With the much-awaited triathlon events in the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023) happening a few days away, there is confidence on the Cebu-based members of the Philippine triathlon team to win big, according to a Cebu Daily News (CDN) sports news report. Among the Cebuanos are Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba who won big for the Philippines in the previous SEA Games (click here and here).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the CDN sports article. Some parts in boldface…
Veteran triathlon coach Roland Remolino is confident of the chances of the three Cebuano triathletes under his wing to win medals in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) next month in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Remolino, head coach of two-time SEA Games men’s triathlon silver medalist Andrew Kim Remolino as well as that of the women’s triathlon bronze medalist Raven Faith Alcoseba, told CDN Digital that they had been grinding in training since last year for the SEA Games.
“Wala mi pahuway, continuous atong training. Moslow down ra mi gamay kung naay lumba pareho atong sa Subic International Triathlon,” said Remolino, who is also the father of Andrew Kim Remolino.
(We did not rest, our training was continuous. We only slowed down a little if there are races such as the Subic International Triathlon.)
Andrew Kim Remolino finished 33rd in the Subic International (Triathlon) that was dominated by Australians in both the elite men’s and women’s division.
Meanwhile, Alcoseba who recently underwent laparoscopic appendectomy a month ago finished 24th in the elite distaff side.
“Para nako dili na hindrance. Mas modaog siya karon. Kusgan kaayo si Raven, kahibaw mi na operahan siya sa appendix, pero recovered na siya 90 percent,” said Coach Remolino.
(For me, that is not a hindrance. She can really win now. Raven is very strong, we know that she would undergo an operation for her appendix, but she has recovered 90 percent already.)
Joining them is newcomer and the Philippine team’s youngest SEA Games contender, 17-year-old Matthew Justine Hermosa.
Coach Remolino revealed that they were at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac training for the SEA Games.
“Confident ra ko mokuha mi og medals jud aning SEA Games. Dili ko makasure kung first or second, pero confident ug salig ra ko sa akong mga triathletes. Sige man jud mi ug training. Sige mi og bukbok og training, nagsige sad mi ug duwa ug mga qualifying races, wala pay labot ang local races,” Coach Remolino said.
(I am confident that they can get medals in the SEA Games. I am not sure if first or second, but I am confident and I believe in my triathletes. They have been training rigorously. We have been pushing them in training, we have also competed in qualifying races, and that does not include the local races.)
“Mas dako og advantage diri sa Tarlac mi nagtraining kay access namo tanan training facilities. Dili pareho sa Cebu nga one-hour ra mi sa oval, nagkuwang-kuwang mi og training. Mas complete diri ug mas mingaw diri, makafocus gyud mi ug maayo,” he said.
(The facility here is bigger and training facilities here in Tarlac is an advantage to us because they are accessible to all of us. And not like in Cebu where we only have one-hour in the oval, Our training was lacking. Here our training is more complete and the area has less crowds, we can really focus on our training.)
In last year’s SEA Games, coach Remolino said that they had difficulties training due to the Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the LGUs throughout Cebu. Still, Alcoseba and Andrew Kim delivered two medals for the Philippine team.
Kim Mangrobang and Fernando Caseres were the gold medalists in the Philippine-dominated sport.
For the newcomers reading this, Cebu province has long been a hot spot for triathlon events and new talents in the history of Philippine triathlon. Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba are both young, have achieved a lot for the nation and there is more to come for them. There will be challenges or even surprises at the SEA Games triathlon events in Cambodia which will commence on May 8, 2023 with the Women’s Individual Triathlon happening at 6:30 AM and the Men’s Individual Triathlon at 8:30 AM, according to the official Cambodia SEA Games website.
2021 Vietnam SEA Games bronze medalist in women’s triathlon Raven Faith Alcoseba. (photo source – Philippine Sports Commission)
2021 Vietnam SEA Games silver medalist in men’s triathlon Andrew Kim Remolino. (photo source – Philippine Sports Commission)
The Philippines will also be competing in the SEA Games duathlon and aquathlon events in Cambodia. All the multisport events will be held in Kep which has a beach. For added insight about the Philippines’ SEA Games campaign in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon, watch the videos below…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will win the gold medals in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon at the SEA Games in Cambodia a few days from now?
Now that the single-ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) has officially started this past Tuesday, San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) president Francis Zamora stated that the full implementation of the said system may start within weeks, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora said on Tuesday, May 2, the full implementation of the single-ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) may start in a couple of weeks.
“Honestly, I am looking at a couple of weeks. Hindi naman mahabang panahon po ito dahil yung integration naman po ng ibang lungsod ay ongoing na (Honestly, I am looking at a couple of weeks. This won’t take a long time because the integration of the other cities into the system is ongoing as well),” the mayor said.
The dry run of the single-ticketing system started on Tuesday, May 2, in the following pilot cities:Manila, Quezon City, Parañaque City, Muntinlupa City, Caloocan City, Valenzuela City and San Juan City.
Zamora explained that the mayors of the seven pilot cities will convene soon to discuss and assess the results of the dry-run.
The single-ticketing system aims to streamline the traffic violations and fines of the 16 cities and lone municipality comprising the National Capital Region (NCR). It also allows violators to pay their fines using e-wallets and other digital payment platforms on the spot, preventing the need for them to proceed to the city hall to pay for their violation.
Earlier, all the mayors of the 16 cities and lone municipality in the NCR signed Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which defines the 20 common traffic violations and the corresponding standardized penalties. The violations include:
– Disregarding traffic signs
– Illegal parking (attended and unattended)
– Number coding UVVRP
– Truck ban
– Light truck ban
– Reckless Driving
– Unregistered motor vehicle
– Driving without license
-Tricycle ban
– Obstruction
– Dress code for motorcycle
– Overloading
– Defective motorcycle accessories
– Unauthorized modification
– Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)
– Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones
– Illegal counterflow
– Overspeeding
The fines for these 20 violations range from P500 to P5,000.
The following special laws will also be implemented in the region:
– Seat Belts Use Act of 1999
– Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act
– Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act
– Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act
– Anti-Distracted Driving Act
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Romando Artes explained that with the new system, motorists will no longer have to surrender their licenses once they committed a traffic violation.
With the single-ticketing system, the MMDA will provide handheld devices to its traffic enforcers that can offer cashless payment options to violators. These devices will be connected to the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) of the LTO to enable real-time data sharing and verification.
Aside from the handheld gadgets, body cameras will also be issued to the enforcers that are connected to the MMDA command center in real time.
The chairman stressed that with this system, corruption and other means of under the table negotiations between the enforcer and the violator will be prevented.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any significant changes since the start of the single-ticketing system in NCR?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the City Government continued to push local tourism further by teaming up with the Department of Tourism-National Capital Region (DOT-NCR) and conducted a tourism guidebook orientation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City government and the Department of Tourism-National Capital Region (DOT-NCR) conducted on Saturday, April 29, a tourism guidebook orientation to increase awareness and showcase the rich culture and history of the city.
The orientation was held at the Excelsior Hotel in Las Piñas City, attended by DOT- NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin and Project Development Officer Bamba Ramos among others.
Las Piñas Tourism and Cultural Office (TCO) Head Paul San Miguel said the city’s TCO is a newly created division in the local government tasked with implementing programs and initiatives to promote the city’s culture and history. He said the office was formed by Mayor Imelda Aguilar who wanted to present the city’s heritage to local and foreign tourists.
The tourism officer cited the famous Bamboo Organ, which was constructed in 1816 and can be viewed in St. Joseph Parish Church in the city. The organ has been recognized in 2003 by the National Museum of the Philippines as the “only surviving and functioning 19th-century Bamboo Organ in the country.”
He noted that the organ is usually visited by students conducting study tours, along with local and foreign tourists.
San Miguel said promoting the history and rich culture of the city will also help in economic growth.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think your city will become a stronger and more competitive player when it comes to attracting local and foreign tourists? Do you think that the City Government should team up with bloggers, vloggers and social media influencers to boost the city image as a tourist-friendly place? Don’t you think Las Piñas City is ready to host special events that can attract visitors such as sports competitions, fashion shows, fitness models’ pageants, comic conventions, cosplay festivals, food showcases, film festivals and the like?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023) in Cambodia will formally open in a few days from now and those who love multisport events like triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon won’t have to wait too long as their respective medal events will take place from May 6 to 8, 2023 at the Kep Town Beach in Kep City.
According to the official 2023 SEA Games schedule of events, the aquathlon events will take place on May 6. Women’s Individual Aquathlon will start at 6:30 AM followed by Men’s Individual Aquathlon at 7:30 AM and the Mixed Aquathlon 4x Team Relay at 2PM.
On May 7, the Men’s Individual Duathlon will start at 6:30 AM while the Women’s Individual Duathlon will take place at 8:30 AM.
May 8 is the big day for those who love triathlon. The Women’s Individual Triathlon will go first at 6:30 AM followed by the Men’s Individual Triathlon at 8:30 AM.
The official medal tally for the 2023 SEA Games triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon events will eventually be published online and they can be accessed by clicking https://games.cambodia2023.com/#sportsinfo (note: Click the Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon button in order to narrow down the search).
With regards to Kep as the place of race venue, it was described by Cambodia’s Tourism as follows…
Kep was Cambodia’s top seaside destination until eclipsed in the 1960s by Sihanoukville (and, soon after, decades of civil war). The town is full of ruined shells of old villas, destroyed in the Khmer Rouge days and during the subsequent Civil War and stripped down by the leaving Vietnamese army.
Today’s Kep has recently become established as a Khmer holiday spot and is slowly being rediscovered by travelers. The once very poor Kep beach is now being filled up with snow white sand from Otres Beach and is extended to 50m, still the main beach is located at the idyllic Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island, 20min by long tail boat), just off the coast.
The charm of this coastal resort lies in its peacefulness, its National Park, and its seafood.
A single, kilometer long crescent of sand near the tip of the Kep peninsula. Dining platforms and seafood vendors line the road behind the beach. Busy on weekends but often deserted during the week.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, a group of vloggers organized a public prank in the form of a criminal act on the street only to realize that there was an actual police officer (in civilian clothes) who was armed. The police officer confronted them causing one of the vloggers to explain that what just happened was all a hoax as their group had been doing public pranks and shared videos of them online. They have since been charged for causing a disturbance in public. All of these and more were reported by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
Several vloggers are facing complaints for their April 6 prank in which they pretend to be kidnappers, causing a police officer to draw his weapon and respond to the fake crime.
According to Jun Veneracion’s “24 Oras” report on Friday, the bonnet-wearing pranksters alighted from a car along a Las Piñas City street and pretended to kidnap someone.
While panicked locals fled from the scene, Police Staff Sergeant Ronnie Conmigo of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, who lived nearby, showed up with a gun.
One of the vloggers tried to calm Conmigo down and explained it was all a prank.
“Hanggang sa nagsabi na lang na, ‘Sir prank ito! Prank ito!’ Gumaganoon sa akin. Medyo nahimasmasan ako. Sabi ko, madidisgrasya ko pa ang mga ito,” Conmigo said.
(Until he said, “Sir, it’s a prank! It’s a prank!” It calmed me down. Thankfully, I did not hurt anyone.)
Conmigo, who has been in the service for 26 years, was angry as he almost harmed the vloggers because of their prank.
“Kung iba po yun sakaling trigger happy yung pulis o may iba pang hindi pulis nabaril sila,” he said.
(If it was someone else, a trigger-happy police officer or an armed civilian, they could have been shot.)
Conmigo filed complaints against the five vloggers for alarm and scandal over their prank.
“Para hindi na po maulit yung ginagawa nila sir kasi maraming gumagaya pangit din sa mata ng bata yun tsaka napaka delikado sir,” he added.
(To prevent copycats. It sets a bad example. And it’s dangerous.)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that such pranks could lead to criminal cases.
“Binabalaan po natin yung mga vloggers at yung mga pranksters na wag po nating gawing biro ang mga vlogs and pranks about sa paggawa ng krimen sapagkat yan ay may kaukulang parusa sa revised penal code article 153, ito po ay nagkakaroon ng kulong, may kulong po ang penalty dito na anim na taon,” Police Colonel Redrico Maranan, PNP Chief PIO, said.
(We are warning vloggers and pranksters that we should not turn crimes into laughing matters because there are penalties. In the revised penal code article 153, they might end up in prison. There is a penalty of six years in prison.)
The kidnapping prank video has 990,000 views on Facebook and almost 549,597 views on YouTube.
GMA Integrated News is still seeking the side of the vloggers.
The vloggers have been uploading prank videos on their social media platforms for some time. They said the videos were only for “good vibes.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that vloggers who organize and record pranks in public for the sake of attracting viewers are causing more trouble than good? Do you consider a prank in the form of a crime a serious disturbance of the peace?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Summer is only getting hotter here in the Philippines and there have been rounds of water service interruptions that added to the inconveniences of families and businesses. In Metro Manila, the mayors will be meeting soon to discuss key proposals to temporarily halt business and activities that consume a lot of water, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The head of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) Mayor Francis Zamora, however, stated the possible regulation of water use which will involve the issuance of guidelines.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora said he will call for a meeting with other Metro Manila mayors to tackle the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System’s (MWSS) proposal for local government units (LGUs) to temporarily ban businesses and other activities with high water consumption such as car wash stations and the use of inflatable pools in a bid to conserve water in preparation for the expected “strong” El Niño phenomenon.
“Magpapatawag po tayo ng pagpupulong kasama ang mga Metro Manila mayors para pagusapan ang mga bagay at hakbang na pwede nating gawin upang siguraduhin nga po na maregulate natin ang pag-gamit ng tubig ng mga establisyimento na malakas ang konsumo bunsod na rin po ng mararamdaman nating epekto ng El Niño sa mga darating na linggo o buwan (We will call for a meeting of the Metro Manila mayors to discuss the steps that we will take to ensure a regulated water use of establishments that have high water consumption amid the expected strong El Niño in the coming weeks or months),” Zamora said in a radio interview.
“Aaralin natin yung mga posibilidad. Yung mga nabanggit, these are (some of the) many possibilities that we can do. It is more of regulating the use kasi yung total ban naman, eh hindi naman natin agad agad masasabi ngayon na “o itigil nyo ito, i-ban yung ganito. We can regulate the use. Regulate means talagang magbibigay tayo ng mga panuntunan or guidelines sa kung ano ba ang pwedeng gawin (We will look at the possibilities. Those that we have mentioned, these are just some of the possibilities that we can do. It is more of regulating the use because it is impossible for us to immediately declare that these activities should be banned and must be stopped. We can regulate the use. Regulate means we really are going to issue guidelines),” he added.
The mayor stressed that despite the urgency of the matter, the MMC and all concerned agencies of the government must think about the livelihood of those who will be affected by the said proposal.
“We have to identify ano ba yung mga establisyimento na we consider talaga na malakas ang konsumo ng tubig. Necessary ba yung mga yan? Kailangan ba magbawas? Ito yung bagay na dapat upuan (We have to identify what establishments are considered to have high water consumption. Are those necessary? Should it be regulated? These are the things that need to be discussed),” Zamora noted.
“Merong effect sa both ends yan. Sa ating mga mamamayan at siyempre sa mga establisimyento na maaapektuhan. Gusto natin balansehin and to listen of course sa mga issues and concerns nila pati mga sentimiyento nila bago tayo gumawa ng isang hakbang para dito (These have effects on both ends. To us ordinary citizens, and of course, the establishments that will be affected. We want to find the perfect balance and to listen, of course, to their issues and concerns as well as their sentiments before we make a move on this),” the local chief executive explained.
On Wednesday, April 26, MWSS Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Technical Operations Group Jose Dorado Jr. identified car washes and the use of inflatable pools as high water consuming activities and said that the regulation of such activities and businesses should only be done by the local government units (LGUs) when the water level in dams becomes critical.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Metro Manila Council (MMC) will go ahead with a temporary ban on activities and businesses that continue to consume a high amount of water during this hot season? If you own a business that consumes a lot of water, are you worried about a potential ban or stoppage of your operations?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Welcome back my readers, fellow people of faith and those who love entertainment. Today, I want to emphasize something within the 1983 sci-fi epic TV miniseries V: The Original Miniseries.
Before I proceed, I want to address the newcomers reading this. V: The Original Miniseries was about alien humanoids from space who arrived on Earth “in peace” but gradually took control of the world and its people through varied means. Told through the viewpoints of affected Americans in California, V: The Original Miniseries was a cerebral and reflective form of science fiction entertainment that strongly parallels Nazi German’s occupation and takeover of countries in Europe in relation to World War II. As expected, a group of resisting people forms led by a reluctant young woman.
I personally love V: The Original Miniseries as well as its 1984 sequel V: The Final Battle. I own Blu-ray discs of the two mini-series (click here and here) and I encourage you to check out my retro reviews (click here and here). To this day, both mini-series remain solid to watch and are worth replaying all over again in my experience.
Going back to the subject matter of this post, the one significant scene of V: The Original Miniseries I want to emphasize is the prayer scene in the 2nd episode. The prayer scene took place just before the human resistance (led by Julie Parrish played by Faye Grant supported by Mike Donovan played by Marc Singer, Caleb Taylor played by Jason Bernard and others) execute their desperate moves to free their people from the Visitors (the aliens). Watch below the video clip I recorded off-screen while replaying V: The Original Miniseries on Blu-ray disc…
The prayer scene of V: The Original Miniseries.
As you can see in the above clip, the affected people were about to pull off a major push back against the Visitors from outer space. They no longer had the local police (who are already working with the aliens) nor the National Guard, nor the State Government of California nor any American authority to help them. Caleb, who lost a son, reminded Julie of having a prayer as he knew that without the Lord, everything they will do will fail. Caleb knew that as a rebelling force, they could not succeed against the Visitors by focusing on themselves, their resources and their abilities. Caleb knew they had to look up to God even though he does not know the state of each group member’s personal connection with Him. It was also symbolic to see Julie Parrish declare amen before finally giving the go-signal for their next operation which eventually served as the series of spectacle (action scenes) and suspense serving as the big pay-off for viewers.
Within the context of the what happened in the 2nd episode of the mini-series, Julie and her crew moved to secure essential equipment and military hardware at a local facility guarded by the Visitors which results in acts of violence as both sides fire at each other. These scenes happened after the prayer scene.
That being said, I want to make clear that I am not emphasizing the concept of praying to God to be able to win against the oppositionby means of violence. Violence and using the very methods of wicked people as a means of getting back at them are clearly not the ways under the watch of the Lord. God has a plan for each and every one of us and we have Lord Jesus to follow to save the lost and unsaved souls. The Lord has His ways of defeating Satan and his pawns, and we only need to follow the Lord instead of taking matters on our own hands.
If you are oppressed and you truly need the Lord’s help for favor and breakthroughs, let the Holy Spirit guide you instead of giving in to your fleshly desire of using force on those who attacked you. Do not even think about using the ways the evil ones used against you. Trust in Him, not the worldly and certainly not your flesh. Always remember that vengeance is the Lord’s. Read the bible verses below…
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:19-21 (NKJV)
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.
But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.
Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
Romans 12:19-21 (AMPC)
Vengeance is Mine, and recompense, in the time when their foot shall slide; for the day of their disaster is at hand and their doom comes speedily.
Deuteronomy 32:35 (AMPC)
But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
Romans 1:18 (NLT)
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
Isaiah 41:13 (NKJV)
As seen among the bible scriptures above, Romans 12:19-21 should remind you all that vengeance is the Lord’s and we only need to follow Him because He knows best and has the means to help us overcome the forces of evil. In relation to that, this should remind you all that V: The Original Miniseries is not a faith-based story. Rather, it is a science fiction tale designed to entertain viewers while emphasizing the concept of what the world would be like if people welcomed foreign entities to come in peace pretentiously and take over societies by means of force, violence and fascism. Take note that the mini-series was released at a time when science fiction movies and TV shows were in high demand arguably due to George Lucas’ Star Wars.
The prayer sceneshould serve as a reminder that we the faithful in real life should keep trusting in the Lord and we need to support each other and strengthen our faith in Him no matter how twisted the world is around us. That is what makes it significant as part of the mini-series. Learn from the scriptures below…
For wherever two or three come together in honor of my name, I am right there with them!
Matthew 18:20 (TPT)
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6 (NKJV)
In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).
Ephesians 3:12 (AMPC)
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)
Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ’s appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life.
Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (AMPC)
Finally, while focusing on being with other people of faith and praying to the Lord together as a united body of His, learn from the scriptures below pertaining to Lord Jesus’ ascension to Heaven and His faithful followers (the early Christians) who stayed united together at the Upper Room in Jerusalem and prayed together knowing they are living on with His victory. May this encourage you to be with your fellow spiritual family (God’s family) members and pray to Him together.
Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Acts 1:9-14 (NKJV)
Now watch this video I recorded during my first-ever visit to the Upper Room in Jerusalem which was part of the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church.
This was from my 2nd visit to the Upper Room in Jerusalem. I went to Israel on a pilgrimage tour with my local church because I desired to seek God’s kingdom there (read Matthew 6:33).
From this point on, I would like to reach out to all the lost and the unsaved people reading this. Did a religious and idolatrous extremist ruin your life? Have you been living in bondage for too long? Did the atheists, the humanists and the secularists fool you and abused you? Were you involved in the terrorist activities of Iran or the Palestinians? Have you been living as a homosexual or as a transgendered person? Are you still addicted to sex, drugs and other inappropriate elements? Did you spend an entire life worshiping statues, statuettes, images, people and relics? Are you a toxic person or one of those modern-day Leftist activists (Black Lives Matter, Democratic Socialists of America, Antifa, the abortionists and others) who got fed up fighting for worthless causes? Did you kill someone and have been living so long with the guilt?
All of the darkness related to what was mentioned above can finally end and you can decide to do it! How? You can save yourselves by submitting yourselves to the Lord Jesus willingly and realize He is the Light! There is no force and no coercion here. You have time and freedom to decide to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. For those who have decided to get born again now and gain salvation, please read the instructions and follow the prayer that I learned from a pastor.
Are you ready? Firstly, open your heart to the Lord and pray this simple prayer in sincerity from your heart:
Father God,
I thank You. I believe Jesus is Your Son. I believe that He died for me and redeemed me from all of my sins. He took my sins and, Father, thank You for loving me and You demonstrated Your love for me through Your Son Jesus Christ. Forgive me for all of my sins. Jesus, I open my heart to You. I welcome You to enter into my heart. I confess today that You are now my Lord and Savior. Thank You for forgiveness. I receive forgiveness. Thank You for Your blood that cleansed me from all of my sins. I will follow You, Jesus. Thank You for Your plan. I receive the Holy Spirit. And Holy Spirit, help me to follow the will of God in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Congratulations! You are now a child of God! You have received Holy Spirit in your heart! This is easily your greatest decision ever made and also the greatest miracle of your life. Always praise, thank and honor the Lord. No more darkness in your life caused by politics, radicalism, toxicity, rebellion, religion, unbelief, evil, idolatry, traditions and rituals! Leave behind the darkness of your life and don’t look back to it. Remember that idolatry is evil, Purgatory is a lie, penance is a deception and Satan always used religion and unbelief to prevent people from being saved by the Lord. Also, do not ever hail Mary (the mother of Lord Jesus) because all the praise and honor belong to God, Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit only.
With Lord Jesus, you are already moving forward and the best is yet to come! You also have a personal relationship with God, a relationship that is strictly off-limits to others (even to your household members or biological family members).
The Holy Bible is the ultimate authority and nothing else comes close to it for it is the Word of God. Remember always that Lord Jesus did not die on the cross to start religion. He died to redeem us all and showed that we must be led by faith in Him, faith in the Holy Spirit and faith in God the Heavenly Father. He rose from the dead and made His earthly presence felt once more to those who believed in Him. Lord Jesus ascended to Heaven and He promised to return in the future. His return is what we must always remember and keep living with holiness under the watch of God. We can do our part in building up God’s kingdom here on Earth by preaching His Word, blessing the Jewish people and saving the countless lost and unsaved souls around us by leading them to Lord Jesus. Living as a Christian is always about the personal relationship with the Lord, and it is certainly not about religion. Never let the idolaters, the idol makers, the ritual practitioners and other sinister forces fool you into becoming unholy.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. Sharing this Christian piece means spreading the good news of the Lord to others. It can help you save the unsaved and the lost souls out there.
Last September, the legal battle between the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association, Inc. (BFRVHAI) and the side of Senator Cynthia Villar over a certain bridge and accessibility within BF Resort Village in Las Piñas City saw the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (Las Piñas RTC) issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) for the latter.
This time around, the conflict may go into another round in relation to the homeowners association’s (HOA) construction of a certain gate and other issues, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The fight between Senator Cynthia A. Villar and the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association in Las Pinas City may go into its second round.
Villar said she would talk with her lawyer on filing a suit over several issues such as the construction by BFRV of a gate barring entry into her composting plant and removal of signages in the subdivision.
Villar’s complaints against the subdivision came to a boil after her “fight” with a BFRV security guard last April 17 went viral.
“Wala namang outburst (there was no outburst). It’s for public use it is not for me. Composting program has been there for 20 years. It was even given an international award,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate agriculture and food committee, told Senate reporters in a press briefing.
“Eh ang laki-laki nya, alangan naman saktan ko sya (He is big, it is illogical for me to hurt him). There is something with It, he is a security guard he has a gun, Masasaktan ko ba yan, ang tapang ko naman, ang liit liit ko (Could I hurt him? Am I that brave? I am small,” she said.
“I could not go into details because there is a pending case. What we got is TRO (temporary restraining order),” she said.
She said she does not want people to remember her as a senator who just keep quiet.
“I fight for what is right and what is good for the people,” she added.
“I have this to say. I filed a case before the RTC (Regional Trial Court) Las Pinas because of the prohibition of BFRV to accept our friendship sticker…it is against local legislation. I filed a case, we were given a TRO (temporary restraining order) so the BF Resort Village can’t stop the people…dun sila nagalit sa akin (that’s why BFRV is mad at me). They are charging P2,500 per sticker, friendship sticker is free,” she explained.
“I have encountered problems. Removing the signages that BF should honor the friendship sticker based on local legislation passed in 1995. Replaced the announcement in all five entrances four times already. Last time nakita na sila ang nagre-remove (The last time, they were the ones removing the announcement),” she added.
“I was building an impounding facility for stray dog and cat they didn’t allow me,” she added,
“They blocked the composting facility. When I removed the ISF (informal settler families)…they are fencing it. They don’t want me to build sidewalk in front of the composting facility. They park their truck in my sidewalks,” she stressed.
Villar said BFRV also prohibited her from planting trees in that composting facility.
Asked if there is a malicious intent, Villar replied: “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it because we are going to court.”
“I was talking to them to remove the gate because the composting facility is for the public, they have plenty of security guards,’’ she stressed.
“Before ayaw nya papasukin ang aming truck may dalang ready mix para sa sidewalk tinawag ko chief of police (Before, they barred the entry of my truck with ready mixed cement for the sidewalk So I called the chief of police who allowed its entry into the subdivision),” she added.
Asked if she has plans of leaving BFRV, Villar said “no,” adding that she has been a BFRV resident for the past 45 years.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Do you happen to know a lot of residents of BF Resort Village who might have been affected by the conflict between the Senator and the BFRVHAI? What can you say about the many quotes of Senator Villar in the Manila Bulletin’s news report?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Welcome back my readers and fellow people of faith! By now, you should be aware of my love for Israel and the Jewish people. I was there in Israel this past February because I seek God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33) in the Holy Land, and I blogged many times about it (to read my Israel 2023 articles, click here, here, here, here, here and here) and I’ll be posting more about the pilgrimage tour I joined. Check out the video clips of my time in Israel below…
For this post, I want to highlight the 75th year of independence of Israel. Seventy-five years ago, the State of Israel was established which marked the fulfilment of God’s promise to the Jewish people (Abraham’s descendants through his son Isaac and grandson Jacob).
For behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘that I will bring back from captivity My people Israel and Judah,’ says the Lord. ‘And I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.’
Jeremiah 30:3 (NKJV)
The land of Israel was designated by God for the Jewish people and no other (read Genesis 35:10-12 in the Holy Bible). The Lord Himself declared that He bless those who bless His people, and He will curse those who curse His people (read Genesis 12:1-3). God protected Israel and the Jewish people when the Arab nations attacked them shortly after the 1948 establishment of the State of Israel, during the Six Day war in 1967 and the war in 1973.
Israel survived and their people are growing and thriving no matter what attacks the terrorists and Leftists do against them. Let it be clear that evil forces of the world such as Iran, the Palestinian terrorists, Black Lives Matter, Antifa, socialists, Communists, Marxists, liberals, the demonic Democrats of America and all the other terrorists and anti-Semitic forces have no stake in Israel and its future while the eternal God is watching! Israel and the Jewish people are here to stay and they still have time to come to Lord Jesus willingly! I encourage you to stand united with Israel as part of your Christian living. When you think about your faith in Lord Jesus, be mindful of the time He spent in Israel and the impact of His holiness on the people.
Seventy-five years ago, a declaration signed in a Tel Aviv art gallery changed the world forever.
Against overwhelming odds, the fledgling State of Israel not only survived, but has grown beyond expectation, launching it for the next three quarters of a century on the path to becoming a world power.
David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s leading founder and first prime minister, declared the birth of modern Israel in Tel Aviv’s Independence Hall on May 14, 1948, and for the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Jewish people had a nation.
“Ben-Gurion chose the words, ‘we hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel to be known as the State of Israel,’” Independence Hall tour guide Isaac Dror recalled. “This was the birth of a Jewish state as for all Jews. Ben Gurion was standing here as the voice of 11 million Jews around the world who had no voice, who had no address and nowhere to go to.”
Dror leads the education effort at the site. “This was promised to us by God,” he explained. “We are the only people in the history of the world that live on the same land, speak in the same language and believe in the same God more than 3,000 years.”
From a Biblical perspective, many see Israel fulfilling the prophecy in the book of Ezekiel, where the “dry bones” of the Jewish people come to life after two thousand years of exile.
Organizations such as the Jewish Agency helped lay the groundwork for the two thousand years in the making of the Jewish state.
Danielle Mor of the Jewish Agency told CBN News, “The Jewish Agency was the lead organization in establishing and giving birth to the modern state of Israel. The whole purpose of establishing the Jewish Agency was, on the one hand, unite the global Jewish people, and to bring the global Jewish people in front of the British mandate to be the organization that would lead and establish a national home for the Jewish people in the land of Israel.”
Dani Dayan, Chairman of Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, recounted the genocide that preceded Israel’s independence. “To fully comprehend the miracle of the country’s birth,” he said,” consider that it happened in the shadow of the Holocaust – or “Shoah” in Hebrew – when the world learned how Nazi Germany murdered six million Jews.”
He continued, “When you understand that only three years after the end of the Shoah, the lowest point the Jewish people reached in its exile, we started our redemption process and we … regained our independence after 2000 years of terrible events. Well, if that’s not a miracle, I don’t know what a miracle is,” he said.
Even so, Dayan dispels one myth about the connection between Israel’s beginning and the Holocaust.
“Israel was not established because of the Holocaust. Israel was established in spite of the Holocaust,” he insisted. “Israel would have been a much (more) robust, greater, secure, successful country if there were additional 6 million Jews and their descendants in the world. But Israel is the guarantee that they will be no more – no other Shoah for the Jewish people.”
Now, after 75 years, Israel maintains its safety and security with one of the most powerful militaries in the world.
Former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Jonathan Conricus described how the military was transformed.
“Then, it was small units of very (patriotic) people, some of them Holocaust survivors, who just came off the boat from Europe and put on IDF uniforms and joined battle and defended Israel in 1948 against six Arab armies. Today, we are a highly organized, developed, and well-funded military, perhaps the strongest in the region, that enjoys a significant technological advantage over all of our enemies.”
Israel is also an economic miracle. This tiny country of less than 10 million people has the highest concentration of new businesses per capita in the world, earning it the nickname of “Startup Nation.”
Jon Medved, founder of Our Crowd, a venture capital investment company, showcases these accomplishments in his annual investor summit.
“This is what Israel is supposed to be doing,” he explained. “If Israel wasn’t the startup nation, what are we going to be? Okay, I’m sorry, this is our destiny. Our destiny is to create. Our destiny is to you know, fix the world.”
Medved added, “And we’re just a little people. We make a lot of noise, but I think most Israelis – if they wear a yarmulke or they don’t wear a yarmulke – view this as a spiritual undertaking, that we are doing this not just to make money, but to do good.”
Yet throughout its history, Israel has faced nearly insurmountable odds. Just hours after Ben-Gurion declared the state, 6 Arab nations drive to drive it into the sea.
While it survived, Israel would be challenged again in the 1967 Six-Day War the 1973 Yom Kippur war. After thousands of years in exile and 75 years as a country, Israel stands, despite enemies within, along each border, and beyond.
For Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., the phenomenon has one explanation. “It’s a modern miracle, the rebirth of the Jewish state against all odds,” he told CBN News.
Be thankful to God that the State of Israel continues to thrive no matter what their internal problems and external challenges are. Be thankful to Him as many millions of people around the world who believe and follow Lord Jesus now have more opportunities to visit the Holy Land to deepen their faith in Him even more.
Before proceeding to Cambodia for the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023), members of the Philippine Team as well as top sports officials met with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. believes that sports is too valuable of a support to the society that it must be kept that way.
Speaking to the athletes who will compete in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) during the formal send-off ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay on Monday, Marcos said even their wins alone give the Filipinos joy already.
“That is why it has to be kept as a very, very important part of our support to our society. And beyond that, ang ating mga champion, ang ating mga nag-uuwi ng medalya at saka tropeo ay talaga namang nagdadala ng kasiyahan at naipagmamalaki ng buong madla na kami ay Pilipino. ‘Yang mga ‘yan Pilipino ‘yan, mga champion namin ‘yan at ‘yan ang siguro ang pinakamahalaga na dinadala — nagdadala kayo ng dangal sa Pilipinas (our champions, those who bring home medals and trophies really bring joy and become pride of the Filipinos. Those Filipinos, those are our champions and that’s perhaps the most important thing – you bring honor to the Philippines),” Marcos said.
He added, “It’s good for your discipline. It’s good for your health. It’s good for your camaraderie. It’s good to mature young people.”
This is the first time that Marcos attended an athletes’ send-off event since his overwhelming victory in the May 2022 presidential elections.
“It is my great, great pleasure to be able to be with you just very quickly. Pinilit kong makapunta rito dahil gusto kong makilala ‘yung mga champion (I made sure to come here because I want to meet our champions),” he said.
He expressed willingness to help the athletes and sports officials by any means possible.
“If there is anything more that this government can do, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, you please make sure you will tell me because we are all rooting for you,” Marcos said.
He wished the Cambodia SEAG-bound athletes and officials “good luck”.
“At huwag niyong kakalimutan kapag talagang napagod na, nahirapan na, na-injure na nang kaunti, pakinggan niyo ulit ‘yung sigaw, maririnig niyo kami ‘yun, ‘yung mga kapwa niyo Pinoy, sinisigaw (Don’t forget when you’re tired, you’re having hard time, you’ve been injured, listen to those rooting for you, you’ll hear us your fellow Filipinos shouting): Go! Go! Go! Go!,” he said.
The above article ended stating that over 800 Philippine Team athletes will compete in over 600 events covering 38 sports in the SEA Games this year. The games in Cambodia will run from May 5 to 17, 2023.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to win enough gold medals to finish in the Top 3 of the SEA Games in Cambodia?
Author Carlo Carrasco 