Ill Conscience

Crikey! I woke up this morning thinking that I failed to turn off every electricity last night for one hour because I thought that Earth Day was yesterday. I was corrected by my sister that Earth Hour will be tonight. March 28, 2009 (8:30 - 9:30 pm). Had a great relief after that!

So anyway, I hope everybody would find this activity as interesting as it can be.

Let's enjoy Earth Hour!

God Bless! Greetings from 3739!

My Reva Experience!!! (All Electric Vehicle)

This was a blessed day despite the fact that our thesis needs a major overhaul. Argh, trying to look for something gotta do. I remembered about a certain event at SMX, knowing its really near from where I am driving. I said to myself, "I have to visit the place since they're showcasing 'eco' products there!". Prior to entering the building, I was expecting to see some Mercedes Smart on display since their banners was composed of a Smart car image but to my surprise, the G-wiz was the car I saw!!! The G-Wiz is an all electric, plug-in car sold in the UK but here in the Philippines, it is called the Reva. I also saw a lot of EV's on display, one of which is the PhUV's eJeepney and some other electric tricycles and motorcycles. The best part of the news is that they can now be registered to be used on the street legally.

Okay, so I got to the booth where the Reva was displayed. Oh gosh! I sat on it without hesitating, my heart felt like it was melting and I can't believe I am sitting on the world's best selling electric car and it's now in the Philippines! To tell you honestly, this was also one of the most emotional events I have been to'.

So I interrupted the models and asked for some questions, hehehe, sadly they asked the technical guys to answer my questions. They said that prices will start at around P500,000-P600,000, but this is still tax exclusive. Me and the company would like the government to offer electric cars with zero tax incentives mainly because they don't pollute the air. I am a proud Makati resident, thanks to our mayor who was the first one to approve the use of eJeepneys for the public. This has made a great impact to the other government offices. I am planning to write a somewhat 'thank you' letter to the mayor. He's just a few blocks away from my place by the way. Mayor, sabi nyo po, a healthy city is a walkable city! hehehe... Salamat sa eJeepney!

You see, I am a strong evangelist of electric cars, I love them more than any fuel-efficient vehicle that's available on the market today. Mainly because I became a convert after watching a documentary entitled "Who Killed the Electric Car?" by Chris Paine. Fuel cells and hybrids are nice, but the feasibility of electric cars on our city works fine for me. Plus, did you know that the money you can save from staying away from pumps can buy you a solar panel for your home after 3-5 years? I really wanted a solar-powered house built in our farm in Bukidnon sometime in the future.

Anyway, as I was waiting for the car to arrive, I felt like I have achieved one of my dreams. What the other EV drivers have been feeling all this time is now running through my veins. I am not on a state of tachycardia or hypertension. I just feel really happy feeling that this is one of God's special gifts. I give the Lord the glory for this!

So during the drive, the G-Wiz's power was just enough. The instrument panel is quite similar to those found on motorcycles; very basic but useful. Hey, I even overtook an Expedition, rude of me to thinking of opening the windows and give the Expedition driver a thumbs down! (Sorry, Pastor O) LOL! It has a range of 80 kilometers which is good for us (I don't want to compete it against the i MIEV's 160 km range or the Rav4 EVs 220 km range). This Reva is one humble little angel disguised as a hatch!

And once again thank you EVnnovations for this daring move. I will pledge to pray for the growth success of your company and the your products because you are an answered prayer!

Once again, I am reminded by...
"If I change, Everything Will Change!"

Fuego para environmental cada vez más! Greetings from 3739!

UPDATES on the Blessing-List.

Remember my blessing-list post a while ago? I've got great news for myself!!!

I will be a 4th year student in the next couple of weeks! Whohoo!!!

UPDATES on the Other Blessing-List.

1. I will be reading some farming magazines I got for free at the ECO exhibit at SMX just this day. I want to learn more stuff that my biological father likes.
   
2. The 12 is coming, by faith!
3. School supplies for student orphans... Money is secured!
4. The Lens is also coming... My decisions are torn between a 55-200mm or a 50mm lens. But a Minolta SLR Film camera will be arriving first! Yay! Thanks Tito Gil for the gift.
5. Photo Journalist Vest - hmmm, next week I suppose.
6. Mountain Bike - hmmm, already canvassed some parts needed. I will hit the trails in no time soon!
7. Backpacks - I don't think I need one just yet. My 7 year old Jansport bag is still going strong with some minor issues.

Greetings from 3739!

Order My Steps Lord! (The Life of a Firebrand) Part 1

I want to share my life half a decade back because life is just too wonderful. This was me, in which I think was my first time being able to bring back to the community. I love the feeling despite having to ride our bikes 30-45's kilometers something... (It took us around 2-3 hours to get to the place). Forgive me of the bad pictures, you have to think the technology is quite not par with today's standards, hehehe).

I am a member of KAPATID that time. We were doing a street clean-up program near a spring in Quezon, Bukidnon. It was me, Brian, Alfred and my best friend Griffith who were present that time.

I was also part of the school paper. I was the Photo Journalist that time, which I believe I am still today. I don't know for a reason why I love writing even though I don't get all my words right most of the time. Now, I work for Tsikot.com whenever they need me for an assignment. I test drive cars and make reviews of them after wards. I've been a car enthusiast ever since I was born. Sadly, this job has been frustrating me. Many motor journalist out there have far better experience than I am. I don't want to be labeled as 'wanting to fit in' so I take everything slowly. Someday, maybe the Lord will bless me my own car magazine? Time will tell, obedience is the key to opening the flood gates of heaven right? Now, I am offered a position to be a photo journalist at the CenterPost. It's not yet an official recruitment, but someone advised me to take the job. Eheheh... What are the benefits? Anyway, I also want to contribute for the future publication of ICHTHUS - a Christian organization newsletter at school. Again, I am still the photographer. :D

Some 365 days last 2004, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior (I have to dig up some photos of it to remember it well). It was the night before me and my classmates have to perform this big theatre show in an open ground where thousand of people in Valencia, Bukidnon will be watching. The show is about the effects of drugs to the youth and their families. I was happy to know that everything went successful that day. These were one of the events that inspired me to take up Theatre Arts, but the fam didn't support it. Soon after that, I never really got the hint of Christian living. I parted my ways from the Lord but my close friends at high school (mostly Pastor kids like Jethro and Daven) showed me how great it is being a Christian. Without them, I think my high school life would be considered dull and not worth remembering.

October 5, 2004 - Got baptized this day. It was my public declaration that I am officially a Christ follower. Did you know that I love singing "I have decided to follow Jesus"?

Another blessing that came upon my life is winning to computer quiz. It was me and my close friends (Jethro, Daven, Griffith, and I) who were one of the participants. Each of us won an award despite the fact that were dumb with showbiz questions instead of computer-related ones. This is one of my life's testament that the Lord really works wonders for those who love Him. We really experienced a great deal of pressure that day, we were silently praying and worshiping to calm our frustrations. It was our school's first time to join such contest.

The Lord has carried me with His grace all over and over again. I love what I am doing, I don't know why? Probably because His love shines unto me. And now, I can't believe I am nearing my reach of being a graduating student! 4th year na!

3739 Gets to Ride a Tank!

Yes, you read it right!

Another blessing in disguise happened to me last Sunday. Though it almost got late again from SOL 1, I managed to drive swiftly as possible maintaining my pledge of obeying the rules of traffic especially speed limits.

Anyway, going back to the topic, I left home at around 10:00 a.m because I am supposed to meet my thesis group mates at Burger King, SM Mall of Asia. Upon arriving the venue, I noticed big tents were dispatched inside San Miguel Bay. I saw hundreds of military troops conducting a program awareness for the public about the technology and capability of the Philippine army.

It was my first time to hold a Bazooka, machine guns, grenades, military bags, etc. But nothing can beat the idea of offering free ride of their tanks during the said event. Not interested at first, but I said to myself, "This isn't always an everyday chance to ride on a tank", so I did!

Part of my intention to visit the program was to ask their requirement as a Military Nurse. I have been thinking about this job too. They said, it will only take me 3 months of training. Hmm... No idea yet but I think it would be nice.

Here are some of the pictures of the event.

I want to donate some of my blood but I can't. Already donated less than two months ago.


They were called Team Manny Pacquiao. Don't know why.


Dogs, Guns, Grenades... They're everywhere!

And me on the Tank!

Waiting for arrival...

Inside the tank...

I thank the Lord for this gift of experience. This happened last 15/3/2009. One of most unexpected events I have enjoyed visiting to.

Greetings from 3739!

Finally! *Sigh

Today was a day of pain, but thank God I am again writing in front of my desk for my blog. These past few days, my computer seemed to crash everytime it tries to boot. I don't know what I just did but I am glad I got it working again by reformatting the hard drive.

Whew! It was tiring backing-up all the files. I think I saved 98% of them. Including my precious 17GB worth of pictures, documentary films, and music. My Mac is 85% complete but that's all for now. Tomorrow is gonna be a new day of work.

As of tonight, I am going to relax. Planning on reading another book entitled The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. I am hoping that this will be a time worth spending.

Greetings from 3739!

A Visit to MV Doulos

So me and the fam decided to visit one Sunday afternoon! Well, all I can say that it was a wrong move! I got late from School of Leaders 1 Orientation because I have to drop my mother to somewhere she could get a ticket to fly to Cagayan de Oro the next morning.

But anyway, I was really happy I got the chance to visit the ship and its volunteers that day. Despite the hot weather, cramped space, and thousands of people boarding the ship. I am happy to have bought some few items that I could read once again.

Left: It was a very long wait to board the ship. Quite hot too!

Our car was around 250m away, it took us almost 30 minutes to get to the ship. Some people were breaking the rules (e.g. counter-flowing traffic, inserting lines etc.) just to be ahead. Sigh* Talk about our nation being Christian. How can we be asked to do major things if we can't follow the basic ones?

Anyway, the fam bought some books. I bought a New Testament Bible, my first Brandon Heath CD, and one book which I forgot the title. :D

I will be coming back to Doulos before the 30th of March. Still looking for some funds.

More of my pictures can be seen here.

Greetings from 3739!

Blessing-list for 2009!

So now I got some new wishlist which I hope the fam will become a lil bit sensitive of what I want for this year.

First would be to pass 3rd Year of College. It's a need since I have been struggling with Medical-Surgical Nursing since the first day of class. My brain just keeps on sleeping!

Second would be the family. My devotions have been clear and God has captured my heart to really change things, most especially, the family. I am happy today, now that I've been straight to mom about me being choked by their problems of communication. I think now's the best time to visit Bukidnon and try to talk with dad. So long Thailand for now.

Third would be to complete my 12. I know my capacity to lead and preach cause I've already done it in the past. There is so much about preaching that makes your heart feel young. Although I am still young, there is still room for getting more younger. Moreover, I really want to raise my passionate, God and people loving, environmentally caring, pride swallowin', truth conveyin', hard prayin', faith walkin', influential 12 disciples. :D<">

Fourth would be to contribute more on orphanages. I want to bless five students this June for the starting school year and provide some 50 hygiene items (toothbrush or soaps etc.) to the children. I have set P1,500 off my allowance for this. Hope my fellow 'kapatid' sa cell would join me.

Fifth would be to lose more pounds and I have nothing more to explain about it.

As for material things...

1. Nikkor 55-200mm lens or 18-105mm lens or better yet a 18-200mm lens.
2. A light-brown Photo Journalist Vest
   
3. A New Mountain Bike with a Bell Helmet
4. A backpack (Jansport or NorthFace would be nice)
   

Hey, I am a rich kid because my God is rich!

Greetings from 3739!

Old Articles: Fort Santiago Tour and Jose Rizal

Last March 31, 2008, Me and a friend went to Fort Santiago, the place where the Filipinos' national hero was imprisoned then executed on December 30, 1896. We visited the place and toured for quite some time. Even though the park was getting older and older each year, the essence of being in a Spanish-era theme is still holding true to those who wants to experience an atmosphere of the last century.

Fort Santiago is located in Intramuros, Manila. Intramuros means 'within the walls'. It was built by Spaniards in the 16th century and it holds the record of being the first city in the Philippines. I consider it a city within the city of Manila because the place was Manila itself in the Spanish-era. I love Intramuros while not being so delirious about it because of the things I can easily see that are bad. Many establishments inside Fort Santiago is nearing to an end in its 'originality' due to the fact that it lacks maintenance and the people are not so informed or enforced to follow rules and regulations.

From the things I see in Fort Santiago, I didn't spoil the day complaining. Instead I tried my best to be eager about it and with that I am easily attracted. I remembered those days when I finished reading a book of Sonia M. Zaide about the life of Rizal, I was amazed of his life. It was spectacular and life-inspiring while on the other hand, it left me curious to think about many possibilities concerning his continued voyage if the execution didn't happen.

Fort Santiago is filled with memories, every step and every building, I feel death all over. The first time I went there... this was my second time... My knees were shaking! But now, every angle of the wall is a history, realizing that every real Filipino ruler once stood here, escaped here, and fought here. I wrote Jose Rizals' words and I was like an enraged patriot. He was sincerely evocative and I believe quite inspired while writing this;

I have always loved my poor country and I'm sure I shall love her until my last moment, should men probe unjust to me. I shall die happy, satisfied with the thought that all I have suffered, my life, my loves, my joys, my everything, I have sacrificed for the love of her.

He was a linguist with at least 10 languages while I can only speak three namely; English, Tagalog and Bisaya. Spanish language is on the process of learning. Again, quite inspiring there because He was genuinely a hard worker, a businessman, a physician, adventurer, writer, linguist, etc. His words sparks intimacy to his country, fellowmen and most especially the youth which he believes to be the future of the country. To him, I learned that life is indeed great if you have a mission to change. I am doleful to see the country being derailed and because I believe, in all humility and honesty, the country needs another Rizal and that will be sourced in the youth.

Post E Grads and Net Fest Gathering (1-3-2009)

Okay, last Sunday was a really busy day for me. I went to church with my little sister to attend the first service, after that, I drove her home and went to church again for the "Post Encounter Graduation" I lost count of the number of graduates, but I was happy to know that some of my friends are still on race. I can't believe I can now enroll for the School of Leaders! Anyway here are some of the pictures of the event.

A fellow brother sharing his life with us. What a victory!


Kuya Darwin praying for my brother Ace.

Spectators attended the informal but special event too!


12-3 pm Batch


3-4.3pm Batch


Kuya Jay with his newly grad disciple.

Then the NET FEST!!!!

So what's with net fest? Well, net stands for network. I am under Pastor Jhun's network of soon-to-be-leader but an active, passionate history maker and a MADOCSONS (The Seed of the Nation who Nurse the World!)

Well, Net Fest is like a get-together of all my brothers and cousins from different campuses. It was a nice event because I met a lot of new people who are under the same network. "I never knew some of the people I now were under the same net", I appreciated the gathering for this because I am now more specific in my prayers that we would meet 2000 cells in 2010.

Pasto Jhun shared a wonderful message for the men that day. It's about pleasing God which started by asking ourselves on how to please the Lord. The key verse was Hebrews 11:1-6. Specifically on the last verse which states,

"...And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Pastor Jhun taught us that in pleasing the Lord. One must know;

1. That God exists...

• In believing that He exists, I must know that I am no accident, I am someone capable of doing good so I am commanded to bring the best in me because I believe in Him. I must excel on my devotions because I believe He exists and I love to earnestly seek Him.

2. In believing that He exists, one must have a conviction.

• James 2:19 tells us that even Demons believe in one God and they even shudder. But we are different, though we must fear the Lord, we must also have a conviction in His path and words. This is something Demons cannot do.

3. In believing that He exists, one must refrain from his self.

• We all know that sin blurs out faith in the Lord. Sin makes us feel guilty, and little by little it consumes our faith and we gain space to doubt. We also know that being a Christian no longer lives in the old self but in the new being which is crucified in Christ. I learned a lot through this, most especially the fact that I must bear hardwork because I have faith. (Sipag dahil sa pananamanpalataya) It saddens me to say that even though the Philippines is labeled as a Christian nation, I doubt it if God will see it that way. This is one of my reasons why one Christian should bear out his faith... Many of them think they are, but their words doesn't coincide with their actions. So I encourage you my brethren, please act out as if it was your last.
  

Lemme' give you a hug!

So anyways, here are some of the pictures of the gathering.



Our beloved and cool youth pastor - Jhun Montano


Fellowship mode na


He's busy taking down notes of his new friends.


Ice is pointing out his newly met friends.


Kuya Aton is doing the same too!


Kuya Mon being introduced by Pastor Jhun


5 out of 12: The others are out to buy foods





The UE tribe





A real man prays!

A great man isn't measured by his physical capacity but in the purity and the shout of his heart. -3739

PS Here are my ten new friends.

1. Dale
2. Jon
3. Kaylord
4. Philip
5. Ojon
6. Mikko
7. Michael
8. 
   

argh!!! I can only remember seven.

Anyway...
Greetings from 3739!
Salutations de 3739!
인사말에서 3739!

*Some of the photos were taken by Rusty and Kuya Aton.