Ptr.Cesar Castellanos (pioneer of the G12 Vision)'s first 12 , AND some Filipino pastors.
My expectation of a high-intensity air was overtaken. It was super! Ptr. Johnny Touzet’s first message about intimacy with the Lord was just what I needed. I didn’t hear him preach that way during the previous G12 Con.
Also, I heard Ptr.Carlo Panlilio (of Destiny Ministries) preach. I’ll never forget his utak-pulgas lesson :-D We also enjoyed hearing from Ptr. Oriel Ballano. He’s such a comic! The way he preached there was very different from his serious delivery of the same topic back in Baguio. What’s with you, people of Davao? :-P
Anyway, I also enjoyed the opening night where Joel Montes, Ptr. Herly Montes’ son (hence a PK. *ehem*), and their church’s worship team lead us. It was a different worship experience for me. I must say Joel has caught what the Lord really wanted him to do. He’s having the times of his life by being at the right place at the right time, doing what the Lord wants him to. I was really blessed! (obvious baaa)
Ptr. Rich preached about the same topic (If I Change…) thus aside from gaining new inputs regarding the same matter, things came to me afresh. Ptr. Frank also talked about why he believes on the G12 Vision. After his message, dad came to him and he (Ps.Frank) was like “Oh! Nandito ka rin, Pastor!”.
We never really got a chance to see the scenic spots of the city. All we had were early morning walks around the urban area and evening searches for good restaurants and shopping malls :-)

We shall come back!

Last chance to register for the YEW!

2008-10-21T05:47:00.004+08:00

JRC will have a
Youth Encounter Weekend
this week (Friday & Saturday).
Registration has started a few weeks ago, but if you haven't registered yet, you may do so by going at the church office on Wednesday, 6PM.

~~Registration is P500per delegate.~~
The church believes sooo much that this 2-day Encounter is will be very significant to the lives of young people, so it will be shouldering more than half of the expenses kaya naman P200 nalang per person ang registration fee!

We really want you to join and not miss what the Lord will do in your life, kaya mag-register na, pleaselang. We will be providing excuse letters for those who have classes ng Oct.24&25(kasi nga we really believe that you will benefit from this for a LIFETIME).

Comment on this entry or send me an SMS if you want to have what you should have through this Encounter :)

Univ, SPSS, Ptr.Rich, 18th

2008-10-15T01:57:00.001+08:00

Long time no update..
Anyway, final exams are over but I still am very much occupied with university requirements' deadlines (research, mini-thesis, and the like).
~~Literature235~~, ~~Guidance and Counseling~~, ~~FilPsych~~, ~~Social Psych~~, ~~Psychometrics~~, Methods of [Social] Research

I'm actually busy doing my requirements for MetRes, but yeah, I wanted a break (and I wanted to update my blog!).

Random things I'd want to share:

1. SPSS gives heaps of help for researchers! Love, love, love it! I need to know more abt it, though.
It's far better than MS Excel, though I still can't figure out how auto save works on it (in case of power interruption). Imagine not solving for statistical reliability, correlation, and the like. Okayyy.. I should stop (you must be going like "whatever" already. haha)

2. One of my studies is about the levels of relationships among members of youth ministry groups and their (levels of r'ships') influence on young people’s involvement, so I've been bugging my Evangelical/ Protestant friends to take part of my study through answering my 2 pretests and the final survey form I've come up with. Also, to increase my number of respondents, I've been emailing whoever to ask them if they could participate on my study. So yeah, I've been sending out online messages that go like this:

...I'm currently doing a study about the involvement of young people in youth ministry groups of Born-again/ Protestant churches. In line with this, I'm looking for interested young people who can be my respondents. Kindly reply to this message and give your your email address or directly email me at ******@*com if you wish to contribute. Also, you may refer some young people from your church to take the survey as well.
Your response will be highly appreciated.
Thank you very much. God bless!

Thanks to the ~~cyber~~ people from KKB, Multiply, and TeenTalk, that I was able to have an acceptable number of online respondents (my paper-and-pen respondents composes most of my study's respondent frequency, though).

3. I love watching live video streams from Generations Church's site. GC, btw, is a church in Arizona (USA) which Ptr. Rich Witmer, G12 coordinator for the Philippines, pastors at. I love the way he gives messages -- a mixture of funny, witty, straight/ frank, sarcastic, serious, heavy, and very much anointed. I also love how in their church, they do altar call at the end of every Sunday/ Saturday service for those who'd want to accept Jesus as Savior.
Souls saved, lives recommitted! WOW!

4. We still got 3 weeks until my 18th birthday, but I still am clueless of how to celebrate it! haha. I've always told my mom that I don't want my 18th birthday to appeal like a wedding reception, but I also do not want it to be as simple as an after-exam party :-P
Anyhow, if I would want to switch to a wed reception-like party, time wouldn't permit us to. So yeah, my elder sister's coming over this weekend, and we're thinking of planning for it when she comes. Gah. I have no idea what I would want my party to be (boo!).
I actually once planned of just having an out-of-the-country family vacation, but err.. November's not a good month for that since 2nd semester would be kicking in.
How about a formal but fun thanksgiving party?..
Hmm...

EWAN. :-P

Kk, that'd be it for now. Back to mini-thesis.

Candy Blog Awards' awarding

2008-10-06T21:10:00.004+08:00

The Candy Fair was awesome!

Well, that’s what I can figure out through the tons of photos that Candy girls have been posting on their blogs and multiply accounts since Saturday on the web. Haha.

I received an email from Ms.Macy, Candy’s Web & Mobile Producer, last Friday (October 3) saying that the awarding rites for the 2008 Candy Teen Blog Awards, where this blog won for the Best Special Interest Category, will be at the Candy Fair (scheduled October 4) which will be (or, was) held at the A.Venue Hall in Makati Ave , Makati City.

Obviously, I wasn’t able to come because I knew about it just the day before the Candy Fair/ awarding. Also, I got other inflexible plans for that Saturday.

Sayang talaga. Nevertheless, I still am very thankful for the win!

AA1

2008-09-28T14:00:00.002+08:00

Hello, hello!
My little fingers are twinkly and thrilled so I've decided to make a blog post about this 'excitement'.
Well, mom and dad bought something for meeeee! I now have a cute netbook -- the just-released Acer Aspire One!

Its specs (as copied from AspireOneGuide):

Linux distro “Linplus” OS
1.6 Ghz Intel Atom CPU
8.9″ Screen at 1026×600 with LED backlight
8 GB SSD
One SD card reader and one Multi-format reader that supports SD, XD, MMC and more
Networking: Built-in ethernet and 802.11 B/G wireless. 3G or WiMax available before the end of the year.
Colors available: Blue, Coffee, White, Gold and Pink (only blue and white will be available initially)
3 Cell, 2200mAh battery
80% sized keyboard
300k Webcam
Three USB ports

That's basically it. The specs aren't really mind-blowing, but absolutely a-okay for those who already have high-end desktops at home, or laptops with edge-cutting specifications. So essentially, it's okay for me :D
I like the idea of being able to bring it at univ or just about anywhere without the hassle of carrying more than 3kgs of baggage all the time (AA1's only .8kg, If I'm not mistaken).
It's OS, which uses Linux's Linplus, is fine 'cause I can make use of Writer (the MS Word's counterpart), presentations (akin to MS PPT), and Spreadsheets (similar to MS Excel) and later transfer files to my PC without compatibility issues. Its small memory which is in SSD is just right as I wouldn't be needing a large one 'cause the photos, videos, and other gig-eating stuff will prolly prompt me to use my still-awesome desktop pc.
Okay so what are the things I'm loving about it? Aside from its WiFi-ready system, I love its keyboard (the keys are just the right size), touchpad (really smooth scrolling here), its bass-okay tiny speakers, the webcam (which I am most probably not going to use much), the color that my parents got me, and many other little stuff which I am too lazy to mention :-P
Love, love, love it. Btw, Vanj was bought an AA1, too, but in a blue-colored case.

Some photos (courtesy of Acer, Inc.):

What do you think about it? ;-)

Thank you, Lord, for an early holiday gift! So there's another thumbs-up there, huh? :-)
Thank you, too, mom and dad. This may be a very simple present, but I totally appreciate and enjoy having it.

G12 1728 Pinoy Encounter (Baguio City)

2008-09-25T01:10:00.022+08:00

G12 Pinoy 1728 Pinoy Encounter
August 26-28, 2008
Baguio Convention Center

Hello, hello, hello!
I’ve obviously been so busy these previous weeks.
I realized that I actually I haven’t even blogged about the G12 Pinoy 1728 Encounter at Baguio City and the G12 Conferences at Davao and Cebu (as well as the side trips on those voyages).

Note: this isn’t a long blog entry. It only has a lot of pictures, so ignore your lazy eyes and read on :-P

Okaaaay. So yeah, I’ve been to the islands of the Philippines in three weeks as we’ve (my family and I) gone through all the major G12 conferences for this year (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao networks). Btw, G12 (Government of 12 or the "principle of twelve") is a church vision and strategy that was first implemented by Pastors César and Claudia Castellanos at International Charismatic Mission in Bogotá, Colombia. We’ve actually implemented the G12 Vision at our church back in 2002 through the mentoring of Ptr.Frank, but has stopped employing it for some time now. Well, not until Ptr. Frank Santos of TFBC (Tarlac) called my dad up and told him that he choose him to be one of his National G12, or the National 144.
What in the world is this 144? You might be wondering..
Ptr. Castellanos appointed a G12 Coordinator for the Philippines (Ptr. Rich Witmer). This coordinator then also chose the Philippines’ G12 National Leaders/ Pastors (one of which is Ptr. Frank). These 12 also will choose their 12 from all over the country or the 144 (one of which is dad, who belongs to Ptr. Frank’s network). These 12 will, again, choose 12 who will come from their respective churches (which will complete the 1728).
1x12= 12
12x12= 144
144x12= 1728
1728x12= 20736 and so on…
The network isn’t meant for “positions” but for proper coordination purposes. The vision is not to have a lot of people come to church. Rather, it pursues a goal to win souls for Jesus and to bring multitudes in salvation and in discipleship that they, themselves, may also win souls for His Kingdom!

*all photos were shrunk to speedup site loading. Just click on them to see their larger versions.

FIRST DAY

36 people from our church went to the G12 1728 Encounter held at the Baguio City Convention Center from August 26 to 28 of this year.
The collage below are pictures of us at the registration/ lobby area of the convention hall (aww.. nostalgic! This is where ‘Judgment Morning’ plays where held when we were still staying at Baguio).
You’ll see Ps. Frank placing G12 pins on my parents’ collars. You’ll also see me writing down 36 names for the registration (it was freezing cold, so I had hard time writing!).
The event started off with a great praise and worship (okay, worship is not just singing, but it’s the term that I am used to :D) lead by a group which I think is from one of the churches in Baguio. It was great to experience worshiping the Lord through melodies and songs together with more or less two thousand strong and faithful leaders around the Philippines, specifically the Luzon area. Iba, e. 80% of the delegates were pastors – such anointed and sanctified ones, so the worship was beautifully spontaneous. Most were on their 30s, 40s, and 50s, but nevertheless the air was full of energy and a passionate spirit in worshiping God in spirit and in truth. It was a different worship experience for me.
No much jumping, shouting, and perspiring (which is typical in youth gatherings), but the Lord was truly magnified.

Ptr. Rich Witmer and Ptr. Johnny Touzet, the main speakers, were introduced and were given a short time to talk a bit about their messages for the next days.
HO-HO. We managed to take a picture with them before they left the convention center!
Anyway, here’s the house we’ve rented for three days (thanks, ate Jackie, for finding us a place to stay). It was spacey so we really got a chance to relax. For the first time (after a long time), I’ve fallen asleep before 11 PM (credits to my iPod and the Passion Podcast).
Breakthrough it was -- I woke up before 5AM the next morning!

SECOND DAY

Today marks the end of having myself included in photos! Argh!

The same worship team lead us, but with new worship leaders.

Ptr. Rich introduced his whole family who flew all the way from Arizona with him. It was really cool to figure out that his 8-year old son (second youngest) leads a cell group already! They must’ve really been caught by the vision! Ptr. Rich preached the message “If I Change, Everything Changes” where he discussed the power of change, mentioning 7 people in the Bible who changed in the presence of God and were greatly used by the Lord. I will blog about that wonderful message some time.Ptr. Johnny talked about Righteousness and Sin through II Corinthians 5:21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Aha. *light bulb over head* So this is where the first line of Chris Tomlin’s Jesus Messiah was taken from. Just a thought! :D

Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin

After the morning session, Ptr. Frank called my dad and invited us for a lunch fellowship with his other G12 --- I was included out of the blue.haha. Korean food for lunch (aaahh.. Vanj and I suddenly remembered Malaysia!).

LAST DAY

The session today started with everyone taking group photos at the front! Ahaha.

Anyway, I was soooo happy 'cause we were able to take the second row seats during the last day. No more zooming of lenses! ;-)

L-R: Mom welcoming the Witmers// other people asked me to take pictures of them with Ptrs. Rich & Johnny // Ptr.Bobby & Ptr.Rodel with Ptr.Rich // Sis.Star called Melissa (Ptr.Rich’s wife) and introduced her to my mom.haha.Big time si mommy Star! // group picture with Ps.Melissa // (some) JRC delegates
Nasan ako? Wala. HAHA. Kamusta naman ‘yun :-P

More photos...

Grabe, so much inputs! I made use of 7 back-to-back pages of my devo notebook! Digest..digest..digest!
I was spiritually refreshed and had a deeper desire to really change and consecrate myself as the Lord equips me for discipling a multitude.

As Ptr.Frank ended the convention, I would also end this blog entry with "Mabuhay ang G12 family! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!"

septemBER 1

2008-09-13T09:03:00.003+08:00

It’s this time of the year where I get thrilled most as I look [fast] forward to the holidays.
We haven’t brought out our Christmas tree, lights, and lanterns, but I totally can feel the cold breeze of the –ber nights (so that basically brings out the holiday emo in me. hehe).

I quote from my September 1, 2007 blog entry:

Cheers for September 1st :)
Let’s welcome the –Ber months.

Happy Holidays ♣
Merry Christmas to you! I hope I was able to be the first to greet.

Flashback & Photo digging:

September 2nd of year 2005
(My family and I were in Baguio City)

September 3rd & 16th of 2006
(Youth Net)

♥September 1st of 2007♥
(home)

September 1, 2008
from NAIA 3 (right) --> Davao Int'l Airport (left)

We're home, bai!

2008-09-11T13:50:00.003+08:00

Sorry for [almost] abandoning my blog. My family and I have been through the islands of the Philippines (which is very, very cool), that's why. :D

Updates are coming sooooon.

G12 Pinoy

2008-08-28T15:28:00.001+08:00

Hello, friends!
Just came home from the G12 National Conference / Pinoy 1728 Encounter which was held at the Baguio Convention Center. I must say I was truly caught by the vision.
I'm just so thrilled on what will be happening in the next few months and years to come.
Greater things are yet to come.

As Ptr. Frank would always end our sessions, I shout: Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang G12 Family!

Pictures and blogs are coming up.

Michael Guglielmucci

2008-08-25T01:28:00.007+08:00

I was checking on my friends' blog sites when I stumbled upon Ben's and read about the shocking news on Michael Guglielmucci.
To tell you about Michael G, I was supposed to share his video on YouTube, but I found out that Integrity Music's channel deleted his two videos already.

Earlier this year, Mr Guglielmucci released a hit song, Healer , which was featured on Sydney church Hillsong's latest album. The song has become a hit and has become an anthem of faith for believers, many of whom are suffering their own illness and were praying for a miracle for Mr Guglielmucci, who has claimed for two years to be terminally ill (Wheatley). Healer was even included in Hillsong's latest album, This is Our God, which was recorded live with Michael having an oxygen tube on. In addition, it was even included at Hillsong United's worship concert in Manila.

I checked for news on google about the said issue, and found out that it wasn't just a rumor at all when I checked on Australian Christian Churches' website.
On the National Executive Statement, Alun Davies, ACC National Vice President, wrote:

Representatives of the National Executive recently met with Michael Guglielmucci. At this meeting he read a statement indicating that his claim to have cancer was untrue. His credential with the ACC was immediately suspended.
The National Executive is taking this matter very seriously and is awaiting the results of medical tests before determining the full extent of the discipline that will be imposed upon him.
We are very concerned for the many people who have been or will be hurt by Michael's actions and we encourage all of our churches to pray for all those affected.

Furthermore, Hillsong Music released th following staments:
20 August 2008
In the past 24 hours it has been brought to our attention that Michael Guglielmucci’s illness is not what we have been led to believe.
Michael has confirmed that he is not suffering with a terminal illness and is seeking professional help in Adelaide with the support of his family.
This news has come as a great shock to everyone including, it seems, his own wife and family.
Please pray for the Guglielmucci family during this difficult time.

I honestly was saddened for the news for the Healer has also made a mark in my heart as the lyrics are just so powerful and because I even was encouraged by Michael's faith. However, I realized that instead of condemning Michael, we should just pray for him as he sure is in a serious depression at these time when most people call him a "fraud".
Amid these circumstances, I still believe on the message of the song as it doesn't really pertain to Michael. Rather, it tells us about the healing power of God which can never be a hoax.

Ninoy Aquino Day is a driving day :-D

2008-08-18T23:32:00.000+08:00

Since it’s Ninoy Aquino Day, we got a break from all the busy stuff here and had a chance to visit our favorite place in the world – Baguio City! Us going to this place may sound a cliché already, but really, we just never get apathetic of it. The memories of our good ol’days plus the cold misty air just never miss to get make us want to come back more often. Hello again, dear hometown!

We were supposed to leave last Sunday afternoon (after our church service), but some visitors came over so we had to change our plans. Anyhow, not making this entry longer, photoblogging ahead :D

We left home at around 5AM, so we arrived at Baguio before 8 AM. Had our breakfast at Figaro in Camp John Hay before we headed to CJH’s mini-golf ground as requested by our little boss, MJ. Lunch at mom’s never-ending Pancake House. After which, we went to the very foggy SM which MJ dubbed as “parang nasa heaven” (which explains why he had this zombie-like pose –what a correlation!) to shop. Went home at around 7PM.

A short but fun-filled day 'twas!

Passion Manila

2008-08-03T04:47:00.016+08:00

Passion Manila
August 1, 2008
Philsports Arena (formerly ULTRA)
7:30 PM

Note: Click on the photos for larger views

PASSION MANILA was, as Passion founder Louie Giglio has put it in their bl og, “WOW. WOW. WOW”. I believe, however, that such is still an understatement of how the Lord brought Philsports Arena down!

Typing at 1:41 AM, I totally have no idea on how to begin with this blog entry. Overwhelmed MUCH-MUCH-MUCH? You can say that :-)

Two weeks of announcing stuff about the conference-concert stirred up much excitement in me. More than seeing and hearing Passion worship leader CHRIS TOMLIN, singer & composer of my superior fave song How Great is Our God, my heart was full of enthusiasm because I had this faith that the Lord will truly move and take over the event. I also was thrilled about it ‘cause I knew that the Lord would also store something in the hearts and spirits of my co-young people from JRC through it – kaya nga I really tried hard to push through our attendance (feeling organizer and ticket distributor. ahaha). There were 24 from my church that attended the event, btw. Shoutout: Thanks to Kuya Aldwin of Back to the Bible Ministries for helping us avail tickets. You have been a GREAT blessing!

Not minding our not-so-comfortable (but fun) 5-hour travel from Nueva Ecija to Pasig (Manila), we lined through ULTRA/ Philsports Arena to surrender our low-cost tickets (all tickets were sold at only PhP150 –around $3) and get our über cool bright-colored wrist-straps, which served as gate passes.

We headed to the gallery ‘cause we wanted to have a full view of the event (we were at the upper center section), plus we thought that the ground level was already filled by excited young people by the time we entered the arena, and indeed it was.

After the opening animated presentations, the night was followed by worship lead by the Passion Worship Band. I don’t have a Passion/ Chris Tomlin CD collection, so some of the songs their played were knew to me. However, this didn’t stop me and my co-youth from singing, jumping, dancing, shouting, and really showing our passion for the Most High. As Ptr. Loiue Giglio has observed it,

“I’m not sure how to fully describe what happened, but let’s just say these guys have fully embraced the message and music of Passion and were up for everything that came their way. They even started singing on “Jesus Messiah” like they knew it…and funny thing, they did! YouTube?!?!”

Haha. If not YouTube, it’s prolly the musicality of Filipinos that gave them the impression that we sing like we knew it. Haha. On a another thought, I knew about Jesus Messiah, a song included in C.Tomlin’s new album to be released on September, through frequently visiting Chris Tomlin’s MySpace! Anyhow, it truly was another great experience to worship the Lord together with thousands of young people who are “crazy” for Jesus as I am.

Louie Giglio went upstage after Passion Worship band’s first set. He asked us to do a prayer of three, though I regrettably wasn’t able to join in this ‘cause my little brother kept on bugging me on getting him a drink. After buying candies and bottled waters, we rushed to go back inside the arena ‘cause I heard Chris sing GOD OF THIS CITY, carrier single of their latest group album. You guys must know that I even downloaded that song the night before the event ‘cause I knew it’ll be sung! Ahaha. Disclaimer: I hate piracy. Pardon my download—I will compensate by buying their new album:-D
Thank goodness, it was sung twice that night!

Louie also got to speak for less than an hour – a very brief period for a really good and equally funny speaker. He used Isaiah 26:8, the scripture and commitment they’ve been sharing with hundreds of thousands of young people since 1997. His message was about us just saying YES to the LORD – a name which you can’t stick with words like no, later, maybe, perhaps, and stuff like that. He also told us a story about a college girl named ASHLEY. Feeling all screwed-up, Ashley has received and experienced the grace and love of the Lord through a Christian room mate whom she funnily labeled as FRUITCAKE. Alright, I do not wish to give details about this story ‘cause after Manila (Philippines), Passion will be going to many other places where they will be sharing the same thing, and I don’t wish to spoil the momentum of their conferences at those other places they’ll be ministering to. :D

Anyhow, with that story I must say, “I WANT TO BE A FRUITCAKE!”.

Louie also shared about living this 5-second life that we have. He told us that we can either let this life [that’s similar to a lit matchstick] happen so quickly with a little fire that dies after its time, or let this lit matchstick be connected with a fire that is indelible and eternal – Jesus Christ. As for me, I just say YES to a life devoted to the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I say YES to a life consumed by that One who died for my sins, who died all out of LOVE FOR ME. (Do you say yes to that life, as well?)

I do choose to live my life telling a story that’s bigger than me, a story for HIS renown. I want to make the Lord famous in this generation. I want to live a life that just says “YES, LORD!”

After Louie Giglio delivered the word of God, he called Chris and the band on-stage again. He went on like “I think there’s still one song that these people wanted you to sing, Chris.” (not his exact words). After which, the Filipinos “took over” and altogether sang HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD, without accompaniment. It was the best chorus I’ve ever heard (so far). I was truthfully awestruck by the flow. I’ve even observed that during the crowd chorus of How Great is Our God, Louie brought his cellphone out and let I face the crowd. After we sang, we were told that we’ve been just put on Passion’s live internet podcast! He mentioned, "Chris was about to sing it in a minute, but these people can't wait!".

We also got to pray for Passion Kuala Lumpur (hello, friends from KL!), like London did for Manila (thank you, Passion London attendees!). I believe the Lord continually move through those 4000+ young people from

Malaysia

. Our wristbands actually have Passion KL printed at the back!

On a really cute note, we all were struck when Chris Tomlin started to sing How Great is Our God – the Filipino version! O, ‘di ba, may translated version na. Akala niyo Fire Fall Down (Fuego De Dios) lang? :-D Really awesome!
Okay, inasmuch as I DO NOT want to share the video clips I shot, my heart can’t contain this excitement to let you guys hear the Filipino/ Tagalog version of How Great is Our God, my top favorite song.

Okay, things to remember before watching the vid:
1. no visuals are present (if there are, you’ll only see bits of lights). Because I didn’t want to be distracted by video-ing, I just knotted my camera’s handle at my jeans’ belt string while it was recording:-D
2. You’ll hear the messed up voices of (of moi!) the people beside me ! Haha. Chris Tomlin said we should just sing our lungs out, and so I did! HAHA. Please understand that we’ve been screaming since 7:30, while How Great was sung at round 11 PM! Okay, these all are (factual) self-serving excuses and biases, I know. The truth is that you’ll never really care about singing in a good tone when you’re singing along thousands of people!

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD (Filipino Version)
Performed by Chris Tomlin, the Passion Worship Band,
and the Filipino young people

How great is our God, indeed!

Dakilang Diyos // Awitan ang // Dakilang Diyos // Awitin ang //
Dakila Ka, O Diyos

Thank you, Passion Conferences, Ptr.Louie & Sheryl Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Becca Music, House of Praise, Passion organizers, Passion media team, Passion volunteers.
May the Lord richly bless you and your ministries!

PHOTOS WERE POSTED HERE.

Passion Manila

2008-07-23T14:36:00.006+08:00

PASSION MANILA is a gathering for UNIVERSITY-AGED young people (16-22) throughout Philippines and South-east Asia. Believing in the university moment, and what God longs to do in this strategic window of time, the entire event will focus on the bigness of God, calling students to PRAYER, WORSHIP and ACTION, and a Story so much bigger than their own.

The event will be featuring Passion Worship Leader Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill,and Passion Speaker/Founder Louie Giglio.

The heartbeat of PASSION MANILA is to:

ENCOURAGE the CHURCH
Foster UNITY among those who love JESUS
Spark VISION for the UNIVERSITIES of Manila and the nation
Tell the STORY of REDEMPTION in compelling ways
INSPIRE students to EMBRACE their part in God's global plan for the NATIONS

Passion Conferences is a movement established in 1997, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a desire to see a spiritual awakening come to the college campuses in the U.S. and around the world. The small Passion team is led by Louie Giglio and operates under the direction of a Board that is committed to spreading the fame of Jesus Christ to the millions of college students around the globe.

From the beginning, Passion has been rooted in the confession of Isaiah 26:8 – “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your Name and renown are the desire of our souls.” Passion exists to glorify God – uniting college students in worship and prayer for spiritual awakening in this generation.

If you are a university student, 16-22 years old, and want to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ and commit your life to our Saviour, this event is for you. We encourage you to attend and be blessed.

August 1, 2008 (Friday)
Philsports Arena (formerly ULTRA)
7:30-11:00 PM (it will be starting on time)
P150/ ticket (it will be a on a first-come, first-seated basis)

Tickets can be availed at House of Praise outlets and through Becca Music.
For more info, check http://www.268generation.com and http://www.passionworldtour.com/

**Youth leaders who are older than 22 are also welcome to attend the event

Spread the news!

PS. The generic promo vid from Passion Conferences was edited with the permission of the publisher/s for modification.

2008 Candy Teen Blog Awards

2008-07-09T21:49:00.007+08:00

It's official.... This blog’s the 2008 Candy Teen Blog Awards' Best Special Interest Winner! *screams, applause, and all that*

I feel so ha-ha-happy!
Actually, it was my sister, Vanj, that clicked on the winners' link at Candymag 'cause I didn't want to be the first to see it. ahaha. I was telling her "sabihin mo if nanalo ako, kung hindi, okay lang..", then she shouted "Nanalo kaaaa!". Mom, dad, and nay Paz rushed toward my computer and congratulated me as well :-D

..and then I began sweating. haha.

Out of the thousands of Filipino teens’ blogs, 850+ blogs that were nominated, 80+ blogs that were chosen as semi-finalists, and then down to the 24 finalists (3 for each category), only one won for the Best Special Interest Blog Category --- (and even if it’s awkward to say,) that’s this blog you’re at! Whoohoo :-D

Tonight, I wish to share with you my joy and my sincere gratitude.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing all these.
Thanks to Candy Magazine for sponsoring such a prestigious challenge.
Thank you, Blog Awards judges, for believing on my site. Sana nag-iwan kayo ng message sa cbox ko when you dropped-by to read my blog entries and check on the totality of my blog.. lalo ka na, Mikee Lee. Ahaha. JK.
Thank you as well to those who clicked on that circle beside my [blog] name, even without really reading my blog (if there are people who actually did that).
Thanks to the Candy girls who betted on my blog and plugged it through the Blog Awards Plug thread at TeenTalk.
Thanks to my family and friends who propped me up through their encouraging words and online votes (some even mistakenly voted me thru sms.hehe). Thank you for plugging my blog on your own blogs and Friendster bulletins.

Special thanks to:
mom and dad – for your unconditional affirmations
Vanj – for voting during the finals whenever you have extra time
Ate Joy – for being an encouraging kapatid
Tita Lou & Mitz – for always telling me how proud you are to have me as your pamangkin.
Ptr. Phillip – for even registering just to vote for me! Hehe
my JRC youth ministry buddies (my buddy Jen, Kuya Faith, Jzeza, Julius, Giovan, Jett.. lahat kayo) – sa pag-taas niyo ng kamay to vote for me! Hahaha. Ibaaaa.
my high school batch mates
JRC
…the Lord, above all.

Let’s continue to spread the Word.

All for HIS glory!

Related blogs:

When I got in the semi-finals
When I got in the finals

Here’s a collage of my Candy Blog Awards journey. I hope I can make a better one. Sorry, I must review for my exams so I needed to rush this one :-P

- W I N N E R S -
Best-Written Blog - My Traffic Jam
Best Blog Design - xsabrina.chic productions
Best Blog Name - nikipidya
Best Boy's Blog - CokskiBlue
Best Use of Photography - Kiss the stars with me
Funniest Blog - Ang Desperadong Nobelista.
People's Choice - Nursecissism
Best Special Interest Blog - J e z r e e l F a i t h M a n u g u e
Best Overall Blog (the one who'll have the cute eeepc laptop) - My Traffic Jam

Connected to the Vine // Fifth Time

2008-07-06T23:35:00.004+08:00

Let me start this blog post by giving an illustration (..no, this is not a botany class).

A potential fruit-bearing branch is connected to the vine.

Being connected and being able to bear fruits is a requisite to living. Hence, a branch disconnected to the vine is dead, and has no competence to bear fruit.

Moreover, it is important to note that the role of the branch is to bear fruit, while the vine’s function is to produce fruit. The branch shouldn’t mind producing fruit, for it is the vine’s job to do so.

The connection of the branch to the vine is essential seeing that the sap (dagta, in Filipino), the life and the seemingly blood of a plant/tree, flows only to the living branches, to those that are connected to it (vine).

However, there are deceitful connections. Organic attachment is different from organizational attachment.
A good example of one that’s organically attached is a living branch. It received nutrients from the vine or the whole of the tree it belongs and connects to.
On the other hand, the Spanish moss that grows in an oak tree can illustrate best the notion on organizational attachment. It grows and clings to the trunk and branches of an oak tree, but is not wholly and significantly attached to it. The sap doesn’t flow through it (because it is only organizationally attached), thus, it has not potential of getting life and bearing fruit from the vine.

As Christians, our only way to live is to get connected to The Vine.
John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches.

Life comes from being connected to the vine. Unless we’re fully connected to The Vine, we won’t receive full access to His promises and all the others set for us.

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..”. Galatians 5:22-23

Fruit-bearing is more than going to church and attending Bible studies; it’s living life. Furthermore, those who do not bear fruit shall be cut from the vine and those who bear fruit shall be pruned (remember the stewardship statute).

Some questions to brood over:

Do I have a genuine changed life?
Does my service lack the genuine fruit of a changed life?
What has the Lord produced that I bear?

On organic and organizational attachment…

Judas is an example of a Spanish moss. He was believed to have been connected to Jesus, but was later proved to have been just organizationally attached. The other disciples thought of this because he had the same form they had – he listened to Jesus, walked with Jesus, ate with the other disciples, prayed like them, laid hands like them, did other things that the disciples also did. But then, all these proved to have been just out of organizational attachment for Judas. He was not really connected, but he seemed to be.

Reality check. Are we really connected to Christ? Are we really connected to His bride, the church? Or are we just connected the Judas’ way by being highly active in church activities, our ministries, and others “church-activities”? Do we lack the sap that gives us life? Do we bear fruit, or are we futile branches?

Remember, the difference between a dead and living branch is in the fruit.
What is more is that as branches, we all are totally, absolutely, completely dependent upon the vine – not only for fruit, but for life.

Be connected. Stay connected.

God bless!

Proviso: This blog post is a portion of my notes from the message/ preaching for this morning’s church service (July 6 Sunday Service), delivered by the most amazing woman I know – mom! Yeah, dad was on the front pew while mom was on the pulpit last Sunday :-)

Today was also my fifth time to lead. Yay! Praise God. Almost sunod-sunod na, ha. Hehe. I continuously give all the glory to God for working through me, through the team, through His church. Shall take no credits for all these!

Line-up (just so you know):

As We Gather // The Steadfast Love of the Lord
Faith
Friends in High Places
You are Good
Great is the Lord
Mighty to Save
Shout to the Lord
Hallelujah to the Lamb (chorus only)

Ohhh.. photos after the service… It was a yellowish Sunday! Haha.
(Shoutout: We miss you, Ptr.Phillip!)

Fourth Time

2008-06-22T21:46:00.001+08:00

My latest blog entry prior to this was about my third worship leading experience for the (main) Sunday service. To sudden to think about, but I had my fourth the Sunday after!

It was Thursday night when I dreamed about this..

It was Sunday, and the pastor (whom I think was dad) was on the stage – preaching. After he delivered the message for that morning, he called the “youth” to lead instead of those initially assigned. “Yung mga youth nga ang mag-lead”, he announced. I don’t know why, but it was Giovan, Grace, and I who went up to the stage. There were other young people who also went up the stage to lead, but I couldn’t remember their faces very well. I then lead the worship while Giovan played the guitar as Grace backed me up.

I then woke up.

I just thought maybe I would be given another chance to lead for the Sunday service. I got thrilled, yes, but my thoughts about my dream didn’t go any further.

I shared about my dream with Giovan, Julius, Vanj, and my buddy Jen while we were preparing for the Friday youth service.

Out of my expectations (and probably my worship team mates’), on Saturday, while we were preparing for the practice, I was suddenly assigned to lead! Total wow. The line-up was surprisingly outlined immediately not out of rush, but out of the songs and messages the Lord has placed in my heart for the previous days.

Came up with this set:

No Higher Calling // Hosanna (Blessed be the Rock)
Awesome in this Place
My Redeemer Lives
This is How We Overcome
Emmanuel
The Stand
I Stand in Awe of You

Some of His works may appeal surprising to me, but I know that as I live in and for Him, things will not be “nagkataon lang”.
Psalms 31:15 says “My times are in Your hand...".

Thank you, Lord. May you find me a faithful steward.

(photo on the right taken after the service. waley!)

Third Time

2008-06-15T23:50:00.002+08:00

After the service last Sunday, Giovan and I were told that we’ll be leading the P&W (praise and worship) for the main service the following week. We just went on with, “Talaga po?”, and agreed afterwards.

Whoa-oh-oh (sing with me… God be the solution).

It was my third time (remember my second?) to be assigned as the ~~song~~ worship leader for the Sunday service. Moreover, it was my first time to be leading with Giovan, who, on the other hand, is yet to have his first Sunday service worship leading experience.

We decided to first pray for the songs we’ll include in the line-up, and then just combine our sets afterwards.

The final line-up was brought up on the evening of June 11 (Wednesday), during the surprise birthday party the JRC people set for my mom’s 40+^th birthday celebration. It was during the dinner when we showed each other the line-up we came up with. We sort of brainstormed on selecting the songs that’ll be included in the final set.

Giovan’s set	Jez’s Set
Draw Me Close	-none-
For All You’ve Done	Come, Now is the Time
Did You Feel the Mts Tremble?	Mercy is Falling
All Day	Friends in High Places
Consuming Fire	With All I Am
Always	You Stand Alone
How Great // Days of Elijah	For this Cause
Break Free	Break Free

We then came up with this arrangement:

Opening:

Draw Me Close to You (Giovan: Yung laging kasama sa line-up niyo, ate Jez. hehe)

Joyful songs:

Come, Now is the Time to Worship
For All You’ve Done
Mercy is Falling

Solemn songs:

Always
For this Cause
How Great is Our God (house favorites here! Haha)
Days of Elijah *bridge only (Who was, and Who is, and Who is to come..)

Acquaintance song:

Break Free

Communion song/s:

Hosanna (Blessed be the Rock) // No Higher Calling

June 15, Sunday

The stage setup was the usual, although the little difference was that there were two worship leaders, with one strumming a guitar while his microphone’s on a stand. And no, I don’t play the guitar.

We started off with a group prayer at the office, of course, and then hit the stage subsequently. When I say stage, I don’t mean we’re ready to merely perform, rather to lead a congregational worship.

After the opening song and prayer, the Lord asked me to share these messages with the people:

James 4:8

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Matthew 7:7

“…for everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

My heart was overflowing during the p&w. Indeed, when we pray and commit ourselves to the Lord, He takes over. He answered my prayers --- to just flow and move through our (the worship team’s) united hearts and spirits, and that His glory be shown as we lift and extol His name.

I give back all the glory to Him for all the praises and very good responses we heard during and after the service. It is never about us, but is all about HIM.

There’s just this inner joy that I feel, that we feel. I believe God is about to do more magnificent things; we just have to let Him take complete control of our lives.

Trust me; you’ll be able to live life the way it’s supposed to be lived when you devote yourself not to religion alone, but to a relationship with Jesus Christ :-)

Whoah-oh-oh!

(photos were taken after the service. // click to enlarge)

Blog Awards Finalist

2008-06-14T22:32:00.001+08:00

/late post; for archiving purposes/

You probably have observed that violet sticker on the left part of my site that this blog is an official finalist for the 2008 Candy (magazine) Teen Blog Awards. Yes, I am very happy to say that this blog made it. We made it! This blog went through with the first screening (thanks, Ms. Macy) which started on March 19, then was considered a semi-finalist on May 9, but I knew about it on May 11, 2008, 09:54:13 PM (that’s TeenTalk time).

Last June 6 (Friday), I found out that my blog was approved for being an official finalist for the Blog Awards under the Best Special Interest and Best Overall categories.

I just feel so good about it. Imagine getting through such a process; add to that the enormous number of blogs that were nominated.

Well, I have no idea when the winners will be announced, but right now, y’all got the time to continue sending in your votes (multiple voting is allowed). Click here for more infos. SMS votes will be disregarded as I’m not a finalist under the People’s Choice category. Thanks in advance!

Anyway, I give God all the glory on making my blog reach the finals. Besides, this blog is all about Him and how He works in my life.

Hillsong United Live in Manila (ii)

2008-06-07T01:51:00.016+08:00

click on the photos to see larger versions
**this is a continuation of my previous blog entry.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The worship concert was set to start at 8, so [some of] my lady church mates and I decided to wander around first since we were inside already before 6.

Oh, here are photos from the Upperbox section we were at.

We went downstairs, at the lobby, and found out that they were selling shirts with I Heart prints. Hillsong Music CDs, DVDs, VCDs, stickers, and songbooks were also sold at the trade booths. After I purchased a shirt, we had the nerve to ask a guy from the United team to take a picture with us. Yay! He was really friendly as well as funny. He isn’t part of the band, but I was happy enough to have had taken a picture with a person from Hillsong Church, Australia! Haha. No, this isn’t an issue of colonial-mentality neither idolatry, but a sense of joy on finally dealing with a being who belongs to a group that has been inspiring me for sometime now.

We went back to our seats afterwards and proudly showed our colleagues the shirt and our pictures with the ‘Hillsong guy’. :D They were bugging me questions like “..si Marty [Sampson] ba ‘to?” :)) I totally had no idea what to tell them ‘cause I found myself overjoyed by a very shallow reason.

Anyway, as people were already filling out seats, Ptr. Phillip and I had a very significant talk. I’m not going to blab about the things and issues we’ve tackled ‘cause they’re very personal and are top secrets. Hehe. Basta, it was an enlightening moment. It was also nice because being the very private and reserved person that I am; I was able to tell another person of my innermost feelings and thoughts, though not all. (Hello pastor, if you’re reading this!).

It was around 8 PM when we ended our talk ‘cause someone stood on the stage to announce about the available I Heart Revolution shirts and CDs. I think that was Ptr. Ogie Cayabyab (I just got a clue from Ms.Maan’s album captions).

Anyway, it was funny ‘cause people kept on screaming every time the curtain would open and a person would get out from the backstage – be it a concierge, a photographer, a sound personnel, a light director, a street team member, basta may makita silang lalabas from the backstage, they would yell and clap hardly. Hahaha. Silly Filipino youth :-P

When the lights went off minutes past 8, we knew that that was the beginning of the night. People kept on screaming (include me in the people category) that we hardly heard the first few notes of United’s introduction (the same intro on their United We Stand album). Even the stage lights were off, but such darkness appeared beautiful to me. Add to that appreciative notion the blinking lights of some. On top of that, it was probably the intense feeling I had that made me delighted about the absence of light.

A tiny light on the center stage broke up and it was like magic that my eyes saw Joel Houston and the whole team covered by God’s glory.

Man! It’s not DVD this time. Live, bro., Live!

They kicked off the worship event with their classic song The Time has Come (“Today, Today” as ate Divz would dub it, hehe).

I could hardly remember their whole set/ line-up after the concert, but thank God for giving me a pal like kuya Jordan who posted a snapshot of United’s official set.

United We Stand Intro

Time Has Come

Take It All

My Future Decided - I shouted out "Youth Caaaamp!". Check our camp promo vid to get what I mean.

Mighty to Save – I didn’t know why, but tears spontaneously flowed from my eyes while singing this song.

Hosanna – we were all like “Vanjjjj!” ‘cause this is one of her trademark songs (if that’s what you call it).

You’ll Come (bridge only) – it was my first time to hear this song, but I totally loved the lyrics. Later on, I found out that it’s actually included in the I Heart: With Heart as One album. “Chains be broken.. Hearts be healed.. Eyes be opened.. Christ is revealed”

The Stand – Vanj told me on our way home that she thought of me when they sang this recalling that I told them (on our way to Araneta) that I wish The Stand would be included in their concert line-up.

*Joel talked about his friend who’s a member of the Planetshakers band who’s suffering from cancer. With all faith, his friend composed a song called “Healer”. Joel didn’t actually mention the song title, but I found out about it on the internet the day after the concert.

Healer – another new song to my ears. Very powerful lyrics.

Shout Unto God

You Deserve – nice song! It was my first time to hear [and eventually sing] it.

Look To You

Lead Me to the Cross – Annie Garatt’s voice truly reflects God’s glory :)

All I Need Is You (chorus and bridge only) – the crowd sang most part of the song. I couldn’t help record it! Awesome. It’s like hearing the ‘crowd chorus’ parts of their albums.

*Joel lead an altar call. He asked those who haven’t received Jesus as their personal savior and Lord yet to commit their lives and live as sons of the King!

None But Jesus

Inside Out

Be Lifted High – I started singing “in my life…be lifted high” on my row. I was so unconscious that my voice was really loud! Hehe

Saviour King

Salvation is Here

What the World Will Never Take

Tell the World

*The United band abruptly went off the stage after Tell the World, but the crowd kept on shouting either “More! More!” or “One way! One way!”. AND, I believe their request wasn’t a twist of fate ‘cause they (United) were really supposed to sing One Way and Solution as their last songs. Hmm.. I just have no idea why they went at the backstage just yet.
People were really extreme as they sang along “One Way” and “Solution”.
Actually, I have been memorizing Solution ‘cause I was really thinking that it’d be included on their set! Yay!

One Way

Solution

The worship concert ended minutes before 11 PM.

These photos show how perspired we were after the event! Yaiks. I smell preschool. HAHA. JK.

KFC for dinner. Others opted for ChowK.

Tulog lahat on our way home :-P

I’ll tackle about worship at the concert on my next post about United ’08.

Hillsong United Live in Manila (i)

2008-05-28T23:42:00.009+08:00

*click on the photos for larger views
PS. 'Got my hair cut last Saturday, so don't be confused :D

Type “hillsong united manila ‘08” on Google and you’ll see thousands of blogs, photos, videos, and different stuff about their concert at the big dome last Monday, May 26. Well, add me to that net traffic :D

We were supposed to leave SJC at 9 AM, but we eventually departed minutes before 10 ‘cause we waited for *insert late comer’s name here*. The girls positioned themselves on a Starex van (driven by kuya Beng), while the ~~boys~~ gentlemen packed themselves together in a green van (uh, don’t know what type of van was that). The 4-hour trip was, as expected, super fun and chat-ful. Talk about kenkoy, korny, and kool put together. :-D

We arrived at the Araneta Center at around 2 PM, so the others had the chance to shop. Alternatively, I took a pleasurable time with Vanj, Nanay Paz, my buddy, Grace, and Ptra.Ces at Go Nuts. Sayang nga ‘cause while we were having a really good meryenda and kwentuhan, I did not notice Zion and Kim’s sms. They were at the Araneta Center as well, and were really ready to meet and catch up with us (Vanj, Nay Paz and I). Both are my childhood church mates and friends from Baguio City (90’s). Sayang talaga ‘cause I haven’t seen them for 12 years now.

Anyhow, at around 4 PM, we checked on Araneta Coliseum’s entrance hall and found out that there were already people queued. We immediately lined-up and reserved space for our other colleagues. We were 25, btw. So there. We were nearly at the front of the line we were in. Thrilled much? Well, yes, absolutely. Man! We traveled four long hours for this! Haha. Oh, btw, it was also our first time to touch our tickets as Ptr. Phillip kept them for us to avoid the “OMG. I forgot my ticket!” scene.

To be honest, it was the first concert I’ve attended (count out JRev). I was very obedient to their rules that I half-heartedly left my digi cam at the van since the coordinators posted a reminder on their multiply that read

Still cameras and video cameras are NOT ALLOWED inside the venue. Araneta security will be checking baggages as you enter, and anyone who brings a camera will be asked to leave it with the security. To avoid hassle, please don't bring your cameras anymore.

So imagine my face when I passed security without even having my bag checked much.
Oh well, sabi nga ng buddy ko, at least I know in my heart that I obeyed AND I still have my cellphone’s camera pa naman. Although 2-megapixel cam lang, at least I have something to capture some moments from the concert, right?

People were allowed to enter lobby at around 5:40, and were allowed to come in the coliseum before 6. Hassle pala talaga dahil Upper B yung nakuha namin, so free seating --- consider rushing to get good seats. ~~Luckily~~ blessedly, my buddy and I transferred to seats beside kuya Elmer and Ptr.Phil which gave us a clearer and more direct view of the centerstage. I believe we were on section 401. Being at the upper middle gave us a really great sight of the United team as well as the crowd.

**ako na yata ang pinaka-makwentong nag-attend ng United concert--- two-part blog naman daw kasi :-P

Kompyuter atbp

2008-05-23T23:35:00.003+08:00

Wow. Pambihirang title. Parang computer shop :-P

-------------------------------------------------

/edited with a photo/

The first time my parents bought me a pc was when I was in 4^th year HS. It was an all-black Pentium 4 desktop pc with a CRD monitor (LCDs weren’t the fad then) and [only] 40GB of disk space. Loved it much. Then again, they bought a Neo notebook pc last year (while I was on my 2^nd year in college) which isn’t really of high specs. But then, since it was our first laptop, I used it to the maxxxx. Well, the maxxxx limit prolly would be today ‘cause mom got me a brand new desktop computer today :D *cheers*

I’m currently using it, actually, so ‘tis going to be my first blog post using my new computer. I chose a [really good] desktop over a well-run and hip laptop because I believe I’m a hardcore user, so to speak.

I just feel so happy to be using a Core 2 Duo processor with 250GB of disk space. That’s got to be something! Well, sa totoo lang kasi, malaki ang kailangan ko na disk space ‘cause I tend to store A HUGE number of photos and videos (talk about school, church, and family affairs). Uhm, don’t worry about me running out with space as I organize them by storing them into DVDs after I edit and upload some of them online.

Yeah, I feel so happy! And oh.. My blog looks different with this 17” Acer LCD monitor ‘cause it’s so wide that my blog seems to have a really huge margin on the sides. Now I’m starting to consider about how to edit my blog’s layout soon. Nay.

Thank You, Lord. Ang aga namang birthday gift.

Actually, I feel albeit awkward din to post things about material things 'cause I'm ~~afraid~~ cautious that others (including you) might take it as if I'm bragging and being too materialistic. But then again, I do not want to keep His goodness to myself. You see, the Lord's faithfulness is evident in Spirit and in truth. Physically graspable blessings aren't an end in themselves. Blessings come from the inside out kaya naman I feel extra joyful 'cause I feel that when God surprises us with such things, He gives a hint that there's a thumbs-up up there.
Don't you just want to get close to God? :)

~~PS. Sorry for not posting photos. My cam's with Vanj.~~ edited this already

Cosme

2008-05-17T15:30:00.007+08:00

I thought I already posted this, but I found out that it was saved as draft lang pala.
Anyway, I made this post after our storm experience on our way home from the women’s retreat at Baguio City.

----------------

I thought I was already approaching death last night.

Everyone in the car was praying firm.

9:30 PM. The wind was tremendously hard that trees and electric posts fall off and occupy the road. Cars, trucks, vans, and all sorts of vehicles were stuck on the road, positioned sidewards to prevent being blown away by the strong wind. We were shaking inside out. The car was wavering as the wind kept on hitting. It kept on quivering us every ten seconds or so. I was staring at the window beside me with my knees and hands shaking and shivering. I was seeing the free-flowing wind and rain. I was seeing other vehicles quiver as well. The little boy inside the car was cuddled tight by the grown-ups. I was crying. I was praying. I kept on praying. They were praying. They kept on praying. We were praying. And yes, we kept on praying.

10:40 PM. We reached a safer place, a gasoline station. Our gasoline tank was nearly reaching the E (empty) mark. The stations around weren’t selling gas yet for some problems brought by the storm. More than forty vehicles were parked on that refilling station. Some were also out of gas, while some were troubled to pursue hitting the road given the weather and the traffic.
It was still raining hard.

2 AM. I woke up.

Past 6 AM. They woke up, as well. The sun was up already, but the sky was still gloomy. My best friend/ buddy, Vanj, and I decided to walk around to observe. (okay, about the photo... we weren't happy for what happened. Our smiles are due to our safety, k.)

8:26 AM. The gas station already sold gas! Thank God.

1:50 PM. We were home safe and sound :)

Praise God ‘cause in the midst of a [literal] storm, His blood covered my family and the other JRC people whom we were convoyed with.

I also thank God for the people in Rosario, La Union who helped us, the motorists, that night. They could have just stayed in their houses, but they chose to go into the highway and be of assistance. I'm not sure if someday people from that place will eventually get to read this blog entry, but I still wish to thank them through this post.

pong salamat sa tulong ninyo. Hindi ko alam kung sa lakas ng hangin sa mga panahon na iyon ay may nasaktan sa mga tumulong, pero salamat muli dahil tinulungan niyo kaming mga motorista na maiwasan ang mga posibleng aksidente. Kahit hindi naman ninyo kami kakilala at kaanoano, salamat po sa pag-sulong ninyo sa malakas na ulan at rumaragasang hangin, sa pagdadala ninyo ng mga gulok para tabasin at igilid ang mga natumbang puno at poste, sa lakas ng loob ninyo na tanggalin ang mga nakaharang na kable ng kuryente, sa pagalis ng mga lumilipad na yero, sa pagpapakalat ng mensahe sa mga motorista na dapat nakatagilid ang mga sasakyan para hindi liparin ng hangin, at sa iba pang nagawa ninyo para sa amin na hindi na napansin.
Hindi po matatawaran ang katapangan at dedikasyon na ipinamalas ninyo sa aming mga dumaan sa matinding bagyong Cosme nang gabing iyon. Salamat po. Purihin ang Panginoon sa buhay ninyo. Pagpalain po kayo nawa ng ating Ama.

To those who prayed for us that night, I also am shouting out a big thanks to all of you.

Above all, thank You, Lord, for planting such a great faith in us. Thank You for taking control of everything. We continually place our hope and trust in You.

The I Heart Revolution

2008-05-15T23:50:00.007+08:00

I went to Pampanga yesterday with mom, Vanj, and MJ to see my grandma, Apu De (lola De[lia]), who’s leaving for Guam tomorrow.

We dropped by SM Pampanga first to have coffee as well as to do some shopping. Guess what I saw first – Hillsong United’s latest release, the ‘The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One’. The sales clerk told me that the album is yet to be made purchasable to the public the next day (Today), but thank goodness because I was eventually able to buy the 2-CD album (credit goes to mom).

The truth is when I found out on the internet a few weeks ago that the album would just contain songs from their previous albums, I already considered not buying it. I even urged Ptr.Phil not to acquire a copy as well. Hehe. Sorry naman. However, since mom gave her green signal on buying me one (mom: Sige. ‘Di ba manonood kayo ng concert), I totally shifted from a being a penny-pinching gal into a thrilled Hillsong United aficionado.

This double-disk album features 29 worship songs recorded live from their worship concert tours on different countries around the world for the past two years, and one new song – You’ll Come.
On our 4-hour drive to home this morning, we finished listening to the CDs. Yay!

Some comments.

First song pa lang (The Time has Come; recorded in Brazil), Vanj and I were already like WHOA. We also liked All Day which was recorded from their tour in Mexico. The crowd was just so radical and very much alive. We also drooled over the first song on CD 2 – Take It All as it was recorded during their Nov 2006 concert in Manila (Philippines). I really saw [heard] one of the few reasons why Filipinos are identified abroad as “worshipers” (esp as we’re far-reaching daw at P&W times) in Spirit and in truth. I also was glad to have found out that Nothing But The Blood is an old church hymn pala. As it was played, mom told me that it used to be one of dad’s favorite songs during his youth. Cool. First revival yata ‘to ng United :D

I feel blessed that Hillsong United came up with this idea of putting up an album where it focused on showing how people around the globe are encountering a real God. This album, being the first piece for the ‘The I Heart Revolution’ project, echoes the sound of a generation from the corners of the earth, singing a love song to Jesus with hearts as one. This is not about the United band, the music, or even the songs… this is about God’s movement in the lives of people.

Moreover, this album serves as a catalyst on producing a generation who loves God and others like breathing, who wishes to reach people for Jesus, to change the world and make a difference. I can feel the heart of the people behind this album. We really should begin not a revolution, but the revolution now… Revolution not in terms of rebellion or evil things, but a transformation in the lives of people all over the world – including yours and mine, too. This is not merely about making young people jump and have fun during praise and worship, but about making young people soar as they cry out for justice, love, faith, and salvation.

As a line from Hosanna goes, I truly see a generation rising up to take their place.

Semi-Finalist

2008-05-12T00:48:00.003+08:00

Hello, friends. Pardon me for my shameless plug :-P

I was browsing over Wana's blog page when I saw a link to the 2008 Candy Blog Awards' Semi-finalists list. I clicked away found out that my blog (here on blogspot/ blogger) made it to the semi-finals under the Best Special Interest category :)

I really didn't think of becoming a semi-finalist, but I feel so happy to have been chosen as one. Anyway, you can contribute a vote (or votesssss since you can vote every 30mins) by following/ clicking on this link. I'm not dead-serious about this thing, but I'm still giving it a shot. Btw, you have to be a registered user first before you can actually send in your votes. It won't hurt to register for Candy, anyway :)

Spread the thing.
I can't post on my Friendster bulletin for some reasons, so perhaps you can plug this for me. :)
Thanks much! Click HERE to vote.

PS. You don't have to vote for me through sms 'cause I'm not under the People's Choice category naman :) Thanks again, folks!

------------------
If you wish to plug about this on your site, copy+paste this:

Please help my friend for the Candy Blog Awards. Read this, then vote:
http://jezmanugue.multiply.com/journal/item/35/Semi-finalist_

------------------
I'm being torn by these two-- two of my friends, Wana and Tin, are also semi-finalists under the Best Blog Name category.
Wana's Blog Name: Her Thoughts in Words
Tin's Blog Name: Life is a Chocolate Chip Cookie Jar

Okidok ;)

United Manila '08

2008-05-12T00:40:00.001+08:00

All of you probably already know that Hillsong's United team is coming here again on the 26th. (Well, if you do not know about this yet, how's Mars? hehe)

My church mates and I knew about the United Live in Manila Concert before March ended, but didn't immediately bought tickets 'cause we were busy with camp preparations -- add to that our pre-camp & camp expenses :P

The day after our camp, May 1, I checked United Manila's site and saw a shocking blog:

Uh-oh! We were planning to go for Upper A, pero 7 nalang :(
I then called ate Happy from Winners Circle and inquired about the tickets. I was told that only Upper B tickets are available. With that, I immediately sms-ed Ptr.Phillip and the other interested youth.

We came up with the finals list of 21 people who will attend the concert after a series of group messages, so we rushed on reserving tickets through a.Happy.
We came up with the decision that we'll have Upper B tickets, instead. Yeah, medyo disappointing 'cause Upper B will seem to give us a really hard view of the center stage, pero mas okay na rin 'cause mas maraming makaka-join pag doon, plus we have no choice :-P

Ptr.Phillip already picked up our tickets last May 5 (Monday), so we're nows sure to be getting live Hillsong music on the 26th!

Yeepee. So excited :)

Sooo... shall I see you there?

PS. For those who still wish to buy tickets, I saw from their multiply site that Araneta Coliseum recently opened another section for Upper A. Check their multiply for more infos.

Camp Photos

2008-05-11T00:08:00.003+08:00

Here are collages of our camp photos.

Anyway, sorry for not being able to post photos of the 2nd night---that night that changed it all.

*Click on the thumbnails for larger views

You can also view the photos on multiply. Click here. (You have to be my contact first, though)

Before the camp

2008-05-10T03:16:00.007+08:00

I feel so blessed to have been part of the team who, in a small or big, or small, or uhm.. big, (okay, let’s try using this---) in any way, planned and prepared for the camp. I can say that being part of the core group has taught me a lot of lessons. Pre-camp pa lang, the Lord has moved na talaga. My relationship with my co-youth leaders, or my considerably best friends, have gone into a higher level, which in return brought us together deeper. In Ptr. Phillip’s words, we learned to be open para maging close :-D

Sure, we all are friends from the very start, but preparing for the camp required [and naturally crafted] us to even be more united not only in words or actions, but also in the Spirit.

Moreover, I can say that I have witnessed tremendous changes on the lives of specific people within the group. Even if left untold with words (although I believe these things have to be revealed eventually), I’ve seen glorious transformations with them, esp with Giovan and my sister, Vanj. Though I don’t wish to really lay their personal testimonies here on my blog, I just give God glory for everything He’s done.

Before the camp, I talked to my buddy (I call my BFF *best friend forever* Jenny “buddy”) about a person whom I wanted to talk to and just ask for forgiveness. Kasi during one of my quiet times, I was revealed about forgiveness, and so I checked myself on whom I need to forgive and whom should I ask forgiveness from. Matthew 6:14-15 tells us how forgiveness works. Subsequently the Lord helped me figure out my unconscious thoughts and position about this particular person. I felt the urge to talk to that person to release the both of us from whatever bondage was present. Although I missed to actually tell things straight to this person, I thank God for giving the both of us a chance to fix whatever needs to be fixed. :)
Again, dapat maging open para mas maging close, ‘di ba?

Personally naman, my prayer life was challenged during the preparations for the camp. While there were almost daily meetings with Ptr. Phil, Ptra. Cecille, and the rest of the team, I was convicted (and helped by the Lord) to bring my prayers and intercessions into another height. Even my Bible-reading became broader. Ganon talaga when God asks us of a really big task to accomplish—He’ll equip us and supplement the needs to cover a particular job. To do any task, prayer is and will always be the key. In correlation, I praise God for teaching me how to pray for the right things, and how to strive for righteousness. James 5:16 tells us that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. I ~~guess~~ believe it wasn’t a wrong move to hold on to that verse :)

Okay, so about the camp itself, I don’t think I can really narrate everything that took place during the 3 days, but I sure can shout out how great was God’s move during the camp. I actually wrote about the camp on my diary (a personal diary; offline journal), and it took me more than 6 pages to just blab things out. Well, I don’t think I could possibly do that online :-D Okay, so I’m not promising a blog entry about the entire camp.

Anyway, multiply my testimony to 93 (there were 93 campers), and what you will have is still an understatement of God’s miraculous and marvelous works before, during, and after the camp :)

By that, let me just say a thousand praise…. HALLELUJAH!

Youth Camp '08 (i)

2008-04-28T23:40:00.004+08:00

Came from the camp last Wednesday evening!

I’m sorry that I cannot really blog about the whole of the camp. We just experienced much that cannot be contained into words, and with all those on my mind, I can’t even think of how to start narrating about it. The Lord’s ways are truly marvelous.

Anyway, I praise God for all those who prayed, labored, and gave efforts for the camp. It wasn’t an easy task to organize such a camp, but with much passion and faith, the Lord has endowed us wisdom and strength.

There were /edit/ 96 + 2 /edit/ delegates (the two came on the second day), by the way.

Okay, the following will be very spontaneous blabs.

Sobrang thrilling papunta pa lang kami sa camp site. Actually, funny, pero the group of campers I was with were transported by a small truck. Nakakatawa talaga. My buddy and I were just sitting on her traveling bag kasi medyo masikip na. Tapos, at around 3:30, the rain poured hard---read that again, hard. Being on the corner front of the truck, we took the sacks that were stuck somewhere in the truck, and sheltered the other girls from the rain causing us to be wildly wet! Nevertheless, even if we were totally soaked in rain and even if we stood for the rest of the trip, we kept on shouting “isipin niyo nalang, masarap ang ulan!” and "ang hindi nabasa, pangeeeet!". :-D Happiness is a choice, you see.

We arrived at the camp site –God’s Awesome Place in Brgy.Binclog, Dagupan City, at 5:25 PM, while the other vehicles and campers came minutes after. The first day, or should I say night of camp was rather short since there has been a delay on our programme because we left late.
We were grouped already by the first night. I was assigned to lead the *coughs* violet team :-D

We had orientations, acquaintance stuffs, and a P&W session followed by a message through Ptr. Mar. He discussed the power of the Word and of our words. Had snacks and all that chit-chatting, then asked the campers to sleep at around 12:30. Well, being my usual self, I slept at around 4:20. Heehee. I can hardly sleep, eh. Tpos katabi ko pa ang buddy ko, kaya we just talked about a bunch of things. We talked about how we do not wish to start with the second day of camp yet ‘cause we know how speedy a day can pass. On the other hand, we wanted to begin with the second day instantaneously, as we believe that the Lord will do great things, and we’re excited to witness those. Sooo… if you’re wondering how we slept, ganito ang dialogue:
Jenny: buddy, anong oras na?
Jez: (checked my watch) 4 na!
Jenny: hala, tulog na tayo.
Jez: Okay, wag ka nang sumagot pag nagsalita pa ako J

...and there was silence.

I’ll just resume with my camp post next time :)

Btw, I dated this post on the first day of camp.

Ready for Camp!

2008-04-28T03:50:00.001+08:00

IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF YOUTH CAMP!
I'm equally thrilled and hyped for it :)

I'm actually on the process of organizing my baggages and checking on my to-bring list, but I suddenly thought of sharing my joy with you all.

Anyway, this is just one short post to update y'all that we'll be heading to Dagupan City (Pangasinan) at 1:30 PM, although the leaders should be at the church already by 12:45. Random: kasabay pa pala namin ang Bangus Festival!

I know and strongly hold to my (our) faith that the Lord will do great things for the young people/ camp delegates as well as the pastors and camp staff.

Please continue to pray for our trip as well as the whole of the camp. :)

This is it.

The Time has Come.

Announcement: Youth Camp ’08

2008-04-13T21:02:00.001+08:00

The final details about the youth summer camp were announced this morning, during the service. However, before details were further announced, and before the registration period formally started, the videos we made were first presented to the congregation. Yay!

Soooo…. in the same manner, before telling you the details, I shall make you watch one of our two promotional videos.

What can you say about it? ;)

Okay, details now.

JRC’s Youth Ministry invites you to join

Youth Camp ’08

Date: April 28, 29, and 30 of this year

Venue: God’s Awesome Place in Dagupan City

**photo/ poster grabbed from JRC Youth's Friendster page

* Registration forms can be taken from JRC’s main office (Abar 1^st cor. Adela St.). The registration will run from April 13 to April 25.

To cover the venue, transportation, full meals, and other camp resources, there will be a registration fee of only P 300 for each participant. P300 is really cheap for a great experience, you know :)

For further questions, contact me, Ptr. Phillip or Ptra. Cecille. (Numbers are flashed on Sundays.)

Sama Ka Na!

One Team, One Summer, One Camp

2008-04-12T23:30:00.002+08:00

Vanj and I went to the church at 7:30 to meet with the other youth and church elders for our final shooting. Naks! May career, ‘di ba? :-P

We left at 8 AM headed to a river near Tayabo. Had fun during the trip, as expected. Umagang-umaga, ang taas ng energy ng mga taong ‘to, lalo na si Julius. Haha. He has been our noise and hype (as well as joy naman).

Anyhow, we arrived there at around 8:30. We rented a cottage on the riverside. We also had breakfast (although I just ate potato chips. hehe), followed by worship, before the actual shoot to load our tummies and spirits!

The first we shoot was the group dance. The sun’s heat was quite scorching already by the time we stepped into the river (with bare feet!), but we still managed to do good since we were all enjoying what we were doing. Moreover, we all are dedicated to urge young people to join the camp.

Imagine us dancing, clapping, shouting, and laughing on the river! Haha. People were actually watching (as if totoong shooting, e no), but there hardly came to us shame and stuff. Funny and amazing, but when we look at it now, there wasn’t a single timidity that came to anyone of us. Well, aside from the distance of the people watching, perhaps it was the overwhelming excitement and joy in us on what we were doing.

Anyhow, if you’ll see the outcome (you’ll see it firsthand either here on my blog at the church), you’ll observe the different angles and the like. Well, that’d be because there were three cameramen (2 men and a woman, actually) – Jett (he was thankful he didn’t get to dance.ahaha), P.Phillip, and Ptra.Cecille (who was taught by Ian.hehe).

What happened after the dance recordings was, I think, the most hilarious part of the day – the time when we were sticking cutout letterings to the ~~boys~~ gentlemen. We were all on the top of our lungs, laughing and giggling.

At long last, we left the river and hiked back to the parking (one needs to walk a steep path to go to the river) to shoot the second promotional video starring Jett, Julius & Giovan’s hands, and the trees. Hehe.

Left Tayabo at 12:48. Haha, yeah, I still can remember the exact time because I checked my phone to see the time as we started driving off.

We all went straight to Jio (Jett’s brother)’s place to celebrate with him his birthday. It was my first time to visit their red-painted house. Left before 2 PM. Vanja nd I were dropped at Octagon since we wanted to buy some blank CDs.

Anyway, we didn’t disseminate the task of editing, so it was I and [half effort of] Vanj (‘cause she slept while Movie Maker drooped) that edited the videos. The vid editing was completed at 2:28 AM of Sunday (April 13). Sobrang joy ko, hindi na ako naka-tulog kaya inuit-ulit kong i-play. Haha. Well, eventually, naka-tulog din ako past 4 AM. Don’t worry, hindi ako na-late for the 8AM Sunday Service ;)

The shoots were tiring, but I know no efforts are in vain, for we are working not for men but for the Lord. Yes, we work to reach [young] people, but it’s still for the Lord.

I believe so much that the Lord will really move and do marvelous things in the camp that I do not want anybody – doesn’t matter whether inactive or active at the church, to be able to join the camp. I do not want anyone to miss it.

Sama ka na!

Youth Update/ Youth Camp '08 Preps

2008-04-11T22:27:00.003+08:00

Wednesday (April 9)

We had a meeting with Ptr. Phil and Ptra.Cecille (our youth pastors) about the youth service as well as the youth camp.

We’re expecting greatttt things to come.

Things about camp were finalized (not everything, though).

Official Announcement will come out sooooon.

Abangan!

Thursday (April 10)

(Click on the photo on the right for a larger view)

Vanj and I went at Jenny D. (my buddy)’s place for our promotional video/ adve

rtisement shooting. Julius, Ptra.C, Giovan, Joseph, and Kim were there, too.

We were laughing all the time. Gah. These people are just born comics! Haha. Anyway, we finished taping at around 1 PM. After our lunch, Ptra.C together with Vanj and Joseph went to Pandayan Bookstore to buy spec

ial papers for the invites.

While waiting for them, we planned to take a nap but ended up taking lots of photos – both silly and cute. :-D

Anyway, at around 4 PM, all of us decided to join the team assigned to distribute the invites (and bookmarks) for our youth service. Went home before 7 PM.

It was last year since I sp

ent such a long time with them. Although it isn’t always necessary to be with each other for a whole day to enjoy friendship and fellowshipping, I think it’s a good thing to do such once in a while.

Aaaah. Being with these people is so much fun because, of course, anyone really enjoys spending time with his friends. Moreover, b

eing with these people– my sisters and brothers in faith as well as my best friends, is joyous (rather than fun) because the delight we have comes from the inside out –the inner joy that comes from serving the Lord is expressed and accentuated.

Nonetheless, watch out for Youth Camp ’08!

Friday (April 11) – Youth Service!

I, together with Vanj, went at the church at around 3:30 to prepare (Nay! 30mins late).
**Plug: JRC's Youth Service is every Friday, 5:30 PM. Everyone's invited!

Topic: Prayer
S

cripture: James 5:16

Had prayer groups afterwards. Praise God!
Here’s my prayer group

Anyway, after the service, when everyone left already, we managed to practice some dance steps and formations for our Youth Camp’s promotional video.

Now that’s something to take heed for :-)

More photos here.

Ptr. Phillip's Birthday

2008-04-07T23:30:00.002+08:00

Hello, everyone!
I’m excited to announce that the youth summer camp will be by the end of this month!Further details will be announced on this week’s main Sunday Service.

Okay, to the blog.

Pastor Phil’s Birthday

Yeah! Our youth pastor’s now thirty---something (I’ll leave that for you to guess) :-P

His birthday is actually on the 8^th of April, but since our transistors picked up the signal that he’ll be going to Manila on his birthday, we thought of surprising him the night before his birthday, before he leaves. And so, after the practice for the youth service’s p&w, I went to Manson to buy a gallon of ice cream with my buddy, Vanj, and Ptra. Cecille. Went back to the church to pick-up the other youth, then went straight to Ptr.Phil’s place.

While we were hiding, Ptra.Cecille talked to Ptr.Phillip about a “problem”. Ahaha. But even before Ptra.Ces let go of a laugh, we all went out and loudly (and probably scandalously) sang the birthday song :-)
Sure, Ptr.Phil was greatly stunned! Ahaha. Oh well, we like it that way, anyway.

Before we had snacks, Ptr.Phil let us to watch United We Stand’s documentary. We all have watched it before, but still it was fun watching a United DVD with them.

Talked about various things. Nyum nyum nyum. Laughed hard. Took many silly pictures. Prayed for the celebrant. Went home at before 10 PM.

Here are some photos (I can’t post all since Ptr. Phillip told me NOT to post them on public. haha)

Some Reasons why I love Pastor Phillip

God makes use of him by helping us, the young people, grow in all aspects (esp on the spiritual part)
The Lord uses Him to promote the youth ministry.
He makes me smile when I’m sad (oohhh.. is that a line from a song?). No, seriously, he has a (proven) technique, which I’m not telling you, to make me laugh.
He encourages me all the time.
His smile is worth a thousand words.
When he smiles and laughs, his eyes disappear -D
He’s such a humble fellow
He’s so cute and bubbly and adorable and bouncy! (Yeah, bear conjunctions)
We both love foodsssss!
He lent me a bunch of CDs and DVDs! :D

There are a lot more, but let's keep it at that.

Happy birthday, Pastor Phillip!

SJA - High School's Class of 2008

2008-04-02T22:19:00.003+08:00

Note: Click on the thumbnails/ photos or right click and select 'open in new window' to see the pictures in larger views.

St. John’s Academy had its first secondary commencement exercises last April 1 (Tues). I was so into it because aside from the fact that I did a lot of work for the event, my sister, Vanj (yeah, I'm linking her name now 'cause she already has a blog!), was one of the (first secondary) graduates.

On being a daughter, I must say that this event made me even more proud of my parents. Before this graduation, we had several batches of students for recognition. Indeed, both of them have been instruments of educating and nurturing the minds as well as the pagkatao of some of our city’s youth. I’m proud that in 10 years time, they have all these things established already, of course with the provision and wisdom coming from our Big Boss – the Lord.

Moreover, on being a sister to Vanj as well as to the graduates…
More than any other batch SJA had yet, this batch’s the dearest to me since most of the graduates have been known to me since their first grade. Also, some who stepped into SJA’s grounds for just their secondary course have been so dear to me as I am most into SJA-HS now that I’m in college. Although I cannot overlap nor level into my mom’s attachment to them as principal (as well as counselor), I can say I have somehow stuck myself in them.

After their final song and prayer, they started to cry and give each other big and tight hugs. Okay, I have to admit the ~~boys~~ gentlemen have a little problem on showing their emotions, but I still felt their sorrows upon parting with their classmates. The ~~girls~~ ladies became very much emotional at the end of the programme, but I totally understand what they were feeling ‘cause I had the same tears inside out during my HS graduation.

SJA’s Class of 2008, nevertheless, as most of the graduation speeches include, this is only the beginning of your journey in life. I’m so proud to have been a witness to your growth and success. Your names have all been told in our home when my mom praises you for your deeds, or otherwise. :-P In an unobvious manner, you have made a mark in my life. I can’t find the accurate words, but I will simply miss you all.

Thank you for choosing St. John’s as stepping stone for reaching higher goals. Congratulations for having passed the basic stages of your life. As you are approaching for more complex phases, I pray that you would always apply and remember whatever your Alma matter has taught and planted in you.

I believe in you, Johanians!

Love and prayers,
Ate J e z

Shoutout: Congratulations, my ever-dearest sister, Vanj, for having worn a lot of big gold stuffs on your neck during the graduation! Whoo. 2nd honorable mention. I'm soooo proud of you ;)

some SJA-HS teachers with dad, Vanj, mom, and I

Outlander

2008-03-28T23:50:00.002+08:00

The Mitsubishi Outlander GLX 2WD marks Mitsubishi’s entry into the highly competitive entry level (read 2-wheels drive) compact SUV segment.
- read the whole article from Philippine Star here.

I don’t wish to brag about this, or anything like, but I think I have to blog about this. I mean, for archiving and history purposes, you know. :D

So yeah, together with our two-y/o H.Civic, mom and dad went home driving a brand new Biscuit white-colored Mitsubishi 2008 Outlander just today. They came home at around 10 in the evening.

We were supposed to have a Strada, but as mom and dad knew from Mr. Ferdie of Freeway Motors – Cabanatuan that there will be a brand new model of the Outlander that’s coming out, they immediately reserved a model to own.

So there, even while newspapers say that the new models of the Outlander can’t be bought yet but rather can just be viewed in showrooms nationwide for now, I’m so blissful to say that we have it already! So glad. :D Mabuhay kayo, FM-Cab.

Right now, we all are in-love with it.

Okay, I’m not really good at cars and stuff, but I can say this one’s really maporma, luxurious, and comfy enough :-D

Anyway, I give back the praises to the Lord for this is yet another manifestation of His faithfulness and blessing. Material blessings, I believe, are reflections of how blessed we are spiritually, so I praise God for such blessings – both material and spiritual.

We don’t really own this new coupé – God gave this to us; conversely, all we have is His.

Here’s a photo collage: (click the photo for the larger version)

Destination: Baguio

2008-03-22T23:58:00.003+08:00

While our neighbors were producing (quite annoying) ~~musical~~ notes during their “pasyon” sessions for the Holy Week, my family and I spent our weekend at a place where I was born, and prolly our fave place in the country – Baguio City.

Idk. Even if we often go there, we still feel a sense of home-ness whenever we visit the place. Perhaps it’s the temperature, or perhaps the same old places we used to normally go back in the 90’s.

So anyway, we had a hard time looking for a hotel room since we forgot to have a reservation at any, plus the crowd of bakasyonistas and turista was thick.

Tried out Macrotel, Manor, Golden Pine, Supreme, AIM, Paladin. We were like Mary and Joseph who were turned down with “Sorry, there are no more (available) rooms here tonight.” repeatedly. However, unlike their destiny, we did not end up being in a small and humble manger. We tried inquiring at Summer Place Hotel, Baguio’s best hotel for 2007. Not being rebuffed, dad was told that the only room available was the presidential suite! And yes, we immediately grabbed it. Man, it was more than spacious. There were four queen-sized beds, a living room, a pretty bath area, a veranda, and almost a space possible for table tennis. Ahaha. The last’s a joke.

Although not totally dumbfounded, I was thanking the Lord the night before I went to sleep. For all who knew our family very well from the start, you people know that before the Lord has given us everything we owe now (although everything we have is still His), we had very humble beginnings. Correlating that to my prayers, I thanked God for His faithfulness to me and to my family. That time, I saw being in a presidential suite, even if we were just five, as a manifestation of God’s abundant and extravagant faithfulness to His faithful servants.

We also attended a Friday service at the Baguio First Methodist Church. They were sort of having their Holy Week (Good Friday) Service when we came. We weren't able to complete the service, though. We came during the 5th message (in their case, the 5th "unexpected").

Anyhow, my ate and her family were also at the same city, but since they were with my bayaw (bro-in-law)’s family (who were staying at Supreme Hotel), we only got to see them every night.
Went to Yellow Cab the first night and just stayed at Summer Place’s view deck and resto the second.

I can say that amidst the thick crowd in all the places we've been at Baguio, I enjoyed this short vacation. And oh, it was our first time to visit Baguio without stepping into the grounds of SM! We agreed not to spend time malling since there are lots of malls out of Baguio, anyway.

Oh, I also took photos of the now-crowded mountains surrounding Baguio City. I was thinking of Zion when I took these since he was telling me (through sms) that he hasn’t been in our hometown for years now. Wala lang. Just so you could compare in your thoughts the old Baguio and the Baguio of today :D
Overcrowded na at some areas, pero okay lang. Still love the place. <3>

Oh-ho. It was also my first out-of-town with my new eyeglasses. Ahaaaa. So there, as you can see, my glasses turn brown when touched by sunshine. Waley.

Tara na, biyahe tayo! ;)

Photos are uploaded here.