Shooting photographs for Bangon Pilipinas

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! :)

Trailblazer

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!

wowoweekend

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!

Re-launching of the G12 Vision at JRC

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

Dad's 52nd Birthday

Being a PK (Pastor’s Kid), I have always been excited about how my dad, as a senior pastor, celebrates his birthdays. Not that I’m glad to see him get more white hair strands, but that it gives me such joy to witness people around him boldly express their love, gratefulness, and delight upon having dad as their pastor.

As surprises never fail JRC – San Jose City, I believe Ptr. Roland even had possible disclosures (for him) on his thoughts.

Our church service last January 13, 2008 marked Ptr. Roland’s 52^nd birthday, as well. As planned, the service started as soon as Ptr. Roland stepped out of his car at the parking area, hearing the congregational chorus of the Happy Birthday song.

Happiness and blessedness were on the face of every person present in the church building. Indeed, it was a day to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness to our spiritual tatay – our senior pastor, Ptr. Roland.

The festive singing trailed to the Praise and Worship part where, for the first time, JRC (NE) pastors and leaders were on the stage as the choir. The pastors and leaders stayed on the stage even until after the praise and worship as some of them gave their birthday greetings. After which, they presented a special song number – Ptr. Roland’s favorite, May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You. Subsequent to their song, two men came on on the stage handling a big blue-wrapped box. One of the pastors asked Ptr. Roland to come on stage to open their present. To the surprise of everyone, the big box contained only a small piece of paper where these words were written: “Happy birthday po, Pastor. Your gift is inside the pulpit.”. Pastor rushed to the Pulpit (that happened to be on the side of the stage to give way to the presentations) and opened one of its drawers. By then, he had much glee seeing a spanking lapel microphone! That very special gift, according to Ptr. Roland, is not just a sign of love, but also of the maturity in faith of those who contributed for it.

Another astonishing occurrence was the special number, which was infrequently done, presented by the M a n u g u e s – Ptra. Nette, Hazel Joy, J e z r e e l, Evangel, and Jose Manuel “MJ”. Jez and MJ did an interpretative dance number with the song Warrior is a Child, while the rest had solo song presentations.

The service was full of gratefulness for nonetheless another year for our senior pastor.

Anyhow, there also has been a party that night that was held at St. John’s Academy- High School Department. Everyone was invited and so the crowd was very thick and joyous.

The party started by singing praises to the Lord. After which, people were given the chance to greet Ptr. Roland in public.

The night, as pastor has put it, was not merely his party and celebration, but also a thanksgiving and fellowship for all JRC people.

Happy birthday, Daddy Pastor!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbnWNvinxbE

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Ate Grace, you can copy+paste this blog entry :)
**click on the photo thumbnails for larger views/ higher pixels

Dad's 52nd (some preps)

Dad was on his 52^nd year on planet earth last January 13, Sunday.

Some kwentos before that day..

Mom, Vanj, MJ, and I had to visit ate Joy's place pa to secretly practice! Hah.

So anyway, we were all out the Saturday before his birthday, so fraction of the preparations (which he somehow had ideas on) was through cell phone calls and sms with those who are at San Jose City.

I was specifically coordinating with Rian, Jett, and Nanay Paz about the video greetings, which I asked them to record. I also was synchronizing with Jett, being the worship leader the following Sunday, about his line-up.

Anyhow, while everyone was busy cooking, practicing, and having crams, my family and I were heading to Freeway Motors (Mitsubishi Cars), Cabanatuan City. After checking on our prospect vehicle (we’ll soon say bye-bye to our 5-year old gold Adventure), we went straight to the mall.

Bought blouses, pants for Dad (which kuya Joshua had to fit), visited Let’s Face It, dinner, then we left.

Arriving home, I was expecting for another sleepless night.
And yeah, I was right. Movie Maker is such a geek (please recommend a better movie editor). It kept on not responding and prompting me to send error reports. Oh well papel, I was able to finish the greetings vid naman the next day.

Okay. All that was out of your concern, aren’t they? :-P
Sorry, just blahs.

**blog about dad’s birthday celeb is coming up**

Vanj's 16th and on being a pastor's kid

My younger sib, Vanj, celebrated her 16th birthday last Monday.
She had a three-part celebration. First was a lunch at Isdaan last Sunday, after the church service. Second was a dinner party, while third was a treat she had for her classmates.

Differing to the decision I had on my 17th, she asked mom to have a party. Some of our church pastors & members came, in addition to the young people whom I have expected to outgrow the adults in number.hehe
I bought party hats for the party to make us look like kiddos. We also had parlor games which made us look like post-matured kiddos. Haha!

Anyway, the best part of the night, I could say, is divided into two: first, when friends and church elders gave their inspiring and affirming messages to both Vanj and I (the party seemed to be like my after-birthday party as well). We were also prayed for by all of them. Overwhelming.
Being a PK (Pastor’s Kid) is indeed a blessing - a privilege that’s highly extravagant. I really am blessed to have lots of witnesses around.
I am encouraged of Hebrews 12 which says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crow of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish….”

I must really pursue the race.

As what I’ve said when they’ve asked me to give a short speech, being a PK may perhaps be a pressure for others because based on what Ate Anne said, “..natutuwa ako and na-bbless kasi alam ko and na-oobserve ko na hindi niyo lang pinoproktektahan ang sarili niyo. Iniisip niyo rin for every action sila Pastor (pertaining to my dad & mom)……”.
It may be a pressure since, for some, being a PK involves having all eyes on you, people watching your deeds, parents telling their children “tignan mo si Jez” or “dapat ganon ka din kay Jez”, people expecting you to be good all the time, people..people..blah..blah. There are just so many demands and high expectations, one might think. However, with all honestly, since I had a realthe relationship, I’ve acted more naturally. From the time when I have had the connection, I haven’t been dictated by my situation as a PK simply because I just enjoy being one. Although essentially, there also are stuffs which I should consider my being a pastor’s kid, I am not pre-determined of what I am believed to do because the things that I am supposed to do became what I wanted and loved to do.

It isn’t really a difficult account to be a PK. No pressure, but pleasure iff one has the linear rapport with the Lord :) relationship with Jesus, pressures have been only on school researches. hehe. I mean since I had

With all pride and honour I say, anak ako ng pastor!

Dad says "Tulog!"

I’m having sacrifices for my dad.

Teka. Relaaaks.

He seriously talked to me last night regarding my sleeping habits and told me that he really is not okay with it.

Actually, I have been booing myself for such a subnormal sleeping pattern. I know it would bring me no good, except that it could, in a way, improve my grades (uhm, I guess not really.haha).
The problem with me is that I tend to save the important works for later. I mean, if I have to pass a paper tomorrow, I’ll blog at 6, multiply at 7, surf at 8, t.v. by 9, and finally sit on my desk to start on the paper by 11. Irresponsible, am I not? Well, I get to finish all my works in, if not excellent, a fine way. Nah. No bragging here.. pano ba naman, I sleep at 2 or 3 early in the morning :D

I usually take 4-5 hours of sleep daily. An extra 6th is a bonus. But then, I still work during the day normally. I bet I’m just used to it (because I’m a pro).
I catch extra oomph from sleeping in the afternoon or at night; often from 5 to 6 or 7 PM.

Last night, dad admitted he absolutely couldn’t force me to fall asleep by 11pm. Why? Because by that time, my body had just been recharged from my late siesta. My dad’s solution: I should control myself from having naps in the afternoon such that I would be able to feel the bed magnet by 10 or 11 PM :D Brilliant, eh?

Well, mahirap talaga. Today was my first time to try it— total headache!

Sleeping pills are welcome. ;p Kidding.

Good night!

Sleeping tips are welcome :)

Loving rainy days

Two days.
Two days I've been stuck here at home.
..and I so so so love it! Thanks for the heavy rain (not a storm, though) :)

Yesterday, I was all set for school when dad disagreed to bring me to school. Eh? With the hard rain outside, I can't imagine myself going for a jeepney ride (yuck.mababasa ako, for sure). Actually, dad and I had a little argument. I really wanted to go to school 'cause we were supposed to have a ComSci and Philo100 quiz.

He was pointing out that there's such thing as parents' discretion.
"Dad... for pre-schoolers lang 'yun; 2nd year college ako."

He's certain daw that even if the class suspension announcement was for elem & HS levels only, CLSU would be suspending as well. I told him I just want to make sure. What if meron, 'di ba?

Well, what can I do? I can't drive. I can't pull my worries on getting really wet if I would use public transpo and then on walking through the campus.
I then called kuya Allan (ring..ring..unattended.), Lavie (ring..ring..unattended.), and Joan (ring..ring..again, unattended). Finally, I called up Javin aka Mr.Smiley 10 mins before our 10 AM Statistics200 class. He was already at school though he advised me not to come anymore since our prof has already cancelled our class sched due to the minimal attendance.

With all the pride I need to swallow, I told dad he was right. haha. Tsk. Sinabi na kasi na parents know best e.

Anyhoo, I spent the day with my hobby and top interest - sleeping :)
The rain was just overly perfect for a good hibernate mode that I even missed having lunch 'cause I woke up by 4 PM. Over sleeping, eh? Well, I’m under-slept oftentimes so having 6 hours of nap (you still call that nap?) was okay, or at least reasonable.

TODAY, with the coldness the rain brings that surrounds me along with my blanket, I pressed the snooze button of my phone alarm for like 6 times! Oh well, I just can't help but stick on my bed and do more zzzz's :-D
By 8 AM, with eyes half-closed, I peeked on my cell phone to check for any sms. Happily, someone sent a msg that goes like this:

To: CLSU Students
FROM: USSC Office
Classes are suspended today as declared by Gov. Umali and approved by the
University Pres.

Weepeee! Inasmuch as I would still wish to sleep, the sms I’ve just read shook my body to excitement. So there, both good and bad upshot—no classes; I woke up and I hardly can sleep.

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Another shallow thing I would share is my love for jackets.
If you’ve been my friend for a long time, you probably know my lurve (love) for coats.
One thing I love about the rainy climate is that I am able to wear my long-sleeved blouses and shirts, and jackets!
I even told mom, we should try going to the US for just a month—just to give way for the tons of jackets I have. He he. Babaw.

Anyway, that’s all I can share for now.
Sorry for a shallow post :p
Hopefully, my next post would be more meaningful ☻


In love with the rain (and jackets),

Another lesson from Dad

I slept very late.

Well, to be honest, very early –-6 am.

^It was this bright before I slept. Boo.

I wasn’t aware of the time because I was doing SJA's advertisement (sorry, lil bro, for breaking your grad certificate--i need to scan the logo!), reading blogs, watching tv, eating, and later was reading my latest ish of Candy magazine and a psych book (which mom&dad bought me just the same day) in my room.

(check my under-eye circles :-/ )

Anyway, even though I needed to catch up some zzz’s, I still woke up at 12 noon to prepare for a meeting with the church dancers.
I then had my devotion, took lunch, bath, and went to the church with my younger sister, Vanj, at 2pm. During the meeting, we, the dancers, had very meaningful talks and discussions about several things that we need to enact to cure the past mistakes and prevent possible ministry hitches. Although the junior dancers (the new ones—they’re in the ministry for more than a year) weren’t that expressive, they were responsive as the senior dancers. I thank God for the courage and boldness He has given me. Hay. There really are some more needed improvements from the ministry and the people involved to bring more glory to God. And I think, I, the ministry’s leader, will never be exempt from those needs. ;)
Anyway, let’s get on family matters..
Just when we arrived home, my dad asked us (I and my sis Vanj) “Kumusta kayo?”. It’s a usual question that we heard, but this time, it was accompanied with an unusual twist (Oh no. not the twist I wished for).
Dad asked me why we kept on sleeping early in the morning. Who. I have been for almost 5 years now! Well, let me continue. He told me he actually wants to cut our DSL connection. (No way!) Why? Because according to him, there are a thousand reasons that the devil could somehow devour us while peeping on the net up late. He also told me that there are good uses of the net, but, a bigger percentage would be in-line with the not-so-good ones. With his philosophies and all, I tried to defend myself, telling him (in a nice way) that I won’t compromise my stand as a Christian and my dignity as JFSM. Well, we had a long conversation. At the end, I was feeling strange. Somehow, I was being negative to his words. Urgh. I was being fed-up with our discussions. I suddenly had thoughts like he don’t trust me, he doesn’t believe in me, he thinks I can take off my name and be a cheap net-girl one time, he thinks I cannot manage well, and the thoughts continues.. Even on our way to a family friend’s party, he kept on saying and expressing his warns. But then, one sentence struck me as he kept talking. He told us “Hindi niyo ako kalaban. Kakampi niyo ako.” I was moved and was brought to realization. He was right. He was just trying to protect us from possible traps of the devil. As one who belongs to a pastor’s family, I am most prominent to being planned for by the devil. The devil wants to break me..break us. But, I thank God for letting me be free of my dire thoughts while my dad was having discourses. In the end, I just recognized again how blessed I am to belong in my family (and that includes being a daughter of my dad). I am privileged. I have nothing to think against my dad. He is and would always be my rabii. Well, Jesus would be the first, but my dad’s one of those that God uses to keep me on the right track ALWAYS.
I’ve just found out another lesson. Wee. I’m growing!

I ♥ Dad!