Category Archives: moving up

The PORKs of a politician

Disclaimer: I salute politicians who live by faith and moral conduct, especially those who strive to make the government system a better and people-focused one, rather than political-centered. The title of this post is not to generalize the negativity of the politicians but to emphasize the allocated funds for project development, and how this “Pork Barrel funds” is used for the good of the state or for personal interest.

cartoon_Jul19ON MY way to the Philippines from a training in the USA, at the airport lounge, waiting for boarding, I had an opportunity to converse with another Filipino, who is also in the same flight as I. Clarita is a US citizen and lives in the US for 43 years. She’s married and have kids. To my surprise, Clarita boldly shared that she despises the Philippines. At the back of my head I thought, “then why fly back to the Philippines? It is very contradicting.”

She said that with our rotten political and justice system, lazy people, and a very slow economy, the Philippines is in a very worst state she’d “never want to go back–even as a retiree.” Continue reading →

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Random people; unexpected itineration

IMG_0516WE’RE taught that itineration is part of the missionary work. We are asked to visit local churches, church events, Annual Conference sessions, and other conferences that would be instrumental in connecting the church to mission. That’s basically the general picture of itineration, but I didn’t know this includes sharing in public transportation and spaces!

Receiving graces from random people is a testimony of God’s presence everywhere.

On the bus from the Global Ministries office to our hotel, which is a 45-minute ride, I and four other international participants didn’t know that we need to pay the bus fare through the public transportation unified card or coins. We only had with us a few one dollar bills and barely one dollar coins each. By faith we hopped in the bus and informed the driver of our dilemma. Graciously, the driver allowed us to stay, while we figure out how to change our bills to coins. Sitting, we started asking co-passengers to change our bills. From a simple inquiry, it grew into a long conversation. Continue reading →

God made me ready!

FOCUS Text:  “…so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.” (Galatians 2:20).

I USED to say, “I am born ready, yeah!” every time I face difficult circumstance or when I speak or perform to a large audience. Although it is a good self encouragement strategy, unconsciously, I fell on the idea that through my own strength—abilities, skills, talents—I can do anything…

For the complete devotion, click World Methodist Council Youth and Young Adult Devotional Blog. (Copyright: World Methodist Council).

‘…and it was good’

In August my family went for a vacation to Vientiane, Laos. Since it’s near Bangkok, Thailand my father insisted to do “sidetripping”. The rest of us were against it because of additional cost and a long bus travel crossing the border. Yet we ended up going anyway.

Bangkok is such a beauty. The weather is just right, the people are full of smiles, the food is super affordable and fresh, and a shopping paradise for lower to middle class buyers! In fact, a lot of Filipino RTW businessmen go to Bangkok to purchase items. In terms of structure, the city preserves several temples that includes the famous Grand Palace at the heart of Bangkok, which is near the Thai-only floating market! Continue reading →