Slowing Down Makes Christmas Memorable

Here's my guest post article for the National Fatherhood Initiative's 12 Dad's of Christmas. I was asked to share my most memorable Christmas and how I make Christmas memorable to my kids.



The Christmas season becomes more hectic as one becomes an adult and a parent. That’s why memories of my childhood always come to my mind first when I reflect on my most memorable Christmases.

What's with Boys and Video Games?

I haven't introduced my son to active video games such as XBox or Play Station, but in case I do or he discover it on his own, I will keep this article in mind.

As Christmas draws near, the young—and the young at heart—among the guys in your life are probably asking for the latest video games. And if they’re real junkies, they’ve more than likely given up waiting and have already hit the stores to pick up one of the bestselling titles. You may be thinking, “What’s up with him? This can’t be healthy!” But what if—at the most basic level—it is?

Showing Off New Father and Son Haircuts

Jordan, my 3 year old son had a haircut yesterday and this is what it turned out. So far, it is one of the most "Liked" and commented photo I posted on my Facebook page.

I also had a haircut but on a separate time. Below's a picture my wife took showing off our new dos. Unfortunately, putting my self in the photo with Jordy didn't generate much "likes" and "comments" compared to my son's solo shot (oh well... call me bitter). Anyway, I'm looking forward when Jordan grows up a bit and we can make our own regular trips to the barber together. I don't know how frequent that will be, but it will be an excellent father-and-son bonding activity that we can do someday.

Kudos and we appreciate the folks at Great Clips. The Ashburn VA location made us look great.

There's More than Drama and Sex Appeal in Star Cinama's "One More Try" Movie

"Kahit isang gabi lang... pahiram ng asawa mo" - WOW, what a line!!! (LOL)

I stumbled upon this trailer on Facebook of an upcoming Filipino film, One More Try (a 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival entry by Star Cinema). I have not seen the movie (and will not have the chance to), but based on the trailer alone, One More Try tells a story of two couples torn between infidelity and saving the life of a child.

It deals with the real issue known as "savior sibling" - which is the main cause of conflict and drama in the movie. In the U.S. it is legal to create a genetically matched human being in order to save or be the “savior” of a sick child in need of a donor. Bone marrow, blood, or even organs from the savior sibling can be taken out and used for transplant for the sick sibling. I’m not sure if it’s also legal in the Philippines.

I doubt the movie will be factual with the issue “savior siblings.” Star Cinema’s main goal is to romanticized the story and produce a “happy every after” box-office ending.

To the trailer’s credit, it shows the devastation and stress placed on a marriage when a child has a fatal disease and the painful decisions parents go through.

Organ donation is perhaps one of the greatest deeds a person can do. But it’s a gift that should be freely given. It is never taken or bought. Creating a savior sibling is a direct violation of the dignity of that person. It treats human life as something to be made and used as a commodity.

The movie is definitely a tear-jerker that my mother and my other female Filipino American friends will enjoy. But if Filipino movie goers think deeper and look past the melodrama storyline and sex appeal of the main actors, the film should also help spark a discussion on ethics and what can happen when parents decide to play God.

Movie opens December 25^th in Philippine cinemas.

My Daughter's First 5K Race

Isabelle made it! She completed her first 5K race yesterday in 44.22 minutes. Not bad for an 8 year old first time runner- Of course I’m biased because I’m the dad. Isabelle complained some leg cramps during the race so she walked some parts of it. But she remained enthusiastic and determined to cross the finish line on her own. 

We also raised close to $250.00 for Angel Tree by the end of the day which made her feel extra proud and excited of her accomplishment. We appreciate all who donated!

Team No Excuse Bruce: Thanksgiving Race for Angel Tree

Isabelle, my eldest and 8 years old daughter will be running her first 5K race this Thanksgiving Day. She saw me run the Ashburn Farm 5K race last year and said she wanted to try it next year. The time has come and Isabelle has been running with me and sometimes with her mom on the treadmill to prepare for her first race. To make it more special,  she decided to run and raise funds to help kids in need - children of prisoners. 

These children are in dire need of love. They are too often marginalized -- victims of their parents' choices. Left without some of the most basic necessities, many don't even know what it's like to receive gifts from their parent for Christmas.

Our goal is to use running to change their lives. By raising support for every mile we run, we will be able to provide these children with a Christmas gift and an age-appropriate gospel message.

Caption this... Dove Men Care

This is one of my favorite Instagram photos of my son Jordan (3 years old). I was taking a photo of the Dove Men Care products (w/c I love and use) I received in the mail and he gave us this playful gesture - tells a lot of his young personality.

I think it's a perfect "Caption this" photo.

Hurricane Sandy and Funny Viral Flood Photos from the Philippines

Hurricane Sandy left a trail of destruction along the eastern part of the US. My family survived the storm without any major damage at home. My family spent 2 days of no work and school watching videos and TV shows OnDemand, carving Halloween pumpkins and setting up Christmas decorations (yes, that early).

I found some old funny viral flood photos from the Philippines (via Facebook) during the tropical storms there in the recent past months. I’m posting it here not to make fun of the situation in the US but to make the situation a bit lighter and inspiring for everyone coping with the storm. If there's one thing Americans and Filipinos have in common during natural calamities, it's the resiliency to bounce back stronger - though I think Filipinos do it best because they always have a smile on their faces.  :)

Help victims of super storm Sandy, here are 7 great options. 

Halloween Reading List

My colleagues at the literary blog WarrenAdler.com and myself came up with a reading book list to celebrate the season of scares, Halloween. Horror and supernatural thrillers are not my thing but it was fun to create a list that are mostly composed of classic literature. Definitely, I'm adding Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on my "To-Read" list. Check out the list below and if you get a chance, purchase a copy on Amazon.

Teens' Sexual Behavior Affected By Relationship With Dad, Researchers Find

Share this: Fathers' attitudes toward teen sex and the emotional closeness of their relationship with their teens have a big influence on teenage sexual behavior.

The review showed that dads' attitudes toward teen sexual behavior were linked to the age at which teens first had sex. Teens whose dads approved of adolescent sexual activity tended to start having sex earlier than teens whose dads did not approve, according to studies in the review.

An Important Message from Billy Graham

Thought I'll post this important message from a living giant in the faith, Billy Graham. The full-page ad was featured in the Wall Street Journal yesterday. As believers of Christ, and as dads we are called to be good citizens and set a good influence to our wife and children. It is important that we understand the issues, support solutions based on Christian principles and vote. 

"Elections and politics will not fix the issues — we have to change culture since it precedes and shapes politics. However, God anoints government leaders and it is our right and duties to elect leaders who we believe have integrity and represent the issues we feel passionate about. Some studies show that only half of Christians are registered to vote and only half of those that are registered actually do vote. We are not doing our duty as citizens if we fail to study the issues and the candidates and vote." (ColsonCenter.org)

Rice Topping: Help Us to See

I'm currently contemplating on this one:

"Help us not to fool ourselves with words, with talk of being sorry when we are not sorry, with talk of sacrifice when we have no intention of sacrificing, with talk of action when we are too lazy to act.

Where our vision is dim, help us to see. Where our hearts are imprisoned by fears, release them. And when we see and feel Your truth, give us the courage to act." (Avery Brooke, 1959)

It's easy to be good, selfless and loving to others. But to do it consistently? That's a task you and I need constant prayer for.

Breakfast with Kellogg's Apple Jacks & What Kind of Breakfast Are You?

Here's my son posing with his favorite breakfast, Kellogg's Apple Jacks. I think his face says it all on how much he loves this cereal.

I stumbled upon this blog post or series of pictures of people and their breakfast. It's weird to see how people look like their food and how it reflects their personality. If I'll describe myself as a breakfast menu, I'll probably be a bacon, garlic fried rice and pork tocino kind-of-guy. Yum!

Teenage Pregnancies in the Philippines is Now Third Highest in South East Asia

According to the First National Youth Commission (NYC) , teen pregnancy in the Philippines is increasing in an alarming rate. Teen pregnancy increased 70% over 10 years. Compared to other South East Asia countries, the Philippines is the third highest in teenage pregnancy and the only country experiencing the increasing trend.

This is one thing that is not "more fun" in the Philippines.

Building a strong moral courage to delay gratification is a sure way to slow down the increasing number of teen moms in the Philippines. So dads, let's tell our children the truth - sex outside of marriage is wrong and it has unintended consequences. 

Presidential Fatherhood: Obama and Romney on Being Fathers

I watched the first 2012 Presidential debate last Wednesday night. It was the first time I saw both President Barrack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney together on one stage delivering their case and messages to the public on who is the best person to do the job as President of the United States. But I wonder what the two candidates are like as fathers. What their constituents say about their paternal role and policies. Here’s a quick comparison on the two candidates and their stance on fatherhood.

A Literary Look for Your iPhone

A Literary Look for Your iPhone.

One simple way to introduce your children to classic books (click here to purchase). I'm currently reading F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby in preparation for the movie coming out this December. The novel tells the story of the lavish and mysterious life of Jay Gatsby set in the 1920s, New York. I won't go into details because I'm still half way. But if there one lesson I'm already learning from the book, it is, the way to happiness is not found in material pleasures.

Happy reading!

I'm a WatchDOG Dad

Mission accomplished! 

Today, I served as a WatchDOG dad at Isabelle’s elementary school. My day was hectic, a bit stressful but so much fun and very satisfying (I took a shot of 5-Hour Energy to help me go through the day). The best part of being a WatchDOG was seeing my daughter proud of seeing dad around school and being a WatchDOG kid or as she refers as a “WatchPUPPY.” Sitting down and socializing with my daughter’s friends during lunch period was also very valuable. 

I am very impressed on how kids react to my presence. Some will call me by name, “Mr. Bruce” or “WatchDOG” when they see me in the hallway and greets me with a big high-five. There were kids who were eager to get close to me and some who wants to be "clingy" - which doesn't bother me at all. The presence of a male-figure WatchDOG in school provide an extra sense of security and comfort children need every day. I am glad to be able to provide that even for a short time. That alone is reason for me to volunteer again someday.

WatchDOG is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering. It organizes fathers and father figures to provide positive male role models for students by serving at least one day a year in a variety of school activities assigned by the school principal or administrator. Click here for more information.

The WatchDOGS. Mission Accomplished!

Dads, your drinking has an impact on your children

This powerful video ad from Finland is probably close to explain why my young daughter was in tears after we came from a friends barbecue party a couple of months ago. She said she got scare because she saw me drinking "alcohol" (beer). Since then, I’ve been careful and more discreet in my social drinking. Other dads should too because young eyes could be watching.

  

Explain to Children Why Voting this November is Important

The US presidential election is near and if you're like me who desires to explain to my kids why it is important for mom and dad to be involved in the political process such as voting, this video from the Colson Center should be a good resource. As explained in the video, voting is a Christian duty and it's our way of following Christ's command to love our neighbors. This shouldn't be too hard to explain using child appropriate language.  Do you agree?

If you have other resources that can help me explain politics and government to my young children, please send it to me. I would like to see what other dads or parents are using.

 

Two Things to Teach Your Kids About the 9/11 Attacks

Bad crap happens but God is in Control: We need to take the time to teach our kids that bad crap in life just happens.  People murder.  Parents get divorced.  Bullies bully.  Although bad crap happens, we still have a God that loves and cares for us.  Romans 8:28 says “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  We should teach our kids to STAND on this promise.  I don’t understand why God allows this stuff to happen?  I don’t understand why God didn’t call out the Avengers to open up a can…so when I don’t understand I must STAND and trust the promises of God.

Be a hero and step into the fear:  Take the time to teach your kiddos about the heroes of 9/11.  The NYPD & NYFD could have ran, backed down and cowered in fear but instead they chose to step into the fear, enter the chaos and save lives.  The passengers on the jet headed for the White House could have fearfully waited for their death but instead they chose to step into the fear, fight, kick and go full on Rambo on the terrorist and bring the plane down.  Teach your kids to to be a hero and step into the pain.

(Source: Chris Sprad, EpicParent.TV)

Why it's Easy to Believe that President Marcos Ordered Ninoy Aquino Killed

My blog post on Tibo Mijares 3 years ago breathe some new life today when I stumbled upon Jose Camano's article on the subject. The article affirmed what I already know about former President Marcos' involvement in the assassination of Ninoy Aquino (exactly 29 years ago) and Mijares' disappearance. The piece, shed new light on some gruesome details of Mijares' abduction and the death of his teen age son - which I've been very curious about. I got permission to post the entire article on this website.  May it serve as a reminder that Filipinos should never forget what the Marcos' have done and continue to resist the evils in our society - we have no higher calling than to expose it by every legitimate ways.

Safe Sex

By far the best illustration I've seen to teach our children safe sex.

My addition to the picture is, stay chaste.

(Image Source: Catholic Church Facebook) 

In the Aurora Theater the Men Protected the Women. What Does that Mean?

I am moved by the courage of some men at Aurora, CO. It makes me reflect on the virtue of self-sacrifice even when your own life was on the line. Men still embrace the role of protector, at least three of the 12 victims of the shooting died because they were physically protecting the women they came to the movie with. I hope every husband, dads and men will have the same spirit of heroism and self-denial these men possess.

Fatherhood, Star Wars Style

These photos, which I found on All Pro Dad and Daddy Dazed blog are hilarious. All the daddy nerds at Comic-Con 2012 and the semi-nerds at home like me should have a field day on these images.

Swedish photographer Kristina Alexanderson took these pictures depicting Star Wars Storm Troopers as fathers. She said in an interview, "I'm interested in relations... The troopers have many attributes that make me want to work with them. They are male, and I like the thought of trying to give them feelings, relation, they are human, not machines."


Photos are creative, fun to look at and most specially, heartwarming because of the positive message it conveys on fatherhood. Proves that good dads comes in all shapes, sizes... and galaxies.


Below are some of my favorites. View more photos on Flickr.

Praise and Worship Songs, Then and Now

Whoever created this picture, brings up an interesting point about contemporary Christian praise and worship songs.

I bookmarked an article from Touchstone Magazine back in 2009 which I think gives an excellent perspective. Comparing ancient classical hymns to present, Donald Williams wrote, "a great deal of today’s music is very poor. Well, that shouldn't be too surprising; some of the music of the past was, too. The difference is that, with the past, the weeding-out process... has already taken place. Therefore, we cannot find, encourage, and preserve the best contemporary music without knowing those marks of excellence that made the best of the past stand out and survive so long. What are those marks? (1) biblical truth; (2) theological profundity; (3) poetic richness; (4) musical beauty; and (5) the fitting of music to text in ways that enhance, rather than obscure or distort, its meaning."

Which TV Dad Are You?

Last Father’s Day, Focus on the Family asked “who is your favorite TV dad?” The following choices were given:



  - Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon, Little House on the Prairie)
 
 - Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby, The Cosby Show)
  - Ward Cleaver (Hugh Beaumont, Leave it to Beaver)
 - Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith, The Andy Griffith Show)
  - Mike Brady (Robert Reed, The Brady Bunch)
 - Howard Cunningham (Tom Bosley, Happy Days)
 - Steve Douglas (Fred MacMurray, My Three Sons)

  - Uncle Bill Davis (Brian Keith, Family Affair)

  - Ben Cartwright (Lorne Green, Bonanza)

  - Mike Seaver (Alan Thicke, Growing Pains)

  - John Walton (Ralph Waites, The Waltons)

  - Steven Keaton (Michael Gross, Family Ties)



Family Movie: "Monster's Inc. 2" is a Prequel, "Monsters University"

Just saw the teaser trailer of the new Monsters, Inc. movie on YouTube set to be released next summer. Instead of doing Monsters Inc. 2, Pixar decided to produce a prequel entitled Monsters University. 


I'll miss Boo on the new film. A grown up Boo would be a good idea for the next Monsters, Inc. movie. Pixar did a great job on a grown up Andy on Toy Story 3, and I'm sure they can do justice again if they revisit Boo on Monsters, Inc 2. My question, whatever happened to Boo is still unanswered. Oh well, sequel or not, Monsters, Inc. will always be one of my top movie picks my family and I enjoys. I never tire of the final scene when Sulley opens the reassembled door to see Boo, who in return recognizes him by saying, "Kitty!" It gave Sulley a surprised grin on his face as the film closes.  Very memorable!


 

When Naked Women Became Naked Girls

As someone who was addicted to pornography, I can relate to this great post from Timothy Dalrymple on the pervasive power of porn and how fatherhood changed his perspective on it.


But something changed when I became a father. When I was nine years old, the women I saw in those magazines were women. They seemed very distant. Older, more mature, in control (I presumed) of their own destinies. I gave no thought to the lives they had lived. I gave no thought to their feelings. I gave no thought to them. Now, if I see pictures of a Hollywood starlet on the beach, or a sex scene in a movie, the young ladies are almost always younger. They’re girls, not unlike my own little girl. Someone rocked them to sleep, like I do for my daughter. Someone comforted them when they were afraid of the monster or the spider or the thunder. They have histories, they have dreams, and they have souls. (Read more: Naked Women, Naked Girls by Timothy Dalrymple)

The Best Place to See Filipino Celebrities is in Church

As a Filipino Christian blogger, I would like to ask the following questions: Does evangelical churches in the Philippines particularly urban churches know the difference between a celebrity and a true shepherd of God? Has many would rather have a feel-good preacher in the pulpit than a deep and unapologetic teacher of God’s word? Has some churches, not majority had become too focused on the “Who’s Who” list of personalities that enter their church door? 


Unfortunately, many (not all) expect pastors to be psychologists, CEOs and super stars. Many (again, not all) also adulates how their church has become a pre-show of ASAP every Sunday and considers celebrity members a bragging right and a sign of church success. The "Star Center" complex in some Filipino churches has to stop. It is toxic and destructive. It leads to self-absorption and swallow theology - it has no place in the church. If many think that the pastor is the "main attraction" and the best place to see Filipino celebrities is in church, the church has serious image problems that require a hard dose of self-reflection and sound-Biblical wake up call. The True North is the only star that needs to be in the spotlight at local churches.

A Wake Up Call for Filipino Men

Pinoy Daddy Blogger & son

‎America leads the industrialized world in fatherlessness. Forty percent of all children in America are born to single mothers; that rate is 50% for mothers under 30, and 70% for African-Americans. While moms are great at giving unconditional love regardless of their child’s performance, dads motivate sons to try harder, not to give up, to work for success. But even for those with dads, the average school-age boy in America spends half an hour a week in one-to-one conversation with his father. Compare that with an average of 44 hours a week spent in front of a television or computer screen.

This is a wake up call to Filipino fathers too. Filipino men need to learn from the demise of American fathers and prepare themselves spiritually and emotionally to pursue legitimate pleasures with their mate and children.

Who else is best to lead culture to the right way, but the church?

Recommended reading: The Demise of Guys: How video games and porn are ruining a generation

(Adapted from Filipino Christian blog, Act Like a Man)

Annabelle Rama to Run for a Congressional Seat in Cebu

Annabelle Rama to join politics.

I have to pause to give myself a moment to wipe the coffee off my keyboard. No, she is not running as president of your local Palengke, she is running for a congressional seat in Cebu next year. I have to check my computer again to make sure the liquid I spit out did not damage it. It has been reported that she consulted her family to discuss her interest to run in Cebu City.

Hey, it is a free country! If actors, athletes, comedians, crooks and dethroned ex-presidents can run for office, why not Rama too? Based on the videos that circulated online about her tirade against former actress Nadia Montenegro, “loudspeaker of the house” might be a fitting title in case she gets elected. I’m just kidding. Because of Rama’s very public persona and what she has said and done in the past, she may have a tough time to convince people specially her constituents that she is running a serious campaign. She may want to consider Susan Ople’s excellent advise to Alma Moreno who is also running in 2013 but as a Senator. Ople, a columnist and former Senatorial candidate, advised Moreno to make sense when speaking your mind, have enough campaign money, enjoy the journey and dream big, all are applicable to Rama. Who knows, Rama could be the “element of surprise” in 2013 and wilt all the Cebuanos with her cause and intentions for office. That is what democracy is all about and should not be taken for granted. We have the liberty to run for public office and the responsibility to choose leaders. 

Whether you take this news serious or not, it is a good teaser preview of what will take place in 2013. My hope, as a Christian nation, Filipinos will contemplate early and will pick the best of their ability a candidate of competence and sound character who will help maintain justice, restrain evil, and preserve order – these are what Christianity calls for in government.

Chief Justice Renato Corona is Guilty, But Where Do We Go From Here?

After 43 trial days of hearing, the Senate sitting as impeachment court have declared Chief Justice Renato Corona guilty. Prosecutors said they have strongly proved that Corona is “morally unfit” to remain as chief justice since he lied about his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) to conceal his wealth. This makes Corona the first government official to be convicted by an impeachment court. (Read more) 

Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin... But Who's the Sinner?

In the past few weeks, states have made decisions on same-sex marriage and the president of our country has come clean on where he stands on the issue. I’ve seen reactions from both sides of the deep canyon, and I’ve seen so much hate from either side. I have to admit I am most bothered by the hate that comes from the side that claims to be Jesus’ followers. (Read more: Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin. Yes, But Who's the Sinner? by Abet Victoria)

An excellent article. I will not deny that some prominent Christians did not do a decent job in pointing sin to others. That is why evangelical Christians are stereotyped as judgmental and bigoted. I think the issue is deeper than just poor communication skills from these Christians. I think our “secular” neighbors just do not get it when Christians bring up the idea of sin. The world believe that people are intrinsically good and there’s no such thing as sin. Often, bad choices are viewed as products of something else other than the condition of the human heart – such as poverty, lack or education, poor upbringing, genetics, etc. Christians don’t hate people, we just draw the distinction between the sin and the sinner. Christians want to help them understand that what they are doing is sinful. We’re just communicating what God said in the Bible. It is not bigotry, just genuine concern. Remember, Christians are also the first people to go to prisons and hospitals and embrace those who are sick with AIDS.

How we speak about it, is also very important. It is also wrong to demonize sinners. Remember, Jesus also prayed and wept over the people who will crucify him. We can love the sinner while hating the sin. We do not love them only after they come out of the closet or when terrible things are already said about them. Love should be a daily act and specially before we reproach others.

(Posted originally on on Facebook)

The Only Thing Lady Gaga Offended in Manila

Do you agree with the protesters that the Lady Gaga concert should have been banned in Manila to protect the moral values of the Filipino youth?... Should Lady Gaga be given artistic freedom, or must she be censored based on religious and moral beliefs of the predominantly Christian people of the Philippines? (Read more, Lady Gaga in Manila: Artistic Freedom or Censorship Based on Religious Beliefs?, by Gel Santos-Relos)

If many Filipino's think Lady Gaga is sincere in advocating respect and equality for all, then many are out of touch with her reality. If Gaga is serious about love and acceptance, then she should stop offending Catholics in her songs and videos or at least explain why defaming people of faith is acceptable while an attack on LBGT community is not. Or better, she should make songs and videos of other religious figures like Mohammed - I bet she doesn’t have the courage to do it.

The Sliming of Filipino & Christian Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is guilty — of being true to his Catholic faith. The gay-marriage mob is guilty — of the very ugly bigotry it claims to abhor. And left-wing media outlets are guilty — of stoking false narratives that shamelessly demonize religion in the name of compassion. (Read more, How the Gay-Marriage Mob Slimed Manny Pacquiao by Michelle Malkin).

I hope the strength and courage Manny Pacquiao possess inside the boxing ring is the same to withstand the smear campaign and bigotry hurled against him. More importantly, I hope he won't compromise and remain loyal to his faith and the authority of the scriptures he openly proclaims. Same goes to his wife Jinkee and the pastors or church who mentors him.

Some Nice Gesture

I always take my daughter to work after school at least once a week to "visit daddy's office" and to have some distraction-free time to do her home work. Yesterday, was just one of those days, so I thought. When I got to work this morning, I saw this on my desk:

She left a Nature Valley granola bar last night for the clean crew. It's her way of thanking them for their job and keeping "daddy's office" clean. Too bad no one picked it up, probably no one saw it, but it was still a nice gesture. Makes daddy proud.

Headline: How Cheating Can Save your Marriage

The front page of The Huffington Post featured an article with the headline "How Cheating Can Save your Marriage." It's on a research study on female infidelity that found the following conclusion:

Of the wives with whom I've spoken, close to half believe that the 'other man' can actually help them to stay in an unhappy or suboptimal marriage because they find their happiness with the lover. This group of wives who remain with their husbands feels more in touch with their desires in this extra curricular relationship than in their marriages and they no longer feel that life is passing them by.

What kind of adults are we raising?

Exhibit A:
Raymart Santiago, Claudine Barretto and friends vs. Ramon "Mon" Tulfo brawl at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Philippines.



Exhibit B:
Tulfo brothers, Erwin, Ben and Raffy airs grave threats on live TV.



(UPDATE, 5/9/2012) Erwin Tulfo issued an apology for threatening remarks on Raymart Santiago and TV5 suspended the Tulfo brothers Erwin, Raffy and Ben, for the threats they made on national television. As for Raymart, Claudine Barretto and Mon Tulfo, a legal brawl is now headed to court.

Birthday and Nutella Spread

Happy birthday to my son, Jordan. He's 3 years old today. Best way to celebrate is to serve him his favorite croissant topped with a thick layer of Nutella spread. Simple moments like this make fatherhood and family more sweeter.

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.

Remembering Two Great Men, My Dad and Chuck Colson

April 21st will always be a special date for me. Exactly eight years ago my dad, Romeo Bruce went home with the Lord, and at 3:15pm today I lost a mentor and friend, Chuck Colson. The date of their death is not the only thing they have in common, both are Godly men who lived exemplary lives to proclaim and defend God's absolute truth. Both played a big part in my life and influenced me to become who I am now. My dad introduced me to the Truth and Chuck taught me how to live the Truth. I imagine my dad greeted Chuck at the door with a big welcome hug. I’ll miss them both.

Romeo Bruce, March 14, 1932 - April 21, 2004

Chuck Colson, October 13, 1931 - April 21, 2012

Pop Music: Is It Only Entertainment?

This article from RapRehab.com is by far one of the best commentaries I’ve read on pop music and its influence on our daughters. The author and I share the same sentiments with good Ol' pop music (i.e Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, etc.) and my angst with the current crop of pop starlets (i.e Rihanna, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, etc.). We rant about pop music’s use of over-sexualized lyrics, self-hating labels on women, raunchy publicity stunts and the blatant hypocrisy of the music industry for turning a blind eye to its own and the callousness of the listening public to give these artists a pass and regard them as role models - all because "its only entertainment,"... yeah right!

What the Impeachment Trial of Chief Justice Corona Tells Me

There are mixed opinions surrounding the ongoing impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. But there's only one message the trial tells me. The trial tells me that the rule of law in the Philippines is alive and well no matter how perceived its corrupt or disappointed Filipinos are with the country’s justice system. The Constitution remains the supreme law of the Philippines and it's designed by God to create order and a strong moral foundation for the country. A foundation strong enough to withstand "storms" and able to hold "bad fruits" in our government accountable for their actions. Clearly no one is above the law.

Repeating what I said in a previous article, it's up to us parents to teach our children about politics and tell them what they see in the news are great lessons in what they ought not imitate. News like the Corona impeachment is a teaching opportunities to tell them that doing the right thing always matter.

What's the Real Cause of Crimes in the Philippines?

As the poverty incidences in the Philippines and the proportion of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger increases in the last decade, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that crime rates in the country are in a downward trend. According to the PNP, 502,665 cases of crimes were recorded in 2009 to only 246,958 in 2011, indicating an average monthly decrease of 3.57% by the end of 2011. The PNP's Chief Executive claimed that the drop in crime rate was because effective anti-crime measures have been put in place in the form of increased police visibility in crime prone areas.

The PNP efforts to stop crime were great but I don't think it's the best solution nor the most effective to bring crime rates down. Alleviating Filipinos from poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and other ills of our society can do little to have a significant impact to maintain peace and order in our neighborhoods.   To fix the problem, the root cause of crime should be addressed.

The cause of crime is not poverty or the inability of the government to provide basic social needs such as jobs and education. Crimes are caused by people making wrong moral choices. Yes, lack of employment or food on the table is an influence but its the lack of moral training that cause an individual to steal, cheat or murder. Most Filipinos know what's right or wrong but the bigger question, and most important question to ask - do Filipinos have the will to do what is right even in the face of temptation or incentives to do what's wrong?

To deal with crime we have to start with the task of moral reformation and teaching ethics to Filipinos. Increasing police presence and stricter crime laws only creates overcrowded prisons and not a reformed crime-free society. Family breakdown is the leading indicator of criminal activity. Instilling good character and virtues of self-discipline, integrity and service within the context of a loving family and healthy community structures like schools and churches is the best anti-crime program we all can take part and believe in. Of course its ideal to start forming these virtues when Filipinos are young. But it's not too late to start for adults. Because latest statistic shows that high poverty doesn't necessarily mean high  crimes. It's not poverty but depravity that causes crimes.  To slow it down, it should begin not by empowering the PNP but strengthening the Filipino family.

(Adapted from BreakPoint. Article also posted on Definitely Filipino)

Pentagon: United States Military Wants Increased Access to Philippines

According to a report from the Washington Post, "the Philippines is in talks with the Obama administration about expanding the American military presence" in the Philippines, a strategic moves aimed at China and its growing military activities in the region. (Read full story here)

Are the talks about US military bases back in Philippine soil? Filipino leftist groups think so and were quick to stage a rally in Washington DC to express their disapproval. A leader from the leftist group, Bayan said, "If we allow more US troops to enter our country, the entire archipelago will be transformed into one military outpost for US hegemonic interests."