November 1, 2011

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February 25, 2011

The SECRET and The PRAYER.



(This article was inspired from a conversation with a friend who was asking me to write about how to believe in the "Law of Attraction" but at the same time retain her faith in God.)

If you want to achieve change, the first step that you need to do is shift a frame of mindset.
People would dwell on what they cannot do and so they are restricted to what they are able to do and not what they can accomplish beyond their capabilities since you are tied to the said limitations.

Human beings are bound to certain abilities. They are not GOD. But the power of the mind is so strong that it can make you reach your goals

and dreams to come true. I once encountered
this certain philosophy on the "Law of Attraction" from the book "The Secret". This Philosophy is so empowering that it will make you think that you can really be what you want and get what you wish.

However, as a Christian, and a believer in a supreme being called "GOD", I can't accept some facts that are presented in the said theory. You are required to think that "YOU ARE GOD". I am not God. So I decided to modify some stuff in the "Law of Attraction", but still, getting the benefits of "The Secret" and enjoying a Christian life and not turning into Atheism (although actually you will not become an atheist since you still believe that there is a GOD which is yourself).

The said Philosophy would use the levels of an organism which is what I, as a Biology teacher, am teaching in the class. The human body is composed of organ systems, the organ systems made up of organs, organs came from the formations of different tissues, the tissues from cells, cell is a composition of different organic molecules (which is already from Chemistry), and molecules from atoms, and atoms , as the tiniest particle, from energy (going to Physics). In Phy
sics, we have this Theory of Conservation of Energy which states that "energy is neither created nor destroyed but it can be transformed from one form to another" therefore, ENERGY is INFINITE. This is where Humans as a God will come in. Since energy is infinity, and humans are composed of energy, humans are infinite beings therefore, equating to a human as a God. I hope I explained it well enough. BUT, I would despise this theory as a Christian, and would think that we are not God, and as the bible said, we are created from the image of God. We really were intended for perfection until the idea of EVIL came in and SIN was introduced to humans. We shall stick to the "humans made from the image of God" idea and not "humans are Gods". So as humans, we would try to be more "God-like" buy living life as taught by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Other issues to be discussed about the "Law of Attraction" is that you believe in the Universe which will give you what you wish if you continue expressing the positive emotions that emits positive energies and will be sent out to the Universe and then the universe will give you the same positive energy that you gave it, hence, granting your wish if you constantly believe in what you want, express the same positive emotion as when you already got your wish, and of course, avoiding negative emotions that will become negative energies and will be a hindrance to getting what you want. A good example would be acting as if you are driving your dream car and being happy that you already got it (even if you are still dreaming that you will get it one day). On a Christian point of view, I can say that, the UNIVERSE being described is actually GOD. The same method would be used in Prayers and having this strong faith in HIM. Then, if you continuously pray to God about a certain thing that you want, he would certainly grant what you pray to him.

The Law of Attraction also discusses that you will not get what you wish in an instant. I forgot the right term but it's something about the rule on time delay. And as a Christian, I can refer to it as "in GOD's time". He would answer your prayers not in an instant and the moment you want it, but in God's time, he will. Hope. Pray. Believe. Some prayers may not be answered, this is because, God is planning something better for you.

"The Secret" also teaches us to be gratified and enjoy all the things that you currently have. This will enable you to send out as many positive energies to the universe and you will live a better life full of happiness. In our prayers, we are taught to say the lines thanking GOD for everything that he has given us first and not BEG for what we want from the beginning of our prayers. This is a sign of gratitude for the things that he has given us. The mere fact that you can say the prayer and you are alive to pray to God, you should already be thankful, what more about the things that you are living with aside from the gift of life?

But, if you will ask me what will work better? The Law of Attraction or the Prayer? I am not to say what to believe because as individuals we have our free will. And as a Christian, God gave you that free will and you will have to use it wisely. However, as for me, prayer is very powerful. You don't have to go to church just to pray, no matter where you are, God will listen to you. You just need to show how eager you are and how faithful you are to HIM. The same principles used in "the secret", it's just that, it's an all Christian manner of faith.

After all this discussion, I would like to talk about a famous Filipino saying "Nasa Diyos ang Awa, nasa tao ang gawa". So no matter how hard you pray, or in Law of Attraction, how badly you think of all this positive emotions just to get what you want, as an individual, you have to ask yourself, what am I doing to get what I wish for? And if you will not get you want, you will turn to God and say that he doesn't exist at all? Or question his ability since he can't grant what you have been praying to him even if you walked with your knees from the entrance of the church to the altar? Or quit praying forever because your loved one died and you have been praying the rosary all day just to spare his/her life? Oh come on!

Try to reflect.

Think.

Evaluate.

Don't blame God. It is still you and you alone. God might be offering something better but you did not listen. God might be asking you to accept and be gratified with what you have but you still seek things that you don't have. God loves you so much that he gave his only begotten son for you, for your salvation, and that is THE SECRET: an eternal life for you.




November 22, 2010

2010 Pride March Philippines



The 2010 LGBT Pride March will be observed in the light of HIV AIDS World Awareness Day. The theme "One Love: Stop AIDS, Promote LGBT Human Rights, Keep the Promise" acknowledges the LGBT Community's proactive role in advocating HIV AIDS awareness.

The Manila Pride March gathers LGBT groups and individuals once a year to promote solidarity within and outside the community. It creates a safe space where LGBTs and their supporters can raise pressing issues. By tradition, Manila Pride March coincides with Human Rights week, to affirm the specific rights claims of the LGBT community.

This year’s theme, “One Love”, pushes for unity. The diversity of the LGBT community is apparent, but this diversity comes at the price of political differences as well. However, this year’s March encourages everyone to view those differences as celebratory instead of damaging; that those differences are merely proof of the community’s dynamism. “One Love” also looks at how it is still possible to see points of convergence and collaboration despite differences.

If you are interested in participating you can register in this link:http://taskforcepride.blogspot.com/2010/11/registration-forms.html


For Organizations who have registered on-line:

• Send us a rough estimate of the number of members who will join the march on or before November 27, 2010.
• Send us a digital copy of your organization’s logo (in jpeg format and in high resolution) on or before November 27, 2010.
• Let us know whether your group will have a float and also the size of your float on or before November 27, 2010. You may use cars, pick-up trucks or jeepneys. But due to parking constraints, the use of vehicles bigger than a 6-wheeler truck is not allowed.
• Send a representative of your organization to the pre-Pride March General Assembly, which will be held on November 27, 2010.
• Bring a banner to identify your organization.
• Prepare a chant to make our march fun and festive, but please remember to respect other groups' beliefs, identities and expressions.
• Prepare parade paraphernalia such as rainbow flags, pom-poms, placards and others to make our parade colourful and alive. The use of recyclable materials is highly encouraged. The use of confetti is strongly discouraged by the Quezon City Government to keep the streets clean.
• Use of firecrackers or fireworks is not allowed.
• Do not bring, use or display firearms, explosive devices and other dangerous weapons.
• If there are children below the age of 18 years old joining your group, make sure that there are adults who are available and capable to ensure their safety and security.
• Please arrive early and approach the registration booth. Assembly time is 2:00 p.m. (1400 hrs) at Tomas Morato corner Scout Lozano (near BPI and Starbucks). The stage will be located at front of Zirkoh and Alba Restaurant.


For Individuals who have registered on-line:

• Please arrive early and approach the registration booth. Assembly time is 2:00 p.m. (1400 hrs) at Tomas Morato corner Scout Lozano (near BPI and Starbucks). The stage will be located at front of Zirkoh and Alba Restaurant.
• Please attend the the pre-Pride March General Assembly, which will be held on November 27, 2010.
• Bring your fanciest costume, or a mask in case you are not yet out.
• Do not bring, use or display firearms, explosive devices and other dangerous weapons.
• You will march together with the wonderful Task Force Pride Philippines team.

Details of Pre-Pride March General Assembly:

Venue: Carlos Albert Session Hall, 3rd Floor Legislative Wing, Quezon City Hall (use the center entrance)
Time: 1:00 p.m (1300 hrs)
Attendees: QC Agencies, ASP, representatives from participating organizations, TFP










Parade Route:

1. Start Point: Scout Lozano street corner Tomas Morato Avenue (stage area)
2. Tomas Morato Avenue
3. Left at Eugenio Loped Drive
4. Right at Scout Albano street
5. Left at Panay Avenue
6. Left at Timog Avenue
7. Right at Tomas Morato Avenue
8. End Point: Scout Lozano street corner Tomas Morato Avenue (stage area)


Directions Going to the Parade and Program Venue:

The assembly area and the program will take place along Tomas Morato Avenue near corner of Scout Lozano. Those who will be using public transportation, the following are the recommended directions:

From EDSA MRT Kamuning Station – a) Take a taxi or b) Ride a tricycle with the signage Barangay South Triangle and tell the driver to drop you off at Tomas Morato corner Scout Madrinan, and walk from that point to Scout Lozano.

From EDSA MRT Quezon Avenue Station – Ride a tricycle with the signage Barangay South Triangle and tell the driver to drop you off at Tomas Morato corner Timog, i.e. near the Boy Scouts Rotunda and Imperial Palace Hotel.

From EDSA corner Kamias Road – Ride a jeepney going to Pantranco/Welcome Rotonda and alight at McDonalds near corner Roces Avenue.

From Timog Avenue corner Quezon Avenue – Ride a jeepney going to Project 2 and 3, and alight at Tomas Morato.




(click to enlarge image)







Contact Information:

If you have further queries or to send the necessary information such as list of participants, organization’s logo and information the float, feel free to contact Ryan Silverio, Co-coordinator for Membership and Participation (ryansilverio@gmail.com / taskforcepride@gmail.com / 0927-4783918) or visit http://www.taskforcepride.blogspot.com
See you at the parade!

Yours truly,
Task Force Pride Philippines

November 8, 2010

2010 Pride March






Task Force Pride 2010 presents One Love









Good day everyone, Task Force Pride will be moving the 2010 LGBT Pride March to Tomas Morato in Quezon City on December 4, 2010. The decision came after the QC Mayor's Office and Social Hygiene Clinic expressed interest to support the LGBT community's annual celebration.

The 2010 LGBT Pride March will be observed in the light of HIV AIDS World Awareness Day. The theme "One Love: Stop AIDS, Promote LGBT Human Rights, Keep the Promise" acknowledges the LGBT Community's proactive role in advocating HIV AIDS awareness.


The Manila Pride March gathers LGBT groups and individuals once a year to promote solidarity within and outside the community. It creates a safe space where LGBTs and their supporters can raise pressing issues. By tradition, Manila Pride March coincides with Human Rights week, to affirm the specific rights claims of the LGBT community.
This year’s theme, “One Love”, pushes for unity. The diversity of the LGBT community is apparent, but this diversity comes at the price of political differences as well. However, this year’s March encourages everyone to view those differences as celebratory instead of damaging; that those differences are merely proof of the community’s dynamism. “One Love” also looks at how it is still possible to see points of convergence and collaboration despite differences.


The schedule for December 4 will be as follows:
2:00 pm - registration

3:00 pm - formation

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Pride March

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - HIV AIDS awareness and Diversity Advocacy

9:00 pm onwards - Solidarity and Pride celebration


For More info, visit http://www.taskforcepride.blogspot.com

For inquiries, please email us at taskforcepride@gmail.com





-TFP

April 28, 2009

Some golden rules in life































April 20, 2009

Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act is unconstitutional!

The Constitutional Court of Korea must accommodate the military court's request for a legal judgment on the unconstitutionality of Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act!


Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act: "Those who have engaged in sodomy and/or other indecent act shall be imprisoned for 1 year or less"

In August 2008, the Normal Military Court of the 22nd Infantry Division of the Korean Army requested the Constitutional Court for a legal judgment on the unconstitutionality of Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act because it could violate equal rights, the right to sexual self-determination, and the right of privacy. Although half a year has already passed, the Constitutional Court has postponed and delayed this issue. Judging that Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act promotes homophobia and violates equal rights and the right to sexual self-determination, the Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation to the Military has initiated activities to urge the Constitutional Court for a judgment on its unconstitutionality. The anachronistic Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act can't completely resolve sexual violence in the military. Instead, it is the time to strengthen policy and education to eradicate homophobia. The Constitutional Court mustn't repeat the mistake it made in 2002 in an examination of a petition regarding the constitutionality of the same Article 92: "The said article must exist to maintain the sexual health of the military family." We strongly hope that many will take part in and support our activities to urge a judgment on the unconstitutionality of Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act.


The easiest way to take part in the campaign:
Completing a petition to the Constitutional Court


1) Download, print out, complete, and sign the petition form attached above (either of the two files above).
2) Individuals may also create their own petitions.
3) Mail or fax the completed petition to the Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation
to the Military (see address below).
4) Finally, actively encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to participate!


Why must Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act be abolished?

First, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act promotes homophobia and discrimination. Included in Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act, the Korean word for sodomy denigrates a particular sexual act by likening it to an act performed on an animal. This hateful language designates as an "indecent act" even a consensual sexual act, as if homosexuality itself were but a type of sexual violence. Indeed, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea has pointed out in "2007-2011 Recommendation Proposal on National Action Plans for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights; NAPs on Human Rights" that
the same article revealed discrimination and prejudice against homosexuality and recommended the Ministry of National Defense to reform this law. No term or name used in laws must reflect prejudice and preconception. The Korean word for sodomy in this article must be replaced by a more neutral and objective word or removed altogether.

Second, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act can violate equal rights and individual privacy.Even when the special nature of the military is taken into consideration, the criminalization and punishment even of relations based on mutual consent can't be justified constitutionally. If two male soldiers engage in sexual acts in a private space under mutual consent on their leaves, should they be punished for it? It's preposterous indeed for the parties involved to be punished because no one has been harmed, rank hasn't been used unjustly, and force hasn't been used for coercion. However, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act makes all of this possible. In fact, in 1999, a similar case was punished based on Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act. However, just as consensual sexual acts between members of different sexes aren't seen as "indecent acts," consensual sexual acts between members of the same sex mustn't be seen as "indecent acts." Everyone has a right to sexual self-determination. No one must be discriminated against just because of a different sexual orientation.

Third, the ambiguous regulation in Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act is inappropriate for determining whether an individual is innocent or guilty. It's nearly impossible to understand and accept which acts are forbidden and which aren't from the expression "sodomy and/or other indecent act." In other words, this article can be applied to diverse situations because it completely fails to provide the criteria for judgment including the agent and the other party, types of acts, location of the acts, and consent. Consequently, it becomes difficult accurately to judge the innocence or guilt of the parties involved so that it is very likely for the applier of the law to interpret this article arbitrarily at his or her discretion.


Please fax or mail the petition to:
Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation to the Military
302 Myodong Building, 183 Myodong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 110-370
Fax: 82-2-744-7916



http://chingusai.net
tel:02-745-7942
fax:02-744-7916
(Notice: This is a forwarded email to me and I feel the urge of posting it here to have the appropriate response from the readers to abolish these kinds of laws violating the human rights of individuals according to their gender identities Thank you!)

April 1, 2009

Hanggang Dito na Lamang at Maraming Salamat: Term Ender

De La Salle University’s 3rd Term for School Year 2008-2009 is not yet over but I would like to create my term ender article as early as now. I might not have the time when the finals week comes in and I have to review for two (2) comprehensive final examination in Microbiology and Cell Biology (tough ones I have for this term).

I felt so awkward when I went back to school. Siyempre I had to adjust from being an employee back to being a student again. There was even a time when I wanted to return to my previous work because I miss my colleagues so much, and, also, I am so dependent, once again, to my parents. Some people would think that I am rich because I left my job to study, which is so wrong; I am living with Php.70.00 per day and I had to sell my cellphone just to purchase my textbook in Microbio and Cellbio subjects, I don’t need it anyway. Yeah right, I had the money for my tuition fee alone, na kasya sa 4 subjects. Haha. Masarap magtrabaho kasi kumikita ka ng pera, pero kailangang magbalik sa pag-aaral para magka-diploma.

At first, I was an outcast in each subject I enrolled in because they are block sections. Pero ang lola niyo ma-PR. I made new friends, specially Trish and my former high schoolmate Abby who made my return to DLSU a nice memory to ponder. Aside from them, I became close to some, but not all, of my classmates in my subjects. Wow, siyempre bakla eh. PR dito. PR dun. Naging close ko sa lahat yung mga kapwa ko "iregular". Thank goodness, there are no homophobic people in my classes. Pero there are some topics in a certain subject that deems homosexuality as immorality, saan pa, eh di sa Religion! Nagtaka ka pa. Hehehe.

I love being a student again. I had to read. Read more. And then, I have to read over and over again. This is a habit that I had to recover since the things that I have to browse before are work related like visa application, medical certificates, and even fake credentials submitted my applicants. Now, I feel the challenge of my academic life and I still have one year to adventure with by reading my reference materials.

Microbiology & Cell Biology
These are my most serious subjects. Obvious ba? Name pa lang di ba! Dito ako nagsusunog ng kilay. Pero impressively, I thought I lost my passion for Biology, but now, my neurons are craving for more mental stimulation. Echos. I can’t comment more on these courses because I can only speak of technical terms and critical life processes taught in the class. Well, the professors often assume that the students should know the concepts on Biochemistry, Botany2, or Histology, well; I don’t have those subjects in my flowchart because my degree is not a pre-med! I am a future teacher, a high school teacher. Hahaha. So I had to adapt to this kind of teaching method, well, what do you know, I’m not just passing these two subjects, I am one of the highest scorer when it comes to quizzes and long exams. Echos ulit!

RELSFOR (Religion: Christian Social Teaching)
This subject teaches us to have an advocacy for the poor. Hmmm. Ironically, I belong to the mass and I had to debate on the issues such as the main causes of poverty. Kailangang ipagtanggol no, ang iginigiit ba eh nagcocommit ng sins ang mga mahihirap dahil nagnanakaw sila. Excuse me, nagnanakaw sila dahil naghihirap sila dahil wala silang makain due to extreme poverty caused by improper allocation of wealth by the greedy and corrupt people who are in power! However, there are three incidents that occurred in the classroom strikes me the most during my term and it is a about my gender identity. The first one was when we were discussing about sins and evils when my professor declared that having a pre-marital relationship (I think it included sex) between two men is much graver than a man and a woman couple having a relationship before being married. No offense to my prof, I still love her but not the topic. Second was when I had to erase the word homosexuality TWICE and replaced it with adultery and murder in my two of my group mate’s paper to the list of crimes that needs corporal punishment in the Old Testament. Mamamatay tao ba ang mga bakla para ihelera sa abortion?!? Lastly, when a group reporting on one of the catholic encyclicals and sited that HOMOSEXUALITY IS ONE OF THE CULTURAL SINS. My professor commented, “kawawa naman sila, bakit nailagay dyan”, then the reporter answered, “because it is written in the encyclical that it is a cultural sin”. What I did was I acted as if I heard nothing, I continued reading “KUNG PAANO KO PINATAY SI DIANA ROSS” while placing the book in front ofmy face, making the picture of a GAY impersonator visible to the reporter. Deadma. Talk to Diano Ross! Charing.

LITERA (Philippine Literature)
I thought that this would be the most boring subject that I would have but contrary to this previous belief, Philippine Literature under Mr. Genaro Gojo-Cruz is a very empowering subject for me. First of all I was the class clown in this class. I would crack some jokes when people are reporting or even when we are viewing films, siyempre tatawa sila and those simple giggles and laughter are music to my ears. Ito naman ang silbi ko sa mundo, ang magpasaya ng tao. And in this subject was my first report after three years and I had to inculcate the remaining knowledge I have in teaching which eventually lead to regaining my self confidence. There are two readings that I love the most and these are “Kung Paano ko Pinatay si Diano Ross” by Rody Vera and “Hanggang Dito na Lamang at Maraming Salamat” written by Orlando Nadres. Madaming lines na sobrang ganda sa "hanggang dito na lamang", and gustong gusto ko ang character ni Julie, ang totoong pangalan ay JULIUS CEAZAR AQUINO, biruin mo, same pa kami ng surname! Both literary works discusses homosexuality and the struggle for acceptance. BONGGA! NAKARELATE AKO. Siyempre best in recitation ang lola niyo. Napag-usapan kasi lahat gaya ng mga GAY LINGO wherein bentang benta ang word na LOTLOT AND FRIENDS.

I love my Literature class. Sobra!

Lastly, I voted for Vernon of Santugon for VP Activities in the Student Council Election. He is gay and unfortunately he lost. I love his speech that whatever he is (pertaining to his gender identity) it is the leadership he offers to his fellow students that matters. I wanted him to win, sobra. Last year a gay candidate run but eventually lost to the incoming student council president. Did they lose because of what they are? But how come Simoun Ferrer won the presidency? I wasn't there so I can't tell. I did not vote straight despite of my political affiliation. Let them condemn and hate me for my vote yet I will stand for what I think is right and to conform is something I can not do. I am now apolitical.


Three years. Yeah. That was a long time of waiting. But it paid off. Because my three years of being out from the academe brought fort a new chapter in my life and that is my enlightenment which gave me a new purpose to live for. And that is to be of help to my people. People like me who needed guidance and comfort upon venturing to the fierce world of uncertainty and unacceptance and hoping that one day, alam mo na, cliché na nga toh eh, tanggapin na ng buong mundo kung ano ako. Kung ano tayo. Yun lang. Tatlong taon akong nawala sa school, and pagbalik ko, hindi na ako ang Raffy na naglilihim kung ano ako! Ang ako na hindi nasabi kay Louis Pieraz na minsan sa buhay ko naminahal ko siya dahil wala akong lakas ng loob at pilit na isinusulat sa mga tulang kinimkim na lamang sa limot. Nakakaloka! Tanggap ko na sa sarili ko kung ano ako. Tanggapin man ako o hindi ng lipunang ginagalawan ko.


Hanggang dito na lamang at maraming salamat!

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