Christian Music Appreciation: Yahweh Oh

Hey everyone! Welcome back to this newest edition of my ongoing Christian Music Appreciation (CMA) series. I should state that Christian music that strongly lead people to our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus (our Lord and Savior) and the Holy Spirit is truly essential given the fact that we – His children – live in a world that is truly divided and screwed-up. No matter what happens, we must never, ever lose faith in the Lord. Always remain faithful and live up to the responsibilities and the tasks He assigned us with.

More on Christian music, some of my favorite praise-and-worship songs include You Are HolyHow I Praise, Happy Day, Because of Who You Are, I Need You More, and King of Kings. Each song is truly holy as I analyzed their respective lyrics and discovered their connections with the truth emphasized in the Holy Bible. Those songs were also written by composers who were anointed by the Lord.

Now I can say that there is another praise-and-worship song that I’ve been listening to a lot in recent times for it truly is great and really holy. That song is called Yahweh Oh, an original worship song of the mega church Church of God, World Missions Philippines. Written by Notnot Maranan, Yahweh Oh was performed by COG Worship during the September 20, 2020 Sunday worship service of the said church at their venue in Dasmariñas City, Cavite Province, here in the Philippines. COG Worship, by the way, is also responsible for Go Beyond. Also take time out to visit their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/cogworship. To see the said performance of Yahweh Oh, watch the short clip below and enjoy.

As seen in the above short clip, COG Worship’s musicians were truly anointed by the Lord as their performance of Yahweh Oh was very lively and powerful. So powerful, it can stir any Christian’s heart to pursue the Lord and have unwavering faith in Him! The performance has to be seen as a whole! I really love the song and COG Worship’s performance, both of which fulfilled what was written in Psalm 68: 4 in the Holy Bible! That being said, below are the lyrics (note: UPDATED April 21, 2021)

Yahweh oh oh oh

Yahweh oh oh oh

Yahweh oh oh oh

Whoa (Sing it!)

Yahweh oh oh oh

Yahweh oh oh oh

Yahweh oh oh oh

Whoa (Yahweh!)

Yahweh!

Yahweh!

Almighty God

We want to praise You

For all the things You’ve done

For us

You’ve shed Your blood

To take away all our sins and shame

To You be all the glory

And the praise

We raise our hands

And shout Your Name!

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord

Yahweh oh oh oh

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord

Yahweh oh oh oh

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord (Yahweh!)

Unfailing God

We want to thank You

For Your unending love

For us

Your promises

They come alive more and more

In our lives

To You be all the glory

And the praise

We raise our hands

And shout Your name!

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord

Yahweh oh oh oh

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord

Yahweh oh oh oh

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord

We will worship

‘Til tomorrow comes

Forever we’ll sing our praises to You

In Your presence

You have changed our lives

Now we’re ready to go  

Yahweh oh oh oh

Great are You Lord

Yahweh Yo Oh Oh

Great are You Lord

Whoa Whoa

Before analyzing the holiness of the lyrics, let me start with emphasizing Yahweh which is the Hebrew name of God our Heavenly Father in the Holy Bible. Yahweh is not only the most well-known name for God in the Old Testament, it also shows His covenant lordship over Israel. In Exodus 3: 14 (New King James Version), God told Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” He also told him that he shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”

Right there, God revealed His divine name and declared His character and attributes, reinforcing that the issue is not who Moses is, but rather who is with him. This name is related to the Hebrew verb meaning “to be,” and therefore, the absolute existence of the Heavenly Father is implied. As such, we the faithful Christians must always be mindful the Lord is always with us and watching us over.

God then told Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.” (Exodus 3: 15 NKJV).

For lyrics analysis, we start with: Great are You Lord. God’s greatness is undeniably true and there are many verses in the Holy Bible that confirm it. Below are a few to pay attention to. Believe in His greatness, you will.

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.

Psalm 145: 3 (NKJV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3: 16 (NKJV)

For You Lord, are good, and ready to forgive. And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Psalm 86: 5 (NKJV)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1: 5 (NKJV)

Next lyrics for analyzing are: We want to praise You, For all the things You’ve done. For us, You’ve shed Your blood, To take away all our sins and shame. As Christians, it is essential to worship our Lord who is the ultimate creator. He created us not to be lost in this divided world and certainly not to be evil. We were created to be holy, to worship Him, serve Him, and deepen our personal relationship with Him. Becoming born again (which involves deciding to submit yourself to the Lord, confessing your sins directly to Him, dedicating yourself to Him, being guided by His Word and living with His holiness) is inevitable to everyone who walks here on earth for it is written in the Holy Bible. By getting saved, we receive the Holy Spirit in our hearts and become new creations under the Lord. As Christians, we should ALWAYS  worship Him, thank Him, honor Him and follow His instructions. This is why we have Sundays that should be dedicated to the Lord. Learn from the holy scriptures below.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3: 3 (NKJV)

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and gladness are in His place. Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Give to the LORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, and the let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”

1 Chronicles 16: 23-31 (NKJV)

We lift up our hearts and hands To God in heaven.

Lamentations 3: 41 (NKJV)

Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new creation. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new.

2 Corinthians 5: 17 (TPT)

Next lines for analyzing: To You be all the glory, And the praise, We raise our hands, And shout Your name! As children of God, we have responsibilities related to faith. Faith in our Lord requires more than just dedication…it has to be very strong and maintained as such eternally. Apart from worshipping Him, we should also study His Word and do what we learned. Be doers of the Word of God, eternally! God always keeps His promises to the faithful, and He truly rewards the faithful abundantly. In return to His love, blessings and constant care for us, we give Him all the glory and our praise. We should also do our part in spreading God’s Word to others by preaching, praying and help save the lost and unsaved souls so they can return to Him (by deciding on their own to get born again). Help them truly know Lord Jesus and help them learn why He is the definitive Mediator between us and God in Heaven. Learn from the holy scriptures below.

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures all generations.

Psalm 100: 1-5 (NKJV)

For God is one, and there is one Mediator between God and the sons of men—the true man, Jesus, the Anointed One.

1 Timothy 2: 5 (TPT)

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.

Psalm 134: 2 (NKJV)

And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD: “For He is good, For His Mercy endures forever toward Israel.” Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, and because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Ezra 3: 11 (NKJV)

Let them give Yahweh the glorious praise he deserves and declare his praise in the islands!

Isaiah 42: 12 (TPT)

Now here are the last lines from the lyrics for analysis: In Your presence, You have changed our lives, Now we’re ready to go. Those lines strongly resonate with me, especially the part emphasizing the change that the Lord made. It reminds me that my getting saved (becoming born again) is undoubtedly the single greatest miracle in my entire life. To the newcomers reading this, I lived through decades of religion and about a decade of unbeliefbefore getting born again and my dearest friend in life became the Lord’s holy instrument in saving my soul. Since getting saved, several positive changes followed in my life along with the blessings and I am no longer lonely now that I am part of a spiritual family. I do confirm that change in my life under the Lord has been very tremendous and it was only a few years ago I got born again. As such, the lines In Your presence, You have changed our lives, Now we’re ready to go always connected me to the song. Truly Yahweh Oh was written by someone anointed by the Lord.

So there you have it! Yahweh Oh is indeed a great and very holy worship song. By default, it is an upbeat song meant to energize anyone who is faithful to the Lord and, in my honest opinion, it is comparable with other energetic worship songs like How I Praise and So Good (both from Planetshakers). It was written to lift up the hearts of the faithful to keep on pursuing Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God. It is also a great motivator for Christians to keep on preaching and reaching out to the billions of lost souls and unsaved souls all over the world. As for you reading this, I highly recommend listening to Yahweh Oh right now! One more holy scripture for you before closing…

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

1 Peter 2: 9-10 (NKJV)

In closing this CMA piece, posted below is (UPDATED April 21, 2021) the official music video of Yahweh Oh (produced by COG Worship) for your viewing and faith. Also included below a raw video of a rehearsal by some people of Church of God – Cabuyao with the blessed song performed by their band. As you enjoy these videos, always remember to raise your hands, shout His name and always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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.

If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

My Observations: Lola Nena’s in BF Homes, Parañaque…and their Classic Old Fashioned Donuts

Inside BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City, Aguirre Avenue is famous mainly for being the kilometers-long stretch of commercial joints, especially restaurants, cafes and bars. Some people referred to it as the Food Strip given the many places of food joints there are plus the wide variety of meals, drinks and other food items they offer collectively. More established brands like Shakey’s and Starbucks are present.

Due to the pandemic and community quarantine, a major economic downturn hit the entire Philippines which severely affected many businesses along Aguirre Avenue, reaching the point of having no choice but to shut down and layoff their employees. One of the food joints I featured before closed down sadly and left their Aguirre Avenue commercial space.

Subsequently a new food joint opened up in that very same commercial space which turned out to be the local branch of an existing business called Lola Nena’s. A few days ago, their BF Homes branch had its soft opening and quickly attracted several customers. Just yesterday, out of curiosity, I took the opportunity to visit them and take home something.

The counter at the Lola Nena’s BF Homes branch.

So what is Lola Nena’s? According to their history, they are a food joint that started in the year 2012 as a result of their founders who were inspired to recreate the famous Pichi Pichi of their family. What was a small starter on selling Pichi Pichi quickly grew in terms of popularity eventually compelling them to cook the said food in batches so that demand can be met. Today, Lola Nena’s sell Pichi Pichi by the bilao for those who want to buy a lot of it!

As the years passed by, Lola Nena’s (which heavily uses the color red) started offering more snack items and pastries. They also went on to offer pancit (noodle meals) and food products in bottles. In 2017, they launched their Classic Old Fashioned Donuts which went on to become a commercial hit. This year, they launched their Triple Cheese Donuts which caught a lot of attention on social media.

So there I was at the BF Homes Lola Nena’s branch. There was no line of customers but a few ones standing a few feet apart from each other. I noticed the place lacked indicators (marks or signs) as to where exactly should people stand to line up heading towards the counter for ordering and picking up products.

As I waited in line, I overheard some details between the customers and the Lola Nena’s personnel in front of me. Certain meals, a customer was told, will take forty-five minutes to be prepared and released due to high demand (many orders taken already) and the effort to prepare them properly. Customers were politely asked if they were willing to wait.

And then it was my turn. Out of curiosity, I decided to order one box of their Classic Old Fashioned Donuts to bring home for my family. As it turned out, there were already boxes filled with the said donuts waiting to be released. Right after I ordered, the lady at the counter pulled one box and properly prepared it for me. Then I paid for it and got the receipt I requested which was quickly done. It was a painless and quick transaction.

Once I got in the car, I decided to open the box (note: the boxes at Lola Nena’s counter were taped closed already) to see exactly what’s inside. After viewing, I deliberately avoided touching the doughnuts, closed it, and go back home.

The box from Lola Nena’s. There are some instructions written inside on preparing the doughnuts.
The eight Classic Old Fashioned Donuts I paid for. These last for up to 48 hours in room temperature. As such, you should be mindful about when to consume these at your home.

Finally, after arriving home, I shared the doughnuts to our household members. They all enjoyed it.

Each of the Classic Old Fashioned Donuts of Lola Nena’s were coated with sugar, had some sweet substance on the surface and even had small portions of cheese inside. These doughnuts, by the way, do not resemble the round doughnuts people know. Lola Nena’s doughnut are thick, were not really round and had no openings in the middle. Regardless, I personally found it to be delicious and enjoyable.

The Lola Nena’s doughnut up close.

For a box containing of eight of their Classic Old Fashioned Donuts, you do get good value and taste in return for the current price of P120. What you need to watch out for is your blood sugar level since these doughnuts were made with lots of sugar.

You will get to see a huge Lola Nena’s sign along Aguirre Avenue.

If you are planning to visit Lola Nena’s in BF Homes, head on to 287 Aguirre Avenue. In closing this, posted below is my video of the food joint.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government grants zero-interest loan to 112 “Muntipreneurs” to help them recover amid pandemic

In a bid to assist local businesses and revive the stalled local economy brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Government of Muntinlupa has provided zero-interest loan to MSMEs and micro-entrepreneurs dubbed as “Muntipreneurs.”

Specifically the City Government assisted at least 112 micro-entrepreneurs through its Tulong Negosyo Program (formerly Dagdag Puhunan) and has distributed P2,762,000 cash assistance from March to September 2020. Muntinlupa City is the first LGU to introduce the micro-financing program.

Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro finance assistance which ranges from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. The program aims to provide additional capital for business expansion for aspiring and established business owners in Muntinlupa.

On September 23, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led a turn-over ceremony of loan assistance amounting to P990,000.00 to 28 Tulong Negosyo Batch 116 beneficiaries in Muntinlupa City Hall. Among the beneficiaries, three local entrepreneurs received P100,000 each while one member received P150,000.

Fresnedi vows to continue the program and assist Muntipreneurs especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayor hopes to revive the local economy by support grassroot players through various programs.

Recently, the loan repayment period was extended by three months for clients with existing loans from March to June 2020 in a bid to help them recover from losses due to the pandemic.

Tulong Negosyo program has three categories namely: Simulang Kapital (SIKAP) Pangkabuhayan with loan application amounting to P2,000 – P5,000, Asenso Loan Program amounting to P6,000 – P75,000, and Maunlad Loan Program amounting to P75,000 – P150,000.

Further, a Savings Program has been incorporated in the loan assistance to teach clients about the importance of economizing and serve as protection to the clients and the program. Entrepreneurial education through trainings and other related interventions are also conducted.

Due to the ongoing health crisis, the Tulong Negosyo has implemented Online Application services and cashless repayment system through Smart Padala and G-Cash.

To apply, visit Joint Resources Financing Program – JRF Facebook Page or click the following links: New Applications – bit.ly/TulongNegosyoNew, and Renewal – bit.ly/TulongNegosyoRenewal. The Muntinlupa Joint Resources Financing Program is located at 2F Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion with contact numbers 8772-3457and (0921) 888 6124.

Muntinlupa City is hailed the country’s Most Business-Friendly LGU in 2017-2018 by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

+++++

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – September 25, 2020

The Las Piñas City Police Department continues to serve the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these recent media releases and pay close attention to the details written.

On September 24, 2020, PCMS Tirso B Bragais, Shift Supervisor led  the Daily Personnel Accounting Report (DPAR) under the supervision of PMAJ JERIC M TILAON, SS6 Commander and the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP Las Pinas City Police Station re: Police Information and Continuing Education (PICE) in relation to PNP MC No. 2020-0304 in Social Networking Sites, Intensified conduct of DPAR in every office (Day & Night Shift), COVID-19, Wearing of Face Mask, Vaping Ban Tamang Bihis, 15 Do’s and Dont’s, Intensified Cleanliness Policy, PNP Internal Cleansing and the Police Operational Procedure. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)
The Initial investigation disclosed that on the said DTPO, elements of Sub-Station 2 rendered police assistance at the said place when they were able to recover one (1) unit motor vehicle Nissan Sentra Sedan color white allegedly abandoned by the said suspects based  from the CCTV footage as reported by herein witness and LTO verification. Accordingly, said vehicle will be turn-over to ANCAR of this station for proper disposition by PCpl Fejay Solas. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)
On September 24, 2020, Sub-Station 4 personnel under the supervision of PMAJ LEO GLENN T CALABIO, SS4 Commander, and the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP Las Pinas City Police Station, conducted Ugnayan and Dialogue with Christian-Muslim Federation of Samata Ville, Talon Singko, Las Piñas City at SS4 office.   (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)

If you are in Las Piñas City and you need the help of the local police, call 85516401 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pcrstation4/

+++++

The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website. 

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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – September 22, 2020

The Las Piñas City Police Department continues to serve the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these recent media releases and pay close attention to the details written.

On September 21, 2020, personnel of Sub-Station 2 under the supervision of PMAJ JOEL P GOMEZ, SS-2 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted Ugnayan/Dialogue/Lecture with Hon. Romualda C Villalon, Barangay Chairwoman of Barangay Pamplona Dos re: Strict Implementation of Social Distancing and Mandatory Wearing of Face Mask and reiterated health protocols to the public. (source – Las Piñas City Police)
On September 21, 2020, elements of WSS led by PEMS Jay Joseph de Guzman together with Four (4) others under the supervision of PCOL RODEL A. PASTOR COP, Las Piñas City Police Station together with PMaj JOSE A ANAZ, ACOPO, Las Piñas City Police Station arrested a suspect (at Bagong Pag-asa Compound, Brgy. Pilar) who has a pending Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Judge Salvador V. Timbang JR. of Regional Trial Court Branch 253, Las Piñas City, Docketed under Crim. Case No. 20-0667 (source – Las Piñas City Police)
On September 21, 2020, personnel of Sub-Station 3 under the supervision of PMAJ ALBERT DT AREVALO, SS-3 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP conducted Distribution of Flyers re: Safety Precautionary Measures against Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), Health Advisory Flyers, General Community Quarantine Flyers, Anti-illegal Drugs Flyers, Anti-Rape Flyers, Wakasan ang Pang-aabuso sa Kababaihan Flyers and RA 9710 Magna Carta of Women Flyers. Likewise strict implementation of social distancing and mandatory wearing of face mask. (source – Las Piñas City Police)

If you are in Las Piñas City and you need the help of the local police, call 85516401 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pcrstation4/

+++++

The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website. 

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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – September 19, 2020

The Las Piñas City Police Department continues to serve the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these recent media releases and pay close attention to the details written.

On September 18, 2020, the Las Pinas City Police Station under the supervision of PCOL RODEL ALCANTARA PASTOR, COP, PS4 through Station Community Affairs Development Section personnel led by PLt. JAMEL RINANDANG, C, SCADS conducted Tree Planting Activity in consonance to World Bamboo Day Celebration together with Ms. Jennifer Erispe, School Head of Las Pinas Science High School, Brgy Tanod from Brgy Talon Dos LPC and Sub Station 5 personnel of this station. (contributed by Las Piñas City Police Department)
On September 18, 2020, PMAJ.ALBERT DT AREVALO SS 3 Commander and strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP of Las Pinas City Police Station conducted Ugnayan/Dialogue/Lecture with resident of Barangay CAA re: Strict Implementation of Social Distancing and Mandatory Wearing of Face Mask and reiterated health protocols to the public to include police visibility in the area. (contributed by Las Piñas City Police Department)
On September 18, 2020, elements of Sub-Station 2 under the supervision of PMAJ JOEL P GOMEZ, SS-2 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP conducted Distribution of Flyers re: Safety Precautionary Measures against Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), Health Advisory Flyers, General Community Quarantine Flyers, Anti-illegal Drugs Flyers, Anti-Rape Flyers, Wakasan ang Pang-aabuso sa Kababaihan Flyers and RA 9710 Magna Carta of Women Flyers at Vista Mall along Alabang Zapote Rd., Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City and likewise strict implementation of social distancing and mandatory wearing of face mask. (contributed by Las Piñas City Police Department)
On September 18, 2020, elements of Sub Station 6 utilizing MC 113 under the supervision of PMAJ JERIC M TILAON, Sub-Station 6 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP performed PNP Good Deeds by providing free transportation to Brgy Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in relation with the Presidential Proclamation No. 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”. (contributed by Las Piñas City Police Department)

If you are in Las Piñas City and you need the help of the local police, call 85516401 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pcrstation4/

+++++

The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website. 

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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City loans P1 million to a local cooperative

The City Government of Muntinlupa yesterday provided a P1,000,000 loan to assist local business Salon de Ayala Service and Credit Cooperative in a bid to help businesses within the city’s jurisdiction to recover from the economic disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed a memorandum of agreement with Salon de Ayala head Pam Godinez and Cooperative Salon De Ayala chairman Angeline Teodoro (3rd from left) for the loan assistance last September 18. Also present during the signing were City Cooperative Officer Cynthia Viacrusis and Coun. Eliot Martinez. The mayor assured business owners in Muntinlupa City of the City Government’s continuing concern and support during these trying times.

Muntinlupa City champions MSME development through various programs including the Tulong Negosyo program (formerly Dagdag Puhunan program) which offers zero-percent interest loan assistance from 2,000 to 150,000 pesos. As of September 17, Muntinlupa City has 3,967 confirmed cases with 3,188 recoveries, 649 active cases, 130 reported deaths, 452 suspect cases, and 581 probable cases.

+++++

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake newsNO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, no distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Muntinlupa City Hotline 137-175 for centralized quick emergency response officially launched

The City Government of Muntinlupa officially launched Emergency Hotline “137-175” on September 15, 2020. Hotline 137-175 is a centralized post for reporting of emergency cases and incidents, including quick response for emergency rescue cases which require police assistance, firefighter rescue services, traffic rescue services, and ambulance medical services. City residents are welcome to use the hotline for their emergency concerns.

Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (MCDDRM) chief Erwin Alfonso said the installation of the unified hotline aims to improve the city’s immediate response in providing rescue, medical, and police assistance.

Alfonso noted that calls received through the emergency hotline will be processed in Muntinlupa City Command Center by designated officers from MCDDRM, Muntinlupa City Rescue, Muntinlupa City Health, Muntinlupa City Traffic and Management Bureau, Muntinlupa City Police Station, and Bureau of Fire Protection – Muntinlupa for coordination to their respective units.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged the public to save the city’s hotline in their phones or in their homes to easily access the emergency service. The mayor hoped that through the centralized emergency hotline, responses of the city’s departments will be delivered in a more effective, quick and coordinated manner.

“The launching of Muntinlupa’s Emergency Hotline 137-175 is very timely especially that we are in a pandemic and enter the rainy season where cases of road accidents increase. The local government hopes to provide a quick response system that will immediately address and respond to the public’s emergency concerns,” Fresnedi said.

As of September 14, Muntinlupa City has 3,872 confirmed cases with 3,066 recoveries, 679 active cases, 127 reported deaths, 487 suspect cases, and 611 probable cases.

+++++

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake newsNO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, no distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Comic Quest announces closure!

Comic Quest, a notable retailer of comic books and geek stuff (including premium products like action figures) here in the Philippines, announced yesterday that it will be closing its 35-year-old business due to the tremendous economic difficulties related to, unsurprisingly, the ongoing pandemic and also the disrupted state of the international distribution of comic books. Before the end comes, however, a Farewell Sale at their SM Megamall branch in Mandaluyong City has launched and will last until sometime in October. The said sale will have all items discounted at least 50%.

In my experience of the past decade, as a resident of Alabang, Muntinlupa, I often bought new comic books (especially Wonder Woman) at the Festival Mall Alabang branch of Comic Quest. It was also at the same store located a short walk away from the cinemas where I also ordered and received hardback editions of EC Comics Archives. Comic Quest Alabang was a favorite weekend destination of mine for many years. Even before I became a collector of comic books (specifically superhero comics), I first heard about Comic Quest way back in 1990 in the classroom where I had a few classmates who bought comic books from them. Back in the 1990s, Comic Quest had a branch in Makati and it was there where I bought Web of Spider-Man #100 in 1993.

As time passed by, my personal interest in comic books waned and I actually stopped buying comic books (both new and old) shortly before the lockdown here in the Philippines was implemented. The pandemic and related lockdown brought entire economies down worldwide and the Philippines was not spared. It is also depressing to learn that many people lost their jobs as well as their income. No disposable income, no more demand for entertainment products like comic books, theatrical showing of movies, shows and the like. The priority now of people living during the pandemic goes to the essentials.

Yesterday, hours after Comic Quest’s closure announcement, I took the opportunity to visit and see their Festival Mall branch in Alabang. It is gone!

The commercial space in the middle used to be occupied by Comic Quest inside Festival Mall. This picture was taken hours after the closure announcement.

Comic Quest’s decision to close down is understandable and acceptable. They did the best they could to survive and prevent their employees from becoming unemployed until the pandemic-related depression overwhelmed them (as well as the many other businesses of different types and sizes).

Just a few years ago, another comic book specialty retailer had to close down their Alabang Town Center branch. It’s clear that comic books as a business continues to fail especially now that people are often online and find their kind of stuff through digital services/retailers.

In closing this, posted below for your reference is the complete closure announcement of Comic Quest. The retailer will be missed!

This is a special announcement for all our valued customers. We hope you ‘re doing well and staying safe during this difficult time.

We just want to let you know that because of the combined pressure of the pandemic, as well as the disruption of the global distribution of comic books, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to begin the process of closing down Comic Quest. It is and has been an extremely challenging time for us, and we feel that this is our best option moving forward.

It has been a long and amazing road, from our earliest days in our first branch at BF Homes in Alabang, to Greenhills to Makati to multiple branches as far away as SM Cebu. But now the time has come to say goodbye, and let all of you know how much we appreciate being given the chance to be part of the comic book industry.

We want to thank each and every one of you for being one of our valuable loyal customers and a very important member of the Comic Quest family. We wouldn’t have reached 35 wonderful years in business without loyal customers like you. Our sincerest and most heartfelt thanks for being with us through all these years.

In line with our decision, we’re holding a special FAREWELL SALE from September 16th and into October, at our SM Megamall branch. During this time we will be selling ALL items from at least 50% off and up.

Please help us spread the word and share this message with other friends and collectors whom you think might be interested.

While our time in this wonderful industry comes to an end, we’re wishing you many more years of happy collecting! And in the words of the great Stan Lee- Excelsior!

Best wishes,

Comic Quest

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Christian Music Appreciation: All Things

God truly knows the best for us and He knows when to act when we the faithful and the righteous make errors or go the wrong way. As clearly stated in Hebrews 13:5-6, Deuteronomy 31:6 and Psalm 55:22, the Lord will never abandon us, He will never forsake us because He loves us. The Lord is our redeemer, reformer, protector, provider and our Eternal Father.

Truly the Lord knows how and when to work on all things for our good…each and every one of us. This brings me to the next worship song for this latest edition of my Christian Music Appreciation (CMA) series…All Things.

All Things was done by Covenant Worship and it was part of their 2017 album Sand and Stars. The song itself is beautiful and also ideal to stir up the hearts of Christians praying to the Lord during Sunday worship service. It is also ideal for other church activities that will involve the use of music.

That being said, below are the lyrics of the worship song All Things, followed by an analysis of its relevance with the Holy Bible.

This heavy load

Was never mine to bear

So I cast my cares upon You Lord

This weary road

I’ve traveled for so long

Would You take my hand and lead me on

You are working all things for my good

You are working all things for my good

When I cannot see it

God, I still believe it

You are working all things for my good

When troubles come

And nights are filled with tears

I will fix my eyes upon the One

Whose perfect love has conquered every fear

Hold me in Your everlasting arms

I see it breaking

On the horizon

The dark of night

Giving way to the dawn

The day is coming

And hope is rising

Your joy will be my strength

Your joy will be my song

I know You’re working

I know You’re working

In all things, in all things

To begin with, the following lyrics – This heavy load, Was never mine to bear, So I cast my cares upon You Lord, This weary road, I’ve traveled for so long, Would You take my hand and lead me on – means that under the Lord, we are taken cared of and even though we each have our own challenges and responsibilities as a result of our respective circumstances, we Christians are still part of His family and kingdom. Being a child of God does not necessarily mean to have an easy life while living in the flesh. No matter what happens, we Christians must never lose faith in Him. If you are troubled, come to Lord Jesus and believe in Him always. Truly as Christians, there is no reason for us to worry or to live in pain because the Lord is our protector, provider, savior! As such, the mentioned lyrics point to the following holy scriptures for relevance.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7 (TPT)

The next lines to examine are as follows: You are working all things for my good, When I cannot see it God, I still believe it, You are working all things for my good. To begin with, we are all creations of God and before we were even created, He made plans for each and every one of us. As such, we must live with His Word (the Holy Bible) and apply His lessons into our lives no matter how complicated living in the flesh in the middle of our screwed-up world is. We must never lose faith in Him. We have to keep trusting Him, honoring Him, praising Him and thanking Him! Whatever plans God made for us – good plans and lots of hope – we must keep believing in those plans even though it has yet to manifest. Never lose patience because God keeps His promises always, and when the time comes, the manifestation of His plans will be greater than you can imagine. As such, the most fitting holy scripture for the above lyrics is presented below…

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

The next lines to examine are as follows: When troubles come, And nights are filled with tears, I will fix my eyes upon the One, Whose perfect love has conquered every fear, Hold me in Your everlasting arms. As it is clear that the Lord will NEVER abandon us nor forsake us faithful Christians, keep believing that the Lord always works to spare the faithful from trouble and danger. As seen around the world, there are mobs causing trouble, terrorists attacking people and places, criminals victimizing the innocent, people living in deep poverty and the like. Trouble, danger, wickedness, fear, hatred, destruction, evil, poverty, curses and senseless deaths around the world are all works of Satan who was granted dominion by Adam very long ago. It was Lord Jesus who redeemed the world and defeated Satan, and this is proof of God’s plan for His faithful children to be freed from the curse (of Adam’s rebellion) and live on to be faithful to Him. Do not forget that God will punish severely those who persecute His children. Truly God hates injustice and wickedness! The above lyrics can be pointed to the following holy scriptures below.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

But the LORD is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

The next lines to examine are as follows: I see it breaking, On the horizon, The dark of night, Giving way to the dawn, The day is coming, And hope is rising. Lesson? The Lord truly loves us and He will always be our provider, our protector, our Father, and lead the way for breakthroughs for as long as we are faithful to Him and live by His Word. Under the Lord, we the faithful and righteous children of His will be blessed, be defended, be guided, be prosperous and be filled with His peace. Any trouble happening in your life right now is only temporary and the darkness will be overwhelmed by His light in due time. If you are living in darkness (of religion or unbelief, idols, traditions and rituals) then it you can decide to get born again and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Refer to the following holy scriptures below…

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 (NKJV)

“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.”

Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV)

So there you have it! All Things is truly a very holy worship song, and I highly recommend it be played by your church musicians. It will help lift your church members’ on reaching up to the Lord during worship service.

In concluding this CMA article, embedded below are YouTube videos of All Things in the forms of a lyric video from Integrity Music, a live worship by David and Nicole Binion, and a short video I personally recorded during a Sunday worship service at our local church. Enjoy these videos and remember that the Lord is not only watching us all but also working and taking care of us. The Lord is truly working on all things for our good! Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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.

If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com