Life brings a lot of challenges. Some small. Some great. Work, school and every single little task that fills up our to-do list will eventually wear us out. Our everyday interactions may leave us stressed and tired at the end of the day. I've found one among many reasons why one strives to push through all these--real friends and genuine friendships.

Today, I've found myself in the company of good  friends. We cooked and mixed drinks over laughter and stories and prepped for an impromptu birthday celebration with an assortment of mismatched plates, glasses and cutlery. There were more friends than seats to go around which I barely noticed. Well, with all the fun going on, who would've?

I really enjoyed this day.

Thank you Lord for great friends and lasting friendships. I pray for a long, happy and blessed life for our dear friend who celebrated his birthday today. 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.  Proverbs 17:17 NIV

June 12. Philippines' Independence Day.

It was way back in 1896 when the Filipinos basked in the glory of true freedom as General Emilio Aguinaldo waved the national flag for the first time. Watching bits and pieces of history on television makes one better appreciate the sacrifices that our national heroes did for their country and their countrymen. Our countrymen suffered, dreamed, prayed and worked hard for the freedom that they have achieved and the freedom that we now enjoy. The news progressed. There were reports about today's celebrations and then there were random interviews of people passing by. It's a little disheartening that given a pictures of said heroes, some were not able to recognize familiar faces of that time. They would probably more likely able to identify comic book heroes than real ones.

Heroes are those who have made great contributions in their respective circles, or niches without self-interest. They have made great compassion for everyone--no exceptions. There is one hero who had then made the greatest sacrifice of all. He granted us freedom and salvation through his grace.

Lord, I know that man can only do so much in his lifetime. I'll always believe that you are the greatest hero who lives.


"Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves." 1 Peter 2:16

The city turned silent and all eyes were glued to their television sets as the boxing match between Manny Paquiao and Timothy Bradley neared airing on the 10th of June 2012. There was the familiar lull prior to Paquiao's fights, places packed with people and anticipation as well as the overwhelming support for the Filipino boxer by his countrymen. Cheers and boos can be heard from all around for every punch and jab each fighter delivered to his opponent. The crowd was truly alive and relishing every moment.

Twelve rounds. One blow and then another. The bell rang.

The crowd was shocked as the new world welterweight title holder was announced at MGM Grand. Bradley won by split decision! It was truly unexpected. Social networking sites were flooded with comments, phones kept beeping and discussions never seized. It was the world's trending topic.

Things may not turn out as we expect or want them to. We may fervently hope and pray for one thing to happen but it doesn't. That doesn't mean that we are not bound for great things. It only means that there is a greater and more magnificent future awaiting us. Let us patiently wait. Our time will definitely come.

Lord, let me serve you with all my heart as I await for the glorious future you have prepared for me.

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future." Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

Sunday morning and we were having breakfast. It was among the usual quiet mornings that one may have. Neighbors were passing occupied with the chores of the day. Then, a middle-aged woman passed by our lot. She asked for a flower from among the flowering plants set upon our front porch. My nanay (that's what we call our mom) seemed a little awkward at first but readily obliged.

Today is Saturday.

Most members of the workforce may be having their rest day today. Some, just like me prefer to stay indoors and just relax or in this case write. While others take to more adventurous or active endeavors like going shopping, swimming in some resort, mountain climbing or that sort of stuff. There is a whole lot of difference to simply existing and living life.

It's no wonder why I woke up late today. I was up late last night.

This made me ponder as I am among techies who usually stay up late. With the variety of things to do that technology has brought fourth--work, hobbies, games, social networking and what-nots, we see and meet an increasing number of people who are walking half-asleep, barely alert and in a sense just going through the day's routine in somewhat "pre-programmed" motions.