The Mind of the Melancholeric Man: Musings on Life and Ministry by Patrick Tan
This afternoon I went with my dad to the STDC Section 2 Minister's Meeting at Grace Christian AG (Assemblies of God). I met Bambi and Kuya (now Pastor) Jess. The snack was great. I'm just new to this meetings. I met lots of pastors from other churches. Pastor Nadera was a funny and comical grand-pastor, but nevertheless respected by the congregation of pastors. After the meeting the three of us went for an impromtu gimmick.
We went to WOW Philippines in Intramuros. We haven't seen each other for months. Every one of us was very busy. Especially it's summertime where the young people are 'on the loose' from school grounds. It was a refreshing fellowship. It's always encouraging to talk to fellow young ministers who share similar sentiments and perspective in the ministry. We just sat and talked at the citadel on the Intramuros walls overlooking the golf course and the red sky til it was dark. After that we went for an eat-all-you-can dinner. It was a hearty meal of paella, sea foods, sisig and other local delicacies. What a break from a busy ministry.
Bambi and Kuya Jess are some people close to me. I consider Kuya Jess as one of my mentors in leadership. This guy pushed me to my limits that made me cry one time. He's from a AG church in Tondo. We've known each other for a very long time, like colleages. Now he's the associate pastor of his church. I got to know Bambi during a youth leadership training of our section. Also one of my colleages in the ministry. Her church is in Quiapo. A very nice, happy and good girl.
We went to WOW Philippines in Intramuros. We haven't seen each other for months. Every one of us was very busy. Especially it's summertime where the young people are 'on the loose' from school grounds. It was a refreshing fellowship. It's always encouraging to talk to fellow young ministers who share similar sentiments and perspective in the ministry. We just sat and talked at the citadel on the Intramuros walls overlooking the golf course and the red sky til it was dark. After that we went for an eat-all-you-can dinner. It was a hearty meal of paella, sea foods, sisig and other local delicacies. What a break from a busy ministry.
Bambi and Kuya Jess are some people close to me. I consider Kuya Jess as one of my mentors in leadership. This guy pushed me to my limits that made me cry one time. He's from a AG church in Tondo. We've known each other for a very long time, like colleages. Now he's the associate pastor of his church. I got to know Bambi during a youth leadership training of our section. Also one of my colleages in the ministry. Her church is in Quiapo. A very nice, happy and good girl.
Watching Debate on 7. Their interviewing FPJ. I don't even want to hear his arguments. Sobrang walang kwenta. Feeling ko squatter lang ang kakagat sa kanya. Squatter in a metaphorical sense. And mas loser pa yung mga nagsusuport sa kanya. Yung Escudero, Richard Gomez... ? And some guy. Orbos is interviewing FPJ from a movie studio? Sobrang senseless ng mga sagot... grabe. Walang koneksyon... SENSELESS!!! Kudos for Arnold Clavio...
Kudos also for Bro. Eddie Villanueva, his rally was a success. Obviously, these prevalent surveys are false. I really hope he wins. Praying for him.
Kudos also for Bro. Eddie Villanueva, his rally was a success. Obviously, these prevalent surveys are false. I really hope he wins. Praying for him.
Two hours since I got home from scuba lessons. I was on the road all day with Criz (he's my former drummer bandmate) shopping for diving gears. I was awake til morning doing a client project. I didn't manage to meet him in Ortigas at 8:30AM because I can't stay awake and dozed off. I met him in Galleria at 1PM. We did some fitting on different shops until finally we met our other diving companions and together purchase our equipments. I bought a mask and snorkel, a wetsuit and a pair of fins and diving boots, these are the necessities you need to have for yourself.
Next week we'll be doing pool sessions. Everybody's excited to try out their gears. I'll be trying my mask and snorkel in the weekend in our church outing in Calamba.
Next week we'll be doing pool sessions. Everybody's excited to try out their gears. I'll be trying my mask and snorkel in the weekend in our church outing in Calamba.
I'm home alone, all of them went away. I'll be meeting them later down in Roxas Boulevard where my dad's cellgroup has an outing. I just watched a marathon of Six Feet Under episodes from DVD. I was here all afternoon waiting for a revision project from a client that didn't arrive. Waste of time. Anyway the show is always hilarious. This is my type of humor. I'll take a shower now and hopefully take some pictures during sunset in Manila Bay.
I'm back from school. The petition was not granted. We talked to the dean which is also a fellow Christian. But she said it is not in her authority to decide whether to permit us to do our cellgroup. Actually I learned that it was not really her call but the school president's. So later I will again be drafting a new letter addressed to Mrs. Joan Cotio, the school president.
I thank God for having a Christian dean in the school. Months before I knew she was the person to approach in this matter. She was cold at first, with a facade of firmness and uninterest in her face. But as we start to unravel our purpose she smiled and even commended us for doing it. Before she even tried to start a group herself, but she was strictly warned by the higher authorities. I hope I would not be seeing the last of her.
Does it suck? Yes, I'm frustrated and don't know how to react but just to keep silent and unapprochable, it's all inside. This wasn't the victory moment I came to expect. Did I think this would come very easy? No giving up yet. It's just me to internalize every missuccess as if I'm always inadequate and unworthy of doing such feat. But this too shall pass...
There is still a gleam of hope in this... The dean told us to talk to the president or schedule a meeting with her secretary to be exact. And that secretary is Brznf's aunt.
To God be the glory, the power and the praises. Amen.
I thank God for having a Christian dean in the school. Months before I knew she was the person to approach in this matter. She was cold at first, with a facade of firmness and uninterest in her face. But as we start to unravel our purpose she smiled and even commended us for doing it. Before she even tried to start a group herself, but she was strictly warned by the higher authorities. I hope I would not be seeing the last of her.
Does it suck? Yes, I'm frustrated and don't know how to react but just to keep silent and unapprochable, it's all inside. This wasn't the victory moment I came to expect. Did I think this would come very easy? No giving up yet. It's just me to internalize every missuccess as if I'm always inadequate and unworthy of doing such feat. But this too shall pass...
There is still a gleam of hope in this... The dean told us to talk to the president or schedule a meeting with her secretary to be exact. And that secretary is Brznf's aunt.
To God be the glory, the power and the praises. Amen.
I'm all clean and shaved. This morning is the moment when we meet with school administration to allow us to conduct campus ministry in Chiang Kai Shek College. Please pray for us continually.
"Pray for us too, that God may open doors for our messages, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ." Colossians 4:2
"Therefore whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
"Pray for us too, that God may open doors for our messages, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ." Colossians 4:2
"Therefore whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
The scuba lessons this night was a reminiscent of my physics class back in highschool as my instructor, Rene Guttierez (Ney-ney for short) talked about density, bouyancy, Boyle's Law, pressure etc.. Imagine we'll be having a written exam on these before getting the license. I realized scuba diving is not that simple. It's all physics, chemistry and medicine...
I'm excited about shopping for scuba gears and equipments on Wednesday. I tried fitting the body suit Jennifer bought a few weeks ago which already didn't fit her. It's a Body Glove wet suit, I tried it and it fit... almost. It left some loose cloth at the underarms and crotch. Yesterday I went window shopping online for waterproof digital camera cases for my Canon A200. Imagine it cost around $180 roughly almost P10,000... of course I'm not buying it. I'll just borrow and take pictures with Enrico's digicam.
I made up a commercial in my mind about this experience... Scuba lessons: $xxx, Gears and Equipment $xxx... Being in another world under the sea... PRICELESS! :D
I'm excited about shopping for scuba gears and equipments on Wednesday. I tried fitting the body suit Jennifer bought a few weeks ago which already didn't fit her. It's a Body Glove wet suit, I tried it and it fit... almost. It left some loose cloth at the underarms and crotch. Yesterday I went window shopping online for waterproof digital camera cases for my Canon A200. Imagine it cost around $180 roughly almost P10,000... of course I'm not buying it. I'll just borrow and take pictures with Enrico's digicam.
I made up a commercial in my mind about this experience... Scuba lessons: $xxx, Gears and Equipment $xxx... Being in another world under the sea... PRICELESS! :D
I woke up with a bad headache. Something I deserved for sleeping too late. It got harder until afternoon, like my head is gonna explode. This kind is one that goes before I go to a fever the next day. I hope not.
After a church class in the afternoon, some of the young people gathered up for a game of heart attack. A chance for me and the kids to bond. By that time I still had a little headache, but its worth spending quality time with the kids.
After a church class in the afternoon, some of the young people gathered up for a game of heart attack. A chance for me and the kids to bond. By that time I still had a little headache, but its worth spending quality time with the kids.
Principles, Martyrdom and Cause
How can I tolerate a bent system before my very eyes? What if my space no longer serve my principles and purpose? Should I withdraw? How can I break away if it meant forsaking those who doesn't deserve mediocrity? How long can I keep fighting for a worthy cause? Will I miss out on going for opportunities I am missing out, opportunities for growth and maturity?
Last night I talked with Mimi over the phone. And revealed an incident back at the camp. Mimi is a close friend from another church. And the kids had been seeing her quite a few times. So as the opportunity came to interogate this lady stranger in their dorm, they came up with really funny and eye-opening questions and comments:
- (To Mimi) Sino ka ba talaga? Kaano-ano mo si Kuya Patrick? Hindi nga, seryoso...
- Hindi namin alam na may kaibigan pala si Kuya Patrick...
- Hindi mo pa nakita sa Kuya Patrick na magalit at magwala... Nagwo-walk-out yan!...
- Sana makita naman namin yung Kuya Patrick na nakikita mo...
On hearning those comments, I don't know how to react, will I laugh it off or be insulted. But I was sad. About the third comment, well, that's during the early years of my administration as I had a share of my own tantrums, I've grown out of it now, ok. The kids demand more friendship with me, which I am struggling to open myself to them. They see me as an older brother. I am a different person to different people. As a friend I am very different from being a leader. Which when the kids saw, they felt they've been missing out on that other side of me.
- (To Mimi) Sino ka ba talaga? Kaano-ano mo si Kuya Patrick? Hindi nga, seryoso...
- Hindi namin alam na may kaibigan pala si Kuya Patrick...
- Hindi mo pa nakita sa Kuya Patrick na magalit at magwala... Nagwo-walk-out yan!...
- Sana makita naman namin yung Kuya Patrick na nakikita mo...
On hearning those comments, I don't know how to react, will I laugh it off or be insulted. But I was sad. About the third comment, well, that's during the early years of my administration as I had a share of my own tantrums, I've grown out of it now, ok. The kids demand more friendship with me, which I am struggling to open myself to them. They see me as an older brother. I am a different person to different people. As a friend I am very different from being a leader. Which when the kids saw, they felt they've been missing out on that other side of me.
War of the Immature and the Stubborn Update:
I heard some parent complained to pastor about the second night at camp. That was when Pastor Joedy asked us to express our love for our siblings, parents and friends. Some parents were there. As the youth director, I want to express my appreciation and love not only to the boys but also to the girls. This was not taken lightly by one parent. I hugged her daughter, it was purely a bro-sis connection. The parent didn't know it was me, and told pastor she wanted to punch the guy in the face... I mean, that was so uncalled for and shallow.
Well, I understand, as usual. The Chinese culture is very conservative. Men and women don't really do hugs and kisses and just let the love flow. That's why the third generation Filipino-Chinese fail to express their love to older generation Fil-Chi whose unaware that we are already in the 4th year of the millenium.
I heard some parent complained to pastor about the second night at camp. That was when Pastor Joedy asked us to express our love for our siblings, parents and friends. Some parents were there. As the youth director, I want to express my appreciation and love not only to the boys but also to the girls. This was not taken lightly by one parent. I hugged her daughter, it was purely a bro-sis connection. The parent didn't know it was me, and told pastor she wanted to punch the guy in the face... I mean, that was so uncalled for and shallow.
Well, I understand, as usual. The Chinese culture is very conservative. Men and women don't really do hugs and kisses and just let the love flow. That's why the third generation Filipino-Chinese fail to express their love to older generation Fil-Chi whose unaware that we are already in the 4th year of the millenium.
New and improved blog. You can now post your comments on what you think about my opinions as if I care... Joke, please post your comments. :)
Just got home from scuba lessons. Looks promising. Thank God, the schedule the group agreed upon was on weekdays, except the actual application or "check-out" dive, in diving terms, in ANILAO, Batangas on weekends. Which on the next day I leave for Baguio. Exciting. Medyo laglag-upuan lang yung gastos. Don't ask. But this is an experience of a lifetime for me. And in the end of the course I'll be receiving a lifetime scuba diving license which I can use internationally.
On the way home I bumped into Sergeant Chua of UST ROTC. This guy who was the cause of delay in my NSTP completion after misdirecting me from different NSTP offices. What's he doing in MCU smoking in shorts?...
On the way home I bumped into Sergeant Chua of UST ROTC. This guy who was the cause of delay in my NSTP completion after misdirecting me from different NSTP offices. What's he doing in MCU smoking in shorts?...
Changes
When I was young, I lived with my near-age cousins in one roof.
We played a lot. Even though I was often the butt of jokes, we had fun.
But one day, they had to move.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, I had a friend next door.
We also played a lot. Building Legos. Even though he was possesive and won't let me go home, we had fun.
But one day, my family had to move.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, a monster entered my life.
Lurking in the shadows. I began to see the world around me.
One day, I was utterly distorted.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, I stepped into highschool.
I had a lots of friends, good friends. Highschool life is priceless.
But one day, I had to part with them and stand on my own.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, my friends at church were perfect.
We would go together here and there. Like there's not tomorrow.
But one day, they had to leave. Leave me alone.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, I stepped into college.
I learned to find and express myself. Made lasting friendships. College life is priceless.
But one day, I knew I will part with them too.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
If these hadn't happen, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
Hardships are unevitable but pain is only in the mind which for now I must endure.
As the saying goes, "This too shall pass."
We played a lot. Even though I was often the butt of jokes, we had fun.
But one day, they had to move.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, I had a friend next door.
We also played a lot. Building Legos. Even though he was possesive and won't let me go home, we had fun.
But one day, my family had to move.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, a monster entered my life.
Lurking in the shadows. I began to see the world around me.
One day, I was utterly distorted.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, I stepped into highschool.
I had a lots of friends, good friends. Highschool life is priceless.
But one day, I had to part with them and stand on my own.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, my friends at church were perfect.
We would go together here and there. Like there's not tomorrow.
But one day, they had to leave. Leave me alone.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
A few years later, I stepped into college.
I learned to find and express myself. Made lasting friendships. College life is priceless.
But one day, I knew I will part with them too.
I told myself, "I wished this hadn't happen..."
If these hadn't happen, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
Hardships are unevitable but pain is only in the mind which for now I must endure.
As the saying goes, "This too shall pass."
Shifting Passions
During dinner, I discussed with my friend about my shifting passions...
At this point of my career, I feel I'm gradually losing my passion for design... the skill is still there, but my desire or pleasure of designing is slowly setting.
Years back, I was into digital music. I love doing it and was making money out of it. But when I learned and loved web design, and made easier money out of it, I lost passion of digital composing. The skill is there, just need some dusting, but the passion is not there. My contacts from my music career still call me if I still do MIDI stuff, but I'm done with it.
Now my passion for design is slowly setting. Passion is devotion, commitment and desire. A saying goes work is "work" if you stop enjoying doing it. So what's next for me? Ministry? Mission? Is it a shifting level of maturity? Is it shifting degree in spiritual connectiveness? Kenneth (ni Ethel): "O, baka sa susunod, pastor ka na a!..."
At this point of my career, I feel I'm gradually losing my passion for design... the skill is still there, but my desire or pleasure of designing is slowly setting.
Years back, I was into digital music. I love doing it and was making money out of it. But when I learned and loved web design, and made easier money out of it, I lost passion of digital composing. The skill is there, just need some dusting, but the passion is not there. My contacts from my music career still call me if I still do MIDI stuff, but I'm done with it.
Now my passion for design is slowly setting. Passion is devotion, commitment and desire. A saying goes work is "work" if you stop enjoying doing it. So what's next for me? Ministry? Mission? Is it a shifting level of maturity? Is it shifting degree in spiritual connectiveness? Kenneth (ni Ethel): "O, baka sa susunod, pastor ka na a!..."
Just finished working on a "crucial" flash job for my boss...
Six hours ago I had dinner with my college friends at Teriyaki Boi G4. Che-che finally showed up after long months of AWOL, with a surprise appearance of her fiance (fiance na ba??) Kenneth. As usual late na naman si Bubu and JP. After that we went to Cable Car to play billiards. Na-revive ulit yung pagiging addict ko sa billiard nung last time na nag-trip kami nila Kent and Ethel na maglaro sa Coronado Lanes sa Greenbelt. Kahit chambero yung mga tira ko at panggulo lang ako.
Not even finishing the first game, I already got a text message from my PM (Project Manager) that they need me to do a 'rush' job. Actually earlier I commited to that meeting but that time I was still in Makati. So we finished the first game and I took a taxi and went home.
Along EDSA-Munoz, the taxi was hailed by a police checkpoint unit and searched the vehicle. They made me lift my shirt up checking if I kept a gun or something...
Tomorrow night, I will be meeting up with Criz for our scuba introduction lesson in Tayuman... daming gastos...
Six hours ago I had dinner with my college friends at Teriyaki Boi G4. Che-che finally showed up after long months of AWOL, with a surprise appearance of her fiance (fiance na ba??) Kenneth. As usual late na naman si Bubu and JP. After that we went to Cable Car to play billiards. Na-revive ulit yung pagiging addict ko sa billiard nung last time na nag-trip kami nila Kent and Ethel na maglaro sa Coronado Lanes sa Greenbelt. Kahit chambero yung mga tira ko at panggulo lang ako.
Not even finishing the first game, I already got a text message from my PM (Project Manager) that they need me to do a 'rush' job. Actually earlier I commited to that meeting but that time I was still in Makati. So we finished the first game and I took a taxi and went home.
Along EDSA-Munoz, the taxi was hailed by a police checkpoint unit and searched the vehicle. They made me lift my shirt up checking if I kept a gun or something...
Tomorrow night, I will be meeting up with Criz for our scuba introduction lesson in Tayuman... daming gastos...
This afternoon, Brznf and I were supposed to go to Chiang Kai Shek College to ask for permission to allow us to conduct a small group in the campus. But last night, I felt God was impressing me to wait and to pray. And I did. How do you hear God's voice? Is it a literal voice? Telepathy? Is it intuition? I can't say, but God speaks in many ways, subtle ways, I just need to shut up.
I was supposed to join Brznf, Kim and Mimi at SM this afternoon, but I didn't made it, so much work... aarrgh!
Right now I'm doing some promotional ads for our Campus Ministry in CKSC. Even our entry isn't approved yet, I believe God will open door for his message to be proclaimed. Please pray for us as we venture into this new ministry... Actually this was not the first of our Campus Ministry... we had one last year, but it got short-circuit.
"Pray for me too, that God may open doors for our messages, that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ..." - Paul, Colossians 3:3
I was supposed to join Brznf, Kim and Mimi at SM this afternoon, but I didn't made it, so much work... aarrgh!
Right now I'm doing some promotional ads for our Campus Ministry in CKSC. Even our entry isn't approved yet, I believe God will open door for his message to be proclaimed. Please pray for us as we venture into this new ministry... Actually this was not the first of our Campus Ministry... we had one last year, but it got short-circuit.
"Pray for me too, that God may open doors for our messages, that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ..." - Paul, Colossians 3:3
Spiritual pitfalls suck and I still fall once in a while. I feel bad, but thank God he is not like me [an unforgiving melancholic]. He brought me to his word...
"... Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people... Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away..." - 1 Samuel 12:20-25
"... Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people... Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away..." - 1 Samuel 12:20-25
Majoring on Minor Things
When I went to youth fellowship, I was in a pretty good mood. Until the CD Player didn't play right. Actually, the cables and the adapter didn't fit well so the sound won't transmit to the sound system. It was a minor thing, but still I tried to make it work. And it hit me, I was becoming irritated because I can't make it work. Plus the ear-piercing feedback from the microphones and bursts of grounded cables. It ruined my mood. I even steamed my irritation on some people... Actually this whole week was on the rocks.
Where Do I Go From Here?
Camp is over. What's next? I still have hang-ups from the camp. Like there's nothing left to do after we got down to Manila. I think its just like that.
Picked up the pictures from camp this afternoon. Digital photo is really cool. Very clear, sharp, you can edit it before sending it to the shop. You can cut cost from the film. It's really great even if it's one peso higher than regular. After that I went to church in the afternoon for cellgroup and band practice.
I totally forgot it was Kim's graduation. Sorry Kim. I have no excuse... We'll, it was not on the planner so I forgot. By the book kasi ako e...
Got a letter from APCC (Asia Pacific Campus Challenge) regarding my enrollment for Campus Ministry on May. I need to pay my fees already. So much expenses. Starting next week before I leave for Baguio, I got into taking scuba diving lessons with Criz. I haven't got hold of the schedule yet. But if it will conflict with my short-course I have to back out.
We'll be moving to Libis Talisay (that's the name of our street) in Caloocan by June. Mejo may ka-probinsyano-an yung location namin - Libis Talisay, Poblacion, Lungsod ng Kalookan. To my surprise I will be living a few houses away from Mimi. First time I heard we're moving and we're moving near Caloocan City Hall and Caloocan Bethel Assemblies of God, I knew there is a big possibility I'll be living near her place. I'm quite happy about that. She was unbelieving. FYI, Mimi is a special friend I met during one of our leadership camps. I didn't know how we got close, but she's the only person I can pour out myself and withold nothing.
Picked up the pictures from camp this afternoon. Digital photo is really cool. Very clear, sharp, you can edit it before sending it to the shop. You can cut cost from the film. It's really great even if it's one peso higher than regular. After that I went to church in the afternoon for cellgroup and band practice.
I totally forgot it was Kim's graduation. Sorry Kim. I have no excuse... We'll, it was not on the planner so I forgot. By the book kasi ako e...
Got a letter from APCC (Asia Pacific Campus Challenge) regarding my enrollment for Campus Ministry on May. I need to pay my fees already. So much expenses. Starting next week before I leave for Baguio, I got into taking scuba diving lessons with Criz. I haven't got hold of the schedule yet. But if it will conflict with my short-course I have to back out.
We'll be moving to Libis Talisay (that's the name of our street) in Caloocan by June. Mejo may ka-probinsyano-an yung location namin - Libis Talisay, Poblacion, Lungsod ng Kalookan. To my surprise I will be living a few houses away from Mimi. First time I heard we're moving and we're moving near Caloocan City Hall and Caloocan Bethel Assemblies of God, I knew there is a big possibility I'll be living near her place. I'm quite happy about that. She was unbelieving. FYI, Mimi is a special friend I met during one of our leadership camps. I didn't know how we got close, but she's the only person I can pour out myself and withold nothing.
Grabe sobrang inneet, guess what may boil ako [insert a Dracula pipe organ background music]. Pigsa in Tagalog, mas maganda pakinggan yung boil e, hehe. Kanina paggising ko ayun, may parang bump na sa braso ko. In decades, this was the 2nd time na nagkapigsa ako. Last time was when I was a kid, sa thigh naman... O, the agony of sitting down... Hindi sa madumi akong tao, kundi sa init ng panahon ito.
I remember my parents reminded me never to scratch the wound, and they made up a story about it. Buhay daw yung 'eye' nung pigsa kaya 'pag nalaglag daw yun sa kinalalagyan niya e, hahanapin daw ako san man daw ako pumunta. Ako naman si uto-uto naniwala nga. I remember going to school with a koyo stuck on my thigh, nakashorts pa ako non. Koyo is like a plaster na you heat then place on the wound. It's supposed to 'ripen' the wound... ew.
I remember my parents reminded me never to scratch the wound, and they made up a story about it. Buhay daw yung 'eye' nung pigsa kaya 'pag nalaglag daw yun sa kinalalagyan niya e, hahanapin daw ako san man daw ako pumunta. Ako naman si uto-uto naniwala nga. I remember going to school with a koyo stuck on my thigh, nakashorts pa ako non. Koyo is like a plaster na you heat then place on the wound. It's supposed to 'ripen' the wound... ew.
I met Raymond Shih around 9PM at Starbucks Intramuros for a web project. Then we drove to Starbucks Madison Garden for the meeting. Raymond has a new Filipino-Chinese show in IBC 13 every Sunday at 10:30PM. Too bad I'm not watching it. FYI, Raymond is our vocalist in the band I once played to. The name of our band was a bit cheesy - Subsonic, like using Bevel in Photoshop.
I don't know how we came up with the name. I remember we had our share of laughs in inventing our band name: "No Name Band", "Hao Pao Pao", "Kalamansi Band", "Dudu and the xxx"... But these were the names we named ourselves as we grew: "Past Eight" and "Subsonic". We had good times, bad times. But it's all history. Actually, I thanked God that this chapter in my life is over. Now don't get me wrong. I love my peeps. It's a matter of priorities. It was eating my time for Him.
They still enter my circle of existence once in a while. I'm doing a web project for Raymond's show. I'm planning to join Criz's scuba lessons. I did a design project for Vida recently. Dudu's been bugging me with his missing keyboard. Mon-mon still wants to jam. Miss you guys...
The meeting was a bore. I haven't spoken much and the chocolate was too hot. I took short glances at the Purpose Driven Life I brought to pass the time.
I don't know how we came up with the name. I remember we had our share of laughs in inventing our band name: "No Name Band", "Hao Pao Pao", "Kalamansi Band", "Dudu and the xxx"... But these were the names we named ourselves as we grew: "Past Eight" and "Subsonic". We had good times, bad times. But it's all history. Actually, I thanked God that this chapter in my life is over. Now don't get me wrong. I love my peeps. It's a matter of priorities. It was eating my time for Him.
They still enter my circle of existence once in a while. I'm doing a web project for Raymond's show. I'm planning to join Criz's scuba lessons. I did a design project for Vida recently. Dudu's been bugging me with his missing keyboard. Mon-mon still wants to jam. Miss you guys...
The meeting was a bore. I haven't spoken much and the chocolate was too hot. I took short glances at the Purpose Driven Life I brought to pass the time.
This afternoon I went out to have my pictures from camp developed. What a journey, hindi ko kasi alam saan nagpapadevelop ng digital images. Kaya I tried Grand Central tapos SM West. I called Kevin to ask where he has his digital pictures developed and he referred me to Kodak Sangandaan.
On the way there, I rode on a bus with a PNP na parang SWAT, ewan ko kung ano tawag doon. Una nanotice ko kasi yung shades nya na Rudy Project, kahit mukha siyang Abu Sabaya. At - tadtad ng guns and ammo... may hawak siyang parang armalite (sorry hindi ako ammo savy) tapos may sabit sabit pa na maliit na baril sa thigh. Nashock tuloy ako 'kala ko terorista. Siguro nagroronda kasi di ba tight security daw ngayon...
On the way there, I rode on a bus with a PNP na parang SWAT, ewan ko kung ano tawag doon. Una nanotice ko kasi yung shades nya na Rudy Project, kahit mukha siyang Abu Sabaya. At - tadtad ng guns and ammo... may hawak siyang parang armalite (sorry hindi ako ammo savy) tapos may sabit sabit pa na maliit na baril sa thigh. Nashock tuloy ako 'kala ko terorista. Siguro nagroronda kasi di ba tight security daw ngayon...
This was my letter to SkyCable: (Please visualize a fuming and veiny head, gusto ko maging Hulk Hogan at ibalibag 'tong operator na ito...)
Greetings.
We are a SkyCable subscriber under subscriber name Lilia Cua Tan of xxx. I am deeply appalled by the rude service I received this afternoon, from your CAMANAVA SkyCable operator named Ruth.
We just came home from our lenten vacation and our cable service has lost some of its channels. So as a customer, I called your office to ask for assistance regarding this matter. I was then directed to call the CAMANAVA office for assistance, so I called. I talked to an operator named Ruth and was asking for assistance regarding our cable problem. She gave us some tips on how to restore our cable but to no avail. She told us your cable service cant do nothing and what we could do is too figure it out ourselves. During this conversation I was getting pissed off by the rudeness of her tone and in the manner of speaking to a subscriber customer. There was no direction in the conversation except more rudeness so I thanked her for the service and hanged up.
I called your main office again to ask for assistance, but they said I should coordinate with the CAMANAVA office, I let them know about the rude service I received and they apologized for it but they said I should really coordinate with the CAMANAVA office. So I called CAMANAVA again, this time another operator answered and gave the same unsatisfying solution, and scheduled us for a 2-3 day cable service for P220, which I obliged.
The fact of the matter is about your customer service, is Ruth the kind of person you put in the front line to talk to your subscribers? I am greatly shocked by her rudeness and lack of concern for your customers. I wish that you CAN do something about this. We are a legal subscriber ourselves just like the rest and we DESERVE a good service.
PATRICK TAN
xxx
Mobile: xxx
Landline: xxx
Greetings.
We are a SkyCable subscriber under subscriber name Lilia Cua Tan of xxx. I am deeply appalled by the rude service I received this afternoon, from your CAMANAVA SkyCable operator named Ruth.
We just came home from our lenten vacation and our cable service has lost some of its channels. So as a customer, I called your office to ask for assistance regarding this matter. I was then directed to call the CAMANAVA office for assistance, so I called. I talked to an operator named Ruth and was asking for assistance regarding our cable problem. She gave us some tips on how to restore our cable but to no avail. She told us your cable service cant do nothing and what we could do is too figure it out ourselves. During this conversation I was getting pissed off by the rudeness of her tone and in the manner of speaking to a subscriber customer. There was no direction in the conversation except more rudeness so I thanked her for the service and hanged up.
I called your main office again to ask for assistance, but they said I should coordinate with the CAMANAVA office, I let them know about the rude service I received and they apologized for it but they said I should really coordinate with the CAMANAVA office. So I called CAMANAVA again, this time another operator answered and gave the same unsatisfying solution, and scheduled us for a 2-3 day cable service for P220, which I obliged.
The fact of the matter is about your customer service, is Ruth the kind of person you put in the front line to talk to your subscribers? I am greatly shocked by her rudeness and lack of concern for your customers. I wish that you CAN do something about this. We are a legal subscriber ourselves just like the rest and we DESERVE a good service.
PATRICK TAN
xxx
Mobile: xxx
Landline: xxx
Grabe sobrang BASTOS ng nakausap kong SkyCable operator kanina, nagkaproblem kasi yung cable namin so I called the hotline. Imagine I talked to the most rude customer service operator. Her name is Ruth from CAMANAVA Skycable. At the start of the conversation, sobrang unconcerned and apathetic na yung tone ng voice nya kaya I can't help to be irritated. She said they can't do something about it, and just figure it out ourselves. As in. I wrote an e-mail to SkyCable to complain. I'm still nervy about the whole thing. I need justice...
Hay nako, kabababa ko palang ng Baguio...
It really pays off to complain for bad service. Last time sa Jolibee naman sobrang bastos nung lady cashier. Nagrekalmo ako sa main office ng Jolibee, ayun the Jolibee Tayuman manager called us apologizing, nasabon siguro.
Hay nako, kabababa ko palang ng Baguio...
It really pays off to complain for bad service. Last time sa Jolibee naman sobrang bastos nung lady cashier. Nagrekalmo ako sa main office ng Jolibee, ayun the Jolibee Tayuman manager called us apologizing, nasabon siguro.
My new book:
- No Wonder They Call Him The Savior by Max Lucado
Recent CD's I bought:
- Songs for a Purpose Driven Life
- City on A Hill: The Gathering
- The Passion of the Christ Soundtrack
- Songs Inspired by The Passion of the Christ
- No Wonder They Call Him The Savior by Max Lucado
Recent CD's I bought:
- Songs for a Purpose Driven Life
- City on A Hill: The Gathering
- The Passion of the Christ Soundtrack
- Songs Inspired by The Passion of the Christ
Reality TV
Just found out voted out na pala si Camille Velasco :(
My favorites are Camille, the other pinoy girl, John Peter Louis, Matthew Rogers and Fantasia Barrino... la lang. Sobrang rip-off ng American Idol yung Star Circle Quest...
Haven't watched Survivor All-Stars for a while. Parati kong nakakalimutan. Tuwing primetime ko nlng napapanuod. Mejo kalokohan na yung mga twists e sobrang dami... I'm rooting for Rob Mariano to win, and besides sha yung sole survivor daw. I really don't care who wins this season. I'm more excited about Survivor 9 which I hear will be on Vanuatu somewhere in the Pacific.
My favorites are Camille, the other pinoy girl, John Peter Louis, Matthew Rogers and Fantasia Barrino... la lang. Sobrang rip-off ng American Idol yung Star Circle Quest...
Haven't watched Survivor All-Stars for a while. Parati kong nakakalimutan. Tuwing primetime ko nlng napapanuod. Mejo kalokohan na yung mga twists e sobrang dami... I'm rooting for Rob Mariano to win, and besides sha yung sole survivor daw. I really don't care who wins this season. I'm more excited about Survivor 9 which I hear will be on Vanuatu somewhere in the Pacific.
Shots from Baguio
Here are some pics I took from Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS), Baguio City. Very nice place, I'll be returning there on the third week of May for the Asian Institute for Youth Studies, a short-course about youth ministry. I'll be taking a specialization on Campus Ministry.
Back from Camp
Just got home from camp... sobrang saya. Kakapagod lang... but it's all worth it. We were 24 in all, kids ranging from 12-24 years of age. Sobrang ok ng speaker namin Pastor Joedy. He was also our guest speaker last year. One of the leaders I really look up to. The kids were filled and refreshed and bonded. God was really moving. This camp, like the last year, will keep our momentum going until the last camp. To God be the glory.
Check out our pics here.
Before the camp, the board told us that the next Camp (2005) will be still under discussion because they say we were still the same bunch of people who went last year, we were less in atendees even that time. But that's not the purpose of the camp. As it turns out, more kids went and they saw the significance of this event (Some board and a bunch of parents went with us.) So next year, there will be a Youth 'Retreat'. It will be probably in Caliraya, Laguna or Iba, Zambales.
We went to bayan to distribute tracts (tracts are small comics that talks about the Gospel). It was a thrilling experience to the youth, as they bravely gave out tracts with smiles on their faces and even talk and share a little to strangers. I was really blessed.
Check out our pics here.
Before the camp, the board told us that the next Camp (2005) will be still under discussion because they say we were still the same bunch of people who went last year, we were less in atendees even that time. But that's not the purpose of the camp. As it turns out, more kids went and they saw the significance of this event (Some board and a bunch of parents went with us.) So next year, there will be a Youth 'Retreat'. It will be probably in Caliraya, Laguna or Iba, Zambales.
We went to bayan to distribute tracts (tracts are small comics that talks about the Gospel). It was a thrilling experience to the youth, as they bravely gave out tracts with smiles on their faces and even talk and share a little to strangers. I was really blessed.
14 hours till Camp Week...
Lapit na.. next year I will be calling our Youth Camp, Youth Retreat instead... When you say youth camp kasi parang sobrang tiring and 'teeny' mashado. Hindi tuloy makarelate yung college and yuppies namin.. Retreat sounds better because it suggests rest, peace, reflection.
Our youth is different from other youth in our section. Besides being a Filipino-Chinese church, which caused hypes from other youth groups that we are surrounded with body guards wherever we go.. I think we have the most reserved group of people or I think just different in understanding the meaning of 'fun'. Kids outside would think we're a bunch of KJ's but that's the way we are.
Maybe it's because like personalities attract... birds of the same feather flock together as the saying goes. In our leadership team... we are bunch of melancholics. Imagine the benefits and downside of that... I even perceive my youth group as dominantly melancholic. Makes me wonder.. are personalities inherited? Because for sure I influence them one way or the other.. "Leadership is influence" 'ika nga ni Ka Maxwell...
In our youth, I think I am the person most exposed to other church youth cultures. Being staff member of a section-wide church org... I've pretty much had my own share of youth culture 101. Others are quite shocking... parang college freshmen days... yet, just needs understanding. Before I pushed our youth so hard to be something they are not... because I thought what I see on other youth group is what our youth should be... But now I understand and still struggling myself from comparing.
Just random thoughts...
Our youth is different from other youth in our section. Besides being a Filipino-Chinese church, which caused hypes from other youth groups that we are surrounded with body guards wherever we go.. I think we have the most reserved group of people or I think just different in understanding the meaning of 'fun'. Kids outside would think we're a bunch of KJ's but that's the way we are.
Maybe it's because like personalities attract... birds of the same feather flock together as the saying goes. In our leadership team... we are bunch of melancholics. Imagine the benefits and downside of that... I even perceive my youth group as dominantly melancholic. Makes me wonder.. are personalities inherited? Because for sure I influence them one way or the other.. "Leadership is influence" 'ika nga ni Ka Maxwell...
In our youth, I think I am the person most exposed to other church youth cultures. Being staff member of a section-wide church org... I've pretty much had my own share of youth culture 101. Others are quite shocking... parang college freshmen days... yet, just needs understanding. Before I pushed our youth so hard to be something they are not... because I thought what I see on other youth group is what our youth should be... But now I understand and still struggling myself from comparing.
Just random thoughts...
48 hours till Camp Week...
The Youth Camp is now two days away... AIYS (Asian Institute for Youth Studies) is a month and a half away...
Youth Camp is two days away. I am excited for the youth who are coming up to Baguio. Personally my feeling about this is neutral... not so happy about the low count of young people who will participate (we're 21 this year, though higher than last year's 14), not all of the kids are going with us due to financial incapacity. As much as I want to take them all, I must set limits to my generosity. Am I too harsh?
On the contrary, like I said, I am very excited for the youth who are participating. Since our first ever youth camp last year, it made a big momentum in the youth ministry that should last til the next youth camp arrives. The kids bonded and some really became close friends. The atmosphere was an atmosphere of understanding and love for one another. I'm glad that the administration finally 'loosen the leash' on us and let us be creative in our own way.
21 is not bad that at all, we had a 50% increase from last year... I just pray God will continue to maintain that increase every year, it will be fine by me..
Youth Camp is two days away. I am excited for the youth who are coming up to Baguio. Personally my feeling about this is neutral... not so happy about the low count of young people who will participate (we're 21 this year, though higher than last year's 14), not all of the kids are going with us due to financial incapacity. As much as I want to take them all, I must set limits to my generosity. Am I too harsh?
On the contrary, like I said, I am very excited for the youth who are participating. Since our first ever youth camp last year, it made a big momentum in the youth ministry that should last til the next youth camp arrives. The kids bonded and some really became close friends. The atmosphere was an atmosphere of understanding and love for one another. I'm glad that the administration finally 'loosen the leash' on us and let us be creative in our own way.
21 is not bad that at all, we had a 50% increase from last year... I just pray God will continue to maintain that increase every year, it will be fine by me..
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Apostol Paul
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Apostol Paul
It is sad why some people are treating at this movie like a minute-long roller coaster ride... just a one-time thrill experience.
What happens after that? Folks wake up! Don't you realize someone just died for you. I cannot forget hearing Arnold Clavio's comment over AM radio about the movie: It doesn't matter if you're Catholic, Buddhist, Moslem or Protestant, the fact of the matter is that this Jesus died for you. Isn't this enough to acknowledge what He did for us?
What happens after that? Folks wake up! Don't you realize someone just died for you. I cannot forget hearing Arnold Clavio's comment over AM radio about the movie: It doesn't matter if you're Catholic, Buddhist, Moslem or Protestant, the fact of the matter is that this Jesus died for you. Isn't this enough to acknowledge what He did for us?
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