Living Homeless in San Diego

Last February, I was living as a homeless man on the streets of San Diego, California. Check out the homemade slide show above using the video editing app, Splice.

It was a thoughtful conscious choice to plunged into homelessness for one week because of my friend Ed Pelzner. Originally from Reston, Ed has been missing since 2014. The last confirmed information about him was he was living on the streets of San Diego and he's a meth addict. Ed's best friend Will Cravens, has been on a journey to find Ed since he disappeared. He would fly out of Northern Virginia to San Diego at least twice a year and would live on the streets to have closer access, gain trust and built street credibility among homeless people. He serves and volunteers at the different institutions that help the homeless at the same time. When I heard Ed's story one Sunday morning, I knew right away that I want to get into action and be part of a meaningful mission. (Check out this ABC 10 News report from 2015 on the search for Ed)

Next Mission: Help Find Ed

Joining some friends this week to look for Ed in San Diego and serve the homeless along the way.
Just as I want others to do if I were lost.

   

(Leviticus 25:35)

Being Rich Is Not About How Much You Have, It Is About How Much You Give

"Being rich is not about how much you have, it is about how much you give." This is now my favorite quote. The video below explains why. It moved me and reminded me that we are called to serve others not just ourselves. 

(Published in The Huffington Post)

It shouldn't take a seven-minute video to make us appreciate what our parents do for us, but we've found one anyway.

The clip above is from Viddsee, a company in Asia that curates and shares powerful short films. In this one, titled "Gift," a son feels neglected by his father for most of his childhood. But when he grows up, he learns his dad's cold exterior was hiding a soft (dare we say, funny?) interior all along.
It's a simple reminder to not judge a book -- or a dad -- by the cover.

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

An artist said, "We can participate in the arts to the glory of God by enthusiastically enjoying the arts, recognizing God as the ultimate source of the creativity and beauty that we enjoy." The arts can help us sort out and discipline our emotions, so that, from our hearts, we might serve God and our neighbors as we are called to do in Christ.

I would like to introduce you to the beautiful hymn that moved me to tears, "Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God" written by modern liturgists Keith Getty and Stuart Townend and sung by Kristyn Getty (video above). The violin solo at the beginning is “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Ennio Morricone, from the movie soundtrack “The Mission” and the melody itself is heavily influenced by J.S. Bach. Also included is a reading of The Lorica (Breastplate), a prayer of protection traditionally attributed to Saint Patrick of Ireland.

A True Love Story In Pictures You Won’t Easily Forget

I want to share this story with you. Their photos easily tell the entire story. Taylor and Danielle, two young people deeply in love and demonstrates the Christian definition of "true love." True love is NOT  a feeling. It's not about being happy, or having your needs met. True love is all about self-sacrifice and what you can give to your partner. 

Click here to see what I mean.

(h/t The Poached Egg)

Faith and Fatherhood: What Are Fathers For?

Interesting debate over at The New York Times: What Are Fathers For? In almost half the American households with children, mothers are the sole or primary breadwinners. This victory for working women shows evolving family economics — or maybe, two very different types of families. So what is the purpose of men in modern families? We’re approaching the holiday that celebrates dads, but do fathers bring anything unique to the table?

My answer... yes they do! Fathers, whether primary bread winner or not still matters. Their presences and involvement are always valuable. In study after study, the absence of fathers is linked to a host of what social scientists call “adverse outcomes” in the lives of children. These adverse outcomes affect all of society—increased crime, substance abuse, and dropping out of school, to name but a few. The “adverse outcomes” can also be more “personal,” although just as devastating: increased incidents of mental illness, sexual promiscuity, and an inability to form stable and lasting relationships.

Filipino Christian Blogger Remembers Chuck Colson

The view above my work computer

(Article originally posted on BreakPoint) It was an honor and a blessing to work alongside my boss and mentor Chuck Colson. I was personally drawn to Chuck because of his personal connections to my personal hero, Ninoy Aquino (I think they also look alike).

According to Chuck, they were close friends when Ninoy was exiled in Boston. They met on an airplane and started a close friendship. Chuck said Ninoy considered him his spiritual mentor. In fact, Chuck was the first person Ninoy called when he decided to go back to the Philippines. One of Ninoy's final phone calls before boarding the plane back to the Philippines was with Chuck. Filipinos were never the same again when Ninoy returned.

Many Foreign Refugees Find New Lives in Manila, Philippines

This article from South China Morning Post was shared to me by my friend Vicky G. of Heirloom Rice. I feel proud and inspired on how the article put the Philippines in a very positive light. Reminds me of the words in Leviticus 19, When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Unleash the Manny Pacquiao in every Filipino!

(originally posted on Goodnewspilipinas.com by Michael Cho)

What I draw from this fight is a reaffirmation that Filipinos are amongst the best in the world not just in boxing but in any field. Manny, Charice, Arnel, Dado, as well as the tens of millions here and abroad are thriving to create a better Philippines. Filipinos are one of the smartest, most talented, hard working, industrious, creative, artistic, dedicated and religious people in the world. The natural resources in the Philippines are also amongst the best in the world, it truly is a paradise.

We have a diaspora of ten to twelve million that have left our country not necessarily seeking an easier life, or more money, or fame, they are seeking is a fair and level playing field; where they are measured and rewarded for their abilities, strengths, dedication, smarts, talents, and potential – instead of their surnames, relatives, relations, connections, and affiliations. The world is evolving far beyond stamping-out corruption to creating a meritocratic democracy.

Our people have all found success in the four corners of the world in all fields except in our own country. It would be a gross understatement to say that our country has underperformed relative to other countries; considering all our talent and resources. Any fifth grade student will tell you it is because our country is festering in corruption. Some even defend it as a system of wealth redistribution or a zero sum game. It is not as simple as stealing from Peter and giving to Paul. When you steal from Peter and give it to Paul both Peter and Paul lose. It even destroys everyones humanity and human spirit. Humanity is our will to share and cooperate. Human Spirit is our drive, passion to succeed, will to thrive, survive and compete. MLK said that “Injustice to one is injustice to all”.

Our success abroad is a testament of what the Filipinos can do if given a fair chance. If we all achieve ten percent of our potential, the Philippines would truly become the envy of the world. We would be beyond comparison. We just need to create and maintain a fair and level environment. We always tell your kids that “it’s not about winning or losing but how you play the game”. That is so true in life if we all had a fair playing field we would all be inspired to “participate”, try, work, invest, live better, stronger, and do more.

Let’s unleash the Manny Pacquiao in every Filipino!

Pinay Red Cross worker recovered

Some good news greeted me this morning when I logged in PhilStar.com. Filipina Red Cross worker Mary Jean Lacaba was rescued from her Abu Sayyaf kidnappers in Sulu. Though this is a good reason to celebrate, the ordeal of the other hostages is far from over and it looks like more than 4,000 families will be affected by this problem.

This story reminded me of Martin and Gracia Burnham the missionary couple kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in 2001 and was held captive for a year. Their story ended in tragedy when Martin was killed by "friendly fire" during a rescue attempt by the Philippine military. But God's grace was present through their ordeal, Gracia remained faithful to God and have even showed compassion and forgiveness to her captors. Gracie is now an author, public speaker and is currently running a ministry that serves persecuted Christians and missionaries.

Let just hope and pray that the current kidnapping in Mindanao will end in peace and no human being will be hurt in the process.

"The Prayer of Dependence" by Rick Warren

Here's an inspiring article referring to Rick Warren's recent sermon entitled "The Prayer of Dependence" at his mega-church Saddleback Church in California. Many Filipinos know Rick Warren because of his popular book "The Purpose Driven Life" which is also translated to Tagalog - the book is considered the second most translated book next to the Bible.

Rick reminds us that God will provide our needs, not a stimulus bill or in Filipino context, not more money, economic prosperity, a job, low gas prices or winning a multi-million peso lottery.

Here are my favorite sermon quotes that all Filipinos can also learn from:

Whatever your need is – physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, whether it is the need in your body, in your mind, or a need in your soul or a need in your spirit – God says ‘I will take care of that need if you will depend on me.

There’s nothing I need that God can’t supply... It means that as a child of God, as a follower of Christ I should never, and you should never, have a scarcity mentality.

What is the scarcity mentality? Scarcity mentality says, ‘I’m afraid there isn’t enough. There isn’t enough to go around. So I’m going to panic, I’m going to worry. I’m going to get anxious, I’m going to be afraid.' There’s more than enough to go around friends.

The number one way that God tests your faith? Money.

God wants to know: Are you going to worry, or are you going to trust me? … When I meet others' needs, God takes care of mine.

The Kindness of Mang Mel

Good citizens help each other in special times of need. Here's one touching story that caught my attention that demonstrate that truth. I basically spent my growing up years in UP Diliman that's why the story of retired UP janitor, Mang Mel interest me a lot. Naaalala ko tuloy yung mga janitor at maintenance staff sa UP College of Engineering kung saan teacher ang tatay ko na naging mabait sa akin at parang naging tatay-tatayan din habang nasa trabaho ang tatay ko. Ang daming oras ko din yata sa spend sa UPEng since pre-kinder hanggang last day ng tatay nang mag-retire sya nung 1996, thats 16 years.

As Inquirer.net reported, a story posted on social networking website Multiply grabs the attention of the alumni of the University of the Philippines. It is about the plight of Meliton Zamora, the university's janitor who was unable to get his retirement package due to some "miscalculations" in his leave credits. In this interview with INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Anna Valmero (see above), Garcia recounts how he became a loan guarantor to UP students and his call to resolve issues on his retirement pay.

The Philippines Need Good Citizens

I saw this opinion letter by Reginald Tamayo on Inquirer.net that echos my prayer to the Filipinos.

For the year 2009, it is my prayerful wish that we learn to become good citizens. It is my prayer that we should learn to be more aggressive about our rights, freedom and dignity as a people. I do not wish to leave this country even when it is filthy to live in. That would be unpatriotic. There is hope for this country. Let us start contributing our fair share by caring for and loving our country, making it more decent and respectable in the eyes of the international community and God. And we can do that by learning to become good citizens.

To make a better Philippines, we need better Filipinos. To make better Filipinos we need God.

Here are some scriptures to ponder:

“Makes Jesus your Lord proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of fools... Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.” 1 Peter 2:13-17 (The Message)

“Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen.” Romans 13:1 (The Message)

The Greatest Filipino Who Ever Lived

(Filipino Christian Blogger) Tanong ng Filipinos Voices blog... If we're to vote for the BEST FILIPINO who ever lived, who would most likely be in the short list and who will get the most votes?

Here are the nominees (click nyo na lang yung name for information about the person kasi wala akong time mag-summarize).

The Sure Ins
Jose Rizal
Andres Bonifacio
Lapu-lapu
Past Leaders
Diosdado Macapagal
Ramon Magsaysay
Ferdinand Marcos
Manuel Quezon
Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino
The Arts
Fernando Poe Jr.
Atang Dela Rama
The Saints
San Lorenzo Ruiz
Jaime Cardinal Sin
Pedro Calungsod

Kung ako ang tatanungin si my vote goes to Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. Until now, hanga ako sa tapang nya para harapin ang kanyang kamatayan. Di ko makalimutan yung bilin nya sa mga reporters bago sya lumabas ng plane to get their cameras ready to record every moment of his arrival because his life can be over in a split second. Naniniwala ako at naconfirm ko sa aking boss na si Chuck Colson that his motivation to die for the Philippines is not only because he loves the Filipinos but because He love the Almighty. Sabi nga ni Chuck sa akin his final phone conversation with Ninoy before he left for the Philippines and he said "if I die, I know I will be with Jesus." Ninoy really felt that he was called to give his life to the Filipinos. Serving and dying for the Filipinos to honor God deserve my vote as the greatest Filipino who ever lived.

Who would you nominate or vote for?

7 of 10 Pinoys haven’t given up on RP

According to this article from Malaya, majority of Filipinos has not given up on the Philippines and will still choose to stay in the country than migrate somewhere else. This is good news despite of the ongoing problems in the country such as high food and gas prices, government corruption, unemployment, Cha cha, etc. Filipinos are generally optimistist about life in my opinion that's why I'm not surprised with the positive results of the survey. The common expression of hope that most Filipinos share is encouraging but I think what's more significant to recognize is that the feeling of hope is not as important as the object of hope. If it's Christ that majority of Filipinos get their hopes from then that for me is better news and worth celebrating.