Initial Analyses of the Candidates for the 2010 Presidential Election

Hit the proper age.  Check.  Register as a voter.  Check.  Pick the presidential candidate.  Check.  All ready.  I’m now all set to send Francis “Chiz” Escudero to the Malacañang Palace.  Uh, what?  Escudero’s out of the race? Bummer.
     

So with my man Escudero not running this election, I have to pick a new bet on this first national election that I’ll be able to exercise my right of suffrage.   Let’s get this straight, I am a patriot.  I do love my country, though I make fun of it sometimes.  I might joke of getting excited of finally being able to vote to get rich from all those candidates’ bribe money, but in truth, I would never allow anybody to buy my vote (“Owwws”).  My pride is not worth it (“Owwws”).  I am not going to do something that would make me in the same league with these power-addicted politicians that have no set of morals! (“Owwws.  Mega hypocrite.”)
    

Anyway, I do research on this people running for president.  I watch the TV specials/forums/debates of the presidentiables (finding out these guys are nearly as interesting and funny as those outrageous and crazy nuisance candidates when they file their candidacies).  I surf their sites.  Look at their achievements and platforms.  Not as if I care what they achieved or what they claim to do if elected president.  It’s just a way on trying to figure out these candidates.  There’s no way we could really know these people. They all wear masks.  But in an initial way, I could make an initial analysis on these candidates to help me pick my candidate.

So in no particular order, here are my analyses…

Joseph Ejercito Estrada (“Erap”) – Partido ng Masang Pilipino
    

Let’s start with the “People’s President.”   He’s soooooooo popular with the people.  People love him.  Are Filipinos really suckers for movie stars turned politicians?  He won in the 1998 elections even though it was claimed the government was rigging the election for Jose De Venecia to win (The late FPJ was not able to do so against PGMA and Garci’s rigging in the 2004 elections).      And even if he was kicked out of his stint as president back in 2001, he’s still mighty popular.  The name Estrada ensured the victory of his wife Loi and son Jinggoy in the Senate.

Sure, he talks and acts like an idiot most of the time, but he has a good track record as mayor.  And during his short run as president, the Philippine economy was turned from a negative growth (inherited from Ramos) to a 6% growth by 2000 (Yeah.  Yeah.  I still think the momentum was set by Ramos for that growth, but it was, take note, two years after Ramos left.).   Another thing I liked about when Erap was president was he went on all out war against the Islamic terrorists (I refuse to call them freedom-fighters, they are definitely not!) and crushing the MILF (when he was kicked out and PGMA took over, the MILF regain their strength).   I never liked People Power 2 (the first PP was justifiable because it was against a dictatorship, but in Erap’s case, there is no “secret police” or martial law that can hinder a proper process).  If a president has to be removed, it should undergo due process.  That’s what an impeachment trial is all about.  (Erap’s lawyers kick the butts of Joker Arroyo and his colleagues.)

Erap’s “Erap Para Sa Mahirap” slogan gives the illusion that he was once poor.  Give the fact that he never graduated in college and the illusion is complete, as if he did not complete college because of poverty.  But actually in reality, Erap was from a rich family.
    

All things considered, I will not vote for Erap in this election.  He’s better off returning to the movies.  By his insistence of running himself in this election, instead of supporting a candidate (like Chiz, maybe), what I see is not someone that has the burden on wanting to continue serving the country after being “interrupted.”  What I can see is someone addicted to power.
    

Another point against him is he’s old! He’s, I think, 73 years old.  Would you want a president that talks and walks like that?  And someone, though not convicted “without reasonable doubt” (yeah, I also think the trial for plunder was rigged), has a tarnish of scandal?  Hell, no.  Never.

Eduardo Villanueva (“Bro. Eddie”) – Bangon Pilipinas Movement
    

Let’s get it straight.  I am a Christian.  What you call Born-Again.  So, you can say I am in the same religious wavelength with Bro. Eddie.  Some Christians would blindly vote for him because they say that he is righteous and that what we need is a righteous leader that would change the corrupt political system.  I am not one of them.  I believe I am not alone among the evangelical community that would not vote for him.  We are forgetting one thing:  he is a preacher of the Gospel and it would destroy his testimony if he seeks office.
    

As my father pointed out, Jesus Christ himself did not at all seek political power to correct the corruption and injustice in the political system back then (that was not his mission, he was here for something more important).  He actually ran away when some wants to make him a political leader.  He was only interested in what really matters: the Good News.  So when you are a Christian preacher or teacher, you teach about what really matters, you teach about Jesus whom you know and love.  Nothing else matters.  What is happening right now is Bro. Eddie is now, instead, “preaching” about himself.  I find it uncomfortable when he is being claimed as the “Pag-asa ng Bayan.”  (As Christians, Jesus is our only hope).  Moreover, I find it uncomfortable that the resources and machinations of the “Jesus Is Lord” denomination are being used to promote, not Christ anymore, but Eddie Villanueva.  Their Sunday shows on Sunday mornings in GMA-7 are now used for Bro. Eddie promotions and propaganda. The gospel is lost.  It really shatters Christian testimony.  It seems they force the message of “Gospel=The Rise of the Philippines as an Economical and Power=God’s chosen one is Bro. Eddie Villanueva.”   For my fellow Christians, please, we should all go back to the basics.  Sure, it is not wrong to love your country.  It is not wrong to pray for our country.  But we should remember that we are Christians-first and Filipinos-second.  Our Christian purpose is paramount.  The Kingdom we belong in is not of this world.
    

And that’s just another thing what I think is wrong with Bro. Eddie.  He acts as a “Filipino-first and Christian-second.”  His love for his country is more than his love for his God.  We can see that on his answers on the TV forums.  He is afraid to proclaim his faith would be his guiding force when he makes national decisions.  A good Christian national leader should not be afraid or ashamed to admit that he will be on his knees praying to his God when tackling difficult national matters even if he will be ridiculed or be accused of being biased of his faith and morality when deciding national issues (The guy I am talking about is, guess what, George W. Bush.  Surprised he’s a Christian?).  Another thing is when Bro. Eddie went to the wake of Iglesia Ni Cristo’s patriarch Eraño Manalo.  What is he thinking?  He’s acting like a politician, playing the game like on the world’s terms.  He’s courting for INC’s support.  To add more damage he talked of Manalo as a great spiritual leader.  What the - ?   Hello?!  The God you are preaching about is different from the God they believe in (Don’t give me that “we all have the same God with different names”-crap.  Totally naïve.)  The God that became man to die for your sins is not God to them but a mere human.  Come on.  Isn’t that an insult to the God you love?  Just for the sake of getting their nods, you’ll kiss their… whatever.  It’s a job for politicians.  You’re a Christian leader, not a politician.
    

Being an activist before he became a Christian, I think being a radical Filipino patriot is really integrated in him.  His heart probably sincerely aches of immorality, corruption, poverty, and injustices in our country.  He really wanted to make a change.  I do respect him.  But I wish he realizes that he is doing a more effective way in combating these evils in a heavenly perspective as Christian evangelist.  Promoting God as the only answer.  It is a more blessed calling.
    

We can never really judge him. What if God really did call him?  If, indeed, God calls him to be a president, well, surely he’ll win.  If God is with him, who can be against him?  But if he just decided to run because of his burden as a patriotic Filipino that wants the Philippines to prosper… well, he’ll lose.  Maybe by losing, he’ll realize what really matters most in his life: God, and not the prosperity of his country.
    

For now, my stand is I will not vote for him.  My mind would change if these things would happen: 

a.)  He will start acting as a “Christian-first, Filipino-second.” I am not against a Christian going into politics, I am against a Christian, who thinks that changing the country and the political system for its economic and moral revival is the gospel, going into politics.   
b.)  He’ll leave as the leader of JIL and would separate himself from the denomination in identity.  

c.)  His campaigning would not be run by JIL funds and machinations and TV time (Sundays are for preaching the gospel and not campaign ads).  

d.) And the most important part, if God calls me to vote for him, I would.

John Carlos de los Reyes (“JC”) – Ang Kapatiran
    

Excuse me, who?  A national nobody.  This guy actually thinks he’ll win?
    

Well, when I first heard his name I did pay attention to him to know this nobody.  Could he also be a charismatic youngblood (like Chiz)?  He seems to claim he is the representative of the “youth.”  But I found out he’s not at all charismatic.  Not at all articulate and cannot construct his thoughts well.  He’s so nervous in those TV specials for the presidentiables and seems so close to crying.  Like, startle him with a “Boo!” and he’ll break down crying.
    

Did he ever think that the youth votes would go to him when Escudero decided not to run?  I don’t think so (Those youths that are mesmerized by Chiz’s fluency and youthful intelligence would find it in Gibo among the remaining candidates, thus it is probable that the votes will go his way, and never de los Reyes’).
JC’ll never win.  I promise to eat this laptop I am writing this essay on if he ever won.
  

Maria Ana Consuelo Madrigal-Valade (“Jamby”) – Independent
    

If I hadn’t researched, I wouldn’t have discovered her complete name.  I am actually amused she decided to run as independent for the presidency.  Makes us wonder what is going on her mind.  Is she crazier than Miriam Defensor-Santiago, or she just has the Messiah Complex to save the Philippines from the evil known as Manny Villar?

She is part of an elite family, but is more known having a "palangkera"-attitude (very Miriam).  She is almost like Miriam  (but Miriam is still more entertaining) who have some short bursts of insane and sharp-tongued comments or attacks but, nonetheless, being a fearless, smart and knowledgeable legislator.
    

I won’t really vote for her, though I joke I would and hope she would win.  Is insanity a ground for impeachment?  If she won, and Mar Roxas won as VP, she would be impeached and someone decent would be president.
    

Enough about her.  I never really bothered taking her seriously.  (Though I would had voted for her if she had run for the Senate instead... like I would vote for Miriam.  The Senate is fun with them in it.)

Manuel B. Villar (“Manny”) – Nacionalista Party
    

The greatest advantage of Villar is his “rags-to-riches” story.  Someone who was poor once, but through “sipag at tiyaga” (hard-work and diligence) became a multi-millionaire who can burn lots of money for TV ads jingles that get stuck at children’s heads (if you are an elementary pupil and you don’t memorize the song, you’re not in).  Yeah, his catchy TV ad is the reason he is closing the gap between him and top-survey Noynoy.  But, remember, catchy as Villar’s TV ad is, just the same as the regular catchy TV ads for products, they are designed to hypnotize you to buy the product and when you finally do, you’ll realize it was all hyperbole and lots of bull.
    

Villar might be accused of corruption (the c-5 extension scandal) but he does have an admirable record.  Starting out as a fish vendor, he financed his education, became a CPA and then became a successful entrepreneur and founding a vast property conglomerate.  He became a congressman and Speaker, and during his stint created two major cities, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, which are now strong business hubs.  He was also a Senate President when he became senator.  He has promoted entrepreneurship programs and built housing projects.  With his success in business and politics, he does have the capability.  Give Villar his dues, not all of his boastings in his ads are empty.
    

But will I vote for him?  Ah.  He’s still not my candidate.  His life story really appealed to me, as well as his political warmth and charm and his managerial skills to get where he is now.  But the C-5 scandal keeps nagging at me (watched the Villar segment in “Failon Ngayon” in ABS-CBN).  Why wouldn’t he face it in the Senate if he is indeed innocent?  Instead, he does not go to work anymore just to avoid the issue?  Villar could have been a nice guy at some time, but I think he is among the ones who are already corrupted by power and was tempted to use a position for personal gain.  It’s hard to trust someone who has the potential to steal money when he is on top.  There might be a slight chance I would still vote for him, but for now, no, I would not vote for Villar.  Maybe I would consider voting for him if he do some silly dance in a campaign ad like what he did in 2007 Senate elections (really, Villar dancing with that smile of his was so funny).

Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. (“Gibo”) – Lakas-Kampi-CMD
   

 “Galing at talino” is Gibo’s slogan.  It’s not at all empty words.  He’s smart and competent.  It shows.  When he’s on those TV forums, he gives clear answers on the issues and questions thrown at him.  Among the candidates, he is the one, I can observe, which have a focused vision if elected.  As I’ve said, he’s intelligence and fluency might get those youth votes that were meant for Escudero.     
      

He was a bar topnotcher.  He has some solid education from Harvard.  He has deep experience from being a corporate lawyer, a congressman, and as the youngest defense secretary in Philippine history.  According to the profile I read about him, he brings to his job “youthful dynamism, a civilian perspective, and blue-chip pedigree.”  He’s fresh and tough.
    

I was actually considering voting for him.  He impressed me with his intelligence, articulation, and focus.  But I am not still sure.  Though he has the integrity (that’s why the Administration pick him as their bet), he will always be PGMA’s lackey.  It’s a scary thought.  PGMA as Prime Minister (if her diabolical plan of being elected as congressman and then spearheading a cha-cha to make her PM) having a hold on a President Gibo.   Scary.  Gibo might not be corrupt but he’s surrounded with people who are, especially his boss.  If he wins, the same people behind the current administration that runs this government will remain in power.  Thus, all this factors considered, I am wary of voting for him.  

Nicanor Jesus Pineda Perlas III (“Nicky”) – Partido ng Bansang Marangal
    

He actually has an impressive bio-data.  But he’s too ambitious if he ever thinks he has a chance of winning.  He’s a known environmentalist that wants to legalize divorce in the Philippines – that alone put his chances of winning the presidency from to 0.00000001% to full oblivion.

He was already dismissed as a nuisance at first, but because of the Court, he was returned back to the race.  It was better off if he stayed disqualified, saving him a painful loss as - possibly - the last placer in the election.

He's intelligent but a non-factor.

Richard Juico Gordon (“Dick”) – Bagumbayan Movement  
    

Among all the candidates he has the best, tested and proven, administrative skills.  He did not really do anything special as senator, but his true talent is not in the legislative branch but in the executive branch.  His optimistic spirit and quick-action mentality are big pluses.  He did wonders with Subic, and he is an effective Red Cross chairman.  With what he did and his experience with Subic and the Philippine Red Cross might just make him a good president.
    

I could vote for him.  Having him as president – someone that could deal with crises immediately and effectively, that could improve economic status of a city, and act in a disciplined and focused manner – could make dramatic changes for a country.  But I am not committing anything.  He’s really not that popular and we are not really assured if he will be an effective national government leader as much as he is as a local government leader.

Benigno S. Aquino III (“Noynoy”) – Liberal Party  
    

I really can’t find anything special in him, or any special thing he did in the government.  He’s just the son of the legend in the 500 peso bill, the son of a former president that was also a symbol of democracy, and the brother of the Philippine’s greatest product endorser (only rivaled by Manny Pacquiao).  That’s it.
    

I admire his father, Ninoy Aquino Jr.; he was intelligent, articulate, charismatic, and a noble patriot.  If Noynoy inherited his father’s strengths, in a blink of an eye, I would vote for him.  Unfortunately, he did not have his father’s strengths.  Though I think of his mother, Cory, as an incompetent and overrated president, I would give it to her that she was a symbol of democracy and an inspiration to nationalism.  Noynoy is also a symbol… but only a symbol of being an Aquino.  People just see him as the son of Filipino legends, not as a person, an illusionary symbol on what his parents stood for.
    

He is also accused of being lazy and not taking his job seriously, often being late on his appointments and work.  I don’t know if it’s true, but it’s minus points for him.
    

His platform of government is cannibalized from Mar Roxas, whom is actually equipped and understands most, if not all, of the issues of the land (Mar is my second choice, but unfortunately, he also decided not to run for president to give way for, ugh, Noynoy) .  At the forums in TV, he delivers unsatisfactory answers, makes me question if he really knows what he’s doing or what he’s going to do if elected.   

“Hindi ako magnanakaw” he promises… Mmm.  Maybe he wouldn’t for the sake of the honors of the name Aquino.  But it doesn’t make him invulnerable to temptation.
He’s actually the frontrunner in the surveys, so it is very probable he would win.  Hmmm.  If he wins and, mmm, somehow, something happens to him, that would make Mar president!  A good scenario.  Morbid thoughts.  Just kidding.  Anyway, if he wins, I hope he surrounds himself with smart and honorable men to advise him.  Give Mar an important designation.  Maybe even asking those guys that run for President and Vice-President to help him.  He could steal Gibo from PGMA’s clutches, put Bayani Fernando as DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) head, Gordon or Jojo Binay in DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), Perlas as DENR secretary, etc.  That may go well.

*     *     *

    

So who would I ultimately vote for then?  I got no candidate to support yet.  But there’s still a few months left till Election Day, enough time for me to think who would deserve to be president.  Who knows, maybe one of them would pay me a hundred K to vote for him.

Chaos Theory and God's Sovereignty

One of the most interesting subjects I ever encountered is Chaos Theory. Chaos Theory studies dynamic systems that are highly chaotic in behavior which makes these systems very hard to predict. The reason of these systems' chaotic behavoir is their sensitivity to initial conditions, which is more popularly known as the "butterfly effect." Very cool, eh? Actually, Chaos Theory is a complicated area of study of physics, mathematics, and philosophy and I really do not know the whole picture of it and I definitely don't understand the math of Chaos Theory. But in my simple basic understanding of the Chaos Theory, I can see the truths and the beauty of it.

Let me explain this in my simple understanding.

Let us say that there are two types of systems or behavior: simple and complicated. Simple systems are such that can easily be solved or predicted by the use of linear equations. Examples are simple physics problem regarding Galileo's cannonballs or some billiard balls. These are easily predicted by the use of some basic equations. Second, the complex systems. These systems are very chaotic in behavior that it seems to be random, thus it's difficult or impossible to make predictions. The most perfect example of this is weather (actually Chaos Theory was initially designed to understand weather). Other chaotic behavior is found in the human behavior, air moving under a wing, economics, etc. The reason of this is these systems are sensitive to initial factors. The "butterfly effect" comes to play ("a butterfly flaps its wings in China, causing a hurricane in the US."). A small variable can cause big dominoe effects that ultimately affect the output behavior in a big way. Let us compare the simple and complex system. In the simple system's cannonball, if a cannonball is fired, and then a second cannonball is fired after it - with the same weight, same speed, same startng place, same angle - basic mathematical linear equation can predict that the second cannonball would fall at the place where the first cannon ball fell. Now in the complex system's weather, have a weather system start with a particular temperature, particular wind speed, particular humidity, and then start another weather system with the same temperature, same wind speed, and same humidity, the second weather system would have a different result than the first; the first weather system may result in a typhoon, the second may result in a sunny day. Why is this? It is because these systems are very sensitive to small variables, thus there could be a teeny-weeny difference ("a butterfly flapping its wings") between the two systems that made the big difference in the outputs. That is a simplified explanation for us laymen. (Note: the illustrations are basic Michael Crichton illustrations :>)

Chaos Theory tries to define these small variations (small "butterflies") and find hidden regularities in these complex random systems. Thus, there could be actually small patterns that would help predict the bigger picture.

And, also, back to the "simple systems." Yes, these type of problems are easily solved. But these simple systems can also commit chaotic behavior in the long run. Let's use billiard balls as examples (another Crichton illustration). Newtonian Laws can predict their behavior in a pool table. Know the mass of the ball, the angle, the force to hit it, and all that factors, and you can predict where it will end up... in theory. But then, in the long run, tiny variables like imperfections in the surface of the ball or minor indentions of the table , all these small variables accumulating in the long run, would cause the ball the behave away from the basic Newtonian calculations.

Thus, in a comprehensive summary that I always say to describe Chaos Theory: "Chaos Theory says, 'Complex systems, though as if acting randomly, have an underlying order in it. And simple systems, though can easily be predicted in theory, can produce complex behavior.'"

As we apply this in our daily life, we realize that society, the world, the universe is consisted of many complex systems interacting - complex systems that are prone to behave or actually behave in chaos. Tiny variables can affect the overall picture. The reality that we live in have many potential bombs that can go off. Murphy's Law will always apply. An infinity of things can go wrong. Everything, in an overall picture, is actually behaving in a complex manner, everything is dynamic, always changing, every behavior is hard to predict and understand. Creation and life are so very complex, very very complex, that it is impossible for us mere humans to completely understand it all. Spider's weaving their webs, the systems of organs and chemicals working together in a living thing, planets revolving around suns, the mind's qualities, the flow of history, economics, the sensitivity of the ecosystem... indeed, everything in our reality our behaving in a complex manner. Countless complex systems that consist a bigger Complex System. How can this Complex System, which does not only consists of small "butterfly effect" variables but consists of countless complex systems, actually function if just one tiny variable may actually bring in the end of the cosmos?

With the complete complexity of life and creation which is impossible for us humans to completely understand and predict and with millions of small things that easily affect these systems, it can be easily proven that there is a Creator. There is a God.  Life and creation are just too much complicated to exist on their own.  There must be a Powerful Someone whom designed these complex creations and keep them from falling apart.

Let's choose one topic that we can apply Chaos Theory principles and prove the argument: Creation. Now so-called "great logical" scientists say that there is no God and that everything just happened. I find this very outrageous. How can these complex systems around us "just happened"? Isn't it more logical to think that A Great Power designed such complex systems? Life and creation is just too complex to "just happen." Let's continue with the argument. Let us say, hypothetically, that there are many many factors that are needed to interact with each other, in specific appropriate times, in specific appropriate external or environmental conditions, to Create. Now, these "know-it-all" scientists claim that the existence of everything - time, matter, life, etc. - are nothing but accumulation of chance events; that these many many factors just suddenly interacted, in the appropriate times, and in the appropriate external or environmental condition, on their own by chance... by accidental accumulation and simultaneous happening of chance events. What are the odds that all of this happened by accident, by simultaneous and accumulated chance events? The odds of everything existing by chance is like a tornado htting a car in Sydney, disassembling it, and then reassembling the parts back together in the Australian Outback. An impossibilty. Logic fails this argument. It is more believable that a Creator made everything - time, matter, life, etc. - to exist and the factors that they call "simultaneous and accumuated chance events" are made possible by the Creator; that there is a Creator that guided and willed for these "many many factors to interact with each other, in specific appropriate times, and specific appropriate external or environmental conditions, to Create."

So, indeed, with the complexity of life and creation, claiming that there is no God that created them is very illogical and stupid. Definitely, there is a God that created and designed these complex systems.

Now we determined that there is a God, the second thing to determine is what kind of God is he, by the use of Chaos Theory basic principles. If we claim that there is a God that created everything, definitely it is already given that He is a powerful God that can create something from nothing. But we can appreciate more how powerful He really is by the complexity of Creation. Countless complex systems are interacting in Creation (the Complex System). For every complex system to work, that is very sensitive to small factors, and for the overall Complex System to be in constant existence, these God must be a hands-on God. Nothing happens by accident in His Complex System. Everything would definitely happen by His will. If we claim that God just Created and left Creation on its own, these complex systems would easily go into complete chaos, and everything will go into complete destruction. Thus, we can conclude that not only did God created the Complex System, but in such a System in which millions of things can go wrong in its own, He is always in control and everything happens by His will.

God is a Sovereign God. By Life and Creation, He proved this. It is plain arrogance and stupidity if we limit what God can do. He is always in control and can do anything He wills. We can never ever understand the complete complexity of Life and Creation. But by undestanding in small ways, by using such scientific/mathematical/philosophical methods like Chaos Theory that can understand complex systems of Life and Creation in its small limited ways, we become more in awe of the complexity and beauty of the Complex System, and ultimately realize how big, how powerful, how creative, how great God is.

Recap: Joy Concert 2009

The concert was done on December 4, about three weeks ago already, but, still, we need a recap. Better late than never.

Themed as “Rise Up Youth of Albay”, and held in Ninoy Aquino Park in Daraga, the main purpose of the concert was for evangelism and for fellowship of Christian youths in Albay. The concert was produced and spearheaded by the fellowship I belong in, Joy Church, thus most of the presentations were from us. It started about 6:30 pm and since the DVD (yes, we have DVD documentation) running time was about three-and-a-half hours, we probably ended about ten in the evening. You can watch some of the videos in this site or in YouTube.

I kind of think that the opening multimedia presentation for the concert seemed to be out of context, which was “street children”-themed. The target audience was teenagers/young people, dynamos of emotional confusion and instability, and not social workers burdened with street children. These young people are searching for purpose and identities for themselves, and not much concerned with the tragedy of street children. But nonetheless, the message of Jesus is the answer, the only hope, is delivered by the opening, so no complains from me. However, I think the “letter from hell”-theme would have worked better. Scare and provoke questions about the afterlife. But I am all praise with the multimedia showings of mini-cartoons and Hillsong memory verses during gap times between performances.

Anyway, here is a summary of the performances that night:

The opening performance came from the Joy Worship Team, we kick off the concert with a medley of “Shelter House”, “You Are Good”, and Gary V’s “Shout For Joy” - with some cool bass solo from Basil in “You Are Good.”
We did a skit of “Matatakuting Kristyano.” Joneil and I were the drunkards who forced the scaredy-cat Christian, played by Chano, to drink alcohol with us in the cemetery. When he woke up, he had a showdown with the Devil, played by Basil. The catch of the skit is every time the “Matatakuting Kristyano” uses a talisman against the Devil – in the order of garlic, cross, holy water, and Bible – the Devil mocks him by bringing a bigger garlic, bigger cross, and so on. In the end, the Christian learned that only in the name of Jesus can he defeat the Devil. It was still funny, but we definitely did a better performance when we did it at church.

The band from DBCCI, which I believe was called the “Anointed Band” did well, and I liked the catchy outro of their second song.

Some Joy girls did a worshipful interpretative dance of “Here I Am To Worship.”

AG (Assemblies of God) Band, led by their all-around pastor (he handles children ministry, worship ministry, preaching ministry, etc. in their church) did two songs.
The mime presentation that night was an upgraded/rebooted version of some mimes we did in the past. Concepts from previous mime performances were combined, and it came out well. The main theme is of an allegorical Eve in the Fall, and her search of satisfaction. As Eve, played by Eden, tries every pleasure the world can offer; as she tried and hanged out with Steph and her jewelries (probably symbolizing wealth), with Careyl as a model (probably symbolizing vanity and outward beauty), with me as a rocker (probably symbolizing talents), with Joneil as a hunk/boyfriend (probably symbolizing romance), and with Basil as Michael Jackson (probably symbolizing the generation’s pop culture and blind idolatry to celebrities). Finally, Eve realized that only Jesus/God, played by Chano, can give her true peace and joy. Eden (Eve) and Basil (Michael Jackson) are the “MVPs” of this mime presentation as they deliver hilarious and excellent performances. Kudos also to Chano for directing such mime with a deep allegorical message. For me, in the three plays we did that night, this was the best.
SOP Band is definitely the best band that night. It is no wonder since they were already playing in a band since they were children, thus they grew up as bandmates as their experiences helped their talents and bond grow. Their rendition of “Ako’y Binago Niya” was very powerful, and their original song, “Trip To Heaven” was excellent.

The Christdiers trio composed of Basil (lead vocals, guitar), Joneil (drums), and I (bass) played our version of “Extraordinary Life” and our original “8 Words.”
"You Are Good" powerful dance by Joy girls.
The Joy Worship Team did a catchy medley of Christmas songs, which started with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Prior the song, a video of our dear Pastor Lee playing “Amazing Grace” in the flute was shown; this served as the intro. After the warm-up song of “Amazing Grace”, we did the medley of “Feliz Navidad”, “Joy To The World” and “Come O Ye Faithful.”
Mel, the keyboardist, was located at the extreme left of the stage. Thus, throughout the concert, it was not very often for him to be captured by the video cam.

After the message of Pastor Lee and a cool rapture clip was shown in the multimedia, we did a musical drama with the song of “Everything” by Lifehouse. Basil played Jesus, and I played the Devil, as other Joy young people played different roles. In the drama, it is shown the Devil owned the souls of several people and tempted them with worldly pleasures for them not to seek Christ, but when Jesus called and saved them, the Devil was helpless to do otherwise. The misery of living in the dark and the message of Christ being the savior and the only answer and salvation from sin and darkness were shown. No offense, but I did not like the original script of the musical drama as it was filled with theological flaws and the plot transition was so messy and confusing. But, thank God, after some brainstorming and some ideas by Chano, we made it better and I am satisfied with the final script.
The kids from Joneil’s taekwondo ministry performed a number that boosted the taekwondo attendance after the concert.
Floodgates, the other band aside from Christdiers that I belong in, made up of Bhong (lead vocals, guitar), Basil (bass), Jade (drums), Mel (keyboard), and me (guitar), was the last special number band. We played “Ocean Floor” and then “I Will Find You”, which we did our trademark instrumental in mid song – soloes for me, Bhong, Jade, and Basil, in that order, and then some funk.
I did some blues scaling for my solo.
Tapping exhibition was Bhong's solo.
Basil did his bass solo after Jade did his drum solo. Then, the former did some funky bass slapping on the funk instrumental.

In the second half our set, Kuya Reybhong joined us to sing “Mighty Good Leader” and “Speak To Me.”
An all-star dance number, consists of youth from different churches, was the last performance that night.

The last part was the praise and worship, with songs “Mighty To Save”, “Shout Your Fame”, “Sing For Joy”, and “How Great Is Our God.” Additional songs “I Am Not Ashamed”, “One Way” and “Bestfriend” were played due to demand. The initial response I heard about the concert was the praise and worship was too short. I agree.

It was truly a blessed night. About a thousand people, a combination of both believers and non-believers, watched the concert. Truly, God is at work. The seeds were sown. And God will nurture and reap.

To God be the glory. Till next year's concert (if God wills it).

Joy Church 22nd Anniversary

Videos of the praise and worship and the dance number of senior young people of Bicol Presbyterian Joy Church in their 22nd Anniversary service.







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In Defense of (Burned) Bush

"I admire that journalist that threw his shoe at President Bush," an acquaintance of mine said.

I replied, with an eyebrow raised, "What's so admirable about throwing his shoe? It seems a show of immaturity and a lack of grace and self-control."

"Well... Bush is a bad president."

"What made you say that he's bad?"

"Mmm... He's mighty unpopular... People hate him... and..."

And nothing. He just laughed it all off when he got nothing more to say to back him. I did not smile. The moron.

That was a year ago. And it has been nearly a year since George W. Bush, 43rd president of the USA, stepped down. So, why am I writing this piece right now? Seems untimely. Well, one of the reasons I write is for therapy, and I write to blow some steam of a particular annoyance. Some recent event just reminded me of my great annoyance on people who pretend their smart or righteous without the facts or credibility to back it. These are the know-it-alls... those who take hearsays or gossips as truths without confirming them, and since these hearsays or gossips are popular ideas, jump into the bandwagon. (I even annoy myself when I sometimes succumb to this annoying flaw of human nature.) One of these popular ideas is the incompetence and lack of credibility of George W. Bush - which I do not agree.

I am not a Bush fan at all. But I recognize him as a strong leader, though not perfect, equipped with competence and character to lead the most powerful nation on earth. And I find this blind animosity to Bush by most Americans as almost baseless as a "know-it-all" mentality that I am particularly very annoyed at. Probably, this is because of the effective and harmful slanders, propagandas and machinations against Bush by the Democrats. The Democrats succeeded in establishing their slanderous comments as truths.

Bush's unpopularity started with one particular topic: the war against Iraq. Let me stick with that. This was the seed of it all, and this is what the Democrats used as ammunition and this is where they started from with their effective attacks at Bush that destroyed his credibility and made him mighty unpopular with the Americans.

The Democrats slandered Bush that he lied about Iraq having Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). They said that Bush falsified intelligence on Iraq WMD to justify attacking a sovereign nation - to drag the US to an unnecessary war. They accuse Bush that there was no concrete basis that Irag had WMD. But wait a minute, not only did all the intelligence gathering agencies of the US were convinced Iraq has WMDs, the international intelligence communties - UK, France,Germany, Russia, China, Israel and Jordan - thought so, too. How can Bush falsify such intelligence data of different independent sources? How can they say that Bush has no concrete basis? But wait, here's something even better, during the Clinton administration (when the Democrats were in power), the Democrat politicians were convinced that Iraq do have WMDs. The Democrats believed and claimed to have evidence that Iraq has WMDs. They still had this stand even when Bush administration was on its early years. But why the sudden change of tone later on? Simple, the Democrats wanted to destroy Bush's credibility - and they succeeded. It was dirty politics. From then on, Bush became very unpopular.

You might say, "But wait. They never found WMDs when Iraq was finally invaded by the US." True, that they never found any nuclear weapons but they found chemical and biological weapons, which are illegal, and considered as WMDS. Moreover, Mossad intelligence claimed that the nuclear weapons were probably moved to Syria before the Americans deployed for war.

Let us not forget who was the Iraqi leader: Saddam Hussein - a tyrant, a terrorist, a criminal, guilty of many UN violations and genocide. Besides, the attack of the US to Iraq is not only based on the existence of WMDs. In the 23 clauses to use force against Iraq, only two mentions WMDs. Saddam provoked the US to attack. Regardless of whether Saddam has nuclear weapons or not, he was acting as if he had them by showing arrogance and defiance. The US didn't have legal or moral burden of Saddam proving he had WMDs, it was Saddam's burden to prove that what the US accusses is false. But this he did not do so. Consider: following Iraq's defeat in the Gulf War, Saddam signed treaties promising to get rid of and not produce WMDs, allow UN inspectors and spy planes to fly over to verify that he was not in breach of promises. But he violated those treaties, denying the inspectors to do their jobs and continually shooting at US aircraft in the no-fly zones. But even of these clear violations, the UN lacked the moral courage to enforce its resolutions and punish Saddam. So, Bush showed balls and did the right thing by finally doing something about it, by leading the US against Iraq. The countries that supported the US in that war did the right thing and showed balls, too, and I am proud that the Philippines was one of those countries even if our troops were only there for show (it's a pity we have to withdraw them because of the hostaging of Filipinos by terrorists... but withdrawing was the right thing to do. The hostages' lives are paramount. But it's still a pity).

We should also consider America’s role as “world police.” Their country is a symbol of freedom and democracy. Saddam is a threat to what their country stands for. Thus, the US has this responsibility, being the world’s most powerful nation, of finally destroying the danger to the principles of freedom and democracy. US also did the right decision back then of going to Vietnam. The only problem was they were arrogant and unprepared that cause so many unnecessary and unjustified casualties in that war. But in Iraq, the Americans came prepared and efficient, thus, it cannot be criticized as it was with the Vietnam War.

Besides, America was on a “War on Terror” and it is clear that Iraq had dealings with Al Qaeda. Iraq was a training ground and haven for terrorists. Democrats only denied the fact, claiming that Bush is lying, and the people believed them. Striking Iraq was also a way of preventing another September 11. What would have happened if Saddam finally have a working nuclear weapons program? Attacking or pressuring Saddam by then would be difficult. The threat was too great for Bush to ignore it. Thus, invading Iraq at that time, when the nuclear program as still premature, was a good decision.

At the risk of being unpopular, Bush made the right decision. Amidst the constant attacks by his critics, and the people starting to hate him, he remained strong in his stand of what is right. Such courage and character. That was admirable.

I really don't get it why most Americans hate him. He did not cheat to win the election. He does not have any scandal about graft and corruption or stealing from government funds. Compare him to PGMA. Come on, why hate him?

With what the Democrats did to Bush, I think the current Democratic Party had lost the decency or "gentleman-ness" of being an effective intellectual and moral opposition to the Republicans. The purpose of the two-party system is to be able to have a conservative and liberal view in all issues, and to hold in check each view. Democrats should debate against the Republicans (and vice versa) with their country’s interest in mind, and the debates should lead to betterment and cooperation in the long-run. Now, by what the Democrats did to Bush, it seemed they now only want to protect or improve their political interests. I don't know if the Republicans, which are now currently the opposition, would act as the Democrats did. (By the way, as I had written in a previous essay, back at the elections, I wanted Obama to win, not because I know of and agree with his policies but because I want the dramatic: the first black president of the US. But I am not really sure if he is better off than the rest of the Democrats, or if he also thinks like them.)

As finale, the lesson I want convey here is we have to get rid of our nature of judging people, which is unfair, not only to big leaders like Bush, but to ordinary persons as well. Believing hearsay without us confirming it… jumping into bandwagons…. the arrogance of the "know-it-all" mentality… blindly criticizing and hating… biases…. we have to get rid of them all, since these are the bases of our tendency to crucify our true heroes.

Rise Up Youth of Albay Concert

This Joy Church produced three-hour concert held in Ninoy Aquino Park on December 4, 2009 showcased bands, dances, skits, and other performances by young people from different fellowships (spearheaded by Joy Church youths, of course).  Here are some videos which were derived from the DVD record of the concert.   

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All Coming Day '09 High School Edition

Some special numbers I was in for the high school edition of the All Coming Day.

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Floodgates in the ALICF Music Festival

The number that Floodgates, representing Joy Church, played during the Music Festival for the 29th Anniversary of ALICF. The way we performed here was not of our best standard, plus the sound system was not that good, but it was still fun.




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Longing for the Stars

I observe – and bit of complain – that the advancement of technology is not at all that dramatic and fast compared to what happened in the 90s. The span of the Wright Brother’s first glider plane to Apollo 11 was only for several decades! (If the Americans did really go to the moon, in which Moon Landing Hoax Conspiracy theorists think otherwise. And even if MythBusters did some experiments to argue off those conspiracy points that the conspiracy theorists raise, I am still suspicious and not entirely convinced that the Americans did manage to go to the moon. This is an interesting topic, but this is not the essay to discuss this.) Talk about dramatic and fast technology advancement.

Anyway, the thing that I am really bothered about is the era of space colonization or widespread space travel may not happen in my lifetime. If the rate of advancement of technology, particularly flight technology, was maintained (the rate of the first airplane to first moon landing) I believe it could happen in my lifetime, at least its initial phase. But since it slowed down, a dramatic slow down that was as dramatic as it was advancing in the 90s, I fear it would not happen soon.

Why am I concerned? Well, one particular childhood dream that I did not outgrow was my desire to go to space – to see our planet from space; to walk on the moon, Mars, or/and any unknown planet; to experience weightlessness; to see a black hole; to see the beauty and magnificence of galaxies and stars up close. If I write on what are the things I want to do or experience before I die, this would be number one in my list. I think it was my reading of encyclopedias and books about space that planted the seeds of this dream. (Kids are prone to get interested with these science stuffs, which is usually about outer space or dinosaurs. I was interested in both back then.) In fact, I was four when I had my first dream on what I want to be when I grow up, and that was to be an astronaut.

Though I had long lost the dream of becoming an astronaut (because of the harshness of reality that turns every kid’s romantic dreams or idealism to cynicism instead), I had never lost my interest on everything about outer space. I read and watch sci-fi. News related to space always catches my attention. I always admire the beauty of photos of space. I love the clear night starry sky. I had never lost my love of the outer space and my dream to go there someday.

Now that I am grown up, practical but cynical, the realization of this dream seems to be impossible (the slow advancement of space flight is one factor). In a way, this has taught me a life philosophy. In life, I will not always get all I want, and I am at peace with that. But, still, it is not wrong to continue loving, and dreaming, and praying. I love the starry night skies, and I still dream of reaching those stars, even if it’s impossible. Instead of being depressed on a seemingly unattainable dream, it is better to make it an inspiration instead.

Another thing why I want to reach outer space… Nature’s beauty is the fingerprints of the Creator. And In all of God’s creations, I am most impressed of space. Yes, God is real to my life and he had shown his glory to me many times. But I desire of an ultimate visual aid – which is the immensity and beauty and grandeur of space – which would make my heart burst with fear, and awe, and love, and joy, and praise for the awesomeness, and power, and greatness, and bigness, and splendor of my God. This I long for before I die, so I would have a dramatic prelude for that day when I finally see my Creator face to face.

2009 All Coming Day

Performances from the annual All Coming Day - a night of godly music, drama, fellowship, and lots of fun.

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