According to the manager of Emerald Restaurant, President Noynoy arrived at the Chinese restaurant when the hostage drama was over. The whole second floor of the restaurant was closed to accomodate President Noynoy and company. The president ordered fried rice and prawns among others.
I am just appalled that the president had the gall to eat when dead bodies were being carried out of the hostage site. He chose to eat than to personally see the tragedy that struck a few meters from the restaurant. He couldn't even answer the diplomatic calls of a Chinese official. Yet he had the time to have dinner at a fancy Chinese restaurant. The lack of sensitivity, propriety and urgency of the president are unbelievable. I do think that the country deserves the condemnation that it is getting from Hongkong and China. In that moment when we should have acted properly, even the president showed lack of human understanding of the great tragedy that struck merely a stone throw away from him.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
THE JOURNEY OF COACH BOYET FERNANDEZ
From head coach of a champion PBA team, Coach Boyet became the head coach of a collegiate basketball team. And as he becomes an assistant coach to the newest PBA team, Meralco, I was able to ask Coach Boyet about his experience with the U.P. men's basketball team.
1. Ano po pinagkaiba nang pagko-coach sa collegiate team as against a PBA team ?
Malaki ang pagkakaiba. Sa PBA, matured na ang mga players. Kumbaga, magagaling na. Sa collegiate naman, kailangan mo pang tumutok lagi sa mga players mo. Mga bata pa kasi kaya you have to guide them mentally and emotionally. At talagang kailangan pang hasain ang fundamentals nila sa paglalaro.
2. Bakit po ninyo tinanggap ang coaching job sa U.P. gayung alam ninyo na talunan ang team na ito ?
First of all, I was requested to help U.P. as a consultant. Alam naman natin ang mga nangyari kung paano nawala ang head coach ng U.P. Kaya ginawa akong acting head coach. I love challenges in life and I saw U.P. as a big challenge. I wanted to change how people see the men's basketball team of U.P. Kaya tinanggap ko ang hamon na maging acting head coach ng U.P.
3. Saan po kayo mas masaya o fulfilled, sa PBA o UAAP ?
Parehong fulfilling ang maging coach sa PBA at UAAP. Lalo na kung makikita mong napaparangalan mga players mo at nananalo at nagiging kampeon ang koponan. Mas masaya lang talaga sa UAAP kasi matindi ang team spirit ng mga estudyante. Nakakapanindig ng balahibo talaga.
4. How would you describe your stint with the U.P. Maroons ?
It was a very challenging experience. Marami akong nakitang dapat baguhin na sinimulan ko nang baguhin.
5. Ano po naramdaman ninyo sa sunud-sunod na pagkatalo ng U.P. ?
Frankly speaking, disappointed ako sa nangyari. But I believe there is no other way for U.P. to go but up. Naniniwala ako na konting tiyaga pa, mananalo rin ang U.P. Maroons.
6. Ano po biggest frustration ninyo sa U.P. team ?
Yung matalo nang sunud-sunod. Masakit para sa akin dahil alam ko sa bawat pagkatalo nanghihina ang loob ng mga players ko. My players really want to win. But sometimes, breaks of the game lang talaga. Naging factor din ang mga injuries to my players this season.
7. Gusto po pa ba ninyong manatiling coach ng U.P. next UAAP season ?
Nasa U.P. na ang desisyon. Basta ako, I am willing to face the challenge head-on as head coach of U.P. even until the next UAAP season.
8. Ano po nais ninyong iparating sa U.P. team at sa buong U.P. community ?
To the team and whole community, maraming salamat po sa tiwala at suporta. Asahan po ninyo na gagawin ko ang lahat upang maiba ang tingin ng mga tao sa ating koponan. I commit myself to U.P. and will continue to fight for U.P. until we reach our common dream of landing in the Final Four. Hopefully, we can bring back the glory of 1986.
1. Ano po pinagkaiba nang pagko-coach sa collegiate team as against a PBA team ?
Malaki ang pagkakaiba. Sa PBA, matured na ang mga players. Kumbaga, magagaling na. Sa collegiate naman, kailangan mo pang tumutok lagi sa mga players mo. Mga bata pa kasi kaya you have to guide them mentally and emotionally. At talagang kailangan pang hasain ang fundamentals nila sa paglalaro.
2. Bakit po ninyo tinanggap ang coaching job sa U.P. gayung alam ninyo na talunan ang team na ito ?
First of all, I was requested to help U.P. as a consultant. Alam naman natin ang mga nangyari kung paano nawala ang head coach ng U.P. Kaya ginawa akong acting head coach. I love challenges in life and I saw U.P. as a big challenge. I wanted to change how people see the men's basketball team of U.P. Kaya tinanggap ko ang hamon na maging acting head coach ng U.P.
3. Saan po kayo mas masaya o fulfilled, sa PBA o UAAP ?
Parehong fulfilling ang maging coach sa PBA at UAAP. Lalo na kung makikita mong napaparangalan mga players mo at nananalo at nagiging kampeon ang koponan. Mas masaya lang talaga sa UAAP kasi matindi ang team spirit ng mga estudyante. Nakakapanindig ng balahibo talaga.
4. How would you describe your stint with the U.P. Maroons ?
It was a very challenging experience. Marami akong nakitang dapat baguhin na sinimulan ko nang baguhin.
5. Ano po naramdaman ninyo sa sunud-sunod na pagkatalo ng U.P. ?
Frankly speaking, disappointed ako sa nangyari. But I believe there is no other way for U.P. to go but up. Naniniwala ako na konting tiyaga pa, mananalo rin ang U.P. Maroons.
6. Ano po biggest frustration ninyo sa U.P. team ?
Yung matalo nang sunud-sunod. Masakit para sa akin dahil alam ko sa bawat pagkatalo nanghihina ang loob ng mga players ko. My players really want to win. But sometimes, breaks of the game lang talaga. Naging factor din ang mga injuries to my players this season.
7. Gusto po pa ba ninyong manatiling coach ng U.P. next UAAP season ?
Nasa U.P. na ang desisyon. Basta ako, I am willing to face the challenge head-on as head coach of U.P. even until the next UAAP season.
8. Ano po nais ninyong iparating sa U.P. team at sa buong U.P. community ?
To the team and whole community, maraming salamat po sa tiwala at suporta. Asahan po ninyo na gagawin ko ang lahat upang maiba ang tingin ng mga tao sa ating koponan. I commit myself to U.P. and will continue to fight for U.P. until we reach our common dream of landing in the Final Four. Hopefully, we can bring back the glory of 1986.
NOT A MAJOR MAJOR MISTAKE
My conflict with CCF and its pastors resulted in my expulsion from my bible study group. It left me with nothing to do every Thursday night. Refusing to sulk, I volunteered at a nearby shelter for street kids. But instead of tutoring every Thursday night, I was assigned to teach every Saturday. And I was assigned only one student to take care of. While others had several students under their care, I was assigned to just one. The student who was assigned to me turned out to be a tough street smart kid who had no interest at all to go to school. He simply passed from one year level to the next because he would simply do a project to make up for his failing marks.
Slowly but surely, my student developed the habit of doing his homework. I would find his notebooks full of well-written notes. He would come prepared for every tutorial session. His test scores improved as well.
Last weekend, I was simply overjoyed to hear that my student passed the first grading period with ease. From being a problem child, he has turned into a responsible student.
Now, I understand why God revealed to me the things I discovered about CCF. Now, I understand why I had to be removed from my bible study group. God has intended to use me in another way.
I am simply overjoyed and amazed to see and feel God's wonderful hand in the things I went through. He turned my defeat into victory. He turned my sorrow into joy. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to experience His greatness. Now, I am thinking of rendering my services to a nearby public school to allow God to use me in a bigger way. I hope to see and feel God's great work manifest itself in the students who I will encounter and teach. To God be the glory !
Slowly but surely, my student developed the habit of doing his homework. I would find his notebooks full of well-written notes. He would come prepared for every tutorial session. His test scores improved as well.
Last weekend, I was simply overjoyed to hear that my student passed the first grading period with ease. From being a problem child, he has turned into a responsible student.
Now, I understand why God revealed to me the things I discovered about CCF. Now, I understand why I had to be removed from my bible study group. God has intended to use me in another way.
I am simply overjoyed and amazed to see and feel God's wonderful hand in the things I went through. He turned my defeat into victory. He turned my sorrow into joy. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to experience His greatness. Now, I am thinking of rendering my services to a nearby public school to allow God to use me in a bigger way. I hope to see and feel God's great work manifest itself in the students who I will encounter and teach. To God be the glory !
THE SHAMELESSNESS OF CCF PASTORS PART 2
I just found out that CCF pastors are asking once again their followers to dig deeper into their pockets to enable CCF to complete its worship center. After members have coughed up more than Php 1B, the pastors are still asking for more money. I expect the pastors to sing the same tune until the Php 3B worship center is finally completed.
In the first place, who told the pastors to erect a Php 3B worship center ? The staggering cost of the worship center matches the calamity fund of the entire nation. I find this totally insensitive and immoral considering the millions of starving Filipinos I see everyday. While the huge amount of money can be used by CCF to feed the hungry or create livelihood projects for the poor, it chooses to allocate the money to a white elephant. Worse, the pastors abuse the kindness of their members to get the money that they need to feed their egos. Whether the pastors admit it or not, they see the Php 3B worship center as evidence of their personal success and greatness. And that to me indeed is such a shame.
In the first place, who told the pastors to erect a Php 3B worship center ? The staggering cost of the worship center matches the calamity fund of the entire nation. I find this totally insensitive and immoral considering the millions of starving Filipinos I see everyday. While the huge amount of money can be used by CCF to feed the hungry or create livelihood projects for the poor, it chooses to allocate the money to a white elephant. Worse, the pastors abuse the kindness of their members to get the money that they need to feed their egos. Whether the pastors admit it or not, they see the Php 3B worship center as evidence of their personal success and greatness. And that to me indeed is such a shame.
WIILIE REVILLAME OR ABS-CBN : WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH ?
So many allegations have been thrown by the two protagonists against each other. But it is Willie Revillame who dares to bring his case to court. This, to me, is a telling sign that between the two, it is Willie who is telling the truth. A judicial court is the ultimate venue where the truth can be arrived at. And it is the best venue to determine who is telling the truth.
What I find bizarre is ABS-CBN's insistence that it is telling the truth. It even uses its programs to air its executives' side of the story. It denies to this day that it offered Willie a nontime show to air last week of July.
ABS-CBN stands to lose a lot should Willie prove beyond reasonable doubt that ABS-CBN is lying. Credibilty, once lost, is a hard thing to restore.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
PAGBABAGO
Six months ago, I encountered a problem with a Christian church that changed my spiritual life forever. I discovered that the pastors of the church that I was attending were conducting serious political activities without informing their members. Worse, these pastors were covering up their activities by lying through their teeth. Determined to expose the pastors for their lies and deception, I blogged what I stumbled upon. Word got around about my blog. I was eventually forced to leave the church for writing things about the pastors that were unfavorable.
Through that sad phase of my life, I found comfort in Goldilocks, particularly its pulvoron. Just when I felt so condemned and alone, Goldilocks kept me company. Through the spiritual isolation, Goldilocks and its pulvoron kept me grounded and satisfied. Strange as it may sound, pulvoron became my comfort food. As eating pulvoron became a routine, I soon realized that through Goldilocks, God was not leaving me all by myself. Through Goldilocks, I learned that while changes may hurt, it can also bring new joy and self-realization. More importantly, I realized that joy is not confined to a particular church. It can be found in the most unexpected places like Goldilocks as well.
I thank Goldilocks for providing me the comfort and joy that I needed in a time of great sorrow and solitude. Indeed, the comfort and joy that can only come from God is always within reach. I truly thank Goldilocks for despite its changes, it remains an arm's length away to provide comfort and joy to people.
Through that sad phase of my life, I found comfort in Goldilocks, particularly its pulvoron. Just when I felt so condemned and alone, Goldilocks kept me company. Through the spiritual isolation, Goldilocks and its pulvoron kept me grounded and satisfied. Strange as it may sound, pulvoron became my comfort food. As eating pulvoron became a routine, I soon realized that through Goldilocks, God was not leaving me all by myself. Through Goldilocks, I learned that while changes may hurt, it can also bring new joy and self-realization. More importantly, I realized that joy is not confined to a particular church. It can be found in the most unexpected places like Goldilocks as well.
I thank Goldilocks for providing me the comfort and joy that I needed in a time of great sorrow and solitude. Indeed, the comfort and joy that can only come from God is always within reach. I truly thank Goldilocks for despite its changes, it remains an arm's length away to provide comfort and joy to people.
CCF AND ITS HIDDEN POLITICAL AGENDA
My officemates who live in Pasig and Cainta remind me almost everyday that the construction of CCF's $80M worship center is well on its way. My officemates know very well that I was banished by CCF. Perhaps to spoil my day, they would jokingly inform me of the great construction that is on-going along C-5.
But my officemates are mistaken to think that I am upset with CCF's worship center. What I am upset about is that the worship center will be used to advance certain political beliefs. The pastors cleverly veil their true intentions with the construction of a seemingly harmless worship center. But the worship center, I fear, will be used to propagate false beliefs to support Israel. Read http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/more-than-30000-participate-in-pro-israel-conference-in-asia/.
The worship center, in itself, is not an evil thing. It is what men do that can render it an evil purpose.
But my officemates are mistaken to think that I am upset with CCF's worship center. What I am upset about is that the worship center will be used to advance certain political beliefs. The pastors cleverly veil their true intentions with the construction of a seemingly harmless worship center. But the worship center, I fear, will be used to propagate false beliefs to support Israel. Read http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/more-than-30000-participate-in-pro-israel-conference-in-asia/.
The worship center, in itself, is not an evil thing. It is what men do that can render it an evil purpose.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
THE PHILIPPINES AS A TOURIST DESTINATION AFTER THE HOSTAGE DRAMA
With the negative impact of the hostage drama that killed seven tourists from Hongkong, the Philippines will be hard to sell as a tourist destination. Safety will be of utmost concern when considering the Philippines as a vacation spot.
But I do hope that tourists from around the world will eventually realize that the hostage incident is but an isolated case. Tourists are generally safe in the Philippines. Warm and friendly people make up much of the Philippine archipelago. The sites are breath-taking and provide comfort to tired souls. Best of all, one's money can really go a long way in the Philippines compared to the rest of the world.
Lessons will be learned from the tragic hostage incident. And I am sure that one lesson that will involve the need to take good care of tourists entering the Philippines. Perhaps, tourists from now on will see and experience the best hospitality that Filipinos can offer if only to offset the negative image that the hostage drama created for the Philippines.
But I do hope that tourists from around the world will eventually realize that the hostage incident is but an isolated case. Tourists are generally safe in the Philippines. Warm and friendly people make up much of the Philippine archipelago. The sites are breath-taking and provide comfort to tired souls. Best of all, one's money can really go a long way in the Philippines compared to the rest of the world.
Lessons will be learned from the tragic hostage incident. And I am sure that one lesson that will involve the need to take good care of tourists entering the Philippines. Perhaps, tourists from now on will see and experience the best hospitality that Filipinos can offer if only to offset the negative image that the hostage drama created for the Philippines.
TRAXIER : A NEW AND POTENT WEBSITE
A good friend has created a new website that capitalizes on the competitive spirit of everyone. Named Traxier, the website has competitions for the consumption of beer and coffee among others.
While the website is primarily designed for fun, it has the potential to conduct more meaningful competitions among its members. I can think of a few competitions that will not only be fun but beneficial as well. These include competitions to see who can plant more trees, lose more weight weekly or cut down a greater number of cigarettes smoked per day. One can even conduct competition in issuing greetings to complete strangers on his way to work. For Christians, competition to determine who gets to memorize more bible verses will be a hit.
Indeed, the possibilities are endless. Hopefully, Traxier will follow the track towards more socially relevant competitions to give its members greater purpose without sacrificing the fun part.
While the website is primarily designed for fun, it has the potential to conduct more meaningful competitions among its members. I can think of a few competitions that will not only be fun but beneficial as well. These include competitions to see who can plant more trees, lose more weight weekly or cut down a greater number of cigarettes smoked per day. One can even conduct competition in issuing greetings to complete strangers on his way to work. For Christians, competition to determine who gets to memorize more bible verses will be a hit.
Indeed, the possibilities are endless. Hopefully, Traxier will follow the track towards more socially relevant competitions to give its members greater purpose without sacrificing the fun part.
CCF, THE TRUTH AND FB FRIENDS
I just found out that an FB friend belongs to the church that I have been attacking relentlessly. Worse, the pastor who I accused of lying is his friend. While I am sorry if I may have offended my FB friend, I stand by with what I have written in my blog. As a blogger, the truth is all that I have. Without it, all my articles are worthless.
Needless to say, I will continue to expose the lies and deception that the church sells to its members. More so if the lies and deception are peddled to my friends. The thing that truly motivates me to blog about the wrongdoings of the church is my concern for friends. I don't think that anyone, more so my friends, should be lied to or be deceived.
Needless to say, I will continue to expose the lies and deception that the church sells to its members. More so if the lies and deception are peddled to my friends. The thing that truly motivates me to blog about the wrongdoings of the church is my concern for friends. I don't think that anyone, more so my friends, should be lied to or be deceived.
P-NOY AND HIS DISAPPEARING ACT DURING THE HOSTAGE DRAMA
I find it rather strange that President Noynoy did not issue a statement on national television on what the government was doing during the hostage drama. An event that involved lives of foreigners and the country's reputation certainly merited the attention of the president. But Noynoy chose to just watch from the sidelines. He only appeared an hour after the whole conflict was resolved.
I can't help but see the tentative action of the police force as a reflection of the tentativeness of the president himself. Filipinos and Hongkong nationals would have been reassured that the government and for that matter, the president himself, were doing their best to come to a peaceful resolution if President Noynoy dared to say so. Phone calls, in fact, were being received by the president. But Noynoy chose not to entertain the diplomatic calls.
Now, Kris and Noynoy Aquino are busy visiting the victims as well as officials of China and Hongkong. But the damage has been done. The incident could have showcased the courage and decisiveness of President Noynoy. Unfortunately, he failed to live up to the challenge.
I can't help but see the tentative action of the police force as a reflection of the tentativeness of the president himself. Filipinos and Hongkong nationals would have been reassured that the government and for that matter, the president himself, were doing their best to come to a peaceful resolution if President Noynoy dared to say so. Phone calls, in fact, were being received by the president. But Noynoy chose not to entertain the diplomatic calls.
Now, Kris and Noynoy Aquino are busy visiting the victims as well as officials of China and Hongkong. But the damage has been done. The incident could have showcased the courage and decisiveness of President Noynoy. Unfortunately, he failed to live up to the challenge.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
MISS PHILIPPINES AT THE MISS UNIVERSE : A MAJOR MAJOR BLUNDER
Miss Philippines, Venus Raj, landed 4th runner-up at the recently-concluded Miss Universe pageant. Had she answered well in the final question, she could have won the crown outright. But her response to the final question was simply ridiculous to say the least.
Venus could have easily said that growing up, she made the mistake of thinking that poor people don't have the right to dream big. But as she saw the need to rise above poverty, she studied hard and dared to pursue her ambition in life. And through hard work and great determination, she was able to become a beauty queen and to represent her country in the most prestigious pageant in the world.
Perhaps, it is time that the Philippines uses an interpreter in the final question segment of the Miss Universe. Obviously, the fear of answering in English gets the better of our representatives. It is sad to come so close only to lose in the end.
Venus could have easily said that growing up, she made the mistake of thinking that poor people don't have the right to dream big. But as she saw the need to rise above poverty, she studied hard and dared to pursue her ambition in life. And through hard work and great determination, she was able to become a beauty queen and to represent her country in the most prestigious pageant in the world.
Perhaps, it is time that the Philippines uses an interpreter in the final question segment of the Miss Universe. Obviously, the fear of answering in English gets the better of our representatives. It is sad to come so close only to lose in the end.
Monday, August 23, 2010
HOSTAGE-TAKING IN MANILA : A TESTAMENT TO THE STUPIDITY OF FILIPINOS
I strongly condemn the hostage-taking that happened in Manila that killed 7 tourists from Hongkong. The stupidity of a dismissed police officer put the whole country to shame in the international community. Prestigious international news agencies like CNN, BBC and Aljazeera covered the whole drama to show how incredibly stupid some Filipinos are.
I can't believe that a man armed with an M16 rifle could walk aimlessly in the streets of Manila and go unnoticed. While civilians are frisked upon entering a shopping mall, here is a man loitering with a rifle in his arm. I can't believe as well that the whole police force of the country to this day, can't properly handle a hostage drama. It took the police 11 hours to put an end to the whole drama with 8 people dead.
I may sound cruel but I definitely think that the hostage-taker deserves to die. I feel so sorry for the tourists and their families who got involved with the senseless and violent actions of a deranged Filipino police officer.
I can't believe that a man armed with an M16 rifle could walk aimlessly in the streets of Manila and go unnoticed. While civilians are frisked upon entering a shopping mall, here is a man loitering with a rifle in his arm. I can't believe as well that the whole police force of the country to this day, can't properly handle a hostage drama. It took the police 11 hours to put an end to the whole drama with 8 people dead.
I may sound cruel but I definitely think that the hostage-taker deserves to die. I feel so sorry for the tourists and their families who got involved with the senseless and violent actions of a deranged Filipino police officer.
THE SHAMELESS CCF PASTORS
To this day, the pastors of CCF refuse to admit their connivance with a bestselling author to lobby for war in behalf of Israel. After chasing me out of their church for exposing their clandestine maneuverings, the pastors of CCF remain pro-Israel and pro-war as ever.
On Wednesday, I will be interviewed by a research assistant from Duke University on the topic of Christians versus Muslims. For sure, I will talk lengthily about the evangelicals' role in promoting war between Christians and Muslims. Evangelical pastors contribute greatly to the escalation of war between Christians and Muslims. The belief that Muslims are the enemies and need to be converted to Christians remain the main reasons why Muslims and Christians continue to fight against each other in some parts of the world. Instead of focusing on compromised agreements, these pastors highlight religious differences and cultivate distrust and animosity. The shamelessness of these pastors is truly appalling.
On Wednesday, I will be interviewed by a research assistant from Duke University on the topic of Christians versus Muslims. For sure, I will talk lengthily about the evangelicals' role in promoting war between Christians and Muslims. Evangelical pastors contribute greatly to the escalation of war between Christians and Muslims. The belief that Muslims are the enemies and need to be converted to Christians remain the main reasons why Muslims and Christians continue to fight against each other in some parts of the world. Instead of focusing on compromised agreements, these pastors highlight religious differences and cultivate distrust and animosity. The shamelessness of these pastors is truly appalling.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
THE CASES OF KRIS AQUINO AGAINST JAMES YAP WILL REVEAL THE TRUTH
For the longest time, I just couldn't make sense of what Kris Aquino wants from James Yap. She wants her marriage to James Yap nullified because of a technicality. Then, she also wants to have sole custody over baby James. Then, she wants the surname Yap dropped from baby James' name. While I somehow understand her two demands, I simply could not believe that she wants her son to be considered illegitimate. Dropping James Yap's surname from baby James will virtually make the poor child illegitimate.
For everything to make sense, I think the last statement of James Yap to baby James that made Kris decide to leave for good has everything to do with the way Kris is mapping out her legal action. I will dare guess that James probably wished that baby James did not exist to make things a lot simpler. Worse, James Yap could have verbalized his doubt of whether baby James is truly his own son. As a result, Kris now is exerting effort to really detach baby James from his father. And the best way is to drop James Yap's surname from baby James. What do you think ?
For everything to make sense, I think the last statement of James Yap to baby James that made Kris decide to leave for good has everything to do with the way Kris is mapping out her legal action. I will dare guess that James probably wished that baby James did not exist to make things a lot simpler. Worse, James Yap could have verbalized his doubt of whether baby James is truly his own son. As a result, Kris now is exerting effort to really detach baby James from his father. And the best way is to drop James Yap's surname from baby James. What do you think ?
MISS PHILIPPINES VENUS RAJ MAKES SEMIS AT MISS UNIVERSE 2010
What makes Miss Philippines' journey at the Miss Universe worth watching is the possibilty of a simple girl's victory over poverty and discrimination. Venus, who lives in a house with no electricity and whose family solely depends on farming to put food on the table, was nearly prevented from representing the country. But because people got to know her story and eventually sypathized with her, she was reinstated as the country's official candidate to the prestigious pageant. Clearly, she is the people's choice to represent the country. And the way things are happening, the people are right after all. There is indeed beauty inside and out of the farm girl who walks barefoot along rice paddies.
Venus has managed to take poverty as a challenge to do her best. Hopefully, she wins the crown to serve as an inspiration to millions of Filipinos who dare to dream big and refuse to succumb to the debilitating clutches of poverty and discrimination.
Friday, August 20, 2010
WILLIE MILLER : THE FIRST GIN KING TO BE REINSTATED
The timing and cost of the deal say a lot about how things will change for Ginebra from now on. By being the first to be signed up by Ginebra, Willie Miller has dislodged Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Eric Menk as Ginebra's most-valued players. To this day, the three have yet to sign up with Ginebra. While the three may nonetheless be given extensions, they have been relegated to the background as Ginebra's main protagonists. For the three players, Miller's contract will be the standard to which their salaries will be compared and determined as well. Indeed, by being the first, Miller's contract will be the barometer of other contracts among Ginebra players.
I certainly understand the uncertainty that a lot of Ginebra players feel as they await their turn at the bargaining table.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
HONORING GOD
Crazy as it may seem, I enjoy exposing the lies and deception of CCF pastors. I have taken it as my mission in life to expose pastors in general for the fraud that they are. For this particular blog, I wish to tackle the issue of honoring God with an edifice.The pastors of CCF have collected billions of pesos from their followers to erect a worship center that they intend to honor and glorify God with.
1 Kings 8:27
But will God really dwell on earth ? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built.
The verse clearly indicates that an edifice is not enough to contain God's greatness. It is not enough to define and house God.
1 Corinthians 6:20
you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
The two verses in Corinthians indicate that people's actions honor God. It is what people do that give honor and glory to God. Thus, it is important that one gives his best in whatever he does to bring glory and honor to God.
Now, the question remains. Is exhorting people to give money for an edifice a way to honor and glorify God ? As the above verses indicate, good works honor and glorify God. Inanimate objects like money and expensive worship centers do not. So much so if the objects become the source of a distorted view of God. It is what people do out of the goodness of their hearts that truly glorify and honor God.
1 Kings 8:27
But will God really dwell on earth ? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built.
The verse clearly indicates that an edifice is not enough to contain God's greatness. It is not enough to define and house God.
1 Corinthians 6:20
you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
The two verses in Corinthians indicate that people's actions honor God. It is what people do that give honor and glory to God. Thus, it is important that one gives his best in whatever he does to bring glory and honor to God.
Now, the question remains. Is exhorting people to give money for an edifice a way to honor and glorify God ? As the above verses indicate, good works honor and glorify God. Inanimate objects like money and expensive worship centers do not. So much so if the objects become the source of a distorted view of God. It is what people do out of the goodness of their hearts that truly glorify and honor God.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
TITHING : ONCE AGAIN WITH FEELINGS
I had a great discussion with a Christian friend regarding tithing once again. Our discussion started when he asked me why I consider most pastors deceitful when it comes to encouraging their followers to tithe. I then proceeded to tell my friend the lies that pastors tell to promote tithing.
The reason why I am just so passionate with my oppositon to pastors who preach tithing is that it involves manipulation of God's word to deceive people. Pastors, of all people, must be the ones to tell the truth about the true meaning of God's word all the time. Yet, a lot of these pastors twist the word of God to serve their own interests. Worse, they propagate lies with shamelessness and impunity. Church members are so afraid to confront these pastors for fear of being branded as troublemakers enabling pastors to do as they want.
I think that pastors must first know the true meaning of God's word before spreading certain doctrines. It is the height of irresponsibility to be teaching and spreading beliefs which do not have biblical support. What I consider unforgivable is that they manipulate bible verses to serve their selfish purposes. These pastors must be held accountable for their lies, deception and abuses. A true Christian for me is one who does not allow abuses to continue. Christianity is all about helping people see the truth and allowing them to experience the greatness of God through a true appreciation of His word.
The reason why I am just so passionate with my oppositon to pastors who preach tithing is that it involves manipulation of God's word to deceive people. Pastors, of all people, must be the ones to tell the truth about the true meaning of God's word all the time. Yet, a lot of these pastors twist the word of God to serve their own interests. Worse, they propagate lies with shamelessness and impunity. Church members are so afraid to confront these pastors for fear of being branded as troublemakers enabling pastors to do as they want.
I think that pastors must first know the true meaning of God's word before spreading certain doctrines. It is the height of irresponsibility to be teaching and spreading beliefs which do not have biblical support. What I consider unforgivable is that they manipulate bible verses to serve their selfish purposes. These pastors must be held accountable for their lies, deception and abuses. A true Christian for me is one who does not allow abuses to continue. Christianity is all about helping people see the truth and allowing them to experience the greatness of God through a true appreciation of His word.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
THE REASON WHY I AM SUSPICIOUS OF JAMES YAP'S SECOND MVP AWARD
Despite his personal problems, James Yap was able to secure his second MVP award for the 2009-2010 PBA season. While I admit that James Yap showed brilliance in some of B-Meg's games, I can't help but doubt whether he truly deserves his second MVP. The doubt mainly results from my discovery that James Yap's first MVP came at the expense of a more deserving teammate.
To investigate James Yap's first MVP victory, I decided to use the MVP rating system of SportsRatings.http://sportsratings.typepad.com/basketball/2008/02/nba-player-rati.html. MVP rating uses a player's total score and incorporates his efficiency and team's winning percentage to come up with a particular score. A high MVP rating indicates a superior season-long performance from a player. A low MVP rating, on the other hand, indicates an inefficient player performance during the season. Plugging all the stats of James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, I obtained revealing and surprising scores. Kerby, for the 2006-2005 season got an MVP rating of 284.5. James merely obtained an MVP rating of 142.5. Simply put, the MVP ratings of both players indicate that Raymundo's performance was twice as great as those of Yap's.
It just shocks me to know that the PBA can conveniently overlook an outstanding performance from a particular player in favor of a more popular cager. It just defies logic that the PBA, Solar and sportswriters can vote for a popular player whose performance is merely half as great as those of a not-so-popular cager. Masyadong garapal naman ang nangyari.
So with James Yap's second MVP award, it is but natural that I treat it with skepticism. I would surely love to get hold of James Yap's stats in the recent PBA season and compare it once again with those of other players. But to this day, the chief statistician of the PBA refuses to give me the stats that I need. This merely fuels my suspicion that something unfair happened once again with the selection of the MVP awardee. But I know that truth will out no matter how hard people try to conceal it.
To investigate James Yap's first MVP victory, I decided to use the MVP rating system of SportsRatings.http://sportsratings.typepad.com/basketball/2008/02/nba-player-rati.html. MVP rating uses a player's total score and incorporates his efficiency and team's winning percentage to come up with a particular score. A high MVP rating indicates a superior season-long performance from a player. A low MVP rating, on the other hand, indicates an inefficient player performance during the season. Plugging all the stats of James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, I obtained revealing and surprising scores. Kerby, for the 2006-2005 season got an MVP rating of 284.5. James merely obtained an MVP rating of 142.5. Simply put, the MVP ratings of both players indicate that Raymundo's performance was twice as great as those of Yap's.
It just shocks me to know that the PBA can conveniently overlook an outstanding performance from a particular player in favor of a more popular cager. It just defies logic that the PBA, Solar and sportswriters can vote for a popular player whose performance is merely half as great as those of a not-so-popular cager. Masyadong garapal naman ang nangyari.
So with James Yap's second MVP award, it is but natural that I treat it with skepticism. I would surely love to get hold of James Yap's stats in the recent PBA season and compare it once again with those of other players. But to this day, the chief statistician of the PBA refuses to give me the stats that I need. This merely fuels my suspicion that something unfair happened once again with the selection of the MVP awardee. But I know that truth will out no matter how hard people try to conceal it.
MVP RATINGS OF PBA PLAYERS WHEN JAMES YAP WON MVP
MVP RATINGS OF PBA PLAYERS SEASON 2005-2006
1. Kerby Raymundo - 284.5
2. Enrico Villanueva - 238.2
3. Marc Pingris - 233.2
4. Danny Seigle - 222.6
5. Dorian Pena - 169.3
6. Lordy Tugade - 156.5
7. James Yap - 142.5
8. Roger Yap - 106.2
9. Mike Cortez - 106.2
10. Mark Caguioa - NA
MYTHICAL TEAM
1. Roger Yap
2. Lordy Tugade
3. Enrico Villanueva
4. James Yap
5. Kerby Raymundo
6. Mike Cortez
7. Mark Caguioa
8. Dorian Pena
9. Mark Pingris
10. Danny Seigle
The biggest revelation for the 2005-2006 MVP ratings is Kerby Raymundo's outstanding score. Despite his extremely high MVP rating however, Raymundo was denied of an MVP trophy. His teammate, James Yap, won the award despite Yap's low MVP rating.
1. Kerby Raymundo - 284.5
2. Enrico Villanueva - 238.2
3. Marc Pingris - 233.2
4. Danny Seigle - 222.6
5. Dorian Pena - 169.3
6. Lordy Tugade - 156.5
7. James Yap - 142.5
8. Roger Yap - 106.2
9. Mike Cortez - 106.2
10. Mark Caguioa - NA
MYTHICAL TEAM
1. Roger Yap
2. Lordy Tugade
3. Enrico Villanueva
4. James Yap
5. Kerby Raymundo
6. Mike Cortez
7. Mark Caguioa
8. Dorian Pena
9. Mark Pingris
10. Danny Seigle
The biggest revelation for the 2005-2006 MVP ratings is Kerby Raymundo's outstanding score. Despite his extremely high MVP rating however, Raymundo was denied of an MVP trophy. His teammate, James Yap, won the award despite Yap's low MVP rating.
Monday, August 16, 2010
TITHING : A QUESTION OF LIES AND DECEPTION
A good friend and I had a very interesting discussion about tithing. While both of us are Christians, we differ in our belief when it comes to tithing. I don't believe that tithing is a valid form of worship. I don't even believe that Christians must tithe. Christians are commanded to give freely from the heart. My friend believes tithing is part of a Christian's obligation to God. He believes it is giving back to God what God has generously given him.
What stumped my friend about tithing is the fact that Jesus and his disciples never tithed. If tithing is an important and valid form of worship to God, how then do you reconcile the fact that Jesus and his disciples never tithed ? There is not a single verse in the bible that says that Jesus and his disciples tithed. More importantly, Jesus and His disciples never taught tithing to Christians. These facts only reveal that tithing is not valid as a form of worship to God.
The doctrine of tithing disturbs me most because it is a blatant form of abuse and deception that pastors shamelessly propagate to serve their own interests. It goes beyond the money involved. These pastors lie and deceive people to merely serve their selfish purposes. I am shocked that a lot of people refuse to see tithing for what it truly is. A lot of people will really take the word of their pastors more than what the bible says. Shocking to say the very least.
What stumped my friend about tithing is the fact that Jesus and his disciples never tithed. If tithing is an important and valid form of worship to God, how then do you reconcile the fact that Jesus and his disciples never tithed ? There is not a single verse in the bible that says that Jesus and his disciples tithed. More importantly, Jesus and His disciples never taught tithing to Christians. These facts only reveal that tithing is not valid as a form of worship to God.
The doctrine of tithing disturbs me most because it is a blatant form of abuse and deception that pastors shamelessly propagate to serve their own interests. It goes beyond the money involved. These pastors lie and deceive people to merely serve their selfish purposes. I am shocked that a lot of people refuse to see tithing for what it truly is. A lot of people will really take the word of their pastors more than what the bible says. Shocking to say the very least.
MVP RATING OF PBA PLAYERS FOR 2007-2008 SEASON
MVP RATINGS PBA SEASON 2007-2008 :
1. Arwind Santos - 263.5
2. Cyrus Baguio - 225.7
3. Willie Miller - 221.9
4. Jayjay Helterbrand - 198.4
5. Kelly Williams - 198.0
6. Kerby Raymundo - 192.3
7.Asi Taulava - 164.8
8. Sonny Thoss - 155.9
9. Nelbert Omolon - 149.0
10. Mark Caguioa - no stats available
MYTHICAL TEAM PBA SEASON 2007-2008
1. Jayjay Helterbrand
2. Mark Caguioa
3. Asi Taulava
4. Arwind Santos
5. Kelly Williams
6. Willie Miller
7. Cyrus Baguio
8. Sonny Thoss
9. Kerby Raymundo
10. Nelbert Omolon
There are several interesting points that can be seen in the MVP Ratings when compared with the Mythical team selection. First, despite the high MVP Ratings of Cyrus Baguio and Willie Miller, they were pushed out of the first mythical team by the more popular Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa. Second, MVP awardee Kelly Williams merely ranked 5th in MVP Rating. Arwind Santos, who had an extremely high MVP Rating was denied of his due when he was not declared MVP. Just like Season 34, popularity ruled Season 33 of the PBA. Hence, the more popular players ruled the awards during Season 33 as well.
1. Arwind Santos - 263.5
2. Cyrus Baguio - 225.7
3. Willie Miller - 221.9
4. Jayjay Helterbrand - 198.4
5. Kelly Williams - 198.0
6. Kerby Raymundo - 192.3
7.Asi Taulava - 164.8
8. Sonny Thoss - 155.9
9. Nelbert Omolon - 149.0
10. Mark Caguioa - no stats available
MYTHICAL TEAM PBA SEASON 2007-2008
1. Jayjay Helterbrand
2. Mark Caguioa
3. Asi Taulava
4. Arwind Santos
5. Kelly Williams
6. Willie Miller
7. Cyrus Baguio
8. Sonny Thoss
9. Kerby Raymundo
10. Nelbert Omolon
There are several interesting points that can be seen in the MVP Ratings when compared with the Mythical team selection. First, despite the high MVP Ratings of Cyrus Baguio and Willie Miller, they were pushed out of the first mythical team by the more popular Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa. Second, MVP awardee Kelly Williams merely ranked 5th in MVP Rating. Arwind Santos, who had an extremely high MVP Rating was denied of his due when he was not declared MVP. Just like Season 34, popularity ruled Season 33 of the PBA. Hence, the more popular players ruled the awards during Season 33 as well.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
WHAT IS THE PBA'S STATISTICAL POINT SYSTEM ALL ABOUT ?
It has been a month since I asked the PBA to give me its formula in computing for statistical points. It just bewilders me why the chief statistician of the PBA refuses to divulge the formula to determine player ranking in the MVP race.
There are several methods or formulae to rank players according to the statistical points that they compile. There is the very complicated player efficiency rating or PER. Formulated by John Hollinger of ESPN, it is the formula that enjoys great patronage in NBA. It is so highly respected that salaries of NBA players are sometimes determined by PER. A high PER indicates a productive player on the court. A player with a PER of 32 is a runaway MVP candidate. Net plus - minus rating, on the other hand, measures a player's total effect on the team. It is less complicated than PER but likewise uses points, rebounds, assists, blocks, fouls and errors of a player. There is also SportsRatings' MVP rating which takes into consideration a player's team winning percentage. Aside from using all of a player's statistics, MVP rating gives due importance to a player's ability to make his team win. Hence a good player that takes his team far in the tournament will have a higher MVP rating.
Despite the availabilty of internationally - accepted methods and formulae like the ones mentioned above, the PBA finds it necessary to formulate its own statistical point system. Does the PBA find all these methods and formulae unacceptable ? Perhaps it is time the PBA reveals its formula so that it can make a tremendous contribution to basketball in general.
There are several methods or formulae to rank players according to the statistical points that they compile. There is the very complicated player efficiency rating or PER. Formulated by John Hollinger of ESPN, it is the formula that enjoys great patronage in NBA. It is so highly respected that salaries of NBA players are sometimes determined by PER. A high PER indicates a productive player on the court. A player with a PER of 32 is a runaway MVP candidate. Net plus - minus rating, on the other hand, measures a player's total effect on the team. It is less complicated than PER but likewise uses points, rebounds, assists, blocks, fouls and errors of a player. There is also SportsRatings' MVP rating which takes into consideration a player's team winning percentage. Aside from using all of a player's statistics, MVP rating gives due importance to a player's ability to make his team win. Hence a good player that takes his team far in the tournament will have a higher MVP rating.
Despite the availabilty of internationally - accepted methods and formulae like the ones mentioned above, the PBA finds it necessary to formulate its own statistical point system. Does the PBA find all these methods and formulae unacceptable ? Perhaps it is time the PBA reveals its formula so that it can make a tremendous contribution to basketball in general.
Friday, August 13, 2010
THE MVP RATING OF PBA PLAYERS FOR SEASON 2008-2009
To determine once and for all whether the statistical point system of the PBA truly reflects the true performance of a player, I have decided to compare it with the MVP Rating system of SportsRatings. To calculate for MVP ratings, the following equations are to be used :
1. total performance = points scored - shots missed + rebounds + assists + steals + blocks - fouls - errors
2. total score = total output x efficiency , where total output = total performance x total games and efficiency = total output / total minutes played
3. MVP rating = total score x team's winning percentage
The equations are easy to solve once all the statistics for a season are known. The equations take into account the player's performance on a per minute basis as well as his contribution to his team's success. Hence, a player who helps his team win more games will have a higher MVP rating than those whose teams continue to lose. The equations also give due importance to players who play limited minutes but contribute greatly to their teams. Lastly, the equations favor those players who have higher shooting percentages. Those players who take a lot of shots but miss a lot as well will have lower MVP ratings.
MVP RATINGS OF THE PBA MYTHICAL TEAM FOR SEASON 2008-2009
1. Dondon Hontiveros - 227.3
2. Jay Washington - 212.7
3. Jay-R Reyes - 172.6
4. Mac Cardona - 155.4
5. Arwind Santos - 152.8
6. Jayjay Helterbrand - 151.6
7. Willie Miller - 140.0
8. Asi Taulava - 111.0
9. Gabe Norwood - 108.6
10. Kelly Williams - 78.0
others :
Ranidel de Ocampo - 181.0
Jimmy Alapag - 156.3
James Yap - 48.3
note : statistics used were obtained from the 2009 PBA annuals, all players were given a total of 138 fouls for the whole season and errors were not taken into account because of lack of data
What is surprising is that the PBA MVP has an MVP rating that only lands him in the second mythical team. Jay-R Reyes and Dondon Hontiveros who both landed in the PBA second mythical team should have earned places in the first team. The most eye-popping discovery is that Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag should have been given places in the first mythical team. These two players were completely ignored by the PBA in its annual awards.
The results of the MVP rating system only reinforces my belief that the MVP and other awards in the PBA are merely determined by public perception and popularity. Truly outstanding and hardworking players are not properly acknowledged and rewarded for their efforts. I wonder how the MVP ratings stack up with the MVP and other awardees of the recently-concluded season of the PBA. Will there be surprises as well ?
1. total performance = points scored - shots missed + rebounds + assists + steals + blocks - fouls - errors
2. total score = total output x efficiency , where total output = total performance x total games and efficiency = total output / total minutes played
3. MVP rating = total score x team's winning percentage
The equations are easy to solve once all the statistics for a season are known. The equations take into account the player's performance on a per minute basis as well as his contribution to his team's success. Hence, a player who helps his team win more games will have a higher MVP rating than those whose teams continue to lose. The equations also give due importance to players who play limited minutes but contribute greatly to their teams. Lastly, the equations favor those players who have higher shooting percentages. Those players who take a lot of shots but miss a lot as well will have lower MVP ratings.
MVP RATINGS OF THE PBA MYTHICAL TEAM FOR SEASON 2008-2009
1. Dondon Hontiveros - 227.3
2. Jay Washington - 212.7
3. Jay-R Reyes - 172.6
4. Mac Cardona - 155.4
5. Arwind Santos - 152.8
6. Jayjay Helterbrand - 151.6
7. Willie Miller - 140.0
8. Asi Taulava - 111.0
9. Gabe Norwood - 108.6
10. Kelly Williams - 78.0
others :
Ranidel de Ocampo - 181.0
Jimmy Alapag - 156.3
James Yap - 48.3
note : statistics used were obtained from the 2009 PBA annuals, all players were given a total of 138 fouls for the whole season and errors were not taken into account because of lack of data
What is surprising is that the PBA MVP has an MVP rating that only lands him in the second mythical team. Jay-R Reyes and Dondon Hontiveros who both landed in the PBA second mythical team should have earned places in the first team. The most eye-popping discovery is that Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag should have been given places in the first mythical team. These two players were completely ignored by the PBA in its annual awards.
The results of the MVP rating system only reinforces my belief that the MVP and other awards in the PBA are merely determined by public perception and popularity. Truly outstanding and hardworking players are not properly acknowledged and rewarded for their efforts. I wonder how the MVP ratings stack up with the MVP and other awardees of the recently-concluded season of the PBA. Will there be surprises as well ?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
THE PBA'S MVP : MEDIA VOTED PLAYER
The PBA just handed to James Yap his second season MVP award. Despite merely placing 6th in the MVP statistical race, James Yap emerged victorious because of the huge number of votes he obtained from Solar and the media. Interestingly, James Yap only got 15 player votes while L.A. Tenorio and Jay Washington obtained 133 and 129 player votes respectively.
With the current PBA criteria for the MVP award, I can't help but think that the MVP stands for Media Voted Player. With media votes accounting for 93% of the 70% of the MVP award, the player most favored by media will surely win the coveted award. And with statistical points merely accounting for 30% of the award, statistically superior players will have to build huge margins in statistics over their more media - friendly opponent to somehow have a glimmer of hope of pulling a victory. Less media - favored but statistically - superior players don't stand a chance in the present set-up and will always end up on the losing end .
In the history of the PBA, James Yap is the lowest ranked player in statistics to win the MVP. It is such a disservice to previous MVP winners who worked hard on the court to compile truly outstanding statistics. I hope that the PBA restores the honor and dignity of the MVP award by giving more weight to statistics than media and Solar votes. Only then will I truly regard the MVP award as the Most Valuable Player award.
With the current PBA criteria for the MVP award, I can't help but think that the MVP stands for Media Voted Player. With media votes accounting for 93% of the 70% of the MVP award, the player most favored by media will surely win the coveted award. And with statistical points merely accounting for 30% of the award, statistically superior players will have to build huge margins in statistics over their more media - friendly opponent to somehow have a glimmer of hope of pulling a victory. Less media - favored but statistically - superior players don't stand a chance in the present set-up and will always end up on the losing end .
In the history of the PBA, James Yap is the lowest ranked player in statistics to win the MVP. It is such a disservice to previous MVP winners who worked hard on the court to compile truly outstanding statistics. I hope that the PBA restores the honor and dignity of the MVP award by giving more weight to statistics than media and Solar votes. Only then will I truly regard the MVP award as the Most Valuable Player award.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
THE PBA AND ITS MOST VOTED PLAYER ( MVP ) AWARD
I just have to hand it to the PBA. It has managed to turn its Most Valuable Player award into the Most Voted Player award. Last conference, James Yap got the MVP award after merely placing 8th in the statistical race. The huge amount of votes cast for James Yap enabled the basketball superstar to run away with the coveted award. In this season's MVP statistical race, James Yap is merely at 6th place. But the expected deluge of votes for Yap will surely enable him to win his second season MVP.
What the PBA should do is to simply do away with the statistics in its determination of the MVP awardee. The PBA should just stop its statisticians from tabulating players' performances. The PBA should simply conduct a poll among sportswriters and fans to determine who should win the MVP award. To generate income, the PBA can conduct a text survey to determine its season MVP.
By reducing the MVP into a popularity contest, it will better prepare statistically-superior players from their defeat. It will make these players realize that they don't stand a chance against a basketball superstar and vote-getter like James Yap. And the reduction will erase any pretension that the PBA's MVP award is largely based on statistics.
What the PBA should do is to simply do away with the statistics in its determination of the MVP awardee. The PBA should just stop its statisticians from tabulating players' performances. The PBA should simply conduct a poll among sportswriters and fans to determine who should win the MVP award. To generate income, the PBA can conduct a text survey to determine its season MVP.
By reducing the MVP into a popularity contest, it will better prepare statistically-superior players from their defeat. It will make these players realize that they don't stand a chance against a basketball superstar and vote-getter like James Yap. And the reduction will erase any pretension that the PBA's MVP award is largely based on statistics.
Monday, August 9, 2010
FAITH ALONE FOR ETERNAL SALVATION ?
As a church, CCF believes that faith alone saves a person from eternal damnation. CCF does not believe that Christians must work their way to salvation. The verses often cited to justify this doctrine is,
Ephesians 2 : 8-9
For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
But what exactly are Christians saved from according to the verses ? Notice that the word used is " saved " which is in the past tense. Now, will it not be more appropriate to use the future tense of the word if it pertains to gaining eternal salvation through faith alone ? Will it not be more appropriate if verse 8 is phrased " for it is by grace that you will be saved through faith " to indicate that once we have faith comes eternal salvation ? The question remains as to what are we saved from according to the verses.
What I believe the verses pertain to is our salvation from sin. The crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which occured in the past, have saved Christians from sin and its influence. Once Christians believe in the resurrection and gospel of Jesus, they are no longer dead to sin and are given the power by God to conquer and defeat sin. Hence, Christians are able to do what is right and good in the eyes of God.
2 Timothy 3 : 17
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The importance of doing good works is best contained in
James 2 : 24
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
Finally, the need to do good works to gain eternal salvation is contained in
Philippians 2 : 12-13
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but much more in my absence, continue to WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose.
For the longest time, CCF and a lot of other Christian churches have preached the doctrine that Christians only need to have faith without works to gain eternal salvation. The truth is, Christians have been saved from sin and its influence through faith in Jesus and now have the spirit to do good works which ultimately will give eternal life.
Ephesians 2 : 8-9
For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
But what exactly are Christians saved from according to the verses ? Notice that the word used is " saved " which is in the past tense. Now, will it not be more appropriate to use the future tense of the word if it pertains to gaining eternal salvation through faith alone ? Will it not be more appropriate if verse 8 is phrased " for it is by grace that you will be saved through faith " to indicate that once we have faith comes eternal salvation ? The question remains as to what are we saved from according to the verses.
What I believe the verses pertain to is our salvation from sin. The crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which occured in the past, have saved Christians from sin and its influence. Once Christians believe in the resurrection and gospel of Jesus, they are no longer dead to sin and are given the power by God to conquer and defeat sin. Hence, Christians are able to do what is right and good in the eyes of God.
2 Timothy 3 : 17
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The importance of doing good works is best contained in
James 2 : 24
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
Finally, the need to do good works to gain eternal salvation is contained in
Philippians 2 : 12-13
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but much more in my absence, continue to WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose.
For the longest time, CCF and a lot of other Christian churches have preached the doctrine that Christians only need to have faith without works to gain eternal salvation. The truth is, Christians have been saved from sin and its influence through faith in Jesus and now have the spirit to do good works which ultimately will give eternal life.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
KRIS AQUINO AND JAMES YAP CONTROVERSY : A SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH
After Kris Aquino's revelations, it's Mrs. Yap's turn to air her side on the most talked about topic in the country. Right at the start of her interview, Mrs Yap declares that is not aware of what was going on with Kris and her son. She does not know that they were having marital problems that were too big to handle. Her initial declaration for me renders her whole interview useless and irrelevant. Why should her statements be given much attention and importance when she herself admit she knows nothing of the couple's problems ? But the stupidity in me made me listen to Mrs. Yap's whole interview.
One very revealing detail in the interview is Mrs. Yap's admission that her son got a girl pregnant and abandoned her afterwards. This revelation speaks of the type of person that James Yap truly is. That is, James Yap easily gives in to his desires but refuses to take responsibilty for it.
Before the interview ended, James Yap's coach and teammates expressed their support for the beleaguered basketball superstar. I can't help but think that the show of support is a ploy to deflect negative impression. It is a form of damage control for the basketball player. After all, the PBA and B-Meg can ill-afford to lose fans all because of James Yap's indiscretions. But the truly discerning can see through the ploy. The fact is, James Yap conveniently plays the role of a man who tries to save his family but in reality is the one who destroys it.
One very revealing detail in the interview is Mrs. Yap's admission that her son got a girl pregnant and abandoned her afterwards. This revelation speaks of the type of person that James Yap truly is. That is, James Yap easily gives in to his desires but refuses to take responsibilty for it.
Before the interview ended, James Yap's coach and teammates expressed their support for the beleaguered basketball superstar. I can't help but think that the show of support is a ploy to deflect negative impression. It is a form of damage control for the basketball player. After all, the PBA and B-Meg can ill-afford to lose fans all because of James Yap's indiscretions. But the truly discerning can see through the ploy. The fact is, James Yap conveniently plays the role of a man who tries to save his family but in reality is the one who destroys it.
Friday, August 6, 2010
COACH BOYET AND THE U.P. MAROONS : THE UNTOLD STORY
Throughout all the things that have been happening with the U.P. team, only one thing remained constant. And that is the desire of Coach Boyet to help the team achieve its full potential. Despite the politics concerning the handling of the team, Coach Boyet, to this day, remains determined in making winners out of his players.
What is truly admirable is that Coach Boyet is rendering his services pro bono. It just defies logic that a Coach of the Year awardee in the PBA is doing work for a college team for free. But I guess Coach Boyet simply wants to help U.P.. It is as plain and simple as that. In a world where people are only after the money, Coach Boyet defies the norm by doing work out of the goodness of his heart.
I just hope that the team and the U.P. community respond properly to what Coach Boyet is doing. The least that the players can do is to play their hearts out. The U.P. community can do well to stop the politics surrounding the handling of the basketball team. It will take everyone's effort to make winners out of everyone.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
ANO PA KAILANGAN NG U.P. MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM PARA MANALO ?
Hanggang ngayon wala pa ring panalo ang U.P. Men's basketball team sa UAAP. Sa huli nitong laro laban sa Ateneo, may isang yugto sa laro na walang naipasok sa 19 na tira ang U.P..
Marami ang umaasa nung una na makakapasok sa Final Four ang U.P. sa kasalukuyang edisyon ng UAAP. Matapos ipadala sa U.S. ang koponan, lalong tumaas ang expectations ng mga tao sa team. Sa kasamaang palad, umarte ang coach sa simula pa lang ng torneo at nag-file ng indefinite leave. Buti na lang at sinalo ni Coach Boyet ang koponan. Ngayon, isa pang Coach of the Year sa PBA ang coach ng U.P. team.
Subalit nagiging mailap talaga ang unang panalo sa team. Bagamat lumalaban, kinakapos ang mga manlalaro ng U.P.. Madaling panghinaan ng loob ang lahat ng mga players. Ni wala man lang ni isang player ang nangangahas na tumayong lider sa mga sandaling nanganganib matalo ang team. Kapansin-pansin ang pamumutla ng mga players pag pukpukan na ang laban o nauungusan na ng mga kalaban nila.
Marahil, ang susi ng tagumpay ng U.P. sa basketball sa UAAP ay nakasalalay na rin mismo sa mental attitude ng mga players. Marahil, sa dalawang taong pangungulelat, wala sa isip at puso ng mga players ng U.P. na kaya nila manalo kung magtutulungan. Ito ang malaking hamon sa mga manlalaro ngayon. Kailangan maisapuso ng mga players ang kapasidad na manalo. They must acquire that winning attitude. Only then, I think, can they meet the expectations of the people around them.
Marami ang umaasa nung una na makakapasok sa Final Four ang U.P. sa kasalukuyang edisyon ng UAAP. Matapos ipadala sa U.S. ang koponan, lalong tumaas ang expectations ng mga tao sa team. Sa kasamaang palad, umarte ang coach sa simula pa lang ng torneo at nag-file ng indefinite leave. Buti na lang at sinalo ni Coach Boyet ang koponan. Ngayon, isa pang Coach of the Year sa PBA ang coach ng U.P. team.
Subalit nagiging mailap talaga ang unang panalo sa team. Bagamat lumalaban, kinakapos ang mga manlalaro ng U.P.. Madaling panghinaan ng loob ang lahat ng mga players. Ni wala man lang ni isang player ang nangangahas na tumayong lider sa mga sandaling nanganganib matalo ang team. Kapansin-pansin ang pamumutla ng mga players pag pukpukan na ang laban o nauungusan na ng mga kalaban nila.
Marahil, ang susi ng tagumpay ng U.P. sa basketball sa UAAP ay nakasalalay na rin mismo sa mental attitude ng mga players. Marahil, sa dalawang taong pangungulelat, wala sa isip at puso ng mga players ng U.P. na kaya nila manalo kung magtutulungan. Ito ang malaking hamon sa mga manlalaro ngayon. Kailangan maisapuso ng mga players ang kapasidad na manalo. They must acquire that winning attitude. Only then, I think, can they meet the expectations of the people around them.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
WHAT DO GINEBRA FANS WANT ?
Fans of Ginebra are apprehensive over the fate of some of their favorite players. There are talks that even Ginebra's star players will be traded to other teams. It is interesting to know what the fans themselves think of the impending line-up changes. I hope that fans of Ginebra post their comments in this blog. I promise to send their comments to the coaching staff to give management several things to think about.
CAN GINEBRA AFFORD TO LOSE ITS SUPERSTARS ?
While there are no confirmations that Ginebra will not retain most of its star players, fans can't help but speculate that Ginebra will parade several new players in its fold. My source from Ginebra confirms that almost all of the Ginebra players have expiring contracts. What is more telling is that the players were all told to go on a vacation for a month. My source tells me that negotiations with the players will occur not earlier than the draft. Players were told to report back on the day of the draft.
This piece of news somehow foreshadows the impending changes in the line-up of Ginebra. And the changes will be big enough to create a new look for the team. Two of Ginebra's superstar players have categorically said that they will retire once they are traded to other teams. These two players remain the solid pillars of Ginebra. They define Ginebra. Can Ginebra afford to lose its two biggest draws ? I have the funny feeling that the fans will greatly determine the fate of these two Ginebra players. Ginebra management will be forced listen to what the fans want.
This piece of news somehow foreshadows the impending changes in the line-up of Ginebra. And the changes will be big enough to create a new look for the team. Two of Ginebra's superstar players have categorically said that they will retire once they are traded to other teams. These two players remain the solid pillars of Ginebra. They define Ginebra. Can Ginebra afford to lose its two biggest draws ? I have the funny feeling that the fans will greatly determine the fate of these two Ginebra players. Ginebra management will be forced listen to what the fans want.
Monday, August 2, 2010
VENUS RAJ : THE WINNER WITHIN
I hope Venus will do her best if only to show that she truly deserves to represent the country in the prestigious pageant. She barely made it to the pageant because of tremendous discrimination. From being an illegitimate child to not being fluent in English, Venus has fought hard to earn the right to represent the country. What worked for Venus is that she never denied her true status. She never denied that she is an illegitimate child. She never denied that her family is so poor that they have to depend on the kindness of neighbors to put food on their table. Perhaps, its her honesty and situation that made Filipinos identify and sympathize with her. Her family's abject poverty strikes a common cord with millions of Filipinos who barely have enough to eat. And her dethronement simply angered Filipinos who saw a poor girl's attempt to improve her situation only to be thwarted by the rich and powerful.
Venus' story runs pretty much like a soap opera. Hopefully, Venus, being the protagonist, comes out on top to give the soap opera a happy ending.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
KRIS AQUINO : A TRULY REMARKABLE PERSONALITY
I have always admired Kris for her honesty. And her interview on such a controversial issue all the more increased my admiration for her. Kris answered every question head-on with just the right amount of humor to ease the pain of her response. She admitted things that others would have been ashamed to admit. She admitted that she was miserable with James. She admitted that she was living a lie whenever she and James would act as if all is well with their family. In the course of her interview, she urged James to be true to himself and the people around him as well.
Kris Aquino's declarations merely confirm my long-held belief that James Yap is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Beneath his shy personality is a monster which only a few are aware of. After all, only a monster could shout invectives to his own son. The only thing that somehow does not make sense to me is the long time that it took Kris to really know the monster that she married. Despite the telling signs, Kris took quite a long time to finally see the true nature of her husband.
Now, let us see if James Yap can still win MVP honors in the PBA without Kris Aquino by his side. And for Kris Aquino, let us see if she learned her lessons well. I am sure that things can only get better for Kris as she starts her life anew without James Yap.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)