In Recognition of Desire

Ever since I heard about the Anti-Epal Bill in Twitter, I fell in love with the idea. "Epal" is an old Filipino slang from "ma-papel"(whose rough translations vary with context, such as "attention hog", "show/spotlight stealer," "credit/compliment beggar," etc. I hope you get the general idea. Filipino idioms are a bit tricky). Although the bill had roots way back in 2004, it gained popularity because of its rather unabashed renamed title. This was in response to the proliferation of credit-taking tarpaulins of supposed projects, accomplishments and other opportunities to turn an entire area into a politician's image - figuratively, and in many cases, even literally.

But being "epal" is not limited to politicians. And it's not even limited to Filipinos. It is a prevailing subconscious attitude, a silent culture of insecurity. It permeates every aspect of our society: from the sibling rivalries vying for a parent's attention, to the selfish pursuit of academic excellence (not that it is wrong, but really – for what reason or goal are the best-performing students aiming for ever since?), and that philosophical quest for self-actualization. Even the church is not exempt from it.

There's an epal inside every one of us. A soft, demanding voice that whispers a thirst for appreciation, for recognition and for remembrance.

Farewell to Another Great Bicolano: Jesse Robredo

Death comes ever so suddenly, that sometimes the pain of our loss goes beyond our mere senses - like wounds to the soul, leaving behind not just a scar but a seeming emptiness that somehow seems to suck every ray of smile...

Yet there are people who, even in their death, manage fight back against that void - and with a preciously small fragment of a memory, turn around the gloom by reminding us not of what we had lost, but what every person leaves behind - a legacy, a memory of some distant yet perceivable hope, a reason to smile.

Happy Freedom Day!

Usually, we celebrate Independence Day with history lessons. Not that it's wrong, but sometimes we do lose sight of what history is supposed to teach us in the present. Like what did we become 'independent' about? What was "freedom" really mean?

As much as I'd love to go into etymologies, that is not the case of my blog. Rather, I wanted to reflect: what does freedom mean for me?

KuyAte Leadership: Cross the Bridge, Bridge the Cross

A youth once complained about his little bro being a crybaby, effeminate & liking girly stuff. My reply: "Where were you as his brother?"

It's nothing new. For the past weeks, we've heard of it: conflicts of views about homosexuals and homophobics. Of political rights and moral wrongs. Of third genders and sex offenders. And as much as we Christians must take a stand on what the Bible says, how can a world who has long slowly started to reject the word of God believe our arguments?

Where does homosexuality start? Is it really genetic, as some would insist? Is it spiritual (like a demon possession), as some religious extremists would claim*? Is it borne from psychological, environmental and social influences, which help them shape their personality and view of self?

[*As a Christian, I also share this view that homosexuality is also a spiritual influence. However, I believe that it is a personal choice, too; even if we try to exorcise that person - it will be to no avail unless the person admits and confesses to it being morally wrong, and allow Christ to work in that person's life. Our task then as Christians is to guide and bring them to that realization, not by force but by sincerity of motive which is the love of God, then believe in God's power to move in their lives.]

I am not a psychologist, nor am I an expert. But what I do know is that these people also need Christ, that His sacrifice also includes them, and that based on countless stories it is possible for them to change and rediscover the life that God has planned for them.

But that isn't what this blog is about. What I want to talk about is: where are you as a brother? Where are you as a sister?

The Relationship Market: Quality Control

I admit: one of the things I really get tired about in the Christian young adult world is the incessant need  for a series on "Love, Courtship & Marriage" (or LCM for those who grew up in the 90s). Sure, the "love" market gets crazier with age: a lot of 'prospectable' partners already are matched up or contracted (literally), some have lost their 'appeal' (or in desperate need to reclaim it), and others simply are running out of time.

Yup, contrary to the popular line, "Love can wait forever," let's face it: life can't.

What's keeping me or others from entering into a relationship? And what is pressuring me to enter one? I remember back in my teens how we would be asked, "What's your ideal mate/partner?" but never was I asked, "Why do you want an ideal mate/partner?"

I Love Women

Our company just gave out free doughnuts today in celebration of International Women's Day, and while the happy gesture was mildly corrupted by Fellow Pao's signature insinuations (haha), I still found myself doing some introspection...

(And no — I am well aware, assured and secure on my 100.07% male gender/sexual orientation. Thank you.)

How did women affect/influence my life?

Here's a list:

I'm a Lover and a Warrior

It's been an eventful day: doing the laundry, showing up for muay thai training, rushing a design revision for some friends' wedding invite, dropping by the office to copy some important files for the kids ministry (and unwittingly forgetting to unplug the flashdrive from the computer), downloading while eating/wasting (relatively) time at Burger King, traveling to Alabang, attending the YA fellowship there and of course the post-activity coffee and laughter, then finally off to my current residence in the metropolis.

It's been a fun day. And because of that, I feel sad.