I am Amielittle

Working to lose

2011-01-29T14:44:00.001+07:00

I have been working out to lose weight since December last year. And I'm telling you, I've been pleased about the result. To date I have lost at least 3 kilos. I'm 68.3 kg from 71.5 kg. Well I became serious about it just early this month when I weighed myself and found that I'd lost about 1 kg. I am so happy about this change and decided to work more for my health.

I was 22 when I left the Philippines to work overseas. I weighed 54kg and was very thin. You might not be able to recognize me when you see the old photos of mine. Vietnam made me big. The food there was simply irresistible. I started to gain some weight. Little by little...more and more - until I become like this. When my father was diagnosed to have diabetes, I was very alarmed and scared knowing that some of my relatives died of heart complications. It runs in the family.

When I was transferred to Singapore, I became bigger. It was just hard to discipline myself when there was plenty of food to eat. I enrolled to a gym but still wasn't able to curb some weight.

When I moved here in Jakarta in December, I told myself 'this is the moment'.

Me at an aerobics class in Jakarta.

I want to share you my dear readers (as if there is someone reading my boring blog) my secret of losing weight and my journey to a healthy lifestyle.

thoughts

2010-12-04T17:32:00.001+07:00

sometimes stories do not go and end the way we want them.

For the love of ice cream

2010-11-08T19:48:00.000+07:00

I’m not really a fan of ice cream, but when I crave, I devour.

Pag-asa

2010-09-30T10:34:00.000+07:00

May ilang kakatwang bagay ang sumalubong sa aking pagbangon;

Ang bahaghari ay may isa lamang kulay

Madilim, hindi ko maaninag

Ang masayahing langit ay humahagulgol

Aking naririnig ang kanyang pag-iyak

Umaagos ang kanyang luha hanggang sa tuntungan ng kanyang mga paa,

Bigyan mo ng kulay ang bahaghari

Tahan na langit, ibig kong masilayan ang iyong mga ngiti

Sa pagdating ng araw, mapapawi iyong dalamhati.

Stronger Than

2010-09-29T13:29:00.001+07:00

Stronger Than

is it my fault i can't speak

or that my body becomes weak

or that i can hardly move

at the very thought of you

nothing ever really got to me

i could always turn the other cheek

could it be those days are gone

could've sworn that i was strong

at least stronger than these emotions

that are taking over me

i swear i'm stronger than these emotions

but they're taking over me

no no no no this can't be it

the less you are the less she is

no no no no 'cause i can usually handle this

its just i wasn't ready for these

i wasn't ready for these emotions

that are taking over me

i swear i'm stronger than these emotions

but they're taking over me

you're the silence in a roaring crowd

you're the equivalent of a fluffy cloud

a genie in a bottle

make a wish to wish the wishes will never end

you're the platinum in my treasure chest

you're the answer that i never woulda guessed

i'm a love life test

and i don't mind at all

i don't mind at all

i swear i'm stronger than these emotions

but they're taking over me

i swear i'm stronger than these emotions

but they're taking over me

lyrics from the song 'Stronger Than' by Gabe Bondoc

pakiramdam

2010-09-27T20:24:00.002+07:00

pumipintig

kinikilig

namamayat

nilalagnat

iniisip

sumisiksik

hubog mo'y di ko maaninag

pinipilit iguhit

subalit di malirip

sandaling ako'y mapikit

iyong dinadalaw aking panaginip

maaari bang ikaw ay lumapit

HINDI, mailap ang tadhana

ngiti mo na lamang

ang aking bubulayin

sa malamig na gabi

larawan mo ang kapiling

pakiusap

huwag ka ng lumapit

damdaming ito

bukas ay mapaparam din

Yo

2010-09-26T13:59:00.001+07:00

I think of you

the world stops.

I see you

the I can't move.

I hold you

then you're gone.

I wake up.

It was just a dream.

When will you ever vanish.

You presence is weakening me.

Though you're only an imagination

You're image is vivid and clear.

Wake me up before September ends

2010-09-16T16:56:00.001+07:00

I have this strange feeling of sadness.
It's hard to explain because even I myself can't understand what's going on.
I have this consistent desire to learn something because as I have observed, my brain is deteriorating fast.
If I don't use it, I will end up like a sleepy-head monster.
I'm bored, tired and sleepy...

Please wake me up before September ends.

My journey

2010-08-27T17:15:00.001+07:00

I always get excited every time I travel. The things that I see, the places I visit and the lessons are the most overwhelming parts of my journey. When I was in the Philippines, I didn't think that all these things would ever happen to me. I was just a boy who dreamed of discovering the world and appreciate the wonders of creation. In few weeks time I will be going to one of the countries I want to explore. I had given a chance to spend a two-month long holiday but still waiting for the final outcome. I remember that I blogged about traveling there way back 2006. After years of living abroad, I want to look back of the journeys I made.

Vietnam

Singapore

Malaysia


Indonesia

Thailand

Hong Kong

Macau

Is there still war in Vietnam?

2010-08-13T20:38:00.001+07:00

I often get this question from people who are not-so-updated about the current happenings in the world today. I do not blame them. It's just annoying sometimes especially if they know that you've been living there for years. A friend of mine had the idea of making a short documentary about the present Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The video is not out yet but I made a teaser. Hope you like it.

beautiful sunday

2010-08-09T19:17:00.002+07:00

the beautiful

☀ The Blood Donation Drive initiated by MCGI Singapore in cooperation with Singapore Red Cross was a success.
☀ 89 out of more than 100+ were successful donors

the ugly

☂ I was rejected donor because the nurse couldn't find a large vein.
☂ I found out that I was overweight and had high blood pressure. This worries me a lot because heart attack and diabetes runs in my family.

the beautiful (again)
☀ I'm working out. Yes, I have just enrolled to a nice gym here in SG. It so happened that there was a promotion this month and another good deal. a Filipino staff gave discount!

All I have to do now is set my goals and watch my diet. Discipline is the key!

DIET + EXERCISE + FAITH = HEALTH

Wish me luck people!

A new beginning...

2010-08-06T20:38:00.002+07:00

After more than five years in the world of blogging, I realized it's time to make a difference. The world is constantly changing and if you don't keep up you'll be left out. I have this adrenalin rush to do something inspiring, something that can motivate others. I don't know exactly what I have in mind but one thing is for sure, I am here to stay and do what I enjoy doing.

I have a new blog title as you notice. It carries a line that says 'it's a small world after all' (do you remember the song?) In this new blog, you'll be able to see, read and hear my thoughts, my journey and my life, how it feels to be a stranger in another land. I'll try to update this as much as I can.

Enjoy reading!

Working mode

Survey: Philippine politics

2010-01-17T13:47:00.005+07:00

Who is your favorite president among the three?

a. Erap

b. Ramos

c. GMA

Feels like going home...

2010-01-16T14:22:00.007+07:00

I can smell another award

2010-01-09T10:18:00.002+07:00

Let us again support/vote @BroEliSoriano with your Twitter accounts for Shorty Awards (Education category).

But first, read how the voting works. http://shortyawards.com/rules

When you're ready to vote, sign in to your Twitter account and tweet your votes through this link http://shortyawards.com/broelisoriano

Example Tweet Vote: "I nominate @BroEliSoriano for a Shorty Award in #education because he's Open Web Awards' Most Educational to Follow"

What are you waiting for. Don't be left out. Follow http://twitter.com/BroEliSoriano

The TRUTHCASTER

2010-01-05T09:42:00.001+07:00

Watch live video from Bro. Eli Soriano: The Truthcaster on Justin.tv

Your vote counts!

2009-12-05T14:28:00.003+07:00

Dear Friends,

Vote daily for Bro. Eli Soriano's blog on Mashable's 2009 Open Web Awards using your Facebook & Twitter accounts. Voting ends on December 13th. Let the voice of the only sensible preacher of our times be heard around the globe! Please follow the link below.

Good News to All OFWs!

2009-11-29T10:15:00.003+07:00

Free Transport from NAIA - Ninoy Aquino International Airport

To my fellow Filipinos,

Good news from GMA. Starting January of 2010, Filipinos from all around the world will surely benefit from this one-of-a-kind service from the newly passed law by the government of the Philippines .

The service is entitled Hatid Kabayan. Any Filipino who has lived in any part of the globe for more than six months is said to be entitled and will benefit from this service. As soon as he lands at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, go to a special booth that has been set up for this purpose and fill up some forms, and all he has to do is show his passpot to confirm his status abroad and everything is all set. This also applies to all immigrants and non-immigrants.

Hatid Kabayan is a service where the Philippine Government has arranged a special ride for Filipinos from NAIA to any point in the Philippines or to any province. It will surely be a very memorable ride.

Hats off to GMA and the Philippine Government that inspite of this ongoing economic crisis, high fuel cost, perceived corruption, among others, they have managed to pay the returning Filipinos at least a respectable amount of gratitude and tribute for all their hard work abroad.

Specially-trained GMA employees will accommodate them and guarantee that they know every single route all across the Nation. So sit back and relax and let us be proud of what our Government can offer. Below is the Hatid Kabayan on its Test Run. Mabuhay ang Plipinas!

Mabuhay si GMA!!!

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................

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YES, Oh YES! Im going to Malaysia!

2009-10-31T15:43:00.004+07:00

I just got a confirmation that I was one of the lucky winners of YES (Youth Engagement Summit) SEAChange (SouthEast Asian Youth for Change) in Kuala Lumpur on November 16-17, 2009.

SEACHANGE is an ongoing movement connecting Southeast Asian Youths to projects, organizations, businesses, and leaders who can help them with the change they want to see!

The result?

A connected ecosystem for change involving 1 Million youths and the campaigns and organizations which matter.

If you wanna come with me, you still have time! http://youthsays.com/seachange

YouthSays, Vietnam's Youth Opinion Community

2009-10-25T16:23:00.001+07:00

YouthSays | YouthSays, Vietnam's Youth Opinion Community

Yes! I joined this site.

: http://youthsays.com/seachange
Mission:: SEACHANGE is an ongoing movement connecting projects, orgnizations, buisnesses, and leaders to 1 million youths across Southeast Asia who want to see change in their lives!
Products:: Our first programme --- 1 million youths will fill up a survey to produce a Youth Report for them..

This report will be public, released to the world - AND be presented at the Youth Engagement Summit 2009, where regional leaders and global change icons will have it to kickstart the change process!

Who will be there?
* Biz Stone, cofounder of Twitter
* Randi Zuckerburg, Marketing Director of Facebook
* Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood icon,
* Garry Kasparov, World Chess Legend
and more!

See http://yes2009.asia

Youths who do the survey to generate the report also have a chance to win free trips to the summit! Do the survey here

http://youthsays.com/seachange

After the report is published, we have ongoing programmes are designed by the organizations which partner with the youths of SEACHANGE... more to come!

Back to work

2009-08-29T08:51:00.002+07:00

It was quite a long and boring summer break. I'm not sure if I am ready to go back to work.

Restarting...

2009-05-17T15:33:00.002+07:00

After months of hibernation, here I am again. Without anybody reading my posts, I am determined to continue what I have started.

i need light

2008-12-13T22:07:00.008+07:00

I don't know where to start this post. I have written a couple of introductions but they weren't cool enough to be used. Writing requires motivation. I always think that I need to be inspired that I may be able to write again. I have been bothered by so many things around me. Struggling and almost drowning. But life has to go on. There is hope. I realized that life is full of strange occurrences we're unable to grasp easily. We are often puzzled by these things. Even within us, there is a huge battle. It's bloody. We need to be decisive. If not wisely, we'll get trapped. As the sun rises, some of these mysteries disappear. The stranger is starting to write again...

Animal Encounter

2008-12-13T15:18:00.003+07:00

A few weeks ago, I and my friends went to the Saigon Zoo to visit some of our friends. There I met more new friends.

Vietnam: In My Eyes

2008-12-08T13:38:00.007+07:00

What a year!

2008-12-04T10:55:00.005+07:00

Less than a month to go and we are saying goodbye to 2008. It's been a year full of hard work and laziness, joy and tears, trials and reward but most of all, I learned a lot this year. I also met a lot of people from different parts of the globe. I want to tell you guys more but I'm preparing for my final reports. I read an article from a blog of a friend's friend and I decided to post it here. It's very interesting and I absolutely agree about it.

Vietnam Oh my Vietnam!

2008-11-25T19:48:00.007+07:00

Things to see and experience in Vietnam (according to my friend, Lisa).

conical wearing hat ladies
public nose picking
flying cockroaches
daily thundershowers that usually started right when we were about to leave the house
durian and avocado smoothies
horribly springy beds
salons and massage parlor
motorbikes (millions)
babies on bikes
teenage drivers, riding three or four to a bike, without helmets, weaving wildly through traffic
karaoke lounges
excellent international cuisine
smog
tiny ants
tiny clothes
tiny people
maddening traffic
parents and their children who they allow to run wild, screaming in all manner of public places
public urination
pho (Vietnamese noodles)
poorly made products
street side coconut selling lady
Vietnamese bureaucratic hoops that make me want to pull my hair out
vibrant neighborhoods, all so full of community, character, and life
pig ear, hoof, snout, intestine, stomach and all other unidentified parts sandwich lady
rats
bun thit nuong (cold noodle salad)
pushy xe om (motorcycle taxi) drivers
tropical fevers that leave you sweating at 103.5 and don’t go away for a week
massive trash pile on the sidewalk by our apartment massive trash pile on the sidewalk by our apartment.
stinky, grey water canals
copious numbers of sidewalk fruit stands and vendors.
delicious, plentiful, always fresh fruit.
street food vendors and all your delectable, ridiculously cheap wares.
cyclos and good luck to the drivers.
ou dai (traditional Vietnamese dress).
mystery meats.
fresh baguettes
bargaining at the markets (or almost anywhere else).
sappy Vietnamese teen pop.
babies, babies, babies.
pregnant women (half the city is pregnant).
hilarious choreographed song and dance performances on TV and at every big event.
hot, sticky weather.
ugly clothes – you know who you are Rhinestone Bedazzled Jeans and half see through women’s shirts.
ladies at the market who laugh at me (in a good hearted way) when I try to speak Vietnamese.
incredibly difficult language that we utterly failed to learn
to the flailing ladies in the park (strange Vietnamese aerobics classes)
Vietnamese gyms, with your hula hoops, stretching sticks, and very comfortable lounges.
sweetened condensed milk.
Vietnamese coffee – the strongest coffee in the world.
sugar, the Vietnamese use you far too often and in quantities no teeth should be subjected to.
to feeling like a freakishly tall giant.
small children crossing or riding bicycles on busy streets by themselves.
seafood hotpots.
district-wide, day long electricity blackouts.
paydays where you get an envelope filled with a thick wad of cash.
kids slowly riding several bikes abreast too involved in your conversations to notice that you are blocking all traffic.
getting candy for change from the grocery store – who wants a 200 Dong coin anyways?
inquisitive stares from children and old people alike
friends from all over the world

What do you think?

Danger: A Monster Teacher

2007-10-18T20:51:00.002+07:00

Well here am I again, I have been so busy working at Korean School. Can you believe I'd just lost 2 kilograms in 2 months! I just can't keep myself silent when I saw the news at CNN and heard rumors at my school. It's about the Canadian pedophile Christopher Neil who happened to work at our school in 2005. I didn't see him in person but this issue shocked the English teaching not only here in Vietnam but also in Southeast Asia and South Korea. The Korean consulate in Ho Chi Minh City required all the teachers here at Korean school to have police clearance. I believe that this issue will make the ELT community more strict. This is not a simple case, we never know who these people are. They might be our neighbor or colleagues. They look gentle but behind them is roaring monster hungry for evil.

-------------------------------------------------------

Suspected pedophile was 'creative, dynamic'

'The kids loved him for his work,' colleague says of Canadian teacher targeted by manhunt
Oct 18, 2007 04:30 AM Bill Schiller Asia Bureau

BEIJING–Canadian teacher and accused pedophile Christopher Neil had a passion for drama and a flair for acting, his former colleagues say.
"He said he enjoyed being on stage," former teaching colleague Kia Pearson recalls.

Today Neil finds himself as the lead character in an international manhunt that has captured the world's attention.
Acting skills might also have helped him lead a dangerous double life, until he slipped away from South Korea last week and disappeared into Southeast Asia.

Fellow Canadian teacher Ray Fowler said Neil appeared utterly calm right up until the day he disappeared.
Fowler, like others on the staff, was shocked to learn of the charges against Neil, he said.

Staff learned of the allegations only last Friday when four members of Interpol's Korean contingent showed up to question them.
Fowler lived directly across the hall from Neil, in an apartment building in the town of Gwangju where the two taught together, a four-hour drive south of Seoul.

Fowler last saw him eight days ago – the day before Neil boarded a plane for Bangkok, Thailand.
The two walked home from Gwangju Foreign School at the end of a day of classes.

Neil gave no hint that flight was imminent.
"We chit-chatted along the way. I couldn't even tell you what we talked about," says Fowler. "But we came to our building and went into our respective apartments and closed the doors."
The next day Neil was gone.

"I've thought a lot about it," the Newfoundland native says in a telephone interview. "This man was right here in my apartment on several occasions and I never picked up a clue."
Fowler had taught at the school for five years, and his apartment acted as a kind of social centre for teachers, where they could let their hair down on Friday and Saturday nights.
"We'd have a few beers and listen to music and talk – but no shop talk," he said.

With a student population of 120 and a staff of just 18, the teachers tend to be a tightly knit bunch.

"We're a small group in a strange country and we work together, live together and socialize together," he says.

Fowler admired Neil's talents as a teacher of English Language Arts for grades 7 and 8.

"I can tell you that Chris Neil was a very good teacher," he says. "He was dynamic. He was creative. And the kids loved him for his work."
Fowler described him as a "positive person" who would leave his apartment every morning at 7:20 dressed professionally in a shirt and tie keen to get to school early.

When police showed up Friday after classes, he said, "everyone was surprised; everyone was shocked."

Fowler remembered Neil saying at a staff meeting in mid-August that he had previously taught in Vietnam and Thailand.

Yesterday, those claims were borne out when the Korean news agency reported the Vietnamese school at which Neil taught was Ho Chi Minh Korean School, District 7, and reports from Thailand said government officials confirmed Neil had worked at an international school there.
Both Fowler and Pearson said that Neil – a one-time Catholic seminarian – made no secret of his skepticism of organized religion.

"Conversation seemed to gravitate towards religion a lot," said Pearson. "He was dissatisfied with organized religion and how organized religion had lost God.

"He was disillusioned with religion in general."
Meanwhile, many Web surfers discovered Chris Neil's MySpace Web page yesterday, before it was removed.

The site, which Neil posted Aug. 15, 2005, begins with the sentence, "Been kicking around Asia for the past five years, teaching, and finding other forms of mischief."

A poem by Neil posted on the site begins: "I've got to get out of myself/ Free this slave, endure this trial no more/ I'm running as fast as I can."

http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/268126

I'm going home...

2007-08-01T01:04:00.002+07:00

Whenever I hear the song "I'm going home" popularized by one of the American Idol finalists, I feel the same way. After 2 years and 7 months living outside my native land, finally the time has come to set my feet back home. Although it's only an 8-day vacation, it'll be meaningful enough for me to enjoy every single moment with my family. When I left the country, the dollar-peso rate was P56 to $1. Now it's P45. I don't have that much money to buy souveneirs for my family and the other reason was my mom and brother have just visited me. Philippines I'm coming... 12 more days to go...

Well, here are some places that I'm going to miss for 8 days... he he he...

Papa said no Limbo

2007-07-15T09:57:00.000+07:00

When I was younger, I learned two religions because
my father was a Protestant and my mother was a Catholic. I was baptized in the Catholic church because my mom's faith was more dominant that my dad's. When I got older, I attended my both parents' churches and learned both doctrine. The teaching about Limbo or Purgatory was one of the things I doubted in the Catholic church. It is not written in the Bible and even most of their doctrine. According to the priest, it is a place where unbaptized deceased children and Christians who commit light sins are purified.

When I was in high school, I decided to commit my self in the Protestant church and then move to different born-again movements. I was really lucky to be a part of the only true church in out times, The Church of God. February 09, 2001, I became a member of this church, the only church that teaches the divine and pure word of God.

Recently, I read a news from the internet about the Pope's declaration that Limbo was never existed. Well, what do we expect? After collecting lots of money from the family of the dead person who committed the venial sin and expecting that their deceased family would be lifted to heaven, I was just wondering if they would refund them. (ha ha ha)

I posted this news from Reuters and see it for yourself. The unexpected proclamation of Pope Benedict.

Catholic Church buries limbo after centuries
Fri Apr 20, 2007 2:21PM EDT

By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Roman Catholic Church has effectively buried the concept of limbo, the place where centuries of tradition and teaching held that babies who die without baptism went.

In a long-awaited document, the Church's International Theological Commission said limbo reflected an "unduly restrictive view of salvation".

The 41-page document was published on Friday by Origins, the documentary service of the U.S.-based Catholic News Service, which is part of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Pope Benedict, himself a top theologian who before his election in 2005 expressed doubts about limbo, authorized the publication of the document, called "The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptised".

The verdict that limbo could now rest in peace had been expected for years. The document was seen as most likely the final word since limbo was never part of Church doctrine, even though it was taught to Catholics well into the 20th century.

"The conclusion of this study is that there are theological and liturgical reasons to hope that infants who die without baptism may be saved and brought into eternal happiness even if there is not an explicit teaching on this question found in revelation," it said.
"There are reasons to hope that God will save these infants precisely because it was not possible (to baptize them)."

The Church teaches that baptism removes original sin which stains all souls since the fall from grace in the Garden of Eden.

The document stressed that its conclusions should not be interpreted as questioning original sin or "used to negate the necessity of baptism or delay the conferral of the sacrament".
Limbo, which comes from the Latin word meaning "border" or "edge", was considered by medieval theologians to be a state or place reserved for the unbaptized dead, including good people who lived before the coming of Christ.

"People find it increasingly difficult to accept that God is just and merciful if he excludes infants, who have no personal sins, from eternal happiness, whether they are Christian or non-Christian," the document said.

It said the study was made all the more pressing because "the number of nonbaptised infants has grown considerably, and therefore the reflection on the possibility of salvation for these infants has become urgent".

The commission's conclusions had been widely expected.

In writings before his election as Pope in 2005, the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger made it clear he believed the concept of limbo should be abandoned because it was "only a theological hypothesis" and "never a defined truth of faith".

In the Divine Comedy, Dante placed virtuous pagans and great classical philosophers, including Plato and Socrates, in limbo. The Catholic Church's official catechism, issued in 1992 after decades of work, dropped the mention of limbo.

Bye bye Pluto, Sorry I didn't know...

2007-07-01T11:49:00.000+07:00

I was surprised when I read article from my students book stating that 'Pluto was a part of the Solar System'. I had learned that Pluto was a part our Solar System since I was a child. I don't know why I got this information so late. I guess I was just so busy last year. I think not, I even asked some of my friends and they didn't also know about this info. Well, for the benefit of my dear readers, I copied this article from the net and posted here. Farewell to Pluto...

Pluto Is Demoted to ‘Dwarf Planet’
(The New York Times)
By DENNIS OVERBYE
Published: August 24, 2006

Pluto got its walking papers today.

Throw away the placemats. Grab a magic marker for the classroom charts. Take a pair of scissors to the solar system mobile.

After years of wrangling and a week of bitter debate, astronomers voted on a sweeping reclassification of the solar system. In what many of them described as a triumph of science over sentiment, Pluto was demoted to the status of a “dwarf planet.”
In the new solar system, there are eight planets, at least three dwarf planets and tens of thousands of so-called “smaller solar system bodies,” like comets and asteroids.
For now, the dwarf planets include, besides Pluto, Ceres, the largest asteroid, and an object known as UB 313, nicknamed Xena, that is larger than Pluto and, like it, orbits out beyond Neptune in a zone of icy debris known as the Kuiper Belt. But there are dozens more potential dwarf-planets known in that zone, planetary scientists say, and the number in that category could quickly swell.

In a nod to Pluto’s fans, the astronomers declared that Pluto to be the prototype for a new category of such “trans-Neptunian” objects but failed in a close vote to approve the name Plutonians for them.

“The new definition makes perfect sense in terms of the science we know,” said Alan Boss, a planetary theorist at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, adding that it doesn’t go too far in cultural terms. “We have a duty to satisfy the whole world.”

The vote completed a stunning turnaround from only a week ago when the assembled astronomers had been presented with a proposal that would included 12 planets, including Pluto, Ceres, Xena and even Pluto’s moon Charon. Dr. Boss said today’s decision spoke to the integrity of the planet-defining process. “The officers were willing to change their resolution and find something that would stand up under the highest scientific scrutiny and be approved,” he said.

Jay Pasachoff, a Williams College astronomer who favored somehow keeping Pluto a planet, said, “The spirit of the meeting was of future discovery and activity in science rather than any respect for the past.”

Mike Brown of the California Institute of Technology, who as the discoverer of Xena, had the most to lose personally from Pluto’s and Xena’s downgrading, said he was relieved. “Through this whole crazy circus-like procedure, somehow the right answer was stumbled on,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming. Science is self-correcting eventually, even when strong emotions are involved.”

It has long been clear that Pluto, discovered in 1930, stood apart from the previously discovered planets. Not only was it much smaller than them, only about 1,600 miles in diameter, smaller than the Moon, but its elongated orbit is tilted with respect to the other planets and it goes inside the orbit of Neptune part of its 248-year journey around the Sun.
Pluto makes a better match with the other ice balls that have since been discovered in the dark realms beyond Neptune, they have argued. In 2000, when the new Rose Center for Earth and Space opened at the American Museum of Natural History, Pluto was denoted in a display as a Kuiper Belt Object and not a planet.

Two years ago, the International Astronomical Union appointed a working group of astronomers to come up with a definition that would resolve this tension. The group, led by Iwan Williams of Queen Mary University in London, deadlocked. This year a new group with broader roots, led by Owen Gingerich of Harvard, took up the problem.
According to the new rules a planet meet three criteria: it must orbit the Sun, it must be big enough for gravity to squash it into a round ball, and it must have cleared other things out of the way in its orbital neighborhood. The latter measure knocks out Pluto and Xena, which orbit among the icy wrecks of the Kuiper Belt, and Ceres, which is in the asteroid belt.
Dwarf planets only have to be round.

“I think this is something we can all get used to as we find more Pluto-like objects in outer solar system,” Dr. Pasachoff said.

The final voting came from about 400 to 500 of the 2,400 astronomers who were registered at the meeting of the International Astronomical in Prague. Many of the astronomers, Dr. Pasachoff explained, had already left, thinking there would be nothing but dry resolutions to decide in the union’s final assembly.

It was hardly the first time that astronomers have rethought a planet. The asteroid Ceres was hailed as the eight planet when it was first discovered in 1801 by Giovanni Piazzi floating in the space between Mars and Jupiter. It remained a “planet” for about half a century until the discovery of more and more things like it in the same part of space led astronomers to dub them asteroids.

In the aftermath, some astronomers pointed out that the new definition only applies to our own solar system and that there was so far no such thing as an extra-solar planet.
The decision was bound to have both a cultural and economic impact on the industry of astronomical artifacts and toys, publishing and education. The World Book Encyclopedia, for example, had been holding the presses for its new 2007 edition until Pluto’s status could be clarified.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, said children are flexible, when asked about the cultural impact of today’s redefinition. He said that he had not bothered to watch the International Astronomical Union’s vote in the Internet, as many astronomers did. “Counting planets is not an interesting exercise to me,” he said. “I’m happy however they choose to define it. It doesn’t really make any difference to me.”
Dr. Tyson said the continuing preoccupation with what the public and schoolchildren would think about this was a concern and a troubling precedent. “I don’t know any other science that says about its frontier, ‘I wonder what the public thinks,’ ” he said. “The frontier should move in whatever way it needs to move.”

reading mode

2007-06-15T18:44:00.000+07:00

I haven't finished reading the inspirational book of Sen. Hilary Clinton. I recommend you to read that book because it shows how a leader is born. I should say that Mrs. Clinton is born-politician who will bring changes to America. It is where she shared her thoughts from her childhood. She's a trully dedicated politician. The title of the book is The Living History, and I was lucky enough that the father of my student lent me that book for quite a long time.

Another book that I am reading is about the Vietnam History. I have a student who is studying the history of Vietnam. I'm really interested in history and I do believe that it will be our instrument to be a better citizen in the future. The book's title is Leaving Vietnam. It was written by Nguyen Minh Than, who experience the birth of American-Vietnamese war. In the first chapters of the book, he narrated his life as a child under the war environment. I was deeply sorry for the victims of war. I have been to Vietnam's war museum many times and everytime I go there I feel the same way. The hatred to war which brings chaos and death to many people especially women and children. In my next posting I will try to upload the pictures of the victims of war.

drawing personality test

2007-06-11T11:51:00.001+07:00

This morning while I was reading some blogs that captivated my interest, I was inspired. I am a desperate writer trying to excel in this career. Well, I have to take the advice of my wizard writer friends. I don't know but I can't even create a continuous paragraph with a more mature writing style. Obviously, I can write but I'm not as good as my friends. I don't even appreciate my own writings.
Forget about it.

Here is the personality test I took based on my drawing. I'm not an artist so please do understand. I think the result is somehow correct:).

The results of your analysis say:

Your friends and associates should generally find you a dependable and trustworthy person.You are a thoughtful and cautious person. You like to think about your method, seeking to pursue your goal in the most effective way.You like following the rules and being objective. You are precise and meticulous, and like to evaluate decisions before making them.You have a sunny, cheerful disposition.

my thoughts

2007-05-31T21:57:00.000+07:00

It's the last day of the May and there were many things happened.

Philippine election
the good
I think the Filipinos are getting wiser. The canvassing of votes is not yet finished but the top twelve senators as I may say are qualified for the position. Unlike before, celebrities usually won but now, Cesar Montano and Richard Gomez who are known actors didn't even enter the top 15. The qualifications are very important for the people who formulate laws in a country, not only popularity. It's a good news!

the bad
Vote counting is not yet done and cheating is very obvios. When will the election system in our country improve? I read a news about 4 teachers in Mindanao who can prove the poll cheating in their area. But they are afraid to speak in public because of the death threats. They are teachers who counted and watched our vote. Noble teachers who are working despite of low income just to help educating our future leaders. But here they are now, worried about their families their securities.

Welcome Bro. Eli to the world of blogging!

2007-05-14T22:51:00.000+07:00

Last Sunday, Bro. Eli officially announced his blogsite. It is where he answers and discusses the latest issue around the world. Thanks God for having Bro. Eli on our side. In just a few weeks, he was nominated as the most popular religious blog. Let's vote for his site!

This is a sample article from Bro. Eli's blog:

Is there Another Earth?

All my life I have been interested in Science. Fate has it, I believe, that this interest led me to the study of the Holy Scriptures. The Bible even enhanced my interest in everything scientific. The first time I heard Johnny Mathis singing “Fly Me to the Moon,” the lyrics and the melody were already printed in my mind. Do you want me to prove this? Pardon my voice, but I can sing it with gusto!
I am interested about everything around me. I observe keenly how ants move, how birds fly, and how people live their lives. In my elementary grades, when I first heard the Darwinian Theory on evolution, the first doubt that came into my mind was that, if humans came from apes, why are there people with faces that look like horses and dogs?

I am not a scientist and have never finished any degree in any branch of Science, but.... continue reading from his site www.esoriano.wordpress.com

A new job!

2007-05-04T23:40:00.002+07:00

Thanks be to God for a new job that He gave me. I was accepted as an English teacher on Korean School here in Ho Chi Minh City. I'm the first Filipino teacher who was given the chance to teach here. To God be the Glory!

Monalisa's Smile

2007-04-26T13:49:00.001+07:00

Smile

In physiology, a smile is a facial expression formed by flexing muscles most notably near both ends of the mouth, but also around the eyes. Among humans, it is customarily an expression of pleasure or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety. There is much evidence that smiling is a normal reaction to certain stimuli and occurs regardless of culture. Many studies indicate that smiling is an innate reaction, as children blind from birth smile; however feral children generally do not smile, perhaps lending evidence to the contrary. Among animals, the exposure of teeth, which may bear a resemblance to a smile, are often used as a threat - known as a snarl - or a sign of submission.
Smiling not only changes a facial expression, but can also make the brain produce endorphins which reduces physical and emotional pain, and give a greater sense of well-being.

Types of Smile

Researchers have identified a number of different types of smiles.

The "Duchenne smile", after the researcher Guillaume Duchenne, is the most studied, and involves the movement of both the zygomaticus major muscle near the mouth and the orbicularis oculi muscle near the eyes. It is believed that the Duchenne smile is only produced as an involuntary response to genuine emotion, and is therefore what one could call the "genuine" smile. However, some sources say that "pretending" to smile can eventually put you in a good mood, and therefore "fake" can be a good thing.

The "Pan American smile", on the other hand, is the voluntary smile involving only the zygomatcus major muscle to show

politeness; for example, by a flight attendant on the former airline of the same name. Considered "insincere", this type of smile has also been called the "Professional Smile".

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile

Now, let us observe the following smile and identify which one is genuine:

Notice the following facts about smiling:

72% of people think of those who smile frequently as being more confident and successful.
86% of people say that they are more likely to strike up conversations with strangers if they are smiling.
Bosses are 12% more likely to promote people who smile a lot.
Research shows that 65% of communication is non-verbal (many claim an even higher percentage).
Non-verbal communication comprises facial expressions, eye movement, gestures, posture, and all other bodily signs-primarily facial expressions.
The effects of a smile are so powerful that even a smile on the telephone produces positive results.
When someone comes into a room, people are automatically drawn to their face, and a smile provides a warm greeting.
Studies show that happiness is a by-product of smiling, not the other way around as most people assume.
Research shows that when two people in conversation use the same kind of body movements and gestures (such as smiling), they will experience greater empathy for each other, which they may not even consciously notice.

The Value of Your Smile

Has anyone ever unexpectedly smiled at you when you were having a bad day or weren't in the best of moods? How did it make you feel? Didn't it make you feel better?

The following are a few points on why you should do the same, and share your smile with others:
A picture is worth a thousand words. So also does a smile convey more emotion than words can.
Smiling makes others feel welcome, special and appreciated.
You can brighten up someone's day.
A smile has the power of melting away insecurities and troubles people may have.

Try it out and see for yourself! You will find that almost every person you smile at will return the gesture. The hardest part is usually being the first person to smile.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

SMILE AND THE WHOLE WORLD WILL SMILE WITH YOU!

Does you speak English my freind?

2007-04-26T13:33:00.000+07:00

There are many Koreans who are learning English in our country. We always believe that people in our country speak English. Do we really? These are some photos courtesy from www.witerary.com. Thanks Ms. Jojie Alcantara for allowing me to use your pictures. Prisinting the didly signs...

okey lang kayo???

Read and learn...

2007-04-25T15:13:00.000+07:00

As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently studying in the Philippines to take advantage of ourcheaper tuition fees and learn English at the same time.This is an essay written by a Korean student I want to share with you. (never mind the grammar, it's the CONTENT that counts)

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is theproblem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines. Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point.

After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.Kore! ans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through a horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salar y, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country. My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted meto understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood.

Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines. Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed. My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love fromGod. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lotof things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our neweyes.I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world.

Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how o love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that od also will be very happy if you love others. hat's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.
__________________________________________________

My favorite students

2007-04-21T20:48:00.000+07:00

Still happy without you...

2007-04-12T20:50:00.000+07:00

You were with me for a short time

You brought happiness and sadness

Then one day you just left me

I couldn't help it but to let you go

I wish i had some gold
So I can exchange it for you
But when that day happened
I didn't have a penny

Eventhough it was so
I'm happy when you went away
Cause when the little man gets silly
I'm very unhappy

Cambodia! Cambodia! Cambodia!

2007-04-09T23:02:00.000+07:00

Last Sunday, I, my mom, my uncle and my younger brother together with my friends went to Cambodia for some adventure. Actually, some of them were for visa extension purposes. These are some pictures that I have taken. Enjoy...

Pilipinas, Kumusta ka na?

2007-03-29T00:11:00.000+07:00

I have been in Vietnam for two years and I have never had any plans to go back to my native land so far.

It was early this afternoon when my cousin told me about the hostage event in Manila. I turned on the television and saw the horrendous scene. In my country, oh my! The hostages were 26 kindergarten students and 4 teachers in a bus going on a fieldtrip. After 10 hours of negotiations, they were released by the captors.

At ano namang gimik ito??? I couldn't help my self to think like this after I saw the appearance of "paper" politicians (na walang ginawa kundi pumapel at magpapogi). Lalong tumaas ang kilay ko when I saw Chavit Singson who is running for senatorial seat this May. Hello Mr. Singson whadayah doin der huh?

Ducat, who is the mastermind of that hostage drama and the owner of the daycare center where the kids are enrolled, had demanded support for the education of at least 145 school children of his daycare center. Senatong Bong Revilla, who was one of the negotiators promised that he would pay the education of the children (sana).

So what are the reactions of the people here in my place? Hmmm, of course we are popular again, not because of 7107 islands and islets that we are proud of, but because of crimes, politics and dying economy. What is happening to our country?

Am I serious?

2007-03-26T12:41:00.000+07:00

When I went to Singapore with my mother and younger brother, I felt exhausted walking around. In two years, I gained 12 kilos in my weight. Kumusta naman? Of course it is expected that I'm fatter than before. Konting lakad lang pagod na... So I decided to enroll to a gym. My belly gets bigger and bigger everyday and I want to reduce... I tried to discipline my self from too much eating and sleeping but I just can't stop them. This time with the help of my Vietnamese instructor, I will try to be a normal and healthy individual ha-ha-ha...!!!Let's see the result after a month...

Best Blog of the Day Awardee

2007-03-15T00:31:00.000+07:00

I was told by our brother Elman that I won an award at http://blogofthedayawards.blogspot.com being the best blog of the day. It was my first time to win this kind of award. I can's say anything... I'm speechless... Really! I don't know what to say... Well thank you Bro. Elman for that compliment. All I can say is, I will try my best to make my blog readable (he he), educational and informative to our dear readers.

Happy reading!

Afraid to Fly

2007-03-14T23:52:00.001+07:00

For the past few months, there have been many plane crash incidents happened; two of these happened in Indonesia. For first time flyers, it's normal to be afraid when you fly. But if you have flown many times, it's just like a normal ritual, take off and landing.

I'm going to Singapore tomorrow to meet my Mom and my younger brother. It's not my first time to go there. Actually, I've been there many times. Because of the news I've seen and heard about plane crash, I'm a little afraid. I don't know but I believe anything that will happen is God's will. Maybe, I'm just too excited to see my mom after 2 years (sighs).

As Superman said, "Flying is still the safest way to travel". So, relax and enjoy... Good luck tomorrow...

birthday pictures...

2007-02-17T10:19:00.000+07:00

6 years in service

2007-02-10T16:05:00.000+07:00

Last week my friends didnt invite me in their meeting. I wondered why, actually i freaked out a little. har har... But I smelled something in the air. Mmmm they were preparing something for me... and I was right. They surprised me with cake and this video. I wanna share this video to all of you... I thank God for having brothers and sisters like you... Thank God for being here with me for the last six years...

9 days to go...

2007-01-31T22:05:00.000+07:00

It was a cloudy day of February 9, 2001, when I committed myself to follow God sincerely. Since then, my life has changed in so many ways. After 6 years of service, I'm still here. Despite of all the troubles and worries that I encounter everyday... God make me stronger each day.

I can't still imagine how I survive my daily war. The war within me. I can't do it by myself, I have to admit that. It's because that there is Someone who is always there beside me.

Thank you Lord for all the unspeakable blessings that you have given me...

Happy New Year

2007-01-25T11:54:00.000+07:00

Bilis ng araw, 2007 na pala. Dalawang taon na ako dito sa abroad...
Hay naku di biro ang aboad ano? Noong nasa Pinas pa ako, kala ko madali lang kumita ng pera sa abroad. Ala duck laying golden eggs. Di pala ganun... Hay naku... Marami pala akong titiisin dito.

tuloy ko na lang ito ulit medyo busy e...
he he he

Christmas? Think about it...

2006-12-22T14:49:00.000+07:00

The History of Christmas

The history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years. Many of our (their) Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before the Christ child was born. The 12 days of Christmas, the bright fires, the yule log, the giving of gifts, carnivals (parades) with floats, carolers who sing while going from house to house, the holiday feasts, and the church processions can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians. Many of these traditions began with the Mesopotamian celebration of New Years. The Mesopotamians believed in many gods, and as their chief god - Marduk. Each year as winter arrived it was believed that Marduk would do battle with the monsters of chaos. To assist Marduk in his struggle the Mesopotamians held a festival for the New Year. This was Zagmuk, the New Year's festival that lasted for 12 days. The Mesopotamian king would return to the temple of Marduk and swear his faithfulness to the god. The traditions called for the king to die at the end of the year and to return with Marduk to battle at his side. To spare their king, the Mesopotamians used the idea of a "mock" king. A criminal was chosen and dressed in royal clothes. He was given all the respect and privileges of a real king. At the end of the celebration the "mock" king was stripped of the royal clothes and slain, sparing the life of the real king. The Persians and the Babylonians celebrated a similar festival called the Sacaea. Part of that celebration included the exchanging of places, the slaves would become the masters and the masters were to obey. Early Europeans believed in evil spirits, witches, ghosts and trolls. As the Winter Solstice approached, with its long cold nights and short days, many people feared the sun would not return. Special rituals and celebrations were held to welcome back the sun. In Scandinavia during the winter months the sun would disappear for many days. After thirty-five days scouts would be sent to the mountain tops to look for the return of the sun. When the first light was seen the scouts would return with the good news. A great festival would be held, called the Yuletide, and a special feast would be served around a fire burning with the Yule log. Great bonfires would also be lit to celebrate the return of the sun. In some areas people would tie apples to branches of trees to remind themselves that spring and summer would return. The ancient Greeks held a festival similar to that of the Zagmuk/Sacaea festivals to assist their god Kronos who would battle the god Zeus and his Titans. The Roman's celebrated their god Saturn. Their festival was called Saturnalia which began the middle of December and ended January 1st. With cries of "Jo Saturnalia!" the celebration would include masquerades in the streets, big festive meals, visiting friends, and the exchange of good-luck gifts called Strenae (lucky fruits). The Romans decked their halls with garlands of laurel and green trees lit with candles. Again the masters and slaves would exchange places. "Jo Saturnalia!" was a fun and festive time for the Romans, but the Christians though it an abomination to honor the pagan god. The early Christians wanted to keep the birthday of their Christ child a solemn and religious holiday, not one of cheer and merriment as was the pagan Saturnalia. But as Christianity spread they were alarmed by the continuing celebration of pagan customs and Saturnalia among their converts. At first the Church forbid this kind of celebration. But it was to no avail. Eventually it was decided that the celebration would be tamed and made into a celebration fit for the Christian Son of God. Some legends claim that the Christian "Christmas" celebration was invented to compete against the pagan celebrations of December. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also the Persians whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that time. The Church eventually was successful in taking the merriment, lights, and gifts from the Saturanilia festival and bringing them to the celebration of Christmas. The exact day of the Christ child's birth has never been pinpointed. Traditions say that it has been celebrated since the year 98 AD. In 137 AD the Bishop of Rome ordered the birthday of the Christ Child celebrated as a solemn feast. In 350 AD another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, choose December 25th as the observance of Christmas.

According to the Bible "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (II Corinthians 6:14). But what did they do to connive with those pagans? You can answer it for youself. A true and genuine religion teaches pure doctrine which base in the Bible. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him" (John 7:17-18).
Let us be observant when it comes to our faith. Don't let others fool us because if we believe in God we must follow his commandment and will to us. In our present times, there one pure religion that God is reigning. Search for it and He has promised you will find

The Old Path awarded "Most Informative Religious Program of the Year"

2006-11-26T13:40:00.000+07:00

Hollywood Center, California, North America – Vice-Presiding Minister of the Members Church of God International (MCGI), Bro. Daniel Razon accepted the award for the Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path) as the "most informative religious program of the year" from Gawad Amerika Awards in North America last November 18, 2006.
This followed days after Bro. Eli Soriano, the controversial host of the television program and the Presiding Minister of the Members Church of God International, announced during the Thanksgiving ceremonies that the Ang Dating Daan program, which fearlessly discusses issues of religion and contributes to the lively discussion of religion and spirituality, won the prestigious honor.
Bro. Eli looks like he is the happiest person in the world that Thanksgiving Day and his face seem to intone that if God work, who will turn it away (Isaiah 43:13). Similarly, the attendees of the Thanksgiving erupted with shouts of joy and clapping of hands. Some eyes moisted with tears of joy. That moment was priceless and the same excitement, joy and exuberance surely beamed around the world in the Church of God's other regional chapters.
Gawad Amerika Awards is an independent award-giving body based in the USA that recognizes the achievements of Fil-Americans in the field of acting, singing, professional careers and businesses since 2001. Now in its fourth year, Ang Dating Daan is honored to be recognized by this award-giving body.
This is not the first time that the Ang Dating Daan and its host, Bro. Eli Soriano, receives such honor. Bro. Eli is recognized for his outstanding contribution to the society and people of this nation by various socio-civic organizations since the late 90s.
The program's host, Bro. Eli, describes one US-based newspaper: "readily answers all doctrinal questions from A-Z, on the spot ... He explains everything and elaborates all the details so the viewers would easily understand every word in the Bible."
Ang Dating Daan is celebrating 26th year in the mainstream radio and television broadcast this year, making it the longest-running, the most-awarded and the only sensible religious program in the Philippines. Its recent victory in the United States was a confirmation of the dedication, sincerity and the concern of the Church of God International and Bro. Eli Soriano to fulfill the Church's mission to share the goodwill and hope that God wants people in the world to learn and live by.
Despite government intervention to stop the airing of Ang Dating Daan in the Philippines, the program consistently adhere to its task--discussion of truths and untarnished teachings of God in the Bible to open people's eyes about religious realities that's been clouded by greed, corruption and self-interest by other religious sects. The Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), for one, is believed to be influenced by some powerful groups who have hands in the government, to pester and ban the program for being truthful, assertive and authoritative in discussing religious topics and controversies grappling the modern world..
Its online presence, www.angdatingdaan.org, has been a consistent frontrunner in the Philippine Web Awards with three (3) Most Popular Website Awards already tucked in its pocket. This year, Ang Dating Daan is already finalist for the best organization website award of the 9th edition of the award-giving body.
The Philippine Web Awards this year gained the prestige of being recognized by US-based Webby Awards, the annual online award-giving body that is referred to as the Oscars of the Web by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED? Part 1

2006-11-09T19:00:00.000+07:00

ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED?
Part 1

As we continue discussing this, we are already enlightened that not all Christ being introduced or preached by preachers in our time are the same. They have their own conception of who Christ is and what Christ is. It is very obvious that these religious groups have different Christs because if the Christ they are preaching are the same with what the apostles have preached in the scriptures, they should have been united together; their doctrines must not differ from each other. The only Christ of the scriptures has a definite teaching and if all preachers have accepted that teaching, they will all be united in one faith. If all these preachers now have come to the knowledge of the truth of the Christ of the scriptures, we should have all been united in one faith. The fact that we follow different teachings and doctrines proves that there are different Christs being preached by preachers in our time.

Another thing to discuss or to note about the teachings of our present day preachers is that belief that once you have accepted Christ you are already saved and will always be saved. That is the belief of most Born Again movements and so with the Baptists. These Baptist churches themselves are not united. You will meet some Baptists who call themselves as Conservative Baptists, Bible Baptists, Modern Baptists, and Southern Baptists. I am not sure if they also have Northern or Eastern Baptists but I have met one Southern Baptist recently. I do not know what is the reason why do they call themselves as Southern Baptists. What I know is the conservative Baptists who are adhering to the original principles of the Baptists. Impliedly, there are modern Baptists which may have departed from the original teachings of the Baptists that is why they call themselves as Modern Baptists.

But whatever the case maybe, one thing is very clear, these Baptists believe that once you receive Jesus Christ, you are saved and are saved forever - come what may, whatever you do, you are still saved. Is that the case regarding the teachings of the Christ of the scriptures? Let us put this under the light of the scriptures so that it will be ventilated among the minds and hearts of our listeners that not all people who claim to have received Jesus Christ have really received the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Is that belief that once you received Jesus Christ you are saved and are always saved Biblical? Let us consult the Bible about this teaching. Is it true that salvation cannot be lost? They claim that salvation is just like a gift and when it is given by God or handed by God to anyone, He will not take it back again. They are using a particular verse in the scriptures that is why people believe in them. Let us read a verse they use as a basis that if you have received salvation, then it will be forever be yours; it will not be forfeited anymore by God. The verse that they use is in the book of Romans:

Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

They are banking on this particular verse. The apostle Paul wrote this to the Romans. He said, "the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance". So, if God gave a person or anybody His gift or if God called anybody then that calling and the gift given to him is without repentance. Meaning, God will not repent anymore and He will not forfeit that anymore. But this is not the idea being conveyed by the verse or by the apostle Paul. He does not mean to say that after God had given you a gift, then whatever you do and come what may, that gift will be with you. It doesn't mean like that.

Let us take this from the Biblical concept. What does the apostle Paul mean when he said, "the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance"? Of course, God will not repent in giving a gift or calling a person. But does this follow that because you are called you are already saved? Because you are called you are forever assured of your salvation? Is that the real meaning of that? Let us consult the Bible about this. Is it true that if you are called you are already assured of salvation and is it true that if you have received the gift of God after he has called you then you are assured of salvation? Let us turn our Bible in the book of Mat. 22:14:

Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

You see? That indicates that not because you are called, you are already assured of salvation. Many are called, according to our Lord Jesus Christ himself, but few are chosen. So, it doesn't mean that because you are called, then you are already chosen. After God called you, he will choose from amongst those who are called to be worthy for salvation in the last day. There are proofs in the scriptures that there are those who were called but did not merit salvation. Who are they? There are many instances in the scriptures proving that not all those who were called were chosen or have succeeded in attaining salvation. Let us prove that in 2 Tim. 4:3-4:

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Note that. Their ears are hearers of truth but time will come that they will not endure sound doctrine. These are people who are enjoying hearing sound doctrine because they were called in the church. But according to the prophecy of apostle Paul, time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heed to themselves, teachers having itching ears, and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables. Meaning, they are from the truth. They were once in the truth, they were hearers of the truth but time will come they will not continue hearing the truth. "Having itching ears", their ears will be turned unto fables according to the Bible.

This is clear now, that because you are called, you are given the chance to serve God. Will all attain salvation? No. There are people in the first century Christian church that were called but were not chosen. One good example is Judas Iscariot. He was called. In fact, it was our Lord Jesus Christ who personally called him as an apostle. But he was not that faithful to endure sound doctrine. He manifested the kind of heart he have and had turned to be a traitor. There are so many others. Ananias and Sapphira were also called but did not remain faithful. There are other people since the start of the Christian dispensation who were called into the church but did not continue.

To be continued ¡K

Is ABS-CBN Interactive a legitimate media group?

2006-10-19T12:08:00.000+07:00

written by: Jane Abao

Philippines - What kind of media outfit is ABS-CBN Interactive? Who is responsible for the news production of this group? What kind of training did they have? Why do they have for their “news,” Eli Soriano facing rape charges as their perpetual feed?

Is news supposed to be like that – that day in day out, the so-called rape case is THE NEWS? As far as readership is concerned – Internet or not - the date attached to the news is part of the news – not foreign to it.

Isn't this an advertisement against Eli Soriano? If it's not, why is it treated as daily fare that never goes away and it is only the date that changes?

Why is the name of Daniel Veridiano, aka Puto, changed to Daniel Pedriano this time, and his alias dropped? Were there second thoughts that perhaps putting the name of this former Ang Dating Daan member, excommunicated for cause by Eli Soriano, will also subject him to public humiliation? Is there hope that finally he knows how to be ashamed?

Despite these changes, and the nature of this piece of “news,” why does Wikipedia attach much credibility to this polluted source? This so-called rape news has become the second paragraph - inserted months ago- in the biopage of Eli Soriano in Wikipedia, if you didn’t know. Puto or Daniel Veridiano used to chair the Happy Christians gay group in Ang Dating Daan before he was excommunicated and afterwards left for the Iglesia ni Cristo, a powerful religious group in the Philippines, and an arc enemy of Eli Soriano's group. Click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliseo_Soriano

If there is a case filed, does it mean the one charged is guilty? How much of it is truth already that it merits to be placed in an encyclopedia page? Unless proven guilty, one is presumed innocent; therefore a case being filed against somebody is not pertinent to one's story. An enemy can file against you, case after case, but it doesn’t make you already guilty with each case. But why, of all sources, did an encyclopedia honor this? According to Moriori of Wikipedia, it is because Soriano is a controversial figure. Granted, because this man carries with him great understanding of the Bible incomparable to no other man today, the very reason why he gathers enemies from those he tries to correct.

If this is news however, where is the reporter's name that he or she could stand by what was written there? How responsible was the data collection? Was Soriano ever asked about his side? Did the reporter find out about the rape cases filed earlier against Daniel Veridiano by members of Soriano’s group?

How much effort did the reporter exert in knowing about the background of this case, such as that this case was dismissed but re-filed by the Department of Justice through Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez?

Again, if a case is filed, is it open for discussion?
And why are Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart, Talk n' Text, Sun and Addict involved here? How powerful can one get!

If you are a trained writer and you know your structure principles and how news should be treated, you would know right away that this piece of "news" was only intended to ruin somebody. Foremost, it lacks pertinent information and plays with its data.

To add insult to injury, the notice, after the “news” says –
>>>>>
Please refrain from offensive language, slanderous statements and commercial messages.
Discuss this article on our message boards.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=37521

Watch this site – and see how the dark forces of evil do their tricks!
Jane Abao

We can make it through the rain...

2006-09-07T14:41:00.000+07:00

UNDERCONSTRUCTION

2006-08-12T13:28:00.000+07:00

maglibang muna~~~

2006-08-07T20:08:00.000+07:00

this video was created by our dear brother rex...

kaya puro mukha nya nandyan...

extra lang po ako~~~

he he he he

enjoy the video

Tanong, Tanong at Tanong

2006-07-26T20:37:00.000+07:00

Simula po ng i-announce ni Bro. Resty ang info tungkol sa job openings dito sa Vietnam ay inulan po ako ng e-mails at text messages. Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin kung hindi ko nasasagot ang inyong mga katanungan. Hindi ko po kasi kayang sagutin ang lahat ng inyong tanong ng sabay-sabay. Kayat minabuti ko po na i-post sa aking blog ang mga usual questions, na dati ko ring tanong... Sana po ay pagpaumanhinan nyo ako sa aking mga pagkukulang... ssD po and Good luck sa inyong job hunting...

A. LOCATION

* Saan po ba ang Vietnam?
- Ang Vietnam po ay kabilang sa mga bansa sa Southeast Asia, na matatagpuan sa kaliwang bahagi ng Pilipinas (tingnan ang mapa.) Delay po ng isang oras compare sa Philippine time (+7 GMT). Ito ay isang komunistang bansa. Sampung porsyento lamang ang mga katoliko o sinasabi nilang kristiyano at majority pa rin ang sumasamba kay buddah kanilang mga ninuno o ancestral worship. Vietnamese ang main language nila na binubuo ng english characters subalit napakahirap bigkasin sapagkat may 6 na tono. Maliit na bilang lamang ang nagsasalita ng English kaya naman in na in ang mga language schools dito.

* Ano po bang hitsura ng Vietnam? May gyera pa rin po ba sa bansang yan? - Matagal na pong tapos ang gyera. Sa ngayon ang Vietnam ay pinauunlad ng ibang bansa kagaya ng Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Europa, Russia at marami pang iba.
*Saan po ba kayo dyan sa Vietnam? - Nandito po kami sa Ho Chi Minh City na matatagpuan sa southern part ng Vietnam. Ito ang pinaka developed na city dahil sa dami ng mga investors at developers. (Please refer to pictures gallery). Hanoi ang capital ng Vietnam na matatagpuan sa hilagang bahagi. Napakalayo ng Hanoi mula dito, 24 hours by train at 2 hours by plane.

* Bakit po pinili ninyong dyan mag trabaho at hindi sa mismong capital city? - Ito po ay sa kadahilanang mas maraming job opportunities dito para sa amin at mas marami pong pinoy sa dakong ito. Sa kasalakuyaakarami ring turista ang dumadagsa rito araw-araw upang maranasan ang buhay sa Asya. Karamihan sa mga turista ay European, American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese at marami pang iba.

* Hindi po ba delikado dyan? - Hindi naman po kapatid, di naman po ipapanawagan ni Bro. Resty kung mapanganib dito. Nakarating na sya dito not only once, but twice ( parang pamilyar). Hindi rin naman po kami magtatagal dito kung delikado.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Trabaho

*Anu-ano po bang trabaho ang pwedeng pasukan dyan? - Kagaya po ng nabanggit na ni Bro. Resty, kailangan po ng mga teachers dito at engineers. Mababang bilang po kasi ng mga Vietnamese ang marunong ng ingles. Madami din pong projects na ginagawa ang mga investors so kelangan din ng mga engineers.

*Paano po ako makakakuha ng trabaho dyan? - Karamihan po sa amin ay nagpunta muna at dito na naghanap ng trabaho. (internal hiring). Kung gusto nyo pong maghanap muna ng trabaho bago kayo pumunta dito ay mag-apply kayo online sa mga ibinigay kong website. Online application ang karaniwan dito. Kaya lang mas malaki ang chance mo na matanggap if nandito ka na mismo.

*Kung pupunta po ba ako dyan, siguradong may trabaho akong makikita? Gaano katagal naman akong maghahanap ng trabaho? -Depende po kapatid. Sa awa po ng Dios lahat ng kapatid dito ay may trabaho. Yun nga lang sa dami ng mga kakumpitensya ay inaabot din ng halos isang buwan o mahigit pa bago ka makakita ng trabaho.

*Paano naman po ang pagpunta dyan? Kelangan po ba ng visa? -Kabilang po ang Vietnam sa mga bansang kasapi sa ASEAN, samakatuwid free visa entry tayo sa mga bansang member nito. Sa Vietnam, may free visa entry tayo na 21 days, ibig sabihin di mo na kailangang pumunta sa embassy ng Vietnam para mag-appy ng visa. Basta may ticket ka, go na go ka na dito. Kung balak mo namang magtagal dito, pede ka na ring mag-apply ng visa sa Vietnam Embassy sa Pilipinas. It's your choice kung anong type ng visa ang kukunin mo.

Vietnam Embassy in The Philippines Add: 554 Pablo Ocampo str.Malate, Manila Tel: 525 2837, 521 6843; Fax: 526 0472 Consulate: 524 0364

*Paano kung ma-expire na ang 21-day free visa entry? -Maari po kayong magpa-extend ng visa sa mga private tour companies dito. Ang halaga po ng visa ay depende sa type na gusto mo.

~~6 months single-entry > $75
~~6 months multiple-entry > $110

* Anu-ano po ang qualifications at requirements sa mga job openings dyan? - Pede po kayong refer sa mga website na binigay ko, syempre kung engineer ka, kelangan tapos ka ng engineering, may lisensya at experience. Kung marami kang experience, mas madali kang makakuha ng trabaho. Nakalagay naman po sa website nila ang kelangan nyong ipasang requirements.

-Kung teacher naman ang gusto mong pasukan, maraming requirements ang hinihingi lalo na sa mga school. Mas magandang ipa authenticate nyo muna ang inyong mga documents sa CHED, Malacañang at Vietnam embassy upang mas madali kayong matanggap. Sa mga language schools, nagrerequire sila ng certification kagaya ng TOEFL, IELTS, o TESOL. Kung makakakuha kayo nyan sa Pinas mas malaki ang chance nyo na matanggap kaagad.

- Kung gusto mo namang maging private tutor, mas malaki ang market sa mga Koreans. Mas mataas kasi silang magbayad. Kagaya ng sabi ni Bro Resty, may kapatid na kumikita ng $10 per hour. It depends sa qualification mo at sa ability mo na makapagturo ng English. Di naman kelangan na kuhang-kuha mo ang American accent. Huwag ka lang mag-sound na English carabao. May ilang Pinoy na teachers dito na ganyan, nakakahiya naman sa mga students diba? Sabi nga ni Bro Eli, paano po ituturo ang isang bagay kung di mo alam. So hindi lang basta-basta ang pagtuturo. Malaking bahagi ang gagampanan mo sa tinuturuan mo, at iyon ang matatandaan nya hanggang sa pagtanda nya. Mas mahirap turuan ang bata dahil sa ikaw ang magiging kasangkapan sa foundation ng kanyang pagkatuto.

*Magkano naman po ang pede kong kitain if matanggap ako sa trabaho? - Depende po school o kompanyang pinasukan ninyo. Iba-iba po ang offer nila. Usually po sa mga tutorials kumikita kami ng from 7.5 to 10 USD per hour. So, ang monthly income mo ay depende sa oras ng ipinagturo mo. Mas marami mas malaki. May mga ibang schools na per month ang salary nila. Gaya nung isang kapatid dito, 1 month is 450 USD. Ang advantage lang po sa school is stable ang salary mo, unlike sa tutorial, walang class walang pera. Minsan may time na bakasyon so wala ka ring kita. Sa mga engineering jobs naman, maaari nyo pong makita sa mga websites na binigay ko dahil nandun na rin po kung magkano ang sweldo.

*Nagbibigay ba ng working visa ang mga employers? - Depende po kapatid, karamihan sa amin ay walang working visa kasi po tutorials naman kami at walang employer. Di naman po delikado kasi marami namang kompanya ang di rin nagbibigay ng working visa. Business visa ang gamit namin so ibig sabihin may purpose ang stay namin dito.

C. ACCOMODATION
* Saan po ako pwedeng tumuloy if pupunta ako dyan? -
Nasa inyo po yun. Medyo mahal ang mga hotels dito. May mga guest houses dito na pwede po kayong tuluyan, nasa 150-200 USD po ang isang kwarto dito per month. Reasonable din ang kumuha ng bahay lalo na't isang grupo kayo. Yun nga lang you need more money para pang advance.

*Pwede po ba akong makituloy sa lokal ? - Pwede po kapatid. Yun nga lang po ay pansamantala lamang. Mahigpit po ang Vietnamese law patungkol sa pagtira ng mga foreigner sa bahay. Limited po ang pwedeng tumira sa bahay. Pagdating nyo po dito, kelangan namin kayong irehistro sa pulis upang maitala ang pangalan ninyo sa presinto. Naka monitor po ang bawat tao na titira sa isang lugar. Yan po ang batas ng komunista. If mahuli po nila kayo sa isang bahay na natutulog at di rehistrado, magbabayad po kayo ng multa. Minsan po ay nagroronda ang mga pulis sa kalagitnaan ng gabi at pinapasok ang mga bahay ipang bilangin kung ilan ang nakatira sa isang bahay. Mayroon pong listahan ng lahat ng nakatira sa isang bahay na kung tawagin ay "pink book". If wala ka sa listahan, kukunin ang "arrival departure card" mo upang tubusin sa presinto. Kaya po ang maipapayo namin sa mga kapatid na ibig pumunta dito ay maging handa ang kalooban. Hindi naman po sila gumagawa ng masama laban sa iyo. Marami pong mga hotel dito na mas safe tuluyan ng mga turista. Di po namin kabisado ang kanilang batas pagdating dyan. Pero di naman po delikado. Basta sumunod ka lang sa batas nila, walang magiging problema.

* Di po ba mahirap dumalo ng pagkakatipon dyan? - Bawal po ang hayag na pagpapahayag ng relihiyon dito. So, ang pagkakatipon po ay patago. Di po tayo rehistrado sa bansang ito, at mas magiging komplikado if magpaparehistro pa tayo. Di naman po delikado kasi, di naman tayo maingay magkatipon. Di pa rin halata kasi magkakapit bahay lang kami at di pa ganong kadami. Araw po ng Sabado ng paglubog ang pagkakatipon dito at prayer meeting after ng pasalamat. Yung mga kapatid na di nakakadalo ng satuday dahil sa trabaho, may replay po tayo ng Sunday.

Useful links

2006-07-26T13:18:00.000+07:00

JOB HUNTING GUIDE:

Narito po ang ilang useful links that will guide you in your job hunting here in Vietnam, particular na sa Ho Chi Minh City. First, you have to know what kind of place you're going to stay. Kaya mo bang makipamuhay kasama ng mga Vietnamese? Anong hitsura nila? Ano ba ang ugali nila? Anyway, it doesn't matter, mahalaga makakita ka ng trabaho at makatulong sa mga mahal sa buhay. So take your time to look and analyze the following websites...

www.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/eng

www.vietnamworks.com

www.vietnamonline.com

PAALALA:

Hindi po kami ang maghahanap ng trabaho para sa inyo... Kung may bakante po sa mga schools, maaari namin kayong ma-inform, pero ang procedure ng application ay kagaya din sa Pinas, kelangan mong mag-appear for interview. No need po na i-email nyo sa akin ang mga resume nyo. Direct na po kayong magpasa sa mga employers na makikita ninyo sa mga websites na nakapost sa site na ito.

~JOB OPENING INQUIRIES~

2006-07-24T12:19:00.000+07:00

Gandang araw po sa inyo mga kapatid!

Simula po ng i-announce ni Bro. Resty ang job openings dito sa Vietnam ay inulan na ako ng e-mails at text messages. I don't have that much time upang masagot po ang lahat ng inyong mga katanungan kung "ano" at "papaano". So, I came up with this idea na i post sa blog ko ang ways, do's and dont's at mga information about Vietnam. In a few days, matatapos ko na po, wait lang po mga kapatid and goodluck sa inyong job hunting.

Visit nyo rin po ang www.vietnamworks.com para sa iba pang job openings.

Bro Amiel

Welcome to Saigon!

2006-06-11T16:29:00.000+07:00

Hey guys! Check out some photos I have taken for you to see and experience the beauty of Saigon. If you want to come here, I can be your guide... lol :)

A dream

2006-05-27T22:41:00.001+07:00

For a typical Filipino like me, its always a dream to see snow (kasi wala 'nun sa atin). When I was young, I used to play with my friends with imaginary snow (styro). In my early age it was set in my mind "I will go to the US to see a snow". That was my American dream. I don't know but many of us have this kind of admiration to the country that envaded us, the land of milk and honey to many.

Now, Im not in the US. Im here in Vietnam, a country which is not so rich but loved by many nation because of cheap goods yet competitive one. As time goes by, this country might be a giant in the near future. Let's see...

tapos na ang abril

2006-04-30T23:08:00.000+07:00

hay naku, another month has passed...
what would happen next...
hmmmm

I'm 24!

2006-04-02T11:03:00.000+07:00

Last year when I decided to come here in Vietnam, there were lots of things that I considered. I thought about my future, what will happen to me next. It was a great decision that has changed my life. Until now, I can't imagine what have brought me here. The only thing I know is everything that happens for its purpose. I believe that all things work together for good.

Living abroad far from your love ones is hard especially for those who have close family ties. I was thinking... I'm not doing this not only for myself but also for the people who expect a lot from me. Four months have passed again this year... my life is still the same... I'm turning 24 this April 14 and I'm wondering why its the same feeling way back when I was 20. They said that it's only our age that gets old. The heart is still the same. As we grow older each day, there are lots of things to see, experience and learn. I can say that I have learned so much since I move here in Vietnam. I never thought I could stay and hold on. There are times that I feel I couldn't. (sighs). He makes me stronger each day...

Comments from Ms. Dahli's Article about Bro. Eli

2006-03-25T23:14:00.000+07:00

The following are comments about the article of Ms. Dahli Aspillera's article about Bro. Eli published in Malaya Newspaper last February. I have posted that article here. Some are positive (like mine) but some are only forms of defamations. Please read the following comments:

gilbert concepcion<glconcepcion2003@yahoo.com>

I am glad that you are one of the many sympathizers of Bro. Eli Soriano of Ang DatingDaan (your column of Feb. 6 in Malaya). I seldomencountered a professional and educated person to conform with the belief of Bro. Eli. Many people be little him because of his low education (he didnot finish high school) but you acted differently. I am also Bro. Eli's sympathizer andI hate those people who want to put him down, especially the Iglesia ni Manalo, which for sucha long time caused a lot of trouble for Bro. Eli. Thanks. Gilbert Concepcion

<glconcepcion2003@yahoo.com> From kyle geromino

"Not everything is what it seems,..." Kirsten> Dunst(Monalisa's Smile)...this line from a> movie came into my mind when I read your column> about Bro. Eli being a Bible SCHOLAR. Reading> your column became a daily routine, but this> time, after reading it, I don't know why I> stood up and look for the meaning of the word> SCHOLAR. Maybe the word doesn't really fit for> the person(Bro. Eli). In dictionary.com,> scholar means, "a learned person; someone who> by long study has gained mastery in one or more> disciplines. ..."a learned or erudite person,> esp. one who has profound knowledge of a> particular subject(Infoplease dictionary). I> suggest try watching NET 25's "Ang Tamang Daan"> or "Ang Pagbubunyag." It will help you a lot,> in realizing why that line in a movie came into> my mind and why the word Scholar doesn't fit> him(Bro. Eli). As I know, a journalist must> check if the news and information is fair,> balanced and ACCURATE before putting it into> print or in any medium. You have a big> responsibility in leading the public to the> truth and not to deceive them by not checking> the accuracy of the information. I will gladly> appreciate your concern on this letter. kyle geromino

Amiel Pascual <amielito777@yahoo.com>

A very pleasant day to you from Ho Chi Minh> (Saigon), Vietnam. I have read your opinion and> observation about Bro. Eli Soriano (Malaya Feb> 6) I'm a> member of the church presided by Bro. Eli. I> was once before like you, observant about> religion. I found your article a very wise one.> For a person to understands and know the truth,> he or she must be guided by the spirit and you> are indeed. I decided to join this organization> because I believe that this is the only church> in our times that teaches the genuine truth> from the Bible.> As Bro Eli always says in his program,> "Pagkakasumpong mo ng mabuti, gawin mo agad!"> After hearing comes faith and faith works.... > > Sa pangalan po ng mga kapatiran> ng Ang Dating Daan sa Veitnam, SALUDO KAMI SA> INYO!!! Mabuhay ang Pilipino. Saan man> makarating, the best! I hope you also feature> the lives of> OFW... Ang bayani ng bagong henerasyon!> > > Amiel Pascual> OFW - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam> >

kyle geromino <finaldesti_25@yahoo.com> >
Then as an opinion columnist, you are a real> danger to your readers. It's one of my> responsibility, job, as you refer to it, to> save> people as many as I can by leading them to the> truth, with the Bible as my reference, and> encourage them not to believe things that seem> like truth but in reality, full of deception.> > Admit it or not, you're getting paid to> deceive your readers,..you are giving them a> poison, but I think you are unaware of it. If> I> will follow your Bro. Eli, then I'm commiting> suicide. If we want to discover the truth, we> must try to let our feelings be guided as much> as> possible by the arguments that can be given for> the opposing views. > > Why don't you try watching, Ang Tamang Daan or> Ang Pagbubunyag in net 25, then have your> opinion> about it. I will be so eager to wait for your> opinion about the program, not for a "personal"> reason, as you may think of it, but, like I> told> you already, it's my responsibility to do this.> > Like everyone, you have a choice. I can assure> to you, that I'm recommending you to choose the> right one.>

ariel@taisei854c.com.sg> I read your Malaya Feb. 6 write up about> Bro. Eli. I think we have the same> conclusion. Bro. Eli is the most> sensible preacher at our times.> Really nice to hear comments from a fair writer> like you.> Best regards,> > ariel@taisei854c.com.sg>

An article about Bro. Eli

2006-03-17T12:03:00.000+07:00

This is an opinion article from the Malaya newspaper published last February 6, 2006 in the column of Ms. Dahli Aspillera. With her due permission, I posted it here in my blog... I can say that, she's a very intelligent observant. I hope this would be the start of her journey searching the truth.

‘Pre-Christianity Levitical laws were eliminated, but are still being enforced by religions. Laws that don’t even apply to Christians cause them guilt.’

Brother Eli Soriano, Bible scholar

No one in authority suggested that I read the Bible, not at home, not the German nuns at St. Scho Elementary, not the parish church where I went for catechism lessons. Leisure reading was Ernest Hemingway, Goethe, Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, Shakespeare, Bacon, many European authors; everything, but the Bible. Later, demanding job, family and home to run left no time for leisure reading, least of all the Bible.

Came Rio Diaz, a cousin – but more a friend – got hold of me in Los Angeles, California, where she was living at that time. She sat me down, gave me a crash Bible intro. I had lived almost half a century without a Bible, until Rio gave me one. Have been attending Bible class in whatever country I happen to be at, but got frightening convoluted teachings. The pre-Christianity Old Testament laws conflicted with the post-Christianity replacements laws by Jesus Christ himself, the Bible writes.

My non-cable TV access included the UNTV’s Bible pastor, Brother Eli Soriano. There are good lecturers and bad lecturers. He is very good. He knows his subject, dispenses no more than what’s in the Bible, and made The Good News good news. Brother Eli is thoroughly knowledgeable. He calls out all the biblical laws that apply to the modern-day Christian. His wide reading ties up his knowledge with his cover to cover familiarity the Bible. He knows exactly where in the Bible to find that which he is discussing.

Brother Eli’s diligent study tells me about the Old Testament laws. Most of those Levitical laws I have been struggling to live by, bring on guilt and fear. Brother Eli tells me that these Levitical laws have been eliminated and replaced by Jesus Christ himself, during his lifetime.
All these in the Bible.

Haven’t heard Brother Eli in person, but I don’t miss a chance to listen to his lectures on TV. I look forward to hearing about another superseded law, lessening my perceived burden of religiosity guilt and fear.

For instance, I have relatives whom I can’t deal with, much less love. One is liar. One is a cheat. One is greedy and ruthless to thousands of impoverished employees. But I was taught God’s command to "Love Them All!." I find these people unlovable.

Brother Eli explains: The Bible tells you to stay away from those who do not live in the spirit of the Bible. A liar, a greed, and a cheat (definitions are in the Bible too) are not living the Spirit of the Word. They are outside the Spirit of the Word. The Bible writes that such people "are accursed." Their character and lifestyle are contrary to what the Bible teaches.

I should therefore not hang around with "the accursed." The gift of my love is not for them. I should save my love only for those who live in the Spirit of the Word.

Brother Eli’s lectures remove guilt. Through his diligence at research, the Bible spells it out. I don’t have to love those who do not live in the Spirit of the Word. Rio did not have time to point all these out to me. Fortunately, though a little late, I found Brother Eli who says I can pray for those (nothing is impossible to God) but I don’t have to love those.

One more, for instance: "Increase and multiply," Brother Eli tells us, was given by God when there were only very few people existing – specifically to Adam and Eve. The edict was not to "Increase and Multiply Until You Are Packed Like Sardines On Earth." "Increase and multiply" is not a commandment relevant today. There are already five billion humans on earth. Most are desperately impoverished, underfed, uneducated, angry and hopeless. "Increase and Multiply" – three words that load guilt on all population control practitioners. According to the authorities, they are committing mortal sin with their population control work.

Email address: dahli_a@yahoo.com

Samu't sari

2006-03-16T00:06:00.000+07:00

It's already March 15 and I haven't posted any blog yet (just now). It's because I was quiet busy sa aking mga kaek-ekan for the past weeks. There's a lot of things that I want to write but I don't know where to begin..

Teacher Life...
I have been teaching English to Korean students here in Saigon since last year. I have learned a lot of things lalo na sa grammar at bokabularyo. Di naman ako kagalingan dun ano? It brings me too much headache everyday of my life. I'm experimenting how I can teach the language the easiest way. One of my student said that Filipinos are very lucky having English as our second language. Indeed, we are very lucky. Imagine that most of the poeple here, even the educated ones can't speak English. If they can, it's not that good and the accent is terrible. (hay naku pilipilipit). I have another student recently. He's very eager to learn but the problem is he doesn't have along temper. He doesn't know how to be patient. Is he thinking that learning English is just like ABC? If he is, then I don't have a magic to change his mond and tounge and be like Americans. Oh! Thats the big problem with them. They are always in a hurry. They have to understand that learning English is like eating. You eat and your body will digest to form into nutrients and use by our body as energy. What I mean is there is a process. Hindi lunok lang ng lunok. The only consolation I have is when I see my students pass the exam or level up in their class. I feel relieved.

Planner daw...
I started writing on this plannes stuff since January but I failed myself to plan my week (sighs). The reason for that is to organize myself in all my schedules weekly. I don't think I can continue but I will try my best.

Whats the basis of your faith?
I have posted this topic in my frienster blog. In my more than a year stay here in Vietnam, I have seen and met a lot of people in different faith. In this country Buddism is the majority, but the are also Christians "as they say" and of course the Catholic. Ancestor worship is aslo observed here. There are also people who only believe in themselves. I asked them, "Do you belive in God?". They just answered. "No, I believe in myself." That is common here...
And how long will they remain in their beliefs? We need be the light.

Hanggang dito na lang muna... Antok na ako e... Thanks for reading my post...

Psalms 90:12

2006-02-11T14:29:00.000+07:00

"Kaya ituro mo sa amin ang pagbilang ng aming mga kaarawan, Upang kami ay mangagtamo sa amin ng pusong may karunungan."Mga Awit 90:12

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. "Psalms 90:12

Isang taon na naman ang lumipas sa aking buhay sa loob ng Iglesia. February 9, 2001 nang ako'y mabautismuhan sa loob ng Iglesia ng Dios. Ang araw na yao'y hindi makakalimutan sapagkat iyon ang araw ng pagtanggap ko ng bautimo, kasabay ng pangakong maglilingkod habang ako'y nabubuhay. Napakabilis ng araw, limang taon na pala ang nakalipas. Sa tuwing sasapit ang aking kaarawan, lagi kong naaalala ang sinasabi ni Bro. Eli na ang kaarawan ng paglilingkod sa Dios ay bibibilang. Kaalinabay nito'y ang pag-assess kung ano na ang ating narating at nagawa... Nasaan na kaya ako?

Konting Flashback...

Lumaki ako sa pamilyang may takot sa Dios. Ang tatay ko ay protestante at ang nanay ko naman ay debotong Katoliko. Tandang-tanda ko pa rin hanggang sa ngayon ang laging ipinapangaral sa amin ni Tatay, Efeso 6:1-3, at iyon ang aming kinalakihan. Bagama't ako'y binyagan sa Katoliko, di ako naging aktibo sa mga ritwal na karaniwan nilang ginagawa. Nang ako'y magkaisip, mas pinili ko ang sumama sa aking Tatay sa Protestante. Bata pa lang ako ay mahilig na ako sa Bible. Mahilig nga akong sumali sa mga Bible quiz sa school o kaya's sa aming simbahan. Dahil na rin sa mga nakikita kong di magandang pamumuhay ng aking mga kasama sa Protestante, nawalan na ako ng gana. Minsan, nasubukan ko ring dumalo sa El Shaddai ni Mike Velarde, pero di pa rin ako naging kuntento. Nang ako'y mag high-school, nagkaroon ako ng mga kaibigang relihiyoso mula sa iba't ibang pananampalataya. Subalit sa aking pagsusuri sa kanilang buhay di ko nagustuhan ang kanilang relihiyon. Sumali din ako sa iba't ibang uri ng born again fellowships at doon ako medyo nagtagal dahil nakatagpo ako ng mga barkada. Nakasama ko rin dito ang aking nanay at ibang nakababatang kapatid. Subalit hindi sumama ang aking tatay dahil sa ayaw niya ng mga lundagan at maingay ng pagkanta, ganon kasi sa born again.

Bagama't ang aking tatay ay dumadalo sa protestante, di pa rin nawawala sa kanya ang alak at sigarilyo. Nang kami'y malalaki na, kapansin-pansin ang pagiging laging aburido nya dahil na rin sa hirap ng buhay. Laging mainitin ang ulo at walang kibo. Subalit habang lumilipas ang araw, naging kakaiba ang kanyang kilos, maaliwalas na mukha at payapa. Nalaman ko sa aking nanay na nagpabautismo na pala sa Ang Dating Daan. Naging popular ang Dating Daan ng mga panahong yon dahil sa pag spoof ng Bubble Gang. Mas una ko ngang napanood ang Dating Doon. Kaya naman kinabahan ang mga pastor dahil ssa pagiging kilala ni Bro. Eli. Sabi ng pastor namin, kulto daw ang samahan ni Bro. Eli. Marami silang sinasabing laban sa ADD subalit wala namang batayan sa Biblia. Naniwala ako sa aming pastor kaya naman sabi ko sa aking tatay na huwag na nila akong yakagin pa dahil sa born again na ako mamamatay. Kaya mula noon ay naging malayo ang loob ko sa aking mga magulang. Naging inactive na noon si Nanay sa born again kaya naging malayo na rin ang loob ko sa kanya. Sinabi na lang isang araw sa akin ni nanay na bautisado na pala siya.

Sa paglipas ng panahon, nakita ko sa kanila ang malaking pagbabago. Hanggang sa ako'y magkolehiyo di pa rin ako bumitaw sa aking pananampalataya. Tumira ako sa aming pastor at sila ang nagpaaral sa akin. Kapag umuuwi ako sa amin ay nakakapakinig ako ng mga aral ni Bro. Eli sa TV at talagang iba sa lahat ng aking napakinggan. Nagsimula akong manlamig sa born again. Ang unang galit na aking nararamdaman habang nanonood ng pangangaral ni Bro. Eli ay napalitan ng kagalakan at unawa. Napakaraming bagay pala ang hindi ko alam. Di naman ako niyayakag ng akong mga magulang na dumalo sa kanilang pagtitipon. Sa loob-loob ko, 'yakagin nyo na ako, gusto ko nang sumama sa inyo'. Siguro, natandaan nila yung sinabi ko na kailanman ay di ako sasama sa ADD. Subalit isang araw, nabalitaan kong umanib na rin isa sa aking mga tiyahin. Siya ang yumakag sa akin na dumalo sa mga prayer meetings. Ibang-iba talaga ang samahang ito sabi ko sa sarili. Sa gayak pa lang at kilos ng mga kapatiran madadama mo na ang talagang ang samahang ito'y tunay. Isinama nila ako sa lokal upang makinig ng doctrina. Dahil sa medyo late na ako sa pakikinig may mga bagay akong di maunawaan na nagdulot sa akin ng pagkalito. Kaya't ako'y tumigil muna at pansamantalang nag-isip at nagsuri. Isa ang resulta ng aking pagsusuri, ang samahang ito ang nag-iisang tunay sa panahon nating ito. Kaya't nang mabukas muli ng Mass Indoctrinationay di na ako nagpatumpik-tumpik pa. Ako na mismo ang nagpunta sa lokal upang magpadoctrina.

February 9, 2001 - Nang tanggapin ko ang banal na bautismo. Mula noo'y naging iba na ang aking pananaw sa buhay. Mas simple pero mas masaya. ika nga e, fulfilled. At ngayon, limang taon na pala ang nakakalipas... Marami na akong nasaksihan sa loob ng iglesia. Mga kamangh-manghang gawa ng Dios. Ang nag-iisang samahan sa panahong ito. Inaapi, inaalimuta subalit nananatiling matatag sa tulong at awa ng Dios.

Nasaan na ako? Nandito na ako ako ngayon sa isang bansang di kumikilala sa Dios. Minsan akong nadapa, subalit sa awa ng Dios ay nakapagpapatuloy. Kapiling ang anim pa sa ating mga kapatid ay nakapananatiling matibay. Salamat po sa Dios! Salamat po sa bigay niyang mga taga-akay sa atin. Salamat po sa Dios dahil sa kapatid na Eli!

PICTURES!!! PICTURES!!! PICTURES!!!

2006-02-01T19:54:00.000+07:00

Fresh from my digital camera, I want to share you my pictures...This is a collection of pictures from my Singapore and Thailand Adventure last January 26 to 31. It was one of the best experience I have ever had. And of course, I will never forget the moment with our very own Bro. Eli Soriano! A travel to remember...

==========================================

CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURES!!!

SINGAPORE ADVENTURE

THAILAND ESCAPADE

"We are strangers of this world..."

2006-01-24T18:48:00.000+07:00

It's been always my dream to travel around the world. I guess, if you ask anyone most if them will have the same dream as I have. Let me share you the top countries I want to visit and had visited...

TOP 10 COUNTRIES that I want to visit

1. Israel - Birth place of Christ

2. The U.S.A. - American dream?!

3. Germany - Vander.. Ha ha ha joking and also countries around it.

4. South Korea - My students homeland

5. China - I wanna see how the sleeping giant is waking up.

6. Chile - and around South America...wala lang...

7. Japan - Sushi?

8. England - to see the London Bridge
(if is it really falling down)

9. New Zealand - Anchor milk ( galing sa dudu ng cow)

10. Canada - doon na kami titira ni Kasmot HA HA HA

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOON TO VISIT... YAHOO!!! (January 27-31)

SINGAPORE

What to see?

Merlion

Sentosa

Midnight Safari

and of course ang mga kapatid!

THAILAND

What to see?

Ewan ko di ko pa alam basta ang alam ko igagala kami ni Sis. Irma.

Panigurado mga Thais

Sawadikap!

ALREADY VISITED and currently living here...

VIETNAM

Why am I here but its not on my list...???

Ha ha ha because i have to start from here to proceed to my next destination...

FYI

2006-01-19T21:04:00.000+07:00

www.amielito777.tk

PLEASE VISIT MY NEW LINK...

Saigon's View

2006-01-17T20:46:00.000+07:00

Behind me is the Ben Than market which is one of the most visited market here in Vietnam.

Behind me is the People's Community Hall, because this is a partially communist country, every area here has People's Community who leads them. Bulaklak ng Saigon... mas maganda ang bulaklak ng Maynila.

Pabili ho! A typical street vendor.

goodies inside Ben Than market, a lot of dried goods...

Saigon street, non-busy hour... hayyyyy salamat walang traffic

at syempre we have also KFC here, actually may Jollibee pa nga kaya lang di ko pa nakukunan...

Do you know that...?

2006-01-08T18:36:00.000+07:00

Filipino-Americans
2nd Largest Asian-American Population in the US

Filipino Americans today are an emerging Asian ethnic group. Although they are currently number two only in total Asian American group population, next to the Chinese, they are expected to become the largest Asian American group after several years more, based on current statistics.

Records from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) show that the Philippines has become the second biggest source of immigrants to the United States for the second year in a row (1995 and 1996), surpassing India, Vietnam, and China, which ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.

Total Population

Although the official 1990 Census shows that there are only 1.4 million Filipinos in the United States, they number about 2.2 million, according to the National Filipino American Council.

According to a report in the Filipino Reporter the INS admitted a total of 53,876 legal immigrants from the Philippines in fiscal year 1996.

Mexico, up to 1996, remains the top country of origin of all immigrants to the United States, with a total of 163,572 arrivals in 1996.

Increase of Arrivals

According to INS statistics, the number of Filipino immigrants to the U.S. increased by 2,892 from 1995's total of 50,984 arrivals. In 1993 and 1994, the Filipinos ranked third, with 63,457 and 53,535, respectively. China then was ranked second during both fiscal years, with 53,985 in 1994 and 65,578 in 1993. China placed fourth in 1995 (35,463) and fifth in 1996 (41,728).

The state of California has been the first choice among Filipino immigrants. For 1996, 23,438 out of the 53,876 new immigrants from the Philippines chose to settle in California, mostly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Hawaii was the second choice with a total of 5,208 arrivals, followed by New York, 3,719; New Jersey, 3,544, Illinois; 2,516; Guam, 2,220; Texas, 2,064; Florida, 1,796; Washington 1,688; and Virginia, 1,446.

Source: http://www.tribuneusa.com

Same same but different

2006-01-07T14:49:00.000+07:00

Beyond progress, there are many left behind...
In my one year of working here in Vietnam, I have talked to a lot of people of different nationality. Actually, there are more tourists here than in our country, and there are more foreign investors establishing their businesses here. I have asked their opinion about the Philippines and do you know what are we famous for? The Abusayaf and our president, Gloria Arroyo. They made blockbuster news for the past years and until now so they are afraid to visit our country. Lets take a glance to these following pictures and see how far are we now, are we left behind?

Manila ------------------------Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
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Manila by night-----------------Saigon by night
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Along Manila Bay ------------------Saigon River
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a local house in Manila ----------- a modern house in HCM
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Traffic in Manila ----------------------in Saigon
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Manila sidewalk vendors

Saigon street vendors
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Squatters area ----------------------in Saigon
in Manila
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and of course the GIRLS!!!

I hope you enjoyed seeing these pictures.

Contact Me

2005-12-18T19:43:00.003+07:00

Amiel R. Pascual

31/9 GE Phu My Anh Apartment
Nguyen Thi Tap Street, District 7
Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM

+84837751379 - home
+84919036040 - mobile

amielito777@yahoo.com

I am Amielittle

Working to lose

thoughts

For the love of ice cream

I’m not really a fan of ice cream, but when I crave, I devour.

Pag-asa

Stronger Than

pakiramdam

Yo

Wake me up before September ends

My journey

Is there still war in Vietnam?

beautiful sunday

A new beginning...

Survey: Philippine politics

Feels like going home...

I can smell another award

The TRUTHCASTER

Your vote counts!

Good News to All OFWs!

YES, Oh YES! Im going to Malaysia!

YouthSays, Vietnam's Youth Opinion Community

Back to work

Restarting...

i need light

Animal Encounter

Vietnam: In My Eyes

What a year!

Vietnam Oh my Vietnam!

Danger: A Monster Teacher

I'm going home...

Papa said no Limbo

Bye bye Pluto, Sorry I didn't know...

reading mode

drawing personality test

my thoughts

Welcome Bro. Eli to the world of blogging!

A new job!

Monalisa's Smile

Does you speak English my freind?

Read and learn...

My favorite students

Still happy without you...

Cambodia! Cambodia! Cambodia!

Pilipinas, Kumusta ka na?

Am I serious?

Best Blog of the Day Awardee

Afraid to Fly

birthday pictures...

6 years in service

9 days to go...

Happy New Year

Christmas? Think about it...

The Old Path awarded "Most Informative Religious Program of the Year"

ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED? Part 1

Is ABS-CBN Interactive a legitimate media group?

We can make it through the rain...

UNDERCONSTRUCTION

maglibang muna~~~

Tanong, Tanong at Tanong

Useful links

~~~JOB OPENING INQUIRIES~~~

Welcome to Saigon!

A dream

tapos na ang abril

I'm 24!

Comments from Ms. Dahli's Article about Bro. Eli

An article about Bro. Eli

Samu't sari

Psalms 90:12

PICTURES!!! PICTURES!!! PICTURES!!!

"We are strangers of this world..."

FYI

Saigon's View

Do you know that...?

Same same but different

Contact Me

~JOB OPENING INQUIRIES~