Tara! Kape Tayo... (Part 2)

 

click here for Part 1

Habang inaantay ko na mahimasmahasan ka sa bugso ng iyong damdamin, dahil sa iyong pag-iyak, napatingin ako sa labas; payapa ang kalsada, may mangilan-ngilang tao na naglalakad at tila baga'y sila man ay payapa din; naisip ko na ilan din kaya sa kanila ang may dinadalang bigat ng kalooban?, na tulad mo -- you shared what you felt, letting it out, tears flowing down your cheeks.

It's my first time actually, na maging witness at involved first hand, in public sa pagpapakita ng emosyon na may kasamang pagyakap at pag-iyak; hindi natin alintana 'yung mga matang palihim na tumitingin sa atin; 'di ko alam kung ang iniisip nila ay, pina-iyak kita o sadyang kino-comfort lang kita; anoman ang nasa isip nila, balewala iyon, ang mahalaga ay nailabas mo ang 'yong saloobin.

_______

Nabasa mo ang istoryang ito (yung Part 1 niya), and you requested profusely for me not go into details anymore about it.

I was about to share some details about "it", kung bakit ka humagulgol ng iyak, but we decided to veil and leave my readers just hanging. Ang sabi ko: "mabibitin sila!, hahaha!". 

"Hayaan mo silang mabitin, sa tingin ko, 'di na nila kailangang malaman pa ang mga detalye ng aking kalungkutan, i hope you respect my request not to publish even a glimpse of it". You mentioned crisply but with impact.

Hindi na ako nakipagpilitan pa, i totally get it --  let's keep it private.

_______

Fast forward to 2024, once in a blue moon na tayo magkita. Ang "Tara Kape Tayo" ay madalang pa sa ulan tuwing tag-araw -- as if it's never going to happen. Sa iMessage nalang tayo nag-uusap, at least we get to catch up and share memes, laughing out loud with the mundane things of what's in and what's out.

Unang linggo ng March 2024, naalala ko nag-aya ka -- gusto mong pumunta tayo sa Tagaytay, magkape sa Twin Lakes o kung saan man may view ng Taal, "somewhere intimate at wala masiyado tao", ang sabi mo. However, I wasn't available - during that time, kasagsagan ng paghahanda ng BNH (a church, week-long preparation).

"It's alright, next time nalang". Eto ang mga huli mong wika.

"I hope to see you by April na". Reply ko.

To my surprise... I received your iMessage out of the blue: "Asan ka?, Tara! Kape Tayo!"

At dali ko naman na tinawagan ka, and just like that- in a quick snap of the fingers, we agreed to meet, upang pag-usapan ang mga bagay-bagay na gumugulo sa iyong isipan. "Ano kaya ang mga iyon?" tanong ko sa aking sarili, habang nag-drive papunta sa Tagaytay.

(itutuloy...)

- Othello

Monday at Tagaytay

Maging Listo at Buo ang Loob: Two Traits We Must Possess In These Last Days

April 6, 2024 Saturday | English Worship Service

As I was listening earlier in the preaching of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, two phrases emerged with emphasis, these two phrases were repeatedly mentioned, not only as a statement, but being of a declarative form and being a command in nature.

1. Maging listo at

2. Buo ang loob.

The message is to use these two traits to ensure that the devil cannot gain victory no matter how small. It is our duty to always be on guard and not let the enemy sneak upon us - - because it is always prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Researching the meaning of "listo", it's akin to "mapagmatyag", smart, always on the lookout... dahil ang ahas ay tuso; gaya ng ginawa niyang pandaraya sa sinaunang tao-- Eba at Adan. Diba't alam nila ang utos ng Diyos? -- na puede silang kumain ng alinmang bunga ng puno sa halamanan ng Eden maliban lamang sa bunga ng isang puno sa gitna niyaon. And yet, despite their knowledge of the truth and God's command, Eve was deceived by Satan, she was hoodwinked (nabola) by casting doubt and creating an imaginary pleasurable aftermath if she eats the fruit, eventually entangling Adan by giving and letting him eat as well.

This encounter is truly simple in nature, in a quick snap, the husband and wife got devoured by the temptation and trick of the devil. Hence, the command -- "maging listo", we should be smart, quick to decipher that the enemy is playing tricks already against us; and we must be able to stop it, be steadfast to stand our ground and let God's commands and counsel emerge victorious. 

We must be always sober and be alert, for in this way, we get to ensure that there's no space for the enemy to lure us, tempt us, or cast doubt in our mind.

We must remember to fight for our faith... "makilabang may pagsusumikap, ipakipaglaban ang pananampalataya ng buong tapang at buo ang loob", because this is our "passes" in reaching the Holy Land. For if we fail and get defeated, it's the same as saying "here on earth, we are already experiencing sorrows, tribulations, and pain; do we allow further to experience the same in the next life to come?"

The choice if is yours to take.

Who doesn't want to be saved? It's a rhetorical question.

___

With abundance in love, Brother Eduardo repeatedly mentioned in his preaching how much he loves us. "Mahal ko Kayo", was said twice, thrice or even on the fourth time-- highlighting the need for us to do what is expected of us, in order reach and gain the greatest reward, a reward that cannot be measured because it's far beyond compare, that is-- to live in heaven for eternity.

--billymacdeus

What Is A Top Notch Confidence Booster?

 

Hi there!, internet surfer... as you stumbled upon this page, take note that you are reading, and digesting the following thoughts from the perspective of someone who-- just like you, is also a human being -- with its own experiences, burdens and joys with this life's journey, someone who-- also, has its own share of highs and lows, its own fears, anxieties, comfort and positivity.

What matters right now, is you're being open minded to weigh-in these opinions, ready to cast your own intellectual decision making whether you'll act on these thoughts, or just leave it in your mind--which may soon be forgotten.

These are the times when most individuals are short spanned when consuming internet media. You may have observed, folks now are in to mindless scrolling through visual intake of reels, tiktok videos and the likes. Gone are the days when most people would indulge into reading articles or flexing their vocabulary muscles and reading comprehension. But, fret not! You are one of those few persons in this planet who chose to put their reading skills in action -- in fact you've come this far, and that's great! Because your attention span has not overcome you.

To answer the question in the title above -- what is a top-notch confidence booster?, it is the so-called "spritual drive". To define this phrase is best to give an example; remember a time in your life when uncertainty slowly seeping-in? Gradually, problems and trials arise, non-stop, seeming endless; but you assure yourself, no storm will last forever. And yet, the weight of enduring the tough times started to worry you, depression is kicking-in, you started losing hope, you started to doubt the solutions you're trying to implement because previous attempts kept on failing.

And yet, how come until now, you're still here? (reading and contemplating things.)

Because of your spiritual drive! You chose not to give up, because the tiniest sliver of hope is huge enough to reposition your compass, to re-boost your confidence and slowly climb out the ladder of darkness once and for all.

Your spiritual drive is your inner self comprising of your holistic experiences, compounded, molded, and tested, refined... until it became faith.

Whichever channels and historical etymology of how you nurtured your spiritual drive, congratulations to you! Each of us are unique, no perfect clone of our DNA, our footprints-- similar to thumbprints are unique as our own journey.

To cap off this write-up, don't let your spiritual drive spiral downward-- at times you'll be tested, at times you feel like giving-up again, but always call to your mind, and mostly to your heart, that the confidence is already within you, keep on taking care of it, growing it, enough to build a solid foundation--anchored with unwavering faith.

-Othello

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36 Questions To Ask Someone If You Want To Fall In Love (Or To Strengthen Your Romantic Relationship)

Hanap mo ba ay exciting na game of love ngayong February together with your partner / friend / sinisinta / nililigawan / wifey / husband / S.O. / ka-M.U. / close friend, or ano pa mang label yan which involves romantic feelings?

Eto po, ang 36 Questions To Ask Your Partner (if you want to fall in-love or strengthen your relationship) leading to a deeper understanding for both of yourselves.

(This game was lifted and popularized by The New York Times... link at the end for the magazine's write-up)

Instructions:

step 1... Get yourself and your partner in a comfortable place or location with less or no distractions.

step 2 ... Turn your gadgets into silent mode/turned-off notifications.

step 3 ... Prepare something to drink or eat because the Q&A takes around an hour.

step 4... Be patient, be a good listener, open your heart to each other and be honest.

step 5 ... Read the first question aloud, then both you and your partner will answer alternately. Listen and understand.

step 6 ...  The 2nd question will be read this time by your partner, and both of you will answer again alternately.

step 7... Do the rest of the questions similar to how you and your partner have done on steps 5 and 6.

GOOD LUCK!

Begin:

1. If you could invite anyone in the world to dinner, who would it be? Why?

2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?

3. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

4. What would constitute a "perfect day" for you?

5. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else? Describe.

6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30 year old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?

7. Do you have a secret hunch of how you will die?

8. Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common?

9. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

10. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

11. Take 4 minutes and tell your partner your life story in as much as detail as possible.

12. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

13. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future, or anything else, what would you want to know?

14. Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it?

15. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

16. What do you value most in a friendship?

17. What is your most treasured memory?

18. What is your most terrible memory?

19. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?

20. What does friendship mean to you?

21. What roles do love and affection play in your life?

22. Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items.

23. How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people's?

24. How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?

25. Make three true "we" statements each. For instance, "We are both in this room feeling...."

26. Complete this sentence: "I wish I had someone with whom i could share..."

27. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.

28. Tell your partner what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you've just met.

29. Share your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.

30. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself? Describe.

31. Tell your partner something that you like about them already.

32. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?

33. If you were to die this evening, with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven't you told them yet?

34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?

35. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?

36. Share a personal problem and ask your partner's advice on how he or she might handle it. Also ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.

Congratulations! you've answered all the questions.

Last piece of Instruction (the hard part): you have to look into your partner's eyes for four minutes.

In silence.

It's hard, and you'll squirm, but you'll learn an incredible amount.

Good Luck!

End.

--Othello

Here's the article from The New York Times - To Fall In Love With Anyone Do This

Top 5 Why Thanksgiving Is Important: INC Year-End Thanksgiving 2023

 

In every situation no matter what the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus, quoted from the book of Thessalonians from the bible.

The Top 5:

#5 - It's a basic responsibility and obligation to offer Thanksgiving.

From the perspective of human nature, It is just right to give Thanks to someone who have done something good to you, whether that's a favor asked, or it was freely given.

It just feel right, as well as it's a basic instinct to be thankful by showing care and gratitude. Imagine when someone tried to open the door for you because your hands are full -- it's automatic, you say THANKS to them.

 

While we as humans tend to say thanks to people, all the more that we should give Thanks to someone who we believe as our Creator - and that is the God Almighty.

 

 

 

#4 - It's a commandment, a will from God.

This is anchored from the book of Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 18: In every situation, be thankful and continually give Thanks to God for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

On a personal note, I do understand that each of us  has their own beliefs and faith -  some of us are Christians- some are not, some listeners may be Atheists, or Muslims, or a member of tribal faiths or denominations, we are not here to shove this teaching or create divisions, we are just merely professing   and sharing. Nevertheless, we strive to create altruistic values for the good of mankind.

 

 

 

#3 - Thanksgiving is a source of prosperity for the life ahead.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo believes that giving thanks is not merely saying the words "Thank you Dear God" or praises of thanks through prayers. It's also accompanied with Signing Hymns of praises, of thanksgiving, and most of all, giving monetary offerings.

 

Some people thought that INC requires 10 percent of member's income as a form of tithe or offerings. That is not true - In fact, we give offerings based on our heart's desire. This is anchored from the book of Corinthians: 

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

 

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

 

 

#2 - Thanksgiving is a token of gratitude to God.

When we offer thanks to Him, He is glorified. If you're familiar with the story of the nine lepers, surely we can attest that being grateful for what we have receive is indeeed satisfying from the eyes of God.

Let's not be one of the nine lepers who were unngrateful and did not return to say their gratitude. But instead, let's imitate one of the 10 lepers who came back and proclaimed, "Glory to God, I am healed"!.

 

Surely, the Bible says in the book of Psalms 

Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing

 

When we offer thanksgiving, you don’t hide what the Lord has done; tell Him what He has done for you not because He doesn’t know or He has forgotten, but to show appreciation.

 

  

#1 - Thanksgiving is a way of reminiscing the Goodness of the God Almighty

 

2023 as a wrap for each of us, to you or for your family, friends, acquaintances or loved ones is truly unique.

 

We had our own shares of victories and struggles.

Remember when we got sick, and possibly some even got hospitalized. We were at our lowest point, hopeless as it may, but we chose to hold on to the sanity of our minds, we chose hope, and we reached out deep in the corners of our heart to God. Here we are right now, still thankful and looking forward to what the future awaits.

 

However, some of us, may have been orphaned this year, some of your loved ones or close to your heart may have passed away this year. It was truly heart breaking. Hearing the news about someone passing away is one of the life changing episodes in our lives, but we chose to move forward and heal the grief, we chose to look at the brighter side and process acceptance. We are thankful no matter what.

 

Some of us may have lost their jobs or source of living, it's the stormy stage of our lives… financial burdens is quite hard to carry, putting food to the table for the sake of our families and letting them see you still, with a smile,  despite the hurt and heartaches we carry in the background. Above all these, we chose to step a little bit more, we chose to fight the battle and carry on for hope, until our prayers were heard. That is indeed, something to be thankful for.

 

Others may have experienced mental breakdown because of the outpouring trials in life. The difficulties  and stressors, the seemingly insurmountable problems we have encountered. That sometimes we were at the edge of losing it because it's already too much. We cried in the corner of our room, alone with tears flowing down our face. However, we did not give up, we recalled that life is still beautiful, that life is something we should live - not only during sunshine but as well as even on rainy days.

 

Thanksgiving is indeed a way of reminiscing and remembering how grateful we are, for we have passed through the sorrows and tribulations in our journey. We are thankful because no matter what we've been through this year 2023, we are still here. Lonesome as it may, powerful for some as it may, contented as it may, joyous because of the achievements as it may, proud and comfortable as it may, romantically happy for some as it may, financially capable as it may…..

 

The list goes on… but the bottomline is, we chose to be thankful no matter what.

 

~ O

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