@ "Kotong"

Moral choices. Last Friday, as I was driving skippy (my motor) along P.Tuazon and an mmda (not so sure, basta naka yellow uniform) pulled me over for driving on the sidewalks. I honestly didn't know that it was illegal. It was traffic, I was in a hurry; and I have done it already several times anyway. The mmda was charging me for reckless driving (although I later found out after sharing this to my cop friend, that reckless driving was not the case) he took my license and told me to go get it at the city hall and pay 2,000php. I panicked because it was my first time. I called up my dad and I asked him what to do, he told me negotiate with the mmda and just pay him 200php. I knew it was wrong, my dad spoke to the mmda and somehow got him to 'help' me. The mmda told me to pay him 500 and he'll do the reporting job for me. By this moment, I began to have chills; as I took out the money he told me to lend it to him discreetly. I asked why? He said, "because people might think I'm trying to bribe you." After he said that I felt worst!!! I felt a rushing surge inside by body and it seemed that all eyes were on me. I had a choice to do the right thing or not. Shamefully, I chose to do the latter for convenience.

As I drove off to the office, I felt very guilty. I know for a fact that God was hurt. =( I know, that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, but I also realized this...yea, I was able to save 1500 and the inconvenience of having to go to the city hall; was able to save up some time and treasure for my self, but I know in my heart that I lost some of my treasure in heaven...=(

That's not cool! I realized that I'd rather lose my treasures here on earth than not adding up to my treasures in heaven!!! When a police pulls me over again; gets my licence and tells me to go to city hall and pay 2000php...I want to have the strength to suffer the inconvenience and pay the mouth-full, then walk away having the peace in my heart that God is smiling down at me and hearing Him whisper to my heart, "WELL DONE SON".

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." - 1 Timothy 6:18-19

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." - James 4:17

A Deeper Glance @ My love for the game

This coming Friday will be our 1st basketball game against the TR Toreros. This game is in line with our IBM Sportsfest celebration. We named our team, the FUN TEAM. =D

See my intimidating look below? =) In case you didn't know, I love basketball! Given another chance and choice, I would most exhaust my time and efforts in improving my self in basketball so I can play in the professional league. =)

I was struggling earlier tonight whether to go running or not. As you all should know, I'm quite...ok, very competitive when it comes to playing basketball. =) I simply want to win. I remember back in college when I was living in the dorm. My dormmates know that I'm a Christian, but when it's time to play, how ironic to hear them laugh and tease me na murag demonyo nako mudula. hehe For witness purposes, know that I always apologize if I'm not acting Christ-like.hehe So eager as I am to make sure that I'm conditioned and prepared for Friday, guess what?=) I went running 11:00pm in the night!haha

After running I was thinking about how passionate and competitive I am still for basketball. I literally battled with my self to run even when I didn't feel running at all! Just for the love of the game!=)

After running, I sat on the gutter thanking God for the time, the sweat, and discipline to complete my goal tonight. Then once again, God spoke to me. =) He was making my realize how passionate I was for the things I love to do. "Well guess what Ed!" "You love God!" Yet, so many times I was not competitive enough in my spiritual battles...=( I should be! I want to be! Because I'm crazy in love with God! =) Thank you Jesus!

O yeah! It's crunch time! Bring it on satan! =) I realized tonight, that I need to be as competitive in my spiritual walk. And the key to be ready for the game is to pray and pick your bibles and allow God's word to mold you and shape you to become the kind of "players" that He wants you to be. God bless ya'll!<><

A Deeper Glance @ The Dark Knight

Just want to share my thoughts on the movie. Awesome movie by the way. It's legendary! =)

I'm amazed by how Batman's story and character was portrayed in this movie. Funny because I think The Joker was the real star in the movie. He was the center of attention all throught out; not Batman. The worst part is, Batman was never glorified in the movie because he chose to. For that, I'm blessed to share this entry.

I felt sorry for Batman in the movie. All the good that he tried to do for Gotham city just back fired at him. All he had in mind was Gotham city's best interest. He was there to save, rescue, and protect yet the people rejected him and even blamed him for the escalation of the crimes and chaos. Also, he sacrificed a lot in the movie. He sacrificed his trust worthy associate, Morgan Freeman (forgot his name in the movie!), for the common good. He also sacrificed his best friend Rachel for the common good. On top of sacrificing himself everytime when he's fighting crime. Even with some of his negative behaviors in the movie, at the end of his struggle, he knew/realized what his purpose was and he willfully went through fire for his cause. He couldn't break the rules as Joker mocked him.

Batman kind of reminded me of Jesus. Jesus came into this world to save that which was his own but his own did not receive him. The people rejected Jesus. He had his faithful few and one betrayer. Batman had his faithful few also and a Judas (Ms. Ramirez). The good guys always asked the question, "Who can we trust?" Jesus kept dying to his flesh and glorified his father in heaven until the day he was crucified on the cross, he still glorified God. Likewise, Batman never took credit; he even gave it to Harvey Dent at the end of the movie who had been already consumed by the 2Face to become. He was not considered a hero yet he was not worried about it. All he cared for, all he ever thought of was the safety and protection of Gotham city. Batman, exemplified selflessness and letting go of pride and recognition, just like Jesus.

I'm just thankful for the movie and how it has reminded me of spiritual things. Not only did the movie satisfied me, it also satisfied my spirit. There's alot of points I can't recall from the movie! I really need to watch it again and maybe I can further give you a beautiful picture of dying to ones self so that others can have life. That's what Jesus did and the sweetest part of the movie is that Batman also made his choice of dying to him self so that the people of Gotham can be at peace.

I find this lesson of dying to ones self very true in my life almost everyday. As a Christian, I pray for a lot of people to know God and fall in love with Him; and more often that not, it comes with a lot of sacrifices; sacrifice of my time, money, pride, selfishness, and my happiness. Long long time ago, animals had to die for man's sins to be forgiven. Jesus died so that whoever believes in him might have life for eternity. It's the way of true love I guess in any kind of human interaction and relationship. If you want other people, your friends, and your loved ones to live, you have to die to your self. =)