TAMPERPROOF WORSHIP

Temple Invasion

2010-07-16T01:53:00.000-07:00

"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT). Paul wrote these words to counter the Corinthian sex obsession. "Run away from sexual sin!" reads the prior sentence. "No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body." (v.18 NLT).

I am a man whose testimony publicly is clean from sexual stains. My words are clean, my house is clean, my relationship is securely pure, and from a public standpoint I can pass as a "livable" temple of the Holy Spirit.

BUT no. I am as filthy as everyone else. As dirty as the adulterer and as malicious as the maniac in the street. The Bible also says that if you look at a woman with lust, you have already committed adultery with her. How sad, that I am a guilty sinner in thought, and in standing before God.

Recently, when the power failures happened in the whole of Luzon, I was forced to go to the mall and spend the time there to cool off. I was alone, and I wanted to watch a movie. So after parking, I was surprised to see that almost everyone else had the same idea. The mall was brimming with beautiful and attractive ladies, from teenager up. I found myself thinking I was a single man, and I played with the thought of girl-watching, since my wife wasnt around. By the way,my wife and I do girl-watch and its quite different when Im with her, I sort of appreciate the beauty of ladies,and I thank God whenever I look at my wife, because she is very attractive indeed. BUT, when I am alone,I cannot girl-watch, because I suddenly become somebody else. I was constantly rebuking myself telling myself, "What's wrong with you? You're supposed to be filled with the Spirit, thinking about things of the Spirit..."

I really need a smack in the head. Get myself focused on the things of God, and not on the things of this world. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, i should not sin against my body...

Ravi Zacharias' answers to atheists

2010-07-15T00:40:00.000-07:00

Steps to debunk Darwin’s Evolution Theory regarding the Existence of God.

1. However you section physical reality, you take the physical universe as you see it, however you slice it down to its minutest form, the fact of the matter is you end up with a physical entity or quantity that does not have reason for its existence in itself. Ultimately, the physical universe reduced in any form cannot explain its own origin. It has to find its explanation outside of itself which means the FIRST explanation of the universe as we see it has to have something NON-PHYSICAL (Spiritual) as a first cause. So, you have something like a “haunted” universe without knowing what the FIRST cause is.

2. Next you come to the argument not from design but TO design. If you walk into a planet and come across a McDonald’s wrapper or letters of the alphabet, you immediately know that there is information there. Logic tells you that when you see information, you assume that prior to that information is a mind. You don’t just think that Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus accidentally came together, or the dictionary developed because of an explosion in a printing press. There is sequence to the whole thing. If you take just the composition of the enzyme in the human component, which is the building block of the gene, which is the building block of the cell, the possibility of the human enzyme coming together by random says Vic Ramsinky professor of applied mathematics in Cardith, Wales, the possibility of that happening by chance is 1/10 to 40,000!! That’s more than the number of atoms of the whole universe! It is, time-wise and mathematically impossible! So I say to you no.1 the physical quantity cannot explain itself number two, there’s intelligibility which assumes there is a prior mind… so the first case there something non physical, second case there is something intellectual, and

3. …third, in the history of society, human experience, and history itself you begin to realize that the moral issues, the social issues and just human intercourse, demands the explanation of a moral reality. So you have a FIRST CAUSE that is spiritual, a FIRST CAUSE that has a mind, and a FIRST CAUSE that needs to explain morality. You take these three struggles, and pause with me for a moment here, there are four fundamental questions in life: ORIGIN, Meaning, morality and destiny. You take these four questions, and these three explanations needed, and only GOD is big enough to explain this universe!

QUESTIONS from an atheist student regarding the existence of God:

Student: How can you talk about the existence of an all- loving and all-powerful God when there is so much moral and gratuitous EVIL in the world? Doesn’t that strike you as contradictory?

Ravi: Stay with me for a moment, because I have questions for you: When you say there’s such a thing as evil, aren’t you assuming there’s such a thing as good?

Student: Yes, I accept.

Ravi When you say there is such a thing as good, are you saying there exists a moral law, so as to differentiate between something good and something evil?

Student: I accept that as well.

Ravi: So if you pose that there is a moral law, then you should suppose there is a moral LAW GIVER, but that is what you were trying to disprove and NOT prove!

If there is NO law giver, then there is no moral law, if there is no moral law, there is no such thing as good, if there is no good, then there is no way to define evil, so WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION?

Asking God How to Die

2010-07-08T01:41:00.001-07:00

We often ask that huh? Many times I think of these morbid thoughts, as I know that our “time” is inevitable. Yes, I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but we all have to die. Generally, we all dread the thought of dying. Some of us don’t, because we’ve accepted the fact, but we dreamily hope we die a peaceful death.

Why am I talking about this anyway? Well to begin with, I am surrounded by dying people, some have gone, some are going, and some are facing the certainty of death. I fear to lose my loved ones in a painful death, such as cancer, or cruelty, or in the hands of evil people. I pray that I don’t die of cancer myself! I often pray to God, in all of the ways of going, I would certainly like mine to be meaningful, not pathetic. I hate it when we die because of some drunk kid driving and runs us over. Or because we were too busy talking to someone on the phone we get run over by a bus. I also hate to die of sickness. I know its going to be painful. Hope and worth dwindles as you see people around you move on with life and you don’t make a difference anymore. I dread that.

I often envision myself dying for God, for His cause, or sacrificing my life for my country, for fellow men, or protecting my loved ones… all those noble ways of dying. And how we’re going to be remembered and honored on our eulogies. People might erect a remembrance of your heroism, or name a hall or classroom in your honor. And then we smile and say, that would be an awesome death.

But, as often as I forget my stuff when leaving, I am again smacked in the head with reality. I remembered how my mom died, how many great people in my life passed on, and their mode of death wasn’t as glorious as most of us would like. They died unexpectedly, in the prime of health, or with a sickness they thought they would never have.

Then God moved my heart and I realized IT’S NOT HOW WE DIE, BUT HOW WE LIVED. We cannot choose(well some of us can) how and when we die, but we can all choose how and when to LIVE for God. This made me stop thinking of having a glorious death, when we can live a glorious life! We can stop thinking of how many people would think I am a hero when I die, when we can be appreciated by helping people around us now while we are alive!

So, with that said, whether we live or die, our lives must be guided by the words of the Apostle Paul: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

O Worshiper: Shame on Me, Shame on You!

2010-06-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

It has been ages since I last dropped an entry to my blog… in the recent events of my life, I went through a lot of suffering, challenges, trials, and to be honest I am not sure if these burdens are really through… and as to my other burdens, I know God has a plan to bring them all in to fruition, in His time.

Recently, I was faced with issues regarding priorities, personal dreams, and even comparisons to the success of others, which I selfishly thought I deserved more. Shame on me. Shame on me. Sometimes, promotions, successes, blessings of others make us feel uncomfortable, and to the extent we think we deserve it more than other people. Well, though I knew it, I believed it, I was smacked in the head for actually feeling it. Before I shame myself more, I thank God for putting me back to my senses.

One of my pastors told me regarding that issue was that God wasn’t concerned with my temporal success (in this world), but He was more concerned in how I reflect His Son. I put that in my wall post in Facebook, and instantly, a lot of my friends felt the same encouragement/rebuke from that statement. Putting my own life experiences into that perspective, I found a lot of errors in my life and how I worshipped God personally.

Bear with me as I bare my heart. Again, shame on me. Shame on me. I’ve written a lot of wonderful songs which I believe was impressed upon my heart by the Scriptures and by truths I’ve learned from God. Semantically, I can’t say they’re written by God Himself because that would equate my songs with the Bible! So, I safely say these songs were impressed upon my heart by the Scriptures and by truths from God. Going back to my point, I enjoy writing for God’s people when they worship, I enjoy writing for encouragement, challenge, edification, even rebuke, and in all honesty I desired God’s glory in all that I do. I know my heart wanted to glorify God more and exalt Him in all my music. That is probably why the church (at least my home church) loves the music I write for worship, because they’re all for God’s glory.

But in light of recent events, I noticed my heart began to change. Some motives weren’t right. Some plans were selfish. Some of my desires were for personal gain. In this blog, I want everyone to know my dreams and frustrations. My personal dream is to see the nations worship. Yup, until now I desire that, before I lay to rest I desire that to happen. The way I see this to happen is for me to be used by God to write music that does exactly what I wrote above. Being a University of the Philippines student, I desired for my country to be placed on the music map, so I challenged myself to write our own music that would be loved by many churches around the world. Not only did I desire to bless God, but the Body of Christ as well. Now, I prayed that the Lord would lead me to people who can help me record these songs He has allowed me to write, produce them, distribute them to many people/countries, etc, and that way I could somehow indirectly lead people into worship and realize my dream of seeing the nations worship God. But after many connections, many opportunities with local and foreign artists, I still am left with nothing but a dream. A very noble, Godly and spiritual dream in the onset right? Nay, I realized it isn’t. No matter how spiritual I make it sound, it is tainted with the single-lettered word: “I”.

I felt God’s loving rebuke as I was singing worship songs in my room this evening, I noticed something wrong in the right things that I do. I was more concerned with the new tuning my guitar had (open D tuning),and I was more concerned with my voice’s timbre, style, and even thinking of how the song would be LIKED by the people, how the musicians would enjoy playing this one, and how this would sound instrumentally.. while worshipping God(multi tasking!). That mood can only be allowed in creative occasions, when, though it is also worship, we as artists try to make a song-offering better, and more smoothly written, musically sound, and poetically consistent. Now, I want to make it clear that this isn’t the same mood when I wrote my songs…Exact opposite. My mood this time was: I know I can sound better, sing better, play guitar better, write music better, be a better musician than so and so, WHILE I WAS WORSHIPPING GOD! Scary. And I felt so spiritual too! (See, feelings and emotions aren’t the best gauge for worship) And then in my Bible reading after, I read this simple verse: "Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it."
Numbers 21:17

I saw that Israel sang when the Lord has done great things. They sang in response to something God has done. It was all about Him. Psalms 103 says “Bless the Lord,O my soul, and all that is within me,bless His holy name!”. But when I was singing tonight, I realized I was singing so that I could be deemed a better worshipper by other people, not by God. I lost sight of the true meaning of worship! It was FOR God! I sing to praise Him, not to be praised and appreciated by other musicians! And in effect, that’s all I can get if I had that heart: appreciation from “lesser” musicians. The Ultimate Musician (God) wasn’t at all pleased with my heart, much less my music. It was a mediocrity if sang/written with a selfish motive.

I know how easily I fall into the trap of the carnal body I have. I pray that my fellow worshippers would stop worshipping music, even their ministries, stop trying to reach others more than reaching God Himself, stop advancing our own bands, our names, our churches, our organizations in “His” name, when we know they are all tainted with the word “I”.

I know I am prone to fall into this category in a matter of days, weeks, so I seek for God’s grace and rebuke. But if you, O believer, should look into your own soul and find that we have the same troubles, same struggles, well, shame on you too. Shame on you. Wake up to the fact that it’s all for God, and that’s all that matters.

Against the Flow (new song)

2009-06-25T02:18:00.000-07:00

I wrote a new song for Nikki Gil. Please pray that it would pass their standards, if ever it is accepted, this would be the first time I would have a professional sing my compositions! Nikki has been a friend since way back 2005, and she has been a gracious recording artist (with the help of her mom, ate Sol, Ian and Nikko) as she agreed to sing my worship song "Take Me". I was so excited to have someone like her sing the song, and she said she loved it! Again I was given another opportunity to send a song demo, just in case my song passes, to be included in her upcoming album. I passed one op before when I didn't put any effort in sending one, when her producer/manager/mom gave me a rare chance to be part of her last album. I was not only irresponsible, but i was dumb. The Lord gave me another op when Tita Julie (her Mom) sent me a text mesage two days ago saying I might be interested in submitting a song for her new album, and she needed a Christian/inspirational themed one. Its an honor to be considered as a contributor, and that alone is already a great accomplishment for me. So I stayed up late last night, and started making a song. It was supposed to be a Mylie Cyrus style, country rock, pop song, but when I heard The Climb, its songwriting class was way above mine! I thought it was impossible to make a similar one, or even one that stands close to it! Whatever the case, I started working on it. I admit, I cant do it. So I prayed to God to help me write the lyrics, tune, chords, arrangement, style, etc. Jacqui my sister gave some input and she was more than willing to help except that it was late so she had to go home. I stayed up to until 2:30am working on lyrics and melodies, rhythmic patters, etc. and it was so frustrating! I finally said, whatever the outcome, let the Lord work in it. So i slept and at around 2pm this afternoon, i started recording a demo of it. Since the melody isn't finalized yet, I didn't ask my sister to sing it yet... So i decided to sing in a female voice, just to experiment. Well, after a few tries and a few revisions, I finished a whole song worth of my "female" voice. And since I thought it practical to submit the demo, it really didn't matter if I sung it or whoever, Nikki is supposed to sing it herself, so its just a study track. Well, I just sent the demo to Tita Julie, and I'm praying that the Lord would move through the song and make it as touching and encouraging to people who have lost hope in fighting for a better and brighter future. Ladies and gentlemen, "Against the Flow", written and performed by myself for Nikki Gil's upcoming album. Hope y'all like it!

Against the Flow

Theodore Amper

2009 botbydbludmusic

I find myself, drifting in a river of aimless streams

I cannot help, but float in the direction of broken dreams

I need the strength to turn my life around

It aint too late to start anew

I’ll never stop, won’t give in

There is hope, and strength within

I must ri----se, no matter how much I fall

I’ll lift my head, fight again

Though the current takes my strength

The world must know, I swam against the flow

Swam against the flow…

I wouldn’t just believe, what the world dictates my heart should do

Though they take me as a fool, I’ll remain in my convictions and follow Truth

Even if the mountain’s high (high), even if I cant yet see the Source of this call

I will trust that in its time, I will reach my destination (and) it was worth my all

I realize, Im not alone

I’ll need Your strength to carry on

I’ll never stop, won’t give in

There is hope, and strength within

I must ri----se, no matter how much I fall

I’ll lift my head, fight again

Though the current takes my strength

The world must know, I swam against the flow

BRIDGE: (F#m –G#m-A..)

I know its not the easy road, to believe when others wont

I know its gonna take some faith, so be strong and trust in the Lord!

Never stop, don’t give in

There is hope, and strength within

You must ri----se, no matter how much you fall

Lift your head, fight again

Though the current takes your strength

The world must know, you swam against the flow

My Wife's Cooking

2009-05-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

One thing that I really appreciate about my wife is that she prepares my food and she does it exquisitely! Her specialties are sinigang na baboy, manok, baka. Menudo, afritada, adobong manok, baboy, pusit, and she does Japanese food like Maki, and Korean soups with Kimchi! I also get excited when she sends me a text message to come home asap because she cooked something for me. How sweet! It is true that the best way to man's heart is through his stomach, but I should add: it must go through his taste buds first! Well, my wife is very good a that, she's very caring and always serving me with all her heart. As a couple we pray that we please the Lord the same way she pleases me! I thank God for her...

SUMULONG BAPTIST CHURCH, and how it has been instrumental in changing my life and countless others

2009-05-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

In this entry, I am actually going to be dead honest with my church's flaws and strengths. I may be a little biased, but I will be as factual as I can be.

Let me start off at my personal history in our church. This is where my family met the Lord, and where I grew as a Christian. Our Christian journey started here, and to that fact alone, I am grateful. Ive never been part of another church, nor did i desire to transfer membership because I see so much blessing and exciting things happening in our ministries, some we started, some we continued, and some we are going to begin with. My experience with church in the beginning is alittle disappointing to me because I had all the wrong reasons about church... give me a break, i was an eight year old boy! Up to around 15 years old, church was as boring to me until small groups were instituted. At around the same time, the church leadership found it as God's leading to transition the type of music to use in the singing... contemporary. At the same time, the Lord was exposing me to all the "rock" "worldly" music and was getting good at it. And at the same time I was going through a lot of emotional stress about family, school (fraternity), and a broken off relationship to a two year courtship-turned seven-month girlfriend.

All the "bad" things God was allowing me to go through, He was cooking up something good for me too! And that was to be used by Him. Our church would've grown as much, reached as much, trained as much, even if I werent there... see its not about me. Its all about God's will being done, and us wanting to be part of it. I was called, and I responded, and I was used...according to His will, through the pastor's leadership.

That is a concept I really hope people new and old will grasp. I am not as financially blessed as others, not as talented or good looking, intelligent or powerful, not at all. But I have a blessing that I am NOT mad at anyone, nor do I know of anyone mad at me. I cant think of anyone tahtI hold a grudge against, and vise versa. Right now, I feel alot of respect almost everywhere I go, and I give respect to almost everyone I know! The only ones I know I've offended are those who go against God. What am I driving at? I am saying that the concept of submission TO GOD, not necessarily to your Pastor or your parents, will reap good results, specially in your area of leadership, influence, and relationships.

I recently was exposed to alot of negative comments about our church, which I also give credit to, and to a degree I agree, but, I see that the comments were coming from a bitter or a hurt heart. Whenever I sense that, I always set my guards up and sense if this is from the Holy Spirit, or from, as i said, a neglected person.

All churches have flaws. That's why we need Christ to lead us. There are mega Churches who are doing great in their ministries, and I praise God for that, but the Lord has instituted local churches for DIFFERENT tasks. The same way he has gifted us as individuals differently, some uniquely, some similarly, but generally, we are gifted for a purpose... His purpose. We get to pool our gifts together, and become a powerful entity lead by a powerful Spirit to a common goal and that is to accomplish His will in this earth. I see churches with excellent musicians as examples, models for our own church family. I see mega ministries as an inspiration, leadership and structure as a guide, but not as a competition, and though they are models, I do not aspire to BECOME them. My goal is to learn from them. The only person we should be like is Jesus.

I have my own dreams and goals for our church. I desire good things for our church. I envision greatness and awesome ministries, but it is not my task to do that. God has anointed a person for that task, and we should respect and submit to that structure. We can suggest, we can help start, we can act under blessing, but we must not put in ou self the burden of leading the church when we are not the leader. A ship with many captains cannot succeed. I know of many people who are neglected and their opinions are sometimes thrown aside... it is a hurtful experience when a church is supposed to be a haven of rest, and a spiritual shelter to the hurting and to the broken. We leave the church when our needs arent met, or when we think we arent growing anymore.... a legitimate reason. But i see it as an excuse.

We go to church to worship God in a congregational setting. We go to church to serve others and serve with fellow believers. We go to church to be used by God for His glory. We go to church to learn and be equipped. Sadly, most church goers' reason is to be blessed... and others entertained. They say "I need to be blessed by the message because I am not growing anymore", for me though legitimate, is a lame reason to go to church, much less leave the church!

Let me give some background on some basics: First, we go to church to BLESS GOD first, and it is up to Him to bless us. In Psalms 103, and many other scripture it is said to "Bless the Lord o my soul and all that is within me!" We should bless God, as an imperative. Now, other scripture mentions "MAY the Lord bless you and keep you..." "Keep His commandments, and He will surely bless you..." it is UP TO HIM to bless us, not us earning His blessing.

Second, discipleship is done in a one to one basis, or at most small group basis. Not a Sunday basis. We congregate to worship together. And if we are blessed by the message then Praise God! If not, maybe you are not listening closely, or your "better" talents in preaching can be excercised through writing your insight and sharing it to a smaller group of people... maybe you need to become a small group leader since you're so good at the exposition and rightly dividing the Word. And if you faithfully do that, you will, I tell you, be used someday to teach it to the congregation. But wait for your turn...and more rightly said, earn for your turn.

If the direction of the Pastor isnt in line with the direction God has given you, then leave the flock graciously, and without causing trouble. Leave with a blessing, not a bad word to say. In that, you are sinning. Again, the pastor can only reach a certain group of people for a certain time... language and social barriers become difficult to address, and the only way to reach a wide spectrum of the audience is to provide multiple services, in which you can do only so much... you would need help, but who is there to help? Most complainers and suggesters are often those who are not helpers or those who dont make much difference in the church. Because those who are really passionate about the church's welfare do something about the problem, and not throw it at the pastor's feet and wait until he does something about it. A wiser way to do that is to suggest your idea to the person delegated to that area of responsibility. If it concerns music, talk to the music director first, if it concerns children's sunday school, talk to the sunday school head, if it concerns beautifying the church facilities, talk to deacons or the elders, etc. The Senior Pastor cannot possibly keep track of all the church's problems.

Nobody taught me these concepts. I didnt read it from a manual. But it is taught by the Bible, and I simply noticed it through experience, and by humbly submitting to authorities, and loving the church passionately. Sure, there is always room to improve, members constantly give me suggestions which are practical and good, but they are not always possible. Some suggestions are good but you cannot do simply because you lack workers or equipment, or the even the know-how to accomplish it. And yes, often, we lack the funds. And sometimes their comments or suggestions are simply dumb. And when you dont do their suggestion, whether good or dumb, because of a number of reasons, they become bitter and spread to everyone their bad feelings. I see it as a pattern and this should stop! Besides, a leader is placed in that position because he is responsible for that area. If he doesnt do a good job, yes people suffer, but it is God who will replace him for not accomplishing his work. It is a God-thing. If your pastor isnt anointed to lead the church, God Himself will remove him.... and it is not OUR job to do that. Our job is to submit, as long as his authority is based on the WORD of God and He is acting as a servant of God, not a Boss to the children of God. He is a shepherd, a leader, a visionary, a model. We are supposed to follow that model in Christ to avoid divisions, splits, ad church deaths.

I personally grew in my spiritual walk because of my mentors in a different organization.. IVCF. I learned because I read my Bible, and I read books from trustworthy authors, and reputable theologians, and my church reinforces those. I didnt depend on my church for growth. I depended on God for that. The church is very instrumental in accomplishing this, but if not, maybe you should become an equipped leader, and help the church do that. Not leave the church for some selfish ("I'm not growing here" mentality) reason.

The only reasons I see for a person to leave the church is when he/she is called to a different ministry, when he/she is absolutely going against God's laws, when that person has a different leading/calling/ direction of ministry, and maybe a handful of others.. but not because he is not satisfied with how the church is being managed.

I personally am so blessed with my church. It has a lot of flaws, and all our leaders are flawed as well, including me. But working together with my leaders and co workers is such a pleasure and I find it so fulfilling to be used in our ministry. If the time comes that I am needed or called to another ministry, then I shall leave my church so I can bless others, because I have been a blessing enough to it, and I have trained better people to do my job.

Last Few Days of My 30th year

2009-05-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

I am quickly approaching my 31st year and man, time flies so fast! My peers tell me at least (its a consolation) that I dont age as fast, i really hope as I age, I may grow spiritually, emotionally, responsibly, and FINANCIALLY!!! hehehe

Well, with regards to last years financial performance, it was alot better. This year's global economic crisis affected my flow of clients and I am now honestly thinking of where to get the extra that God steadily provided last year. I dont worry. I hope I never will. I need to think of how and where to get the money the Lord is preparing for me to get.

The only option I am open to now is, to prepare my fields for the rain, which i dont know when, but when it does, I am ready. And that is by practicing cello religiously again, so when ops come, I am not dumbfounded. I am also thinking of making new songs and recording the old ones I've made so I am busy even in "dry" times.

SO with that said, I am not discouraged even in these tough days, though really I am, I find my strength, security, and success in Christ's promise.

A Good Thought for Both Atheists and Christians

2009-05-12T00:28:00.000-07:00

Hello, to start off, I would like everyone to know I am a full-pledged Christian and a die hard follower of Christ. On the other hand, I am also a thinker, logic-based, not-blind-faith guy. Like the atheist, I must depend on facts to support my belief,or faith. But I cannot say that strictly on the definitions of faith and science. Science, or at least PURE science are conclusions based on observable facts. Apart from that we can theorize, conjecture, hypothesize, etc. Any statement outside of the OBSERVABLE realm is a stement of belief, of faith and i should say a "religious" statement. Say, I declare that there is a God is not a scientific statement, for He cannot be observed, though there are evidences of His existence. On the strict definitions, God is, yes, just a theory, based on evidence and documentaries (authentic or not). The same way I look at science's theories like electrons, which is the theory of electromagnetivity, and of course, evolution, the theory that we and all living creatures have a common, primitive origin. These are theories with bases, BUT, are statements outside the TRUE science of observable data. They are purely hypothesis based on what was experimented, and observed with evidence available today. That is why it is a theory. So, is it right to call God a Theory? Based on these definitions, Im afraid so. So I personally have stepped outside of these definitions and have declared BY FAITH, (statement based on faith) that there is a God. I have concluded based on what I have heard from the Bible (which is a historically authentic document), based on the logic of the five basic laws of science, that there has to be a Creator, an Intelligent Designer above us who started it all, who has the ability to create from nothing, but He Himself cannot be created for He is outside of our saptial and temporal dimension. Yes, I declare this statement of faith, there is a GOD.

Now, I accept that the atheists or the evolutionists have the same stand. They choose to believe on whatever they believe based on what they have observed. Based on their evidence, which they believe to be authentic, and they believe to be true. My observation is this: alot of those are statements of faith also, and they formulate all sorts of theories to support their hypothesis, gathering evidence along the way to somehow cement their findings. Which is true for some Theists too, who formulate a doctrine and find Biblical support taken out of context. Both are true in both camps.

Now, with regards to the authenticity and popularity as a basis for what is right and accepted, I find a most interesting observation: Science has more followers who actually NOT believe oin a created world, a created biology, and all simply because they choose to NOT accept the story of the Bible, who accounts the universe as a creation of God, full, complete and perfectly functional. To repeat my stement above, they cook up all sorts of experiments and archeological digs to explain their theories. However, I am pleased to know that THERE IS NO EVIDENCE WHATSOEVER TO PROVE THE BIBLE WRONG, only to evidence to support their beliefs, but not to DISPROVE the Scripture. Never has any evidence been found, and fortunately, new found scientific discoveries actually support myteries which are IN LINE with Biblical accounts. AMAZING! Science actually complements and reinforces the Bible! Going back to who believes more, I have noticed that more students believe the "scientists" more simply because more of them support the theory that there wasnt any Creators and that there is no god. More scientists join the band wagon because more of them choose not to be accountable to God. They choose to believe in the philosophies, theories, and beliefs of the scientific world. Therefore, according to them, God is not real because MORE, "scientists" believe so. "They are the experts, they know more than I do, therefore, I believe them!"

However, it is true also for the Theists who want to play the popularity game. About 3/4ths of the entire population of the world (and a vastly bigger percentage based on all people who lived since the start of civilization) believe in a Higher Being/s. Now, more than half of the worlds population believes in ONE GOD. Only a small percentage believe in YAHWEH, the God of the Bible, but still, according to the popularity game, a vast majority believes in God. In respect to this, can we assume that the atheists and the scientific community(selective) are wrong?

Another issue arises as we observe within both camps, much are really undecided! Maybe 90-95% of the members of each camp (Theists and atheist) believe not because they want to but because they're playing safe, or simply believing blindly because they were born that way, to their community's or soceity's belief systems. Not because of personal quest to know, to find out, to investigate. To illustrate, many atheists become atheists simply because they had a disappointing encounter with "god". Their prayers werent heard, or a tragic event happened, and the God they used to believe in was silent. Most Theists on the other hand believe in their God, but really never want to follow what He teaches. They use Him as a crutch, an easy explanation, sometimes an escape from reality, taking their belief completely out of context. Which for me, is really not a theist, but an agnostic. People who dont care whether there is a god, or believes only when it is convenient. There are many Biblical teachings that contradict their lifestyle or philosophies but they say that it is old fashioned and socially out of date. Therefore they adopt other teachings, knitting a quilt of beliefs to fit their wants, not really submitting to a particular faith. The Convenient Religion. Most theists are members if this one. Accepting everything "science" teaches them, and all sorts of convenient philosophies and practices, because they fear they will be labeled as a Christian Freak, or a Scientific Atheist. So they balance between the two, to play safe.

Here is the conclusion of the matter: according to Joshua, ..."Choose you this day, whom shall ye serve? (yourself, your convenient religion, the atheists-humanists, scientific theories, or God, the Everlastic Father of the Bible) As for me and my house, we shall serve the LORD." That is what I've done, and I hope you choose your side wisely. Make that statement of faith. Choose which side of the fence are you on... and stay on it until proven wrong.

Going to the next

I hope you guys are following my thought.

I am tired of fighting, but will never quit

2009-05-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

I have often gotten into "debates" with atheists and they have always managed to somehow end the debates as a stale mate. They never convinced me, but sadly, i never convinced them. The only positive thing about this is that i know my faith in Jesus can never or at least not easily shaken. I have indeed a solid Rock as a Foundation. I owe this to my church, my parents, my mentors in IVCF, and most specially to God. Going back to debates, I have really learned from those experiences that no one can win the argument. They have points, I have points, they can say anything they want (not all), you have to control your temper (not all too) because what you say reflects your faith... its difficult to get across because your foundation of faith is theBible, which they dont believe. You go to science and logic as an argument, they throw valid questions but answerable only if you believe in the Bible (because most questions they throw the Bible addresses, and amply answers). However, these arent acceptable answers for the "scientific" mind, since from a worldly, or in other words, secular and observable standpoint, our answers do not logically fit. We say this is where faith comes in, they say that is another reason we are laughed at. We throw in answered prayers, miracles, they become insultingly sarcastic and say they are coincidences... weird, a constant coincidence. Statistics (a science itself) will say otherwise since the probability of this happening at a constant rate is like winning the lottery over and over again. Probable, buit highly improbable.

I have often thought of not using God's Word to refute them, thinking I can defeat them on their ground. (occasionaly I have shut up some atheists) but I never won an argument. I can only achieve this much. My Pastor told me and some friends too that I am wasting my time since I can never accomplish my goal. Praise God if I do, but my commission is to make disciples, share the Word, not convince the atheist. I must introduce them to God, if they reject, then so be it. What my pator said struck me, if I do throw to them their own flaws (which often is an unanswered issue), it returns void. If you throw them God's Word, it NEVER returns void. It can change thier hearts, challenge them to think it over twice, or make them admittedly guilty of their rejection of the Holy Spirit... which is a sin against Him. If you continually reject Him, your sins can never be forgiven in the first place... making it the unforgivable sin.

On the other hand, I do admire the Christians in the scientific community who are researching and experimenting, making formulae and trying to topple the arguments of our friends the atheists, evolutionists, etc, with their research. That is the war they are called to fight. I would love to join that army actually, and I often find myself a soldier in that company, but I am ill equipped, and my strengths are called to a different battlefield: and that is to show love and give love. Be an example of success, be excellent in what you do, be fruitful, encourage others, serve others, be salt and be light. Worship as a lifestyle. That is my calling. Now with that said: atheists, I may or may not come back to our battleground, but watch out, Love is heading your way.

In Awe Part 3, Lost But Found

2009-03-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

This is a concert which featured Master's Pedestal and Shekinah, two home-grown bands that have developed into very skillful and artistic young musicians. Today (and last friday), they rocked the house down! Praises and glory for the Lord God erupted as tone levels were pushed higher and these two bands really prepared by putting together a great line up and great selection of genres.

I am really proud to be part of their growth. They are indeed starting to blossom into competent musicians... though admittedly, still ALOT to learn and develop, but they sure will get there! I remember whem I was 17 or eighteen and Pastor Jeff was painstakingly triaining our group, which composed of purely non-trained musicians... a gang of rag tags who didnt have an idea of balance, musical dynamics, and because of Jeff's efficient and patient guidance, we slowly learned the basics of group playing... and worship. Watching JIVE youth perform a while ago gave me the chills. They were more than awesome! To think that they werent even complete and they were still not fully rehearsed, but they blew the house down!!!! Pastor Jeff is a classic teacher. No musician who came from under his tutelage becomes a nobody... they all become monsters of music!

When the baton was passed to me as music director, I only had to hand down the basic principles i learned from him. And of course a bit more since I worked and played with different genres of musicians such as Jazz, classical, country and even 20th century music groups! And my training as a classical musician (where did that go now?) also helped in educating and developing our new musicians at church.

But that is beside the point. My role in this concert is only to call the shots... from behind. I still lead worship, and direct music yes, but I know the time will come when new people will have to take my place... I feel so old, yet so fulfilled! I am so proud, like a dad! But, I have to get more training so I could share and train more! My contribution as an artist in our church is still minimal. I have to strive to give more.

I watched myself grow in worship and in music. I also grew in responsibility and leadership. Now I am watching others do the same. Is there a better feeling than that? And also seeing these young people mature and follow God and obey Him makes me prouder! Guys like Russel, Kenneth, Momon, Jeff, Ryan, Augie, Weldon, Jun Rey, and also the ladies like Kaye Ann, Ashley, Asia, and countless others who are dedicated to follow and obey the Lord Jesus. What a scene!

I am truly blessed. I am truly blessed.

Crawl through online shops!!! Save lots of money!

2008-12-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

I was so excited this month as I had the rare opportunity to be able to purchase a pair of dream sunglasses for myself! A pair of Oakley Romeo 2! It was a good thing to buy it from the internet and truly it was a great thing!!!! Its a lot cheaper compared to the shades being sold at the stores. The shades were delivered on time, in excellent condition, and it was really a treat. There is always a risk factor because you pay without the product being handed to you. The picture is your only image upon buying it, and you have to wait for 5-7 business days.

But upon receiving the item, all the wait and all the worries just faded away! Simply beautiful. It all depends on the item you purchase, of course, and the dependability of the site you purchased on. I receive many negative comments about the purchases on internet. Since it really involves risks, I submit that the purchaser still researches on the seller’s, store’s credentials, you can take a look at their history, comments, and if it is paid through paypal, usually it is dependable.

There are lots of dependable stores, but there exists also swindlers so beware. The sad thing though is that the majority of dependable stores/ sellers/ vendors are not advertising on a paid site. So they are usually left out. There are some sites who can help you crawl through the net and find all, I mean all, stores who has your item on sale. It acts like a search engine and it really is cool! Try shopping the wiki way.

Humble, Hard Work Teaches Great Leadership Skills

2008-12-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

writing about humility in a first person point of view kind of negates the whole point... but, i cant help but share my experiences here in church, and taught me to have a teachable, submissive, yet leading spirit. I grew up in a home where we didnt have a helper for long periods of time, not because we are good in household chores, nor are we responsible, but because of financial strains.

I remember getting our water from a well, and pumping and transporting them gave us workable bodies! Those were only light stuff, but to make the long story short, we know how it is to do manual labor.

We were sent to exclusive schools though, and that was a plus because my parents valued education. These schools taught us also to be "a man for others", and i was encouraged to join Boy Scouts, and competitive sports to inculcate the leadership and competitive minds in us. But out of all these, nobody taught me more than my church. Yes, my home, my school, my organizations were big factors, but my church was really where it went to getting down and dirty.

I started out as a guitarist in church, and then as a bassist, and eventually a worship leader, now worship director. When I started, and up to now, i never neglect or regret having to experience carrying stuff, cleaning, setting up, tearing down, planning, practicing, and being mr. do-it-all. I know there is a leadership principle of delegation, and stretching yourself out too thin makes your quality less. I know that and I practice that.

On the other hand, i found that my leadership has become more effective being more involved with the workers, with my subordinates when I work elbow to elbow with them. I am deeply involved, but i am also a model of faith and respect. My Pastor has the same principles that's why I respect him so much. He wants to serve and to work along side of us, but i understand his position and his work that is why we try to take as much responsibility off his back by doing the work ourselves.

I learned another principle in the movies where the villain has all the henchmen, and eventually, the hero confronts him directly because his legions werent able to stop the hero. So he ends up saying, " if you want things to be done right, you have to do it yourself.." I agree, to an extent, and I experience this so much, that if want things done right, i have to do it myself, or overly supervise everything. Which again is too much of a stretch. The key is training someone to duplicate you, and eventually to replace and out-do you. Your job is to do your job and train someone else to do a better job than you do. Apparently, in the movies, that doesnt happen.

I recall all our years carrying and setting up, transporting and all, and week in and week out, in the 14 years i was in this ministry, I never left that position, though my experience grew, my responsibilities became immense, my position rose, my skills developed, everything else was growing, but i feel that manual, hard labor keeps my head and feet down on the earth. I heard from someone in our team before, that as our positions rose, we shouldnt be doing the hard stuff anymore, but train someone else to do the work for us. I may agree, and that works for paid professionals... but in a volunteer, church setting, that is very difficult to achieve, but not impossible. However, if God doesnt give you co-servants in your church with the same servant heart as you have, it only means God is teaching you to do it yourself, and stop puffing your head up and tell yourself somebody else deserves the dirty work than yourself.

Even though I lead my own music team, have my own music company, and all those "accomplishments" in my pocket, nothing beats the lessons of hard work. And I admit, I still have a lot of learning to do.

IN AWE OF A GREAT GOD CONCERT

2008-12-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

Our church had the opportunity ot serve God for 28 years, and we have had a great history to tell... but we made a concert as culminating activity for our Anniversary and we tied it as a fund raising for the Legacy Project!

It was amazing!

Here is the opening video of the IN AWE OF A GREAT GOD concert.

I am so glad many in our church were willing to sacrifice their time, effort, talent and resources to make this event possible. I was wondering if ever these guys were paid pros, our concert was a BIG production!

We held our concert at Eastwood City Libis, and we invited not only or members, but also friends and guests. Our goal was to communicate the awesomeness of the God we serve. He's not a small God we can choose to ignore everyday, He's GOD.

It began with a special number by SBC Makati, led by Pastor Jeff Aspacio and his praise team, who did an excellent job in both playing and singing! I was blown away with the vocals! And of course Pastor Jeff's drums were classic.

We opened the night with Pastor Lance saying a few words of encouragement, and immediately showed the openeing video. The kids choir, praise band and I opened with Speechless by Steven Curtis Chapman (supposedley with live strings, but they werent able to make it).

Our wonderful hosts were Pastor Alvin and Fiona Javelosa, who were somewhat "pros" at hosting. They were simply smooth and spontaneous! They provided the effective transiti0ns to the next numbers and they really did a great job!

Shekinah, an all ladies band, Ashley, Pauline, Kaye Ann, Ara, Herschelle, and Rachel rocked the auditorium with You Gave Me A Promise by Barlowe Girls. These ladies knew how to sound heavy and at the same time melodic. The guitars, drums and bass provoded the heaviness, and the wonderful passionate voices drew all ears to the lyrical lines sang.

Master's Pedestal threw in an equally powerful performance as they played a happy spirited song called Stars by Switchfoot. Augie, Kenneth, Ryan, Jeff and Russel were boys who studied the art of rock as a degree in college! The group's showmanship was a treat, and the musical arrangements were executed masterfully.

Next in line we switched the channel to a more mellow sound of a male vocal band, composed of Pastor Lance, Pastor James, Augie, Ted and Nyor, who were pastors and worship leaders too! They did a rendition of You are God Alone by Phillips, Craig and Dean. Indeed the "boyband" displayed the vocal prowess of pastors and worshoip leaders by declaring their faith to the ONLY GOD!

Alex and Augie came up next with the song You Are Amazing God by Chris Tomlin, together with the praise band. This song aptly "describes" the helplessness of man in attempting to describe the unfathomable wonders of God!

Our frequemcy and theme now shifts to God's promise of Heaven. Sis Glenise Javelosa, and her son Oyie now captures the audience as they perform an awesome duet. Another Time and Another Place by Erick Driskell. Our longing for God's eternal comfort and peace in heaven is embodied in this song, and the performers Glen and Oyie did a trully masterful job!

Up next is Ted, Ashley and Augie, with the praise band of course, singing I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me. This song was done with parts, and the melody soaring in the end part as the dilemma of the Christian overpowers him about questions upon finally reaching heaven. Powerful performance.

Our Senior Pastor Lance sang next with Ted on Piano singing Your Grace Still Amazes Me by PCD. He then shifts to a song he knew as a boy and after sharing the word and gospel of Christ, he called his mom to accompany him on stage and the final two songs.

Jeff Ayanco, our church bassist/keyboardist, rendered a surprising guitar solo called Caught Up in Rapture by Jerome Rico. Jeff skillfully glided his fingers in the board as he gracefully plucked the notes of this very relaxing song. Hail Jeffrey!!!

The next number is another very surprising, at the same time intimidating piece. Performed by Alex Tabac on electric guitar, the SBC team accompanies him as he played Always with Me, Always with You by Joe Satriani. Man, his fingers flew and soared! The notes were flashing past your eyes and mind but your ears heard a beautiful melodic line.

The next part was ACTS, led by Erwin Ibana and the rest of the masters of drama. They did a compelling choreography of the great stories in the Bible, who all declared that we have an awesome God! Many of their movements were slowed down like in the Matrix movies, and their movements were synchronized and timed exactly to the music!

As finale, we called in all the singing performers and asked them to lead worship with Ted as they sung How Great Is Our God, You Are God ALone (encore), and Generation of Light. Before we finally ended we threw in the rocking God is Great, and finished up wth A King is Born to welcome the Chistmas Season!

This concert began with the idea of making people be in Awe of God, and it ended with the challenge to continue to BE IN AWE OF A GREAT GOD we serve forever!!!!

directed by Jacqueline Amper

written by Theodore Amper

produced by SBC

Music Director: Theodore Amper

Music Consultant: Rev. Lance Gotcher

3M, Videos and projection: Eric, Junrey, Alex, Alvin and Ted

Sound and Tech: Russel, Weldon, Ted, praise team, ACTS

Hosts: Pastor Alvin and Fiona Javelosa

Performers:

SHEKINAH

Master's Pedestal

Kid's Choir

SBC main Praise Team

SBC makati Praise Team

Jeff Ayanco

Alex Tabac

Glenis and Oyie Javelosa

ACTS

Ted, Augie, Alex, Ashley, Rev Lance Gotcher, Rev. James and Mrs Gotcher

When I Proposed to My Wife

2008-11-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

Would you trust in things you dont see?
Would you jump the bridge at my count to three?
Would you run the race of life with me?
Just hold my hand and let's be free!

Winds may change, and seasons go
But love will stay and faith will flow
My only pray'r, my final plea:
Would you spend this lifetime with me?

Fly with me, let us soar through endless skies and
Be with me, my whole world would fall down on its knees
Just to be with you
I'd live and die for the love of a Rose

This is a song I wrote while planning to propose marriage to my long time girlfriend-fiancee-best friend-best enemy-most efficient partner-etc. Hehehe. I just love this woman.

It was January 28, 2007, a Sunday afternoon was perfect for me to ask her to marry me. Honestly, she didn't need this stuff. She knew I was going to marry her and I know her answer anyway, and in fact I was delaying everything she is kinda waiting on me already... which is a bad thing really.

I arranged for the place to be at an overlooking view of manila, so I rented out the top deck of Seven Suites Hotel, and got a package for us to enjoy an evening of fine dining, just the two of us (well of course with my friends who were my musicians too and camera men), and i was nervous at the same time excited to get on with the plan.

I asked Rose to dress up a bit, because I was wearing a coat, and i told her I'll bring her to a nice restaurant. I knew she knew what I was planning from the start because she smells me like a blood hound a mile away... see, Im that bad a liar or a surprise planner.

After church service I brought my friends (conspirators) to the deck and I asked them to stay put until I was to signal them. With everything ready, camera, guitar, this new song I wrote, etc. I was all set. I picked her up and we drove to the wonderful place, and even escorted her out. But something terrible happened... I forgot the RING!!!

I had to ask her to come back with me somewhere because I needed to get "something" important. As hard as I was trying to conceal it, Rose asked," You forgot the ring didn't you?" Though fuming with humiliation, I held my peace and said something else. She knew I was lying.

After I got the ring, we went back to the hotel and began our dinner.

ROMANTIC DINNER MENU:

Set 1

Tomato Bisque

Caesar Salad

Shrimp Cocktail

Steak Au Poivre with Duchess Potato

Choco Caramel Cake

She loved the place and we were serenaded by our friends' recording. After dinner and dessert, and a while of awkward talking, I finally signaled my friends to come in and get this over with.

I reached for the case, made sure the ring was there, and got down on my knees and sang the song above. After the song, accompanied by my good 'ol friends Kenneth, Jeff and Ryan, I asked her: "Rose, would you marry me?"

The answer was obvious and now we are happily married with a dog in Kingsville Subdivision where we plan to raise a family!

Not My Words

2008-11-05T00:52:00.000-08:00

I wrote a song depicting my own struggle when trying to write a song for church... as I often get stuck with poetry rules, (rhyme, syllabication, symmetry, content, unity of theme, etc) and even music "degree of coolness", and I often lose sight of the important thing... what does God think? Of course I wont find direct answers to what God thinks about my song, whetehr its too high, or too much guitar, or its too rock-y, but its really about how you live your life. Its really not our words, but its our heart and life God is looking at. Well, here's the song at youtube!!

IN AWE of a Great God Concert Proper

2008-11-04T05:42:00.001-08:00

Program Proper

Legacy Project video as walk in presentation
National Anthem
Prayer
Front Act by SBC Makati led by Pastor Jeff Aspacio

Opening Remarks about the Concert’s theme and the beneficiary project, Legacy Project.
(Pastor Lance Gotcher)

Opening Video (Symphony of Praise) (3mins)

Speechless- Ted Amper (5mins)

Host Spiel (2min)

Fast Song by the Shekinah (5mins)

Host Spiel (2min)

Fast Song by Master’s Pedestal (5mins)
Host Spiel (2min)
You Are God Alone-
Pastor Lance, Pastor James, Augie, Nyor and Ted (10mins)
Host Spiel (2min)
Indescribable- Nyor with Video (5 mins)
Host Spiel (2min)
Another Time and Another Place –Tita Glen and Oyie (5mins)
Host Spiel (2min)
I Can Only Imagine/A Light of a Million Mornings- Alexis Edralin (10 mins)

Message: Pastor Lance (30mins)
Guitar Solos
Caught Up In Rapture -Jeffrey Ayanco (5mins)
Always with Me Always with You – Alex Tabac (5mins)

Awesome God Human Video - ACTS (10mins)

Everyone stands for congregational singing:

Ted calls ALL the performers on stage to sing:
How Great Thou Art, How great is our God, Generation of Light, God is Great – Praise Team (20 mins)
A King Is Born

TOTAL RUNNING TIME: approx two(2) hours

Jules' Lament

2008-10-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is Papa's recording of "Kahit Isang Saglit" by Martin Nievera. Papa's context fits the song better than Martin's. The word "sana..." is really a hopeless, desperate wish. But to no avail. Our only consolation is that we have a glorious hope of a great reunion in Heaven. And that is not SANA for us who put our faith and trust in the work and in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Papa's song is played here with the Manila String Machine as accompaniment.

The video's purpose is so that I can paste the song here in my blog. There is no music pasting option so I decided to put together video clips of us! I dont have pictures of mama in my computer, but this video is taken from our eulogies during the wake. The song, with all its sadness, is actually the opposite of what we experienced during the funeral, the time was filled with victory and true joy.

I hope you like the song, ladies and gentlemen, my Dad Jules Amper, singing Kahit Isang Saglit for his beloved wife Aurora, and the Manila String Machine.

Faithful Ones

2008-10-20T22:08:00.000-07:00

Dearest Faithful ones, I commend you for fighting the good fight, and hopefully, when we do finish the race, we have all kept the faith and have not backslid to a point where we're not even sure we're saved at all.

Alright, in my recent article, I mentioned that how we look and act affects our target audience/unbelievers. It may be positive or negative, or plain ineffective. There is a common philosophy going around in youth churches that in order to penetrate the youth culture more effectively, you have to use strategic ways to get to them. To a degree, I agree. Yes, we have to be creative and very wise and shrewd as snakes.

I don't go and speak in a young people's congregation dressed up in coat and tie, in my shiny black leather shoes, and well pressed slacks. I usually go in jeans, a nice polo shirt, and with a neat haircut and a clean shave. Why? I don't want to gap myself too distant to the generation Im speaking to. Impression is very vital to a speaker's attention retention. However, I know of a speaker whose name is Paul Washer, who never cared for what he looked like, but focused on the Power of God to say His message...and I tell you, it didn't need fashion to do so. Bottom line, its really the Holy Spirit factor that counts.

But, at times there is credit to the "reach the audience" philosophy. Like the new translations of the Bible offer an easier understanding of the Scriptures as compared to the King James Version of it. And I know lots of young people drawn to the Lord because of churches using the contemporary music style, and "the preacher talking relevant topics of today's generation" talks.

I agree. Yes I do. But there is a flaw in this philosophy, that makes it soooo dangerous. If we as a church target these audience and do too much of the "Christians are cool too" philosophy, we neglect the change of heart part, the turning away from sin. We focus on Jesus as the gift of God, we hand Him out like pamphlets to people we meet in evangelistic meetings, but never focus on the relationship with Him. Jesus cant be your best friend if you're not willing to follow Him. He cant be Lord if you don't want to follow Him. Yes you're saved and all, but without Jesus as LORD, the whole point is missed. The kids only get to heaven, not be with the Savior.

Alright, as for my real message, the faithful ones now adapt this lifestyle of being like the world. Yes, again I do not disagree. But this lifestyle must be done with EXTREME caution. The style of music, the fashion trends, the places we go to, the lifestyle we show and live by more often than OFTEN changes us. In a scale of 1-100, it's 99% effective in changing the way of thinking of a young person.

Take my life as an example. I grew up learning classical music, Broadway musicals, church music and those stuff. I hated it. I then turned to Rock and heavy metal music, then to rap and dark poetry. Very appealing. God used the new trend of Praise and Worship music to "lure" me into the ministry, and I got addicted to the music ministry. But wait, had I stayed in the addiction, I would have easily fallen away and did something else in my life.

Music, has a lot that comes with it. The philosophies of the genre (punk is really an against the authority philo, rock is more of an emotion driven music, from where we get emo, Jazz is the enjoy playing and improvisation, freedom, etc, etc. etc. ) Once you learn the songs and get a preference your belief structure would soon conform to the music's structure. Also, fashion and the places these music are linked to become a common downfall of many Christians.

I am a rocker by nature. I have been a part of a metal band, a rock band, and acoustic band, a jazz-rnb band, a hip hop group, and all those music, before I got into classical music, orchestral, and the things old people usually listen to. In a word, I've done it all, been there, done that. My life was strangely preserved against the forces of music because after I got into the ministry, God gave me the commitment that I should worship Him and not the music style. I learned to respect other musical preferences and learned from them also. I was taught to simply listen and get what you need from any kind of music, and use it for God's glory, but God always reminded not to immerse myself in music that does not glorify Him.

Alright, here are the basics. Hairstyle is a little debatable, so the emo hairstyle (though I hate it) I'd go with allowing it if it was in my church. The music, I would say that even though everyone has their own preference, we must learn to WORSHIP GOD not the style of worship music. People often drift to other mental activities if the song style gets too corny for them or offends their taste. We should look at what the song is saying and if it glorifies God, makes a lot of sense, has a reasonably singable melody, has STRONG SCRIPTURAL content, why be bothered by the style?

If we cater too much to the "please me" generation, even our churches would find it hard to "please God". Its really not about us, what pleases the congregation, what is more comfortable, what is more stylish or in trend, these are all marketing strategies. And market caters to customers who are ALWAYS RIGHT. And if we focus on being a business too much, we get to serve the "Comfort" of the people, not their real needs.

Just study it. Statistics often tells us information whether we were effective or not. How many young people did we really effectively share the "CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE" to in our youth catering camps? How many young people really committed to transforming their lifestyles, loved God with all their heart, and become faithful members of a church? If a vast majority is still the same, or even got more confused because we tell them they're saved but they cant reconcile it with the fact that their lives are still unchanged, therefore we're missing the point. But some churches got their plans correctly coz they are effectively reaching their target people. Not 100%, but a lot of them.

Some churches boast of reaching 50,000 souls. I thank God they did share the gospel to those kids. But it should never get to your head, because I tell you not even a thousand faithfully attend their youth gatherings, and are really transformed. What happened to the 49,000? Our church is no different. Possibly, given a big budget, we would also focus on the peripherals too. My prayer is that God would work mightily in the lives of young people, and use people who really care for them and disciple them and be accountable to, and watch them grow as Christians. Numbers are great. But there are only so much you can do to make those numbers really count. Right now, I am focusing on my praise team members. I watch them, take care of them, train them, and ultimately to be better than I am. But I cannot commit to more than that. If my members commit to 3 people too, train them, disciple them, teach them God's ways and watch over them, then I would be confident that our small congregation of 800, would reach more effectively than a 50,000 youth-catering camp.

So, to all Faithful Ones, focus on God. Do the basics. Those marketing stuff are only good for a while, its the basics that count.

Where Have All the Faithful "Once" Gone?

2008-10-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

It maybe is a funny thing, but really it makes me smile. I've worked for the Lord for many years now, and "faithfully" accomplished His assignments so far. It doesn't make me a better Christian actually, it never will. And my services to God will never make Him love me more over those who arent faithful. Nope, His favor remains the same...SAME TO EVERYONE. With my point established that Im not a goody-two-shoes, or holier than thou person, or a better Christian, because I know Im a dirty rotten sinner too. BUT, maybe because of the new nature God has given the believer, it makes me hate sin now, and though I get tempted alot, and I admit I desire to wallow in the mud (because its SOOO EASY), but there's the Holy Spirit always tugging at my shirt, reminding me, so0metimes spanking me softly (but sharply) to remind me of what I'm not supposed to do. I am a work in progress. Yes, I am born again, a new creation, but the curse of sin and death still affects me (BUT WILL NEVER HAVE ITS VICTORY OVER ME).

Why am I saying this? I have in my "sinful" mode, have wandered into attractive friends in my friendster account. Attractive-meaning scantily dressed, and provocatively posed. Yes, I admit. I'm no better than the sinner who's reading this! But in my wandering, I noticed that these beautiful ladies were part of our church once. Or some of them, have gone to our youth camps a long time ago, got our numbers and emails, connected with us via friendster, and VOILA! As if they learned nothing at camp. Some of course put in their affiliations "so-and-so" church, listed the Bible and Purpose Driven Life as their favorite Books, loves Christian Music, and all those Christian stuff, but poses almost nude and gives ALL the men a wrong impression of them.
I wonder, where have they gone? What has gone into their minds to make them boldly declare themselves in a fashion the Lord Jesus would be ashamed of? They were in my small group once, as I remember EXPLICITLY reminding them of the dangers of sexual sins, being identified as OF the world, as one of them.

Oooo, I hear the objections already.... even from the faithful ones. "Its alright to look like them, but we're not doing what they do and we don't believe what they believe." Fine. That's a given. You're still in church and you're serving Him faithfully. You say you look and act like them so you could reach them with the gospel. Are you really? But ask yourself, are you paying more attention to how you look as compared to how much time you spend reading God's Word? For me, I ask myself the same questions too. AM I SINGING TO THE LORD TOO MUCH AS OPPOSED TO LISTENING TO HIM THROUGH HIS WORD? I'm in the same category as you are, and I'm preaching to myself, because no one is perfect! BUT THAT IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR ALL OF US TO STOP STRIVING TO BE PERFECT! The King James Version says that "Be Perfect as the Father in heaven is Perfect." In other translations, "Be holy, as the Father in heaven is Holy". But Holy and perfect mean the same thing when it comes to sin and a godly lifestyle.

Here's my point. Why are we confessing we are Christians, when actually we hate to follow Christ? Why do we pick out what's good about Christianity, weed out the "Thou shalt not's", and conform the Bible to our lifestyle instead of us conforming to IT? Why do we shut off God during the week and pay attention (ows?) to Him on a 30min message on Sunday?

I am not a model of perfection. God is. Jesus is. If you look at my life, you might find things you would be wondering why a Christian still has those struggles. BUT I AM NOT PROUD OF IT. I would be ashamed if anyone knew about my secrets, (hmm actually, I have not much, and if I do, I can easily confess them) I constantly battle the evil in me and I pray everyday to God that He would equip me with His armor, that I would be able to stand against the attacks of the enemy, that in all my temptations I would choose the way out provided by God. But I fail. I succeed, I fail again, I win again. Sometimes I fail more, sometimes I win more. But I FIGHT.

I speak as though I am strong, no. Do not look upon me as a pillar, for when I fail, you might stumble too. Fix your eyes on Jesus.

....
....
It makes me smile...
but in my heart i cry.

As i discover where my old friends in the faith have gone, I cry.

Why aren't you fighting anymore? Is the blood of Jesus not enough for your reward? Has life's struggles overcome your faith? Why aren't you fighting anymore? Is Jesus' name worth living for for you? Why aren't you fighting?

Where have all the faithful "once" gone?

The Grave Cannot Silence My Mom's Praise

2008-10-14T00:13:00.000-07:00

This is my own few words for mama. I took the time to write them out to be more organized, but I didn't expect that my short "speech" would be a stand up comic act!

Here's my sister Frances' short talk:

my other sister Jacqui:

My brother's and my Dad's will be uploaded on the next entry. Truly, my mom left a legacy of hope and joy only a true Christian woman could leave her family. Let her children call her "blessed!".

Another Time and Another Place

2008-10-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

My mom passed away last September 27, 2008 and I have lost the words to describe how deep both our loss and our joy at her passing. I loved this song by Sandy Patty and Wayne Watson, and ever since the day I heard it, years before my mom's passing, I loved how the song describes the writer's longing for home...heaven. Where all his hopes and dreams here on earth would at last be captured, and even more, with just
one look at Jesus face. How I longed for that time too. Over and over I cried just singing and listening to that song.... and then my mom died.

Another Time and Another Place

I've always heard there is a land
Beyond the mortal dreams of man
Where every tear will be left behind
But it must be in another time

There'll be an everlasting light
Shining a purest holy white
And every fear will be erased
But it must be in another place

So, I'm waiting for another time and another place
Where all my hopes and dreams will be captured
With one look at Jesus' face
Oh, my heart's been burnin'
My soul keeps yearnin'
Sometimes I can't hardly wait
For that sweet, sweet someday
When I'll be swept away
To another time and another place

I've grown so tired of earthly things
They promise peace but furnish pain
All of life's sweetest joys combined
Could never match those in another time

And though I've put my trust in Christ
And felt His Spirit move in my life
I know it's truly just a taste
Of His glory in another place

So, I'm waiting for another time and another place
Where all my hopes and dreams will be captured
With one look at Jesus' face
Oh, my heart's been burnin'
My soul keeps yearnin'
Sometimes I can't hardly wait
For that sweet, sweet someday
When I'll be swept away
To another time and another place

Indeed, for many of us the day God takes our life is a dreaded one. It is normal I suppose, for like someone taking his final exam, one gets to be nervous how he'll get through with it. And death is like that, it is the final experience one has to go through before seeing God and going to heaven. Its one of these two: either He comes back to take us in rapture, or we go home to Him in death. Both are good things really. Specially the confidence you have when you know you prepared for that final exam very well. And its a comfort to others when they know you prepared for it as well. There's this certainty that you passed, an absolutely-no-questions-asked attitude only a true believer can possess.

The song described that "dreaded" day of death as "sweet, sweet someday, when I'll be swept away to another time and another place." For my mom, Saturday, September 27, at 3pm... it was a sweet, sweet day...when my mom was swept away, to that other time, and that other place...

...I'll surely miss you Ma, but I'll see you again. I'll see you again.

From Me to You: My Christian Journey

2008-09-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Whenever I consider thinking about my faith, my "so-called" devotion to Jesus, I often stop and wonder: " Am i really standing up for God? Am i authentic? That is the reason I am writing you this story about how God gave hope to my life and how the same God is inspiring me to share this story to you.

I'm a pretty well-behaved kid and I seldom get into trouble. Maybe because I don't like getting hurt or abused, or maybe I'm just protected. However which way, there's a common denominator i share with everybody else in this world: I am a sinner. At first I didn't care. So what? Everybody else is a sinner anyway? why be anxious about it? As long as i'm not as bad as "so-and-so", or as long as i'm no burden to somebody else... Besides, i think i'm well-behaved enough to merit God's mercy and love. If ever i do make a mistake, I think God is kind enough and loving enough to forgive me, and forget my mistake and let me into heaven someday...hopefully.

My mom shared to me about Jesus (and His death on the cross, His sacrifice, and about everyone being a sinner, and everyone's going to hell, so we have to accept Jesus in our hearts and make Him our Lord and Savior) when i was eight years old, and thankfully enough, forced me into going to church and singing songs in front of people, and being a member of a children's sunday school. Even buying tapes about Jesus for me to play and sing along, but after it all, I guess i'm really not interested in God at all. I grew up thinking going to heaven (that was an unbreakable promise of God, as told by my church) was enough and i could do whatever i pleased as long as i don't "cross the line"...whatever that is by exact definition.

it was until i fell in-love with music and it's performance and power, that God slowly crept into my attention, and started this most wonderful journey i'm now embarking. At first, I was into slow-rock songs about love and acoustic riffs. Anything with a high male voice, and a slick solo guitar was into my fan list. A little angst about a girl leaving you and breaking your heart was the next thing that filled my senses. I loved songs about anger and hate, noise and heavy guitars. Slowly, my interest shifted to deeper poetry, and rebellion. Dark themes and even death started to get my attention. I often thought about how to make people think the way i thought, and i loved to be with rebellion-oriented groups. As a young person, i loved thrilling activities...the more dangerous, the better. It was a great time honestly, i don't deny that.

But God has a way of using certain circumstances in your life, good or bad, to His purpose. My devotion to certain philosophies such as standing up for what you believe in, acceptance without judgment, having a good time as long as you're not hurting anyone, the more dangerous-the better, etc. were stepping stones to God's greater plan in my life.

I got forced into a youth group in our church just as I was a neophyte in a high-school fraternity. It was also the time when I was dumped by my long-time high school sweetheart for someone else. i also despised my parents for not giving me what i expected parents should give their children. I thought back then it was everybody's fault except mine. This youth group was at first boring and i really thought everyone else there were kinda weird and different. Slowly, God's wisdom and great love overwhelmed my heart and changed rebellion to dedication, hate into acceptance, anger to forgivness, and most of all, desperation to hope. I remembered all my mom and dad used to teach me, my church's sunday school lessons were now applicable in a deeper level, my knowledge of God became suddenly extremely small, that I became illiterate and dumb, making me hunger for more about His Words.

however, i wasnt really ready to give-up all my bad-habits. But surely enough, God can change a heart of stone.

To be continued...

Is there a God?

2008-09-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

I recently read the "Pascal's Wager" and I investigated the more sophisticated variations to it, and it seems Mr Pascal is quite confused himself. But I am glad he is a rational being and that his wager posed a good challenge for atheists and theists alike to question their beliefs. Well, actually, for atheists, he didn't even strike a point. The atheists saw vastly farther and toppled his arguments with ease. That is why I mentioned that Mr. Pascal was confused with the basis of his assumptions... that is why his wager is easily rebutted. But in a sense, I thank the atheists for posing this wager insufficient for a theist's argument of a God. I am now reinforcing my beliefs.

I went to a University where the question of God's existence was always in topic, and debated. Many philosophers-turned-atheists constantly posted open debates for Christians to prove their point. As a freshman, I was shocked to experience that, but I grew more and more interested in their arguments and I actually questioned my beliefs! I started asking if there really was a God, because I never seen Him, felt Him, heard Him, and all I knew about Him was through someone else's explanation, and a book called the Holy Bible, which I barely read and understood. I "loved" a man-God called Jesus, but I never really investigated more about Him, His claims, His work, His identity. Thus my search began.

Is there a God? How do I know He exists? If there is one, who is He? Which religion teaches the "true God"? Since I am a Christian, I had to remove my biases and equally investigate all the religions I could get my hands into and give them all equal chances. But I have to start with the question: "IS THERE A GOD?"

My NEW CAR

2008-09-17T03:04:00.000-07:00

Recently I was contemplating on exhaustong my funds for a make over for my car. Well, it looked good in the first place, but I cant stand the temptation of pimping it. Im glad I have a friend who pimps...rides. And that's the other face of my Pastor friend, he loves doing stuff for free. He added 22" chrome rims, dropped 2" lowering springs, took my bull bars away, added grills, and customized my bumper. He put new ford F150 head lights into my old hilux ones, and put 3M tints on my windshield. We were planning to change the paint, but he ran out of "free" funds so we will do that next time. Watch out for the new Hilux 150!!!! My brand new CAR!

If you want your car to be pimped, simply click on this link ad-perspectives.blogspot.com. He rules!

Ted's commentaries on an Atheist's Argument

2008-09-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

TOPIC: Pascal's Wager. Common question by a Christian to try to convert an atheist:
Why are you taking such a risk on being an atheist? If you're wrong, you'll go to hell. You've got nothing to lose by converting and everything to gain.

Answer of Atheist:
This question, which is really just a simplified version of Pascal's Wager, is one of the most popular questions which religious theists — particularly Christians — pose to atheists. It must sound very appealing, reasonable, and rational to them, otherwise atheists wouldn't have to hear it so often. Unfortunately, Christians who use this reveal that they haven't done their homework because there are a number of very obvious and easy objections to this which they seem completely unaware of.
The first problem lies in the implicit yet unstated assumption that we already know which god we should believe in. That assumption, however, is not necessary to the argument, and thus the argument itself does not explain which religion a person should follow.

Ted:I agree to a certain degree, that the atheist will have to qualify which God to believe exists. But since a theist “,…PARTICULARLY CHRISTIANS”, as mentioned by the writer, is the one who asked or posed the question, isn’t it rational that he implies the GOD OF THE BIBLE? If a Muslim asked, then it is Allah… a simple question to ask the theist who posed the wager is this: “so which God do I believe in?” If he doesn’t know the answer, then the so-called theist isn’t worth talking to. Don’t believe him either.

Atheist: This can be described as the “avoiding the wrong hell” dilemma. If you happen to follow the right religion, you may indeed “go to heaven and avoid hell.” However, if you choose the wrong religion, you’ll still go to hell.
Thus even if we accept the premise that we have nothing to lose and everything to gain by converting, what should we convert to? The thing missed by so many who use this argument is that you cannot “bet” on the general concept of “theism.”

Ted:Yes, you cannot bet on the general concept, BUT you cannot ignore the evidence of a God. All the evidence demands a verdict. Who that is, is the responsibility of the individual to search for. Because in the end, if there is a God, He will not be held responsible for us choosing the wrong God, He will surely say that He has revealed Himself to man “so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1)

Atheist:You have to pick specific doctrines. Theism is just a broad concept which includes all possible god-beliefs and, as such, barely exists absent specific theologies. If you are going to really believe in a god, you have to believe in something — which means picking something. If I pick, then I risk picking the wrong god and avoiding the wrong hell.

Ted:A broad concept indeed for the non interested seeker. But a seeker must simply investigate and he will surely come to a point where he rationalizes and realizes that a certain “religion” is false when it becomes somewhat weird in their teachings, such as the origin of man, the world, and opposes the proven scientific evidence and laws. Not theories mind you, because once the evolution theory is proven, (the “full” doctrine is certainly not proven, but the BROAD concept is possible, IF AND ONLY IF an outside factor is present in controlling the conditions of the environment for evolution to be possible), then Christianity is utterly destroyed. Alongside the claims of Christ like His resurrection, if disproved, it topples Christianity altogether. The term theory is also a broad subject to talk about since we have many accepted theories, and are considered laws already, but for this subject matter, evolutionary theory is still a long shot.

Atheist:A second problem is that it isn’t actually true that the person who bets loses nothing. If a person bets on the wrong god, then the True God™ just might punish them for their foolish behavior. What’s more, the True God™ might not mind that people don’t bother believing in it when they have rational reasons — thus, not picking at all might be the safest bet. You just cannot know.

Ted:YES YOU CAN KNOW. Yes, He minds that He be sought, for He will be found. And that issue has already been presented previously. Let’s not go in circles.

Atheist:Some choices do indeed come with large risks. Many have died because they trusted in prayer rather than medicine. Others have perished due to the handling of poisonous snakes and the drinking of lethal liquids because Jesus said they would be able to do so without harm. The choice of pseudo scientific and mystical beliefs can carry very negative consequences.

Ted:I agree. Pseudo scientific and faith healing (by faith healers) is quite un-Christian. Though we certainly believe in miracles and all, but God has simply allowed doctors to gain knowledge of the scientific and medical realm, He also works along side of His creation. Luke, one of the gospel writers, is a doctor, and a very learned man. Just a note, Jesus never said to drink lethal liquids. I know he’s just using it as an example, but it’s just offensive to me that he did so. Please do not misquote Him.

Atheist:A third problem is the unstated premise that the two choices presented are equally likely. It is only when two choices are equal in probability that it makes sense to go with the allegedly “safe bet.” However, if the choice of a god is revealed to be a great deal less likely than the choice of no god, then god ceases to be the “safe bet.” Or, if both are equally likely, then neither is truly a “safe bet.”

Ted:Given the evidence, which can be presented upon request, ( I HAVE TONS of them, it is obviously the “better bet” to believe in a God, compared to not), how can we not conclude that there is a God? But about the safer bet? Nope, My God is jealous. He has no other gods before Him. He will not allow sin. Even if you believe in Him, He will NOT guarantee your safety. He has rules found in Scripture. He is holy and righteous. He has no plan B. His ways are eternal. He is always right. So, heads up atheist, God is NOT a safe bet. He is never the safe bet. He is merciful though, and He is compassionate, abounding in love and forgiveness. His promises for the true believer are incomparable. And that is fully known in the person of Jesus. Get to know Him, I have, and thus, I have the “safe ASSURANCE”, not bet.

Atheist:One final problem is the conclusion of the argument, where a person decides to believe in a god because it is the choice that offers the most benefits and least dangers. This requires that the god in question not mind that you believe in it merely in order to gain entrance to heaven and/or to avoid punishment in hell. Such a god wouldn't be a just or fair god, since a person’s eternal fate is not being decided upon based on their actions, but merely on their decision to make a pragmatic and selfish choice. Does this sound like a god that's worth worshiping?

Ted:Nope, that kind of God isn’t worth worshiping. As I’ve said above, the true God minds that you choose Him, and not only choose, but to believe and follow His rules. And our entrance to “heaven” isn’t decided by our actions, but according to His grace, through faith. We can explore this wonderful concept of grace and mercy sometime else.

Atheist:There are, of course, more sophisticated versions of Pascal's Wager which avoid or minimize some of these issues, but that's only relevant insofar as the Christians who ask the above question never bring up these more sophisticated versions. Instead, they only bring up a very simple version which is actually more susceptible to critique than Pascal's own original. It is, as I said, a sign that they haven't done their homework: they haven't investigated what the argument's strengths and weaknesses are nor are they prepared to answer even mildly probing or challenging questions about it. In short, they just haven't thought the matter through very well and don't expect an atheist who has either.

Ted:In all due respect, I appreciate this atheist’s questions and arguments, but it isn’t remotely wise to assume that Christians do not do their homework. It’s this man and those like him who didn’t investigate enough. Sorry, but I think all your points are, in tagalog: “supalpal”.

VOTE FOR FRESH SEAFOOD RECIPES!!!

2008-09-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

I went on line and I found a great contest about the most interesting topic in the world---FOOD!!! And not just about food per se, but exquisite, fine dishes prepared by artist chefs and master tasters. Man, I just can’t stop thinking about this new recipe I found. It’s actually a cook off at www.GreatAmericanSeafoodCookOff.com, and you’re supposed to vote for the recipe you think should win. I browsed through the pictures and they seemed to call my name from the computer monitor: “taste me…taste me…” I was mesmerized and tempted to take chunk out of those mouth watering masterpieces of culinary arts! I suggest you readers click on the link and go see for yourselves the temptous servings in this contest. Vote for your choice recipe and get a chance to win a trip for two to New Orleans, with hotel accommodations, perks, and the sort. Now let me talk about my choice…

Well, you only have to pick one recipe and vote for it. So for me I vote for the work of Chef John Currence and his work from Mississippi- the Mississippi Redfish Courtboullion with Seafood Dirty Rice. It was my pick since I come from a rice consuming country, so the “rice factor” intrigued me. It got my vote. Rice in the Philippines has many twists to it, it can be plainly cooked rice, steamed rice, fried rice, and I can toss in the all original “adobo Rice”, its basically vinegar and soy sauce, with lots of garlic, cooked to a certain degree. But that is just one of the possible things I can do to alter the “rice factor”.

Now about talking economical, eating domestic seafood, has a lot of great benefits. First is you get to be assured its fresh. For one, you can catch it yourself, another is you see it fresh in the market, not in a stock refrigerator of a restaurant. Another benefit is the price is a lot cheaper than if you buy it as a prepared recipe. Not to mention that you can enjoy the time with your family in catching the fish, or buying them in the market, preparing them as a family, and its really a good thing to do your own recipes at home.

So as I end this entry, I encourage you guys again to visit the link, and try to see which is the best recipe, and try them yourselves! Experiment, adventure, just do it!

A New Lesson In Life From My Puppy

2008-09-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

I was blessed at the same time challenged to have a new puppy, whose name is Princess. She is a three month old Shih Tzu, tri-colored and extremely adorable,cute, and playful. Having a puppy has its ups and downs. Most of the downs include the expenses that are incurred, and cleaning up after it messes up.

You might be asking why I had to clean up when I could train her to pee and poo outside. Well, she poos outside now, very seldom does she poo inside, but I don't know why she loves to pee everywhere! Outside, inside, EXCEPT my room, where she sleeps. Its amazing that she never had a record of doing her stuff in there.

But, one day as I was cleaning up one of her pee escapades indoors, I noticed a life lesson. Her pee would be considered maybe a hand scoop full, not too much. And it didn't spread. However, the amount of clean water you need to clean a small amount of pee, is almost a small bucket of clean water! And the effort also is double since you need to re-wipe the area, and put some lysol so the scent would be covered.

This is where the lesson in life enters. It popped up into my head the moment I saw the water running from the faucet as I cleaned the mop. It is simple. The mess represents the mistakes we make in life. The mop and the water represents the amount of "repair" we need to do. Naturally, we need to clean up the mess the puppy made ourselves (if you want it done right), and ASAP, to avoid it being spread all over and messing other stuff up. In parallel, when we do make mistakes, we need to learn from them ASAP, or try to mend what is broken before it messes up other people's lives and gets to unknown proportions. The mess also needs to be cleaned the right way, and it usually means a lot more effort than making the mistake itself. Usually it is 10 times more, if not a lot more. If we do it the short cut way, like sweeping it under the rug (yuck), or just covering it up with dust, we will definitely end up messing up other stuff as well! So, in life, we need to deal with issues the right way and in the proper attitude so we can fix the problem we caused.

Now if you notice, people who know that your pooch messed up in that particular spot will not step over it even after it is thoroughly cleaned. Yup they wont. Much more if it is not! The lesson is this, even after you've dealt with your mistake, repaired all the damage, said sorry and all, it will take time for people to forget what happened. We cannot change that, however we can change ourselves by not passing judgement on people who made mistakes in their lives. Since we now know better, we are to understand more, and instead of putting people down, we need to help them up and be an encouragement and a support.

Another reason we need to deal with our mess asap is because the longer it is left uncleaned, the scent will spread, the risk of the poop getting stepped upon, and the trouble it causes other people (and yourself) piles up exponentially. So we need to clean up asap, the right way (it takes a proper process), and with the right attitude.

It is amazing to learn life lessons from a poop of my dog. I choose to look at it in the positive way, whenever she does that. But the last lesson I learned is to teach her to do her stuff properly, and it only means that we should train ourselves and others in the ways of righteousness and truth (found in the Bible), so that we can all avoid the mistakes and the complications that arise from it.

Thank you Princess(my dog) for that wonderful lesson!

Am I a Believer?

2008-09-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in the congregation of our church when the guest speaker, the son of an International missionary Organization Director spoke about the famous statement of Joshua, “Choose you this day, who shall you serve? But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He pointed out that people need to make a personal decision to follow Christ. They had to choose.

It was an eye opening experience for me, because he stressed that there are lots of Christians in churches today, even those who are active in their respective ministries, doing all those church work, that are really not saved at all.

Now what does “saved” mean? The Bible emphasizes more on the term: “Believers”. Believers of what? In God? That He exists and that He rules over all and He is great, and majestic and worthy of all praise? That He has a Son who died on the cross for the sins of man and rose up from the grave to conquer death? Sure, the Bible even tells us that even Demons believe in God and Jesus, and they shudder, but they are definitely not “believers”. If we apply that term “believers” to ourselves, and examine our lives, do we even come close to how the demons believe? I guess not.

If I even dig deeper, I could safely assume that we, as present day “believers”, have it easy on the Gospel. And, ironically, having it easy makes it a lot more difficult to be “believers”. First of all, we live in a time so distant from the time of the life of Jesus. We are asked to believe on somebody who lived and died (and lives forever more) more than 2000 years ago. Second to believe that there is a God who can neither be seen or heard, who does out-of-this-world miraculous wonders (triple redundant) which are not seen this day, with little or no scientific or historical evidence, except by the testimonies of those who lived in that distant time. (But amazingly, Archeology and history now can testify to the Biblical accounts, they just don’t mass publish them) Third, is to even have the need of a Savior is somewhat useless to this “convenient” generation. We can have what we want, do what we want, and even believe what we want without some emperor telling us what or who to believe as God. And we don’t face death if we believe otherwise. Easy? Yes, but more difficult because the need becomes cloudy, and the truth is somewhat pushed aside in significance.

Now going back to the sermon I heard, the speaker simply pointed out that he himself grew up in church, as a son of a well known preacher of God’s Word, grew up and studied in the Christian ways and virtues, doctrines and service, only begun a REAL relationship with God just a little over twelve years ago, at the age of 24 or 25, after more than a decade of serving God in church as a Sunday School teacher, as a choir member, etc. Impossible? Nope, you can be in church, but not really IN the Body of Christ.

He said that he cannot remember a time where he PERSONALLY felt the need for God in his life, and that He asked himself the question, “Am I really a believer? If so, why is my life lived otherwise? If not, Lord, please show me how.” Without anyone to guide him, he went to the Scriptures, and searched for God. He searched for God. He didn’t find God, because God found him. He was lost and blind, hopeless to find God, but it was God’s will and prerogative that he should be found. The Scriptures became true in his life where it says “Seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened to you.”

At this point, I would like to share, my own personal testimony. I grew up as a Catholic, went to a Catholic school for boys, and also in a home where strong Catholicism was taught. What I loved about that was we were disciplined to do all the rituals a faithful Catholic should do. And somehow cathedrals amazes me, gives me this “God I know You’re here” feel. My parents went to a Methodist church then to a Baptist church simply because of geographical reasons, and because services were shorter and less boring. Eventually, they met Jesus in one of the services of the Baptist church they were attending.

Naturally, we had to join them in church and I started to learn Bible lessons which weren’t emphasized when I was in mass. I was taught how to pray directly to God through His one and only Son Jesus. I was told that being good wasn’t enough for a little boy to go to heaven and that I needed to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I learned them all in my head, but it really meant nothing to me. I was even taught to remember my spiritual birthday… so I can be sure I was saved. (It was a good idea, but now I realized its not the date that makes for a good evidence of salvation, its your life.)

My mom approached me in a cold rainy morning and asked me if I wanted to go to Heaven when I die. I told her “Yes”, and we prayed to receive Jesus in my heart. I believe that I got saved at that time. I clearly remember learning why I needed to be saved, and why Jesus came, what He did for me, and that He promised me eternal life.

But it was only about 10 years after that day that I truly started living for God. And I began to stand up as Christian. I surrendered my life to God, not as a pastor or a priest or a church worker, no, not that. I surrendered my life to him as a man… as a son. I wanted to live my life according to what my Dad wants. And I told God I would live for His pleasure, not mine, as an engineer, or as a musician, as anybody I would be. As long as I lived for Him, I knew I would be fine, and that I’m really living. I asked myself if I’m really a believer… if I’m really a Christian. And I sought for answers personally in His Word. I found them, and God assured me I was His, even before I sought Him this way.

From that moment on I knew I had a purpose. I knew that if I died any moment, I knew I would face a God who would be proud to welcome home a son. I am assured of heaven yes, even as kid, and even before I gave my life to Him, I knew I will go there, but what makes a surrendered life great is the peace that when you leave this life, you will not regret anything. The only possible regret is that you wish you could’ve reached more, served more or did more for Him. But right now I am proud to say (not in my own strength or capabilities) that if God took me, I know I have run a good race, fought a good fight (not as exciting as Pacquiao’s though), and I am sure I kept the faith the old martyrs have died for, the faith Jesus has passed on to generations of true believers.

My challenge to you is this: even if you grew up in church, and did all the necessary steps to become a believer, examine your life, and ask God, “God, am I really your son/daughter? If so, show me and assure me through Your Word, and if not, show me how.” I tell you, it would make a whole lot of difference.

God's Provision

2008-09-01T00:11:00.000-07:00

I always experience first hand the lessons of God. I don't want to experience them to be honest, but in His will, He allows those which are necessary for me to go through and those which I can learn from others' experiences.

Forgiveness was one, but thank God He gave me the strength to have that... and the other thing is provision. His providence (which comes from the Latin words "pro", meaning "before", and "visio", meaning "to see", is what it really means to me right now. I have to have the faith to believe that God "will see to it" that my needs are met. Our exact needs are simple, they are to pay for bills, provide food and shelter for my family, provide transportation for all of us, and of course the other stuff we need-- they are medical costs for Rose, including all my payments at home (for the car), for my credit card (for the wheels I got for my car-again), and insurance. Man, I don't know where to get the finances.

But with all the years God has provided, and with all the lessons I heard and learned from the Bible and at church, I cannot see the reason why I need to worry, nor be afraid. GOD WILL SEE TO IT that ALL my needs are met. And He always does.

I also learned this beautiful statement... "I want to watch the Lord do His stuff". And I do enjoy seeing Him provide. His requirements are simple, GIVE, and WATCH. Give faithfully your dues to His ministry and to the church (which means you have to earn a living), and Watch closely (dont miss it) how He will provide. God loves us to notice and appreciate Him by saying thank you. He wants the glory the honor and the praise when He accomplishes His work. When He does His promises, He wants us to notice.

And I know with all my heart my needs are to going to be met, I do not know how or when, but by faith I will be able to stand up and wait in the Lord until that time comes.

My Puppy Princess

2008-08-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

I recently acquired (for a relatively low price) a new shih tzu puppy and she is really adorable. Her name is Princess, and she just turned three months old last August 21. Its my first time to have puppy, let alone a "breeded" one, and she is as cute as a stuffed toy. That's why its called a toy dog.

I got her from my friend Silke, and she has five other siblings, all given to different owners. I should say she is the cutest, with my own personal bias, since she is a tri-colored one, and she has the best paws of the brood. Her eyes are very expressive and you could see emotion in them.

She likes to eat the meat Pedigree as opposed to the regular pedigree dog food. I got her a plastic bone where she would gnaw all day and when she gets tired, she takes a nap. I think she is sick with hyperactive syndrome! She is WILD!!!

One thing I enjoy most about her is that she acts differently from a regular dog. She likes attention, and she is super playful! She can fetch her toy soccer ball, which I play around with her, and I "drag" her around the village when I want to take her for a nice short walk.

In this entry, I suppose I can link it to my relationship with Jesus, my God, wherein He adores me, and He loves me, and gave everything for me. And I, the puppy, sometimes is wild and makulit, perhaps giving my Savior a headache, (but I guess not because He never gets weary), and yet He loves me.

I love my Savior Jesus, who bought me with a high price!

The Flirtng Game is ON, but not for me

2008-08-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

"If I were Santa, you would be in my wish list...so tell me, are you naughty, or nice?". This pick up line is so cheesy and funny, it'll probably result in making the girl laugh with her friends and dump you in an instant. I heard that from the movie White Chicks. Very funny movie.

Flirting for me is an awesomely risky game where you risk your reputation as a person, and prepare to get labeled once you're turned away. Pick up lines usually do that, and it may determine the success or failure of a flirting game. But, its a no-no for me, since I am married!!!

I heard of a new flirting scheme and its by the use of your hair style!!! Check it out your hair! If you got a sexy style hair, and you meet another person with a sexy style hair, and suddenly attraction starts, things happen like lightning, become physical, and the result is (not a long lasting relationship), but a NEW HAIRSTYLE! That's what we call Victory Hair with Extreme Style by VO5! The style you get after moochy-moochy!

Since I cannot participate in this game, if you readers want to join in, there is a Flirting Game and it sounds interesting for single persons! Just grab a widget and join in the "spray"... I mean fray!

My Dad: Jules Amper Jr.

2008-08-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

My dad is now 64 years old. Still married to my mom Aurora, and he still kicks like a horse! Three of his four kids are now finished with their college studies, working, and are all technically married. I wont get into detail into why I said that.

This blog is about my dad. My great dad Jules Amper. In the point of view of some people, they might see my dad as a failure, or an unsuccessful man. And to a degree, there may be truth in those statements. But amidst all our frustrations I choose not to look at his shortcomings, rather, I chose to celebrate all his accomplishments...thus my blog.

Let me begin with his very first success... he made all four of us siblings possible! His sperm cells were indeed strong swimmers, and all of us are normal, awesome kids! Its only now that my wife and I realize that its not that easy to make kids. That is a feat on its own!

Next, it is by providing us siblings and my mom the love and the financial support we needed growing up as kids. I know with all my heart that Papa worked hard (and enjoyed too) abroad and sacrificed a lot just to get my mom a good, nice life. In fairness to my mom, she could manage equally well (if not better) if she were alone!!! She's a toughie, that's for sure.

I'll write more of my personal experiences with my dad and inject some stuff including my siblings. So, the earliest recollection of my dad is that I admired his singing voice and how he drew pictures. I was amazed as a kid and I always wanted to be like him. I practiced drawing and I tried to make them as lifelike as I could. About singing, I admired his confidence and how he drew listeners to his guitar playing and his great voice. I also breezed through a lot of his songbooks where he hand-wrote all the songs he loved, cowboy songs, Spanish songs, folk songs, etc. I remember listening to the car stereo of our old red Lancer as we sped through the former smooth Marcos Hi way, and I loved hearing my dad sing Spanish songs and I sang them quietly with him.

Another thing I learned from him early on, is him faithfully bringing us to our church. I hated church when I was a kid, all the kids smelled terrible and my Sunday school teachers were boring, and they prayed too long. Besides, Sunday mornings were cartoons time and it was so hard to get dressed and squeeze into our tiny car. However, I did learn a lot of stuff (basically because the stories were constantly repeated!) and I found great friends at church. But my dad put great value in spiritual things as he invested in books I loved to read as a child, such as Children's Literature and the Bible Stories. Man, I loved those stories. They told the Biblical accounts in such a way that you wont forget them and as a result you'll know them by heart! That's one reason I got bored with Sunday School...

Another thing he did for me was getting us books about sciences and arts. I believe he wanted us to become smart kids, as he and Mama bought us encyclopedias! I remember Papa helping us with the Cyclo-Teacher Learning Aid, and patiently assisted us and checked our answer sheets. He always said "Correct Nicanor!" whenever I got a right answer. Not only that, but my Papa always had a way to explain concepts to us with the use of illustrations and also a system of teaching. He taught me the concept of human reproduction(among many other concepts like Space, history, etc). By the way, about the reproductive "process", I clearly remember reacting: "You mean you and Mama did that?! Yuck!!"

He also handmade our flash cards and constantly drilled us with math and he even bought maps so we could be familiar with the cities of the world and of the Philippines. He also bought us listening tapes from Rodolfo Torres, which helped us big time in our reading, diction, math, etc. Aside from that, he also invested in buying tapes of Kids Praise, where I owe my English speaking skills and diction, which is only secondary to the lessons those tapes taught me about God, His people, His Word, and Christian values...and also SINGING!!! He brought us to Meralco to watch the free film showings, and just enjoy a day at the bowling alley and the billiards, also in the tennis courts and the canteen.

I also loved the way Papa encouraged us to go hiking and appreciate nature. I always looked forward to those hiking trips as a kid. We walked and walked, and we went to places where we could swim and climb trees.

I also remember my Papa teaching me to play basketball, tennis, baseball (we always threw catch in front of our house) and he sent me and my brother to Karate and Taekwondo schools, basketball clinics, tennis clinics, etc. He also loved to tickle us and make us step on his back. I always remember the "octopus" where he wrapped all four of his limbs plus his head for added "grip" over us and counted to ten. By that time we must escape or else he would tickle us!

He taught me how to ride a bike, how to drive, how to solve my homework assignments. He made us a beautiful model house for my brother's assignment and he always paid attention to precision and detail. He worked carefully slow but very professional and clean. He always helped me in making my parol (Christams Lantern), and in almost all my art projects he assisted and guided me so I could develop my own creativity.

About music, he taught me everything. And though he didnt directly teach me guitar, we used HIS guitar when we practiced. Oh, he did teach me a classical piece "romanza de amor", the year I started learning guitar. More than Words was next, but my brother taught me that. He and Mama bought me a nicer guitar (after I broke the previous one), and they encouraged me to join our church's praise team in my senior year in High School.

I pretty much owe him everything I am because he enrolled me in Ateneo as a grade school student, fixed all the necessary procedures to get us into Manila Science High School, and also for me, he was the one who suggested to me that I try UP College of Music, playing the cello.

As I grew up, of course the picture of a perfect Dad faded and as an adult, you slowly replace the beautiful image to an image of all the things you don't want to be. But in reality, my dad was a great dad. Much less, a great man. He instilled in me a deep love for music, science and arts. But one of the most beautiful gift he gave us was his faithfulness to my mom. And they stuck together through thick and thin... mostly thin... and I would always see the constant nights where my Papa would take mama in his arms and dance with her. They sang duets together, and they always kissed each other. What a dad.

I love him and I will always be proud of him. I'm not half the man he is, mostly because I will never be him, 'coz I'm a different person! But all those beautiful lessons he taught us I will try to teach my kids. And my prayer is that he would always show his bright smile and encourage others around him to cheer up and live life!

My trip to Palawan

2008-08-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

On August 10-13, I was privileged to join the Breaking Point Team in sharing the anti-substance abuse program that could help the lives of young people in their awareness to this malignant social disease. Our focus, was giving the good news of a change of heart to these young people. And this change of heart could only be a result of a life lived under Jesus' control, by simply making Him your Lord and Savior.

We were partnered with a team from Sagemont Church, based in Houston Texas. They sent a total of 18 delegates under Rev. Sandy Baird and his wife Karen. On our arrival in Palawan, we were again partnered with a local Palawan Team, delegates from Family of Christ Church, under Rev. David Quiocson. It was at first a super pleasant trip because we departed from the newly opened NAIA Terminal 3, and was safely transported to Palwan via Cebu Pacific. The upon arrival, we were welcomed by the Family of Christ church with leis and were transported to our beautiful hotel, Fleuris Hotel.

We had a great room (though the view was a blank wall) as Pastor Alvon, Pastor Jeff and myself were comfortably lodged in three nice beds! The dinner was sumptous, and the welcome service was truly, "new" to us. We then rehearsed our Taekwondo demonstaration, and also the dramas in which I played the Money Person in the Redeemer.

After a good night's sleep, we woke up early and had another great breakfast, and also becoming more acquainted with our American partners. We had another training and run throughs of the program, and by lunch time (Jolibee) we were ready for our first school, Sicsican National High School.

Going there was a short 20 minute drive, and we were welcomed by a beautiful school (relative to Manila), and the kids were all excited to see us! The program went really well, and after the whole thing, we started packing up and went to the next school, Palawan National High School. We arrived a little over 4pm, and set up as quick as we could, and we let the ball roll for another great action packed program!

We didn't feel the exhaustion only until we were done with the dramas. There was a classroom interaction up next... Praise God He manipulated situations and gave us a good break by letting a large group presentation of Breaking Point take place instead. It saved us a lot of saliva and throat pain.

It was so rewarding to see the kids so encouraged specially when in my group, I shared the hope you had in Christ, and also the life you can have if you had a real relationship with Jesus. It was hard, but great. I told them that they had to be good in their studies, avoid drugs, and substance abuse, avoid sexual relationships, and just be nice kids. I told them what God did in my life, though Im not the best (but I want to be) in my field, I still get a lot of clients and God provides for my needs! Their faces just lit up as I felt their eagerness to start(or continue) living a clean life and get Jesus in their life.

We ate dinner at a great restaurant, where they served Filipino dishes for the American visitors, and we had a great time of fellowship. By the time we were back at the hotel we desired nothing but a clean bath and a great sleep. However tired, we had to sleep later because we had to read and tally the comment cards.

Next day... we're not fired up. At least not me. My eyes were as heavy as iron bars and my body felt like it was glued to my comfortable bed. But, I'm glad I was used to getting up early at home, so I still got the strength to get up, pray and prepare for another day of hard, physical work.

Breakfast was grrreat! And we hurried to our first location and we arrived on time! We again set up and the energy again was pumping for a great day of evangelism. After the program, we had to pack up and set up at the next scheduled program only one hour away. The school was near but setting up the stage and all was as tiring as doing the program itself. Upon arrival, I was so encouraged to see a small auditorium, no stage, and dirt floor. Hehe, how sarcastic. But in the ministry, you had to look at things in a different perspective. It is always with a servant heart, a love for the people you want to reach, and an attitude of being a part of the solution, not the problem.

Turned out to be a great presentation, (because we got the dramas and the taekwondo perfectly) and a lot of college students were challenged and encouraged to start a relationship with Christ. I met great people in this trip, and mostly my American partners. Their testimonies were movie-like, and their lives were really changed... Some of the guys I met were Stanley and Chuck who were my best buds during the trip.

Stanley is a bagpipe player and he does that professionally in the States. Its somehow interesting because Im enchanted with the bagpipes and it's the first time I ever heard one played live! It's really LOUD! But, as amazing as it is, it's better to meet the player than the instrument! Stanley is amazing and he is very passionate about what he does. Drawing, playing the bagpipes, just sharing his thoughts about life, but most of all, sharing Jesus to others.

The same with Chuck, or Carlos. He is an Italian, first time I ever met a true full blooded Italian! But he grew up in the States and he is a very learned man, being an aircraft mechanic, he is amazing as well! His life story is also very inspiring and he loves the Lord very much. I thought of him as my very own dad, and I love listening to his stories, his insight, his thoughts too!

The best thing about the mission trip is sharing Jesus to a lost people. And seeing them having hope is the greatest reward a missionary can have!

My Uncle Who is Challenged

2008-08-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of "acquiring" an uncle who had a special case in his mind. He is actually a direct uncle of my wife and I had the fondest memories of him whenever he was around. However, it turned out to be difficult when you had to take care of him yourself. I had these images in my mind about how inconvenient, how it wasn't my responsibility, and why the burden was placed on our shoulders...

All those images were false though, and even if they had some truth in it, it wasn't about him... it was about me. It's me who is supposed to learn and grow with these circumstances. Uncle Gilbert is already like that...that is a given. But I can change, that is the variable factor. And God can bless me tremendously, that is another variable.

My ninong Daniel had it said plainly in a rebuke of love, that it is easy for us to love those who are loving us back. God, people around us, wife, children, people who are normally responsive. Even those who are difficult to love is easier to love than uncle because we can have hope that they will change and might love us back. In Uncle's case... he never will. Unless some miracle happens. It is a true challenge to us as Christians to love those who are unloved, and those incapable of loving us back. He will never naturally hug you, or tell you he loves you, or offer you help, a drink, his food, offer to do you favors...nope, he may never will. But in return I must hug him, tell him we love him, offer him help, drink, food, etc. That is a case where I must learn, (and honestly I'm getting the hang of it) and relearn all the stuff you read in the Bible, and all the stuff you learn in Sunday school.

I was looking at his pictures after I took him to bath, and we were sort of having guessing games who's who in the pictures. He can recognize key people like his dad, of course himself, my wife, etc. And as i was looking at his kid pictures, it dawned on me that he was a happy kid. He really was. I saw his genuine smiles in the pictures, he seemed to enjoy himself growing up, he was also kinda fit! I was wondering what happened along the way that caused him to be angry and unresponsive. He actually went to Rome and all those places, and I could really see that he had a great childhood.

I again wondered if Uncle had a normal mind. What would he be doing? What was his line of work? Would he be a godfather to my future kids? I don't know...

I heard him singing just now... I wonder where he learned that song, and when? Who taught him? Was he happy at that time? What images flash in his mind whenever he sang?

I also started thanking God because he gave me a "burden" not too heavy to bear. Uncle Gilbert knew how to take a bath, to take a dump and wash himself. He didn't splatter his pee all around the house. He is quite easy to get along with, and he doesn't know how to hurt people. The only problem with him is even too small to mention publicly.

In this life, as I always say, it doesn't get better. In fact, it gets harder and harder. Its only us who must learn to grow stronger, and be more mature, and to depend on God more as the storms of life continually come.

Google playing God

2008-08-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about why my blog went back to PR n/a. Man, I am so disappointed and of course the reasons for this will never be disclosed. Whatever you do, you wont know the reason why this happened. Its some sort of " I play God... I have reasons you dont have to understand" mentality. However, God knows that its the best for you and that He does things because He loves you. In their case however, I dont know.

My sponsored posts of course went from alot to almost nil. Whatcha think? Anyway, I still praise God He allowed this to happen. And though I dont get income from blogging nowadays, He has given me other sources. Ha! Bless the Lord!

My Music Business Needs IT Training

2008-07-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

I studied music in a prestigious university in the Philippines. But what everybody doesn't know is that I was an engineering student before that. My escapades brought me to music and I could still recount the days I was learning about Information Technology in class. The widespread uses of computers and the internet has invaded almost every home through wi-fi and cheaper computers, laptops, etc. Information is a must. It is the bullet in a gun. Without it, your business would die.

I recently integrated IT in my life as a musician, as I found it hard to make it big in this country who regards music as a cheap form of entertainment. I had to reach the market. And I had the oppurtunity to grasp the clients within my reach by offering information about my services through the net. It really serves your purposes.

I recently heard about a company who offers a virtual compendium of the business IT basics, know-hows, and equipping seminars. It's called CISCO. With the advent of call centers and businesses coming in the Philippines, a career ion IT is inevitable. Music and IT could work for me big time, since computers and the sort is "user-friendly". All I need is more training and more training again!

My carreer as a musician can grow to a maximum potential, if, of course with disciplined practice and collaboration with other musicians, but if I know how to connect with clients, not only in the Philippines, but also compete around the world! Also with the services you can provide globally, it is obvious that a career would be waiting on my doorstep if I could get more training and solutions to my obstacles and challenges. (I wouldn't want to call them "problems".)

So, with that said, I found out that CISCO has products and services that may cater to my every need in training and also as a tool for business. Moreover, they have training resources, certifications (worldwide),where they offer students an opportunity to pursue IT curricula through online instructor-led training and hands-on lab exercises. They have training courses, self-study options, learning partner programs and technical staff development.

My goals would be to take the self-study options, where I can finish a certification within my own pace, or take an on-line course with them, so I could further my knowledge of the IT world. Probably what intrigues me most are the latest developments and the latest tools one can use in the IT world.

Modern Furniture Store

2008-07-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Modern. Classic. Space. All these fill the mind of the potential designer given an empty space to be filled with furniture that would describe the personality and the functionality of the place.

As you all know I am a musician, and I make my living out of music. But what most of my friends dont know is that I love to draw, design, rearrange, and make artworks out of trash. Well, my childhood friends know that, but what I mean is that I've always thought of designing. I had so much interior ideas, furniture placements, and I even thought of a business that purely focuses on just rearranging your old stuff to make use of space, color, and functionality over form, or vice-versa.

Nothing gives me more challenge than to work with limited space. Its a given, you cant change the dimensions. But what would make the interior work is by rearranging OR designing modern furniture to help transform the room!

Recently I did that to our own home, because my wife and I just got married and was able to rent out a nice apartment. I figured we werent going to stay long so I couldnt invest much of my time in designing and re-arranging the place. Now that we've moved to my wife's ancestral home (her parents are in another country now), its a challenge to transform an ancestral home into the dream home you want it to be.

So what I did was to use the furniture my mom used to have in our own home, and substituted it for our narra sala set, and voila! New stuff! But, color didnt match, so I had the upholstery changed and I just used a coffee shop feel in the color combination! Now, my next target is our kitchen and dining. And lastly, the bedroom. Since its quite old, I want it transformed into a Modern Bedroom!

Hopefully God would give me more ideas. Oh, try to look in this website: http://www.eroomservice.com/home.php, this site contains sooooo much info and ideas, you might want to check it out! If you need ideas on how your room's furniture would look like, it has a wide variety of rooms for us to look at. Just click at the desired room and it will show you more choices and ideas to choose from in the categories block. Check em out, instead of buying magazines. What's more intriguing is thatyou can actually purchase the furniture you see at the picture. Cool huh? Just log on and check em out!

BIBLE DEVOTIONS ON LINE!

2008-07-24T18:48:00.001-07:00

I started a blog where I post some of my thoughts and life lessons God taught me through His Word, and I hope everyone can benefit from them. Its a weekly devotional, and I added some introductions, interactive activities for you to make your devotional more exciting!

Do visit my blog at botbydbluddevotions.blogspot.com! See you there!

The Amazing Thing About Business

2008-07-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

As I am growing more in responsibility and in maturity, (a good way of substituting "age"), I have felt the ever increasing pressures of life, as prices rise, economies fall, currencies plummet, your once leisure has become a burden, all those stuff we dont want to happen, its happening. I am convinced of this though: that I have to learn to grow and to cope, not to give up and to strive to rise above my circumstance. As good old Gandalf said, it is not for us to choose what life would bring us, but it is up to us what to do with what is thrown to us. God taugght me that when we are weak, He will be strong. So in these times, I choose to trust that He will take good care of me and I will be in good hands.

With that said, I am now a person I never dreamed I would be. I am trying to be a businessman. Nope, not the conventional product-endorser, trader, manufacturer and coat and tie meetings, not that. Since I am a musician, and God has somehow given me the abilities to relate and to communicate effectively to people, I have now invested my energies to promoting my services, and to use my time to link people who has needs, and connect them to those who can provide those needs. In turn, I promote people's businesses, give people jobs, and meet people's needs!

One good way that I encourage people to do is earn through passive income. Things that you would'nt work out too much, but get a bigger salary from. In what I do, I get a bigger pay in just connecting people compared to my teaching job. But in the passive income, you dont necessarily have to enjoy it, nor master it, you just have to learn it. And through this, you can continue your dream job, your passion for what you do (th9ugh it doesnt pay much--- and ideally, we say i'ts not for money anyway), and still afford to live in a comfortable circumstance.

I've tried different ways to earn passively, one is through investment of money one time, and let your money get interest. Another is to invest in business so that people can start their own ideas and services, and you just earn through a cut, or a percentage. Another is by going in network marketing. This is perhaps the biggest income generating scheme man can think of. But it is also the most deceiving if you're not careful. To know more about the ins and outs, the do's and don'ts, the what and what nots, I encourage everyone who is in this business to check out this site http://www.pronetworkmarketing.net. It is helpful by providing information about network marketing.

Here is the exact link:
mlm business

As I close, life will get harder. It is only us who must get tougher and smarter. All these are possible when we put our trust in a God who promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

I picked up my cello again

2008-07-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

After two years of doing ministry solely, I decided to pick up my cello and begin practicing again. I want to go back to school and finish my Bachelor's degree. I only completed my diploma, and I want to receive further training in playing cello and teaching it too. I am so lagging behind and I know I can still improve. Anyway, I got my cello piece for next year on my next recital, probably 2010, playing as highlights: Kol Nidrei, Bach Cello Suite No.4 and the Lalo Cello Concerto in Dm. I'd probably do a sonata by Beethoven or Schubert.

Today I missed the times I practiced daily and devoted time and effort in honing my skills. Actually with the maturity I have now in playing music, I might do alot better when I return to the college as compared to when I was first studying.

God is my chief end... that He may be glorified and that He may open new doors for me and in the ministry!

The Table Top Marketing

2008-07-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

I recently am thinking of a product to launch... whether food, or items, or electronic inventions, whatever that is, I need to think of something so I could get rich!!! Hehehe. I sound so greedy, but in all reality, I desire to become a trade mogul. I dont think I can go very far just by playing my cello and my guitar. So what I'm doing now is hooking up with samll businesses to figure out what is the need of the general public that someone isnt offering services in? I've been to a lot of trade show exhibits and I noticed one most common thing: TABLES. Some dont have chairs, some dont have banners, some dont even have people manning the stations! But the table never leaves the exhibit. Somehow, tables represent a presentation of a product. The tabletop display is like a feast presented before your eyes. It somehow represents everything about presentation of products. One great idea one company did was by just putting up designs in his table covers and voila! Instant marketing. My next move after coming up with my own product, is to use that same strategy to lure my potential buyers and investors to the catch!

Our Bible Study grows!

2008-07-22T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Lord has been working in our church and it's awesome! I'm not saying He's not before, but it's just overwhelmingly obvious! We opened a Bible study at Eastwood, with the hopes of ministering to those people who live there... and after six long months of almost zero accomplished goals (in that area), God rewarded our patience and like a flood, every week we have a new visitor who is interested in attending our new Bible Study! It's so neat how God can use "used-up" materials like me. He is amazing enough to start something I felt I can never do, and accomplish it anyway!

I never dreamed of meeting people there, and much less minister to their needs by praying for them and just listening to their stories! And someday, I would be thrilled to see new leaders emerge from that group, and I could start a new one elsewhere! My prayer is that my friends (whom I originally planned on attending) would get hooked up and so that we would grow! Anyway, the Lord is really good and Im expecting that He will use more of us in the near future!

Hope, Answers and the Church

2008-07-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

I am so amazed that God has developed the internet and the use of blogging to spread His Word and His work across the globe! But of course churches have the great commission on its shoulders, so there is still a great need for us to gather in churches, learn and be empowered to do God’s great works.

My church has been serving God’s kingdom and we have partnered with many churches worldwide to accomplish this task. I am blessed to know that there is an emergent church in California (so if you’re a Filipino and you migrated to that state, you can find a church in Rancho Santa Fe).

People nowadays seek refuge in many philosophies and religions, activities and vices, asking questions like “is there a purpose in life?”, “Is there meaning to all that I do?”, “Does my life matter?,” and statements like “I want change in my family’s life”, “ I want a better marriage”, “I’m spending time with my kids,” and all those kinds of problems are frequently heard and sadly, these people seek answers at the wrong places.

God can answer your needs. I am confident that He alone can supply us with peace and hope, and that His will is always going to be carried out. His plans never fail. And He will never fail us. It is our job as Christians to point people at the right direction… and that direction is “Christ-ward”.

Ted's Musical Journey

2008-07-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Theodore Philip B. Amper started out his musical adventure when he was very young singing at his local church in the kids' choir. He often performs duets with his sister and performs with the whole family at church and family gatherings,with the name: Amper Family Singers...patterned after the Sound of Music's: Trapp Family Singers He later did kid's commercials with 14K in MILO, Great Taste Milk, Sustagen, etc..

In High School, he decided to learn the guitar so he can accompany himself and his brother( who taught him) when they sing at reunions. Joining the Manila Science High School Glee Club, he honed his singing skills and started a rock alternative band to improve his guitar playing and over-all band(group) dynamics. By fourth Year High School, he joined in a guitar playing contest bagging the first prize. That same year, he joined his church's music team as guitar player. Moving on to the bass guitar, he found out that the bass was a lot more apt for his interests and discovered a deep fondness in it's capabilities.

In college, after a frustrating 3-yr bout in his course in UP in BSEE, he shifted to the UP college of Music to take up another peculiar instrument: the violoncello. Here, he learned that music isnt just a hobby... its science, philosophy, skill and art all put together. Interestingly enough, this is the only time he actually started reading music, playing piano and learning about the great music masters. By this time, he also spent time with the State Varsity Christian Fellowship, where he further developed song writing skills and also got to lead the church Worship Team, as worship leader/musical director and guitarist. College life was the turning point of his life, because this was the time God turned his heart toward Him. Music was now only a peripheral, vocational thing, God was the main desire of his heart. Joining various Christian bands in college such as Broken, and Emmanuel and working closely with a lot of other church bands, he learned other skills as playing the drums and song writing, singing and connecting with the audience.

By the age of 23, Ted started playing with the Meschianza String Quartet,and joined the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra as cellist as he sought to to bring glory to God in this line of work. Besides performing with his multiple bands, playing with different chamber groups, doing gigs, studying cello and teaching music, he eventually developed his skills in composing, recording and arranging music for their church.

Lately, Ted does professional recordings and performances with different local pop-rock bands (Mojofly, UP Dharma Down, Stonefree, etc.),local solo artists (regine velasquez, lani misalucha, lea salonga, gary valenciano, Cecil Licad, Oscar Yatco etc.etc.) and performs with international artists. Included in this roster is Mr. Andrea Bocelli himself and numerous others as allowed by his involvement with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

He has recently finished his diploma in the UP college of Music, DCPMA Cello, and is now pursuing a career in Gospel Music recordings and songwriting. Aside from that, he has formed a music service providing company called the Manila String Machine, which hosts a wide roster of events and clientele. He partners with his college friends and colleagues to saturate the music market with their performances. He regularly performs with the Quatro Staggioni String Quartet.

At present, he has written more than 80 well-loved songs encompassing a wide range of genres and styles for the worship services of the Body of Christ. He works part time for his church at Christ's Way Community as Music Director, where he spends most of his time training musicians, leading worship, small group Bible Studies, and free music lessons to high school students at Santolan High School.

He and his lovely wife Rose live in Antipolo City where they plan to raise kids in the near future.

SOUND ADVICE

2008-07-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

This blog has been dedicated to my thoughts and ideas, about spiritual stuff and also about practical stuff too. Since I'm in the music ministry of our church, yes, the director of worship, it happens to include the sound system and maintenance in my line of duties. My recent endeavor is preparing a sound system for a new church plant, and church sound ain't no joke. This include factors such as intelligibility of speech as a priority over music clarity. Music also is a very difficult factor to consider since there is a captive audience in a congregation, but with different musical preferences. Therefore you have to mix the sound of a rock praise song to be not too ear-piercing.

All those would mean mixing the amplifier and stage sound and sending a pleasant balanced sound on the house speakers, which falls under the audio consoles found at the back, where a man called the sound guy has the power to make or break a great service.

There is a great distinction between a mature group of musicians as opposed to talented young artists. Artists have the tendency to express more than communicate. If you, as an artist, place importance on your message being transmitted clearly, then you achieve a higher level of maturity and ultimately, your artistry is affected. Having a keen ear for balance and ensemble playing would not only boost your group's dynamics but would help tremendously in the effectiveness of your worship band's role as a support for the congregation's voices.

Sound systems are generally a new comer in the church history, but because of mass communications, their role and part in the spreading of the gospel has grown in importance. Personally, I went to a Yamaha sound company here in the Philippines to seek advice in the sound reinforcement issues I need to tackle for our new church plant. Yamaha and other good brands are being marketed by a site called Hi- Tech Audio. You might want to click on the links I have to get great deals on sound systems.

LCD TV RULES!

2008-07-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

I searched the web for forums and the sort and here's what I got. Just check out this link, CRT vs LCD TVs, and i found out tons of info. LCDs consume less than 1/3 of the power conventional crt tvs consume. Next, LCDs emit virtually zero radiation! An LCD's resolution also can support high definition signals from DVs, computer and the sort. It's a fraction of the weight, a fraction of the space, and it lasts for up to 40 years! Now, I have reason to buy an LCD tv!

I was disappointed

2008-07-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Since the time LCD and Plasma TVs came into the market, my theory was that less power consumed since the plasma only reacted to electricity to produce a picture. Unlike the traditional picture tubes where light was shot through a tube to produce a picture, or maybe something similar to that which in my opinion consumed much more power.

Well, today i looked at some plasma/LCD TVs available and they all had a wattage of 130-180W, and compared to the picture tube TV we once owned, it suddenly blew my head off to know that the picture tube oly consumed 109W!!! Man?!?!!! I couldnt swallow after that... I hope somebody out there would enlighten me on this...

I'm so Glad I Need to Praise God!

2008-07-10T04:35:00.000-07:00

Just today, I finished doing two articles in this blog, that would pay me well... then I got two calls from prospect clients that need my music services! Then just a while later, my other client (Oakley Product Launch) just confirmed on the budget I proposed to them! Now, I am so glad because my car got fixed of its LONG-TIME problems of over heating! My wheels dont wiggle anymore and I am so happy!!! PRAISE MY LORD JESUS! By the way, my dad got a huge blessing too this morning. I just cant help but give God all the glory for today's numberless blessings! But, truly, He has taught me to praise and thank Him for the times I am so weak and blind when I couldnt see His hand of blessings.

May Jesus be praised! By the way, I need to solicit for prayers for pastor Gary, whom we dearly love, he is sick with something the doctors couldn't really identify! Please pray for his recovery, and his family to be very strong for him.

I'm now Fixing My Car

2008-07-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

For the past few months I was plagued with the sickness of my car always getting in trouble. Number one is my wheels always wiggled even after I replaced them with new tires. Next, my radiator always overheated, and my air con is never cold. Just yesterday, I started fixing my car coz whenever I see a really great SUV like the Chevy Captiva, I drool in envy. Chevrolet Europe makes those cool SUVs, and they are so covet-worthy because whenever I look at European cars (which apparently Chevrolet is American) I compare my crappy Japanese Hilux to it. Anyway, let me go back to fixing my car...

The first thing I did was wheel balancing. Next, I got my radiator overhauled and my water pump replaced. My air con got a little cranking electrically, and I put new freon on it. Voila! My car runs so smooth I feel its brand new. Now I am so excited to hit the road and crank up my stereo, turn my aircon on , and rev my diesel engine up! Thank you Lord I'm comfortable again!

SPACE

2008-07-09T03:09:00.000-07:00

I was walking around the empty house. Thinking, visualizing, and even dreaming.
This was filled with happy moments, great memories, laughter and joy.
In this place I made songs.
In this corner I sat and watched movies with my wife
In this space we cooked and laughed, made a mess and cleaned up
In this area we ate and talked about silly and serious stuff
In this seat we always played and tickled
In this bed we shared our most intimate times
In this room we bathed and dumped...

I was even counting the number of times I opened and closed the gates... around 800 times in a year. And in the midst of all that, I really felt sad I was leaving a place I called home.

Today, I start to live in a new one. My prayer is that I would create wonderful memories in this new space given to me...

I NEED A VACUUM!!!

2008-07-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning, still a bit dreaming, still a bit dazed, but altogether surprised when my wife and I realized we were late for today’s work! We quickly gathered ourselves together, skipped breakfast, a super fast shower and I darted out to the gate to open it, warmed up the car, and by the time I was pulling out, my father-in-law arrives with the truck he hired to bring our stuff out… I completely forgot that it was moving day for us!!! I quickly brought my wife to the pick up point for her car pool, and I swiftly went back to the house, after stopping for a radiator check up, and arrived in a little over 15 minutes since I left.

When I arrived, I saw an outrageous amount of dirt and filth in my house. The movers were working as quickly and as efficiently as possible. And I can bet that keeping the house clean wasn’t their top priority. Their shoes were muddy, and I saw all the dirt from under the furniture, and even other dirt and dust that gathered under stuff and corners we don’t use. When everybody was out, I was left to clean up all the mess. And I tell you, IT IS A MESS.

On top of all these, I had the slightest reaction to dust and I was in the peak of my allergies this morning. How I wish I had a vacuum cleaner! I heard about Energy Star a cool energy saving vacuum that I should have used as soon as the guys moved out. I tell you, I need that vacuum cleaner. And mind you, I don’t like the cord! It’s a good thing this stuff not only saves power (which is a precious commodity nowadays in the Philippines), but you can easily glide through your dirt without worrying about the cord.

I have to go, I have to clean up in the house that I’m moving into.

We're Moving!

2008-07-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

This is the last week that we are staying in our rented aparment in marikina city. I enjoyed being a Mariqueno for at least a year! Now that Im back in Antipolo, I will try my best to bring to Antipolo what I've learned in Marikina about garbage segregation, not littering, not spitting and peeing anywhere, always dressing appropriately in public, and the simple pride and love you should have for your city, and ultimately, your country. And that is also a wayof worshipping God! Loving your country is another step to its progress!

I bought my niece new glasses!

2008-07-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was shopping for new glasses for my niece who happen to have the same eye problem as I have...ambliophia. I didnt think of checking out the Incredible Stylish New Frames From Zenni and stupid of me to be ignorant of the fact that Zenni Optical was on FOX news! We had to walk around town, find a parking space and try to wait in line with the numerous patients! Zenni Optical $ 8 Rx Eyeglasses might turn out to be cheaper if I went there. So, money's gone, no hard feelings! At least my niece has new fashionable glasses.

The Will to Keep On Going

2008-06-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

I am presently at a state where things are piling up in my life. Demands, bills, expectations, needs, work, opportunities, and all the sort. I find myself groping for air and scratching for my next meal. More over, the next supply depot for my wife and I. Don't get me wrong, my wife and I are amply supplied. But I'm starting to get the feeling that my needs are growing but my income isn't coping.

To explain further, I wrote an entry talking about the wonderful things my godfathers have advised me. They are indeed wonderful and my wife and I are starting to practice them. we are doing our best to live under our income, at 70% to be exact. Now, we are getting detailed on our accounting. We set up a worksheet showing all our income, bills, expenditures, savings etc. Now, looking at it, we were amazed to find out that our income as increased dramatically since last year! Praise God! I also noticed that before we spent almost as much as we earned so we didnt have savings last year. Now that we're starting, we decided all the necessary stuff to be able to save.

But the will wont be enough. Factors such as oil price hikes, rice prices going up, EVERYTHING going up, more personal demands coming, more problems coming, and life simply gets harder, I honestly can say that my will to save up and earn more isnt enough. We tried living cheaper, working harder, saving more, and becoming more efficient in our expenditures, but the OTHER factors keep on negating our efforts. It seems like an endless circle down.

Before I sound anymore discouraging, I am glad I do have good news. We have a God who promised He will take care of us. Even if the oil hikes to the sky, our God has bigger plans and has longer arms to embrace all of our needs and carry us up. It is very difficult these times to say and believe that we have hope. But all we have to do is continue the fight, and wait on the Lord's salvation. In the midst of all the chaos and darkness, though we walk in the shadow of the valley of death, LET US FEAR NO EVIL. Let us not fear.

For young men will lose their strength, and our resources will fail, but they that hope or wait on the Lord, their strength shall be renewed. We will be steadfast and firm and its as if we were carried over our storms on wings like eagles, and though we run, we will not be weary, and though we walk, we will not grow faint.

We serve a God who is powerful. Even if we dont believe it, even if our faith doesnt measure up to it, the fact is He is powerful. He created the universe, and He is sovereign. He NEVER loses control. Actually, He has this all planned out for His glory. He allows trouble, so that we can see His salvation. Be encouraged. He will save us, and nothing compares to the promise we have in Him.

Why Go To Church?

2008-06-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

A church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'

This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work . If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!'

This story is quite true. I cant remember exactly a single complete sermon (message title, date of sermon, what the challenge was, who the speaker was, what the announcements were, what the song line up was) but I sure remember A TON of lessons and Biblical truths that is burning and alive in me right now! Just the fact that my faith has been strengthened I'm sure I benefited "mortally" from the every Sunday sermon I hear. Some comments though,even if we don't go to church regularly after a genuine regeneration (born again), WE WON'T SPIRITUALLY DIE. We become very malnourished and weak, and it results to a road to sin and destruction, backsliding, and most probably a big whacking from Papa GOD! You see, He wont allow you to remain spiritually malnourished. He's your Dad for crying out loud. If you don't feel Him calling you to the table for dinner, and if we're not obedient we don't get a spanking, maybe you aren't part of the family after all.

And unlike the story, since I've been married for almost a year now, I do remember much of what my wife cooks. It's all my favorite! And they're all delicious!

UP Centennial Orchestra

2008-06-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

I joined the effort to celebrate and form an orchestra for our university's 100th year! Wow, I owe alot not only to my university, but to my country as well! This orchestra is formed by students, alumni, and faculty, and the performing singers would include, UP Madrigals, UPSA, UPCC, DUP, and choirs from other UP campuses. We also have great solo performers who will sing and play pieces that are superbly world-class! I am excited to announce that this concert would be held FOR FREE at the CCP on June 18,19,20 and they are to honor and celebrate the country's premiere state university: UP!!!

The Origin of MP3...

2008-06-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've been a fan of music since I was little. I remember having vinyl as my dad's collection! And man they were expensive! Now as I was growing up, the audio tape became the most popular medium of selling and playing music, and they were relatively cheap! Now do you remember when the CD came into existence? Only a handful could afford them coz the CD player itself was super expensive!

Now, when the Mr Bill Gates made the PC such a worldwide phenomenon, cheap and available everywhere, and someone invented cd burners and blank cds, lo and behold...digital music was super available! Now, the story doesnt stop there, internet and the broadband has recently become a household name, trading music needed to be easy, fast, and sadly "pirated". Thus the mp3 format was born. It consumed a lot less bytes, and you could fit 10-20 albums in one 700mb blank disk. And the quality is even preserved to the minute detail! mp3 also has alot faster downloading time than most wav and wma files.

The downside of this is the accessibility and availability of the artist's work becomes so easy to get, the business of music became a challenge for most artists. That is why, as an advocate of anti-piracy stuff, I recommend downloading mp3's legally.

One site I can recommend is MusicMP3.ru, and if you visit it's site you can see even the latest music news from your favorite artists, and get this the latest and coolest stuff you cant get in the stores! You can get soundtracks, Album Reviews , collections and the like. By the way, the layout is very easy to follow, very user friendly, and I'm sure you'll get alot from this site.

Get this: you're already a member of the site! Just log in as "solidus" and password is "mczoqk3s". When you get in, you'll find that their offered services are alot cheaper than other sites. The reason for this is because its a company from Russia, where the overhead costs are way cheaper. But quality comes first and again, IT IS LEGAL!!!

I found most of my music needs, reviews, Music News handy in this cool website!

Hip Hop Generation?

2008-06-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

At our recent pre-enrollment seminars at Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati where I spoke about Integrity, we came across many young people whose fashion follows after rap artists. There was this one guy called Aziz, and he speaks and moves as if he was a black guy, rapping! RapArtists.com is a web site that they can surely benefit from. They can find a wide variety of information about rap artists like Nas and find Nas Biography, album information, Nas Lyrics and discography.

My goals to be successful, a summary of my latest talk with my godfathers

2008-06-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Last night I was intrigued with how my godfathers got so successful in their life, and I wanted to be like them. So, thinking I was already 30, I should get a head start and try to be at least like them by the time i was forty. Here was the question I wanted to ask them:

"To be successful in life, what should I be doing and should be accomplishing from thirty to forty years of age?"

I was surprised to find their answers very similar to each other, so I'll put a summary here, but it will be injected with my own personal thoughts and insights, so do not assume that these men are directly quoted:

Dr. Jun Javelosa, Architect Amerigo dela Paz and Businessman Antonio Melocoton said that my question is a hard one, since your goals in your thirties are very relative to your personal dreams, your personal goals, and definition of success. It is good to have a goal, but generally, men, when they fail to reach their goal, become depressed and would feel like a failure. So it is wise to set a specific goal, and head towards that line, then upon approaching, set something higher, and grow more, and learn more, be better, etc.

In reality, man will not be satisfied with their success, for there is an innate desire to become like God (because we are created in His image), and if misdirected and misunderstood, it becomes deadly, and it is sin. When you reach a certain level of accomplishment, you yourself become a benchmark FOR OTHERS. But personally, you know you're not there yet. There is a saying "the more you know, the more you realize you don't know anything yet". That is true, for me as a musician, the more I progress, the more I learn that there is more to know, to explore, to study, to achieve, etc. So, parallel to that, in success, it becomes relative to your point of view, therefore, you never become successful, and you end up frustrated and spent. So you have to define it in another way.

I also learned that there is no such thing as successful in terms of wealth. When successful people compare themselves to their colleagues, they might even become insecure! But when those colleagues of them would compare themselves to other business moguls, they would also shrink in size! There is no end to it! So what should be the solution?

I know I've mentioned this before, and I've adopted this quote as true to my own definition of success: Success is achieved if your life is pleasing to God. Simple isn't it? Simple but very difficult. Think of it this way, our lives will only be at a maximum of 60-80 years. Some people reach 90 or 100, but I doubt that I will. And whether you are a Christian or not, all of us believe our souls are eternal. Since I am a Christian, I don't believe in reincarnation, nor the ceasing of our existence. Real life begins when you enter into eternity, not just when you die, but when you accept the gift of adoption and eternal life, at the moment you believe in Jesus(this has a deeper meaning to it). NOW, let's head back to the topic... our lives here on earth are short, extremely negligible compared to forever. Forever is the topic most people believe in, but only a handful invest in and prepare for. This is the most least liked subject for most "Christians". Sad, but true. To you, who might be reading this, think about it, if you please yourself with what you've accomplished. or please others with what you can do for them, but forget about pleasing God, who determines your eternity, what would be the wise choice? What would be the more meaningful choice? The things said are not bad, you must love yourself and do things for yourself, and on the other hand, I also strongly believe in serving others and helping them. But, in view if eternity, if we fail to focus on the primary goal, we are wasting precious time. Eternity, is the top priority.

Success on earth is very important. But its importance pales in significance compared to eternal investments. Why? Because, you will bring ABSOLUTELY NOTHING with you when you die. You may leave something behind for your loved ones, but they wont bring those with them when they die too! That is why my godfathers strongly urged me to invest in eternal stuff.

But, practically, they did leave me with something for my success here on earth. It was simple. Save money. Live below your income. And if income increases, live at the same level as if your income didn't increase. GIVE. Be smart, and increase your skills. Be the best in an area where you don't have competition. If you do have competition, create an edge. Before you have kids, get an MBA, even if you don't finish it, at least you have some units! Invest in metals, not currency. Invest in appreciating value stuff: Land, property, etc. Try new stuff, and be prepared to fail. Start early. They also said that in your income, you have to separate your tithes, offerings, and SAVINGS and bills FIRST, then think about your living expenses like food, etc. Your other stuff like a new bag, a great tv, gadgets, snacks, etc., live off those for a while. If you do get extra income, that's the chance for you to save up for your personal treat... but if you can, hold it off. Something better might come along. Reality check... I'm almost none of those.

In everything that was said, I really remembered Give, and Save. Giving isn't a problem for me, but saving is. That's what I'm going to start off this month. Save! To those of you who are reading this, let's start together!

So, in conclusion to this great article... be wise and work hard. Be smart, be efficient. But in all these, eternity is to be considered with the highest regard. If you live Life In View of Eternity...then you really begin to LIVE.

Nice Pants

2008-06-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

I have a new Dockers and I really love them. Specially the multi chambered pocket and their loose casual feel. Anyway, there has been a contest commercial going on at nbc.com where Jay Leno comes out, and looks at you as if he was enticing you to join the Dockers contest! Well, I will!

Watching those Dockers contest videos already gave me ideas of my own! The video would begin with a scene where I would be playing cello with other "me" instrumentalists like violins, violas, cellos, horns, double bass, drums, piano, etc. who are going all wrong. I would have to edit the video in a way that I would be the same player in every instrument. It has a caption: "tired of being the same?" After a brief riot of sounds, everybody would then stop and leave the true "me" alone playing cello beautifully. I finish the piece with a bang, stand up, then bow the other way, exposing my dockers pants! Camera focuses on my "butt", but actually on the Dockers logo only. And the video ends with... Dockers, it makes the difference.

Cool! If I only have a nice camera to do all those things, and maybe a good PC to edit and all...oh, not to mention a cool sound track and a recording device. It must be so hip and cool!

Anyway, I'd like to link you to a nice commercial for Dockers!

The Manila String Machine--NEW WEBSITE

2008-06-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Im not very fond of multiply, so I just made a new blog in blogger.com! And finally I have a website for Manila String Machine! String quartet, String combinations, ensembles, chamber orchestra,etc., you name it, we got it! Just log on to Manila String Machine and comment on the lay out, the content, and whatever! Thanks!

A New Life

2008-06-02T06:35:00.001-07:00

My new life would be like, as the In Plain Sight series would require, a musician who is a witness to a crime and is in the Witness Protection Program. Because I would be hiding from my detractors, the government sent me to another country, in an obscure but bustling city, where I was given a beautiful home, car, job and I could still play music in a community orchestra.

The challenges are flowing, because it is difficult hiding the professional musician I once was, sitting at the back of the cello section to avoid attention. Driving a more expensive car and a more beautiful home is a convenience, but working hard in the corporate world more than my growing music career is the challenge. A co-worker, a co-musician, and a neighbor has found me interesting so I sometimes go out on friendly dates with each of them. However, I can’t have a serious relationship because I left my fiancée in my hometown, with the promise of marrying her when the criminals are finally put in jail.

USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight starts on June 1, so watch out for it! My story however, doesn’t come out on that series…

What transpired today...

2008-05-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

Man, what a day! I went to makati Pio del Pilar High School again to hold a seminar regarding Integrity in the lives of young delinquent kids. This is a program by Breaking Point, and Pastor Jeff and Jennie spearheaded the event since last May23. Anyway, as always, by God's grace, the seminar always ends up for God's glory. I always pour my heart out to them concerning moral purity, a spotless reputation, responsible character, etc. basically being a person of integrity.

By lunch time, I was done with my part so I went out to do my chores, like getting my license back from the Municipality of Mandaluyong because I got caught because of color coding. I was a little bit confused about the way going to these destinations so I took a little extra time before I finally arrived. To my disappointment, my license wasnt even surrendered there yet by the officer! Man! I went there for nothing!

After that, I went to Buendia to get the PA of kuya Fidel fixed at Yamaha. Man, it was hard to carry that thing along! By the end of this day, I got a haircut and Im writing this blog just incase a work op comes up...

Rap Music Genre

2008-05-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Before I even wrote a song of my type, which is Rock-alternative, I started to write rhyme. Yes, I rapped! I remember rapping the old school way, with "yes,yes, yo..." and 'bring it down" in every pause, and I was jumpin up and down on every thug of the beat box. Anyway, I soon fell in love with the guitar, and with it, love songs and rock music. I was so happy with the time Francis M. and other bands like Beastie Boys, etc. were incorporating rap and metal at the same time. Nowadays, with the insurgence of POD, Linkin Park, and those other bands, I again started to rap and rock! When I married my girlfriend i was forced to listen and to like R n B, hip hop and those more modern flava of rap. I like it, actually, but Im always careful of the message they want to convey. Eminem's style is a personal favorite, but I repeat, his style only. Not his messages.

There is a site for those who love Rap and Hip Hop music. They can find Rap Lyrics, Hip Hop Music lyrics and other information about their favorite artists like discography, song lists, albums and many others. This site contains updated information about this music genre so visit their site now.

Wordless Wednesday: My Birthday Celebration

2008-05-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

Looking for Rap Lyrics?

2008-05-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for Rap Lyrics? Particularly Kanye West Lyrics? Then visit RapArtists.com and you can type in their search bar the artist’s name or the title of the song you’re looking for. They have information on the artist’s biography, a list of their songs and many others. Visit their site now.

Birthday Photos

2008-05-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

My Manga Name

2008-05-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Actually, based on a top selling comic book, the movie is coming up Bleach the Movie, this movie is really gonna rock on June 11 and June 12 on over 300 theaters nationwide. If you want to find out more about the movie tickets, since the movie will be everywhere, there will be no problem with that. However, for more info, you can log on to http://www.fathomevents.com/details.aspx?eventid=720.

I was asked if I were a character there, I'd call myself Corban Theodore. Theodore is Greek for Gift of God, and Corban, in Hebrew, means Gift for God. It's simply this, I would be a character who would originally come from the Soul Society, helping others through various powers that can actually be unpredictable. "Godly" I suppose. Then, in the end, in a great battle for the salvation of the World, the hero would have to be given up, as a gift to god,so the other heroes could win the war. Cool huh?

My Birthday

2008-05-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

My birthday is very interesting. I was greeted by my friends and relatives, and I really felt special! However, this day, as I have written about it in my previous posts, is already a day that I have anticipated, thus removing all feelings that it is my birthday! Today I started my life in Pio Del Pilar High School in Makati, sharing my heart out that there is a good life ahead of those kids. A hard, but good life. Those delinquent kids are headed the wrong way, and praise God He used me to somehow share a message of hope and change, through fear of the Lord, and a living relationship with Him.

Im meeting up with my wife right now, then we're going to buy some food for my family so we could celebrate a simple birthday party! Happy Birthday to me!

SALE SALE SALE! Im gonna buy a laptop!

2008-05-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here in the Philippines, we dont have a Thanksgiving Day or a Black Friday, which is a day after Thanksgiving, and Easter isnt too much of a deal. But since I go to a church that has an American Pastor, I learned that Thanksgiving is such a BIG thing in the US. Even bigger than Christmas! I recall my Pastor buying gifts at the local mall here to celebrate Thanksgiving in the Philippines. He told me a story that in the United States, shops drop prices during Thanksgiving and people rush to the stores even in the wee hours of the morning, falling in line and waiting for their turn just to get their hands on the items to be given to their loved ones.

Its a good thing the internet has become very accessible everywhere, and since the advent of WiFi , cheap laptops (by the way I might purchase a laptop through this site- check it out black friday sale, because I heard you can get a laptop for less than $500! Compared here, the cheapest is at around $800), e-stores have popped out everywhere and services have become so easy to reach without having to go through the hassle of falling in line and waking up early. I also get email alerts to see if new black friday ads hve been posted. And through this site, my friends say I can save alot of money too!

Im excited for the American Thanksgiving and black friday saleto come! It’s SALE! SALE! SALE! And I can get my very first laptop!

The Last Four Days of My Twenties

2008-05-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

Today I have four more days to go before I leave my youth. It is exciting, but somehow it is a little depressing. Hmmm, a Christian shouldn't be depressed at all, but always hopeful and positive. So, I'll talk about some stuff I experienced during my twenties.

Let's see, let's start with the bad stuff. In my twenties, I got hospitalized for dengue, and numerous number of times with high fever. In my late twenties, I also felt that my eyesight is starting to deteriorate. My right eye is my only functional eye actually, but because of too much internet surfing and PSP, I've strained it so much! Well, sometimes its normal, but sometimes, when Im tired my sight gets double.

Another thing that I may call bad is that my tummy grew to a blob! Yuck! I remember I always had a six pack during my teens. But along with that I also had my bones sticking out! I really grew more sideways. I also developed a line in my nape, which my wife always taunts me with.

In my twenties, I experienced the most painful emotional experience. I wont go into detail, but I also learned how difficult it is to forgive, but praise God, Im over it, and all is well.

Aside from my musical experiences as a professional cellist, I was able to write songs starting in my twenties. I remember writing Pumarito Ka in Baguio, and it was my first "hit" song! I was told it is being sung in Filipino communities in the US. Since that time, the Lord has been giving me alot of songs, and I was able to write a total of 70+ songs and what a decade it was!

I also was able to meet new Praise and Worship Pals like Nikko, Paolo, James, Magoo, Mamaik, Nino, etc in Bread from Heaven Church. But eventually, I also met Mike Alba, Karel Honasan, Franklin and Otep, who are great drummers and musicians. Nikki Gil also became a friend and

My Last Five Days in My Twenties

2008-05-23T00:23:00.000-07:00

Alright, another day has passed and I realized I'm a day closer to my death! How morbid! But I am a day closer to my thirtieth birthday. All my past youthful days are now going out the door. I don't feel bad, honestly, actually I'm excited to see what God has in store for me and my wife!

Being thirty is going to be a big adjustment in my life. I suppose my twenties make up for who I am today, I am a professional musician, with a degree in music, and with a job as a musician and minister of music. To tell you honestly, I never dreamed to be in this line of work. I wanted to be an engineer, and I wanted to continue my masters in engineering in MIT, then go to China to be a professor, and work as a "tent maker" like the Apostle Paul, and share the gospel there! It was pretty much planned out when I was beginning my college life. However, due to my irresponsibility, and laziness, I ruined it when I got kicked out of UP Engineering. I was 19, and I was clueless to what will happen to my future.

Two months before my 20th birthday, I decided to try out UP College of Music, since I know how to play guitar. I did a crash course on classical pieces, and my dad assisted me in basic solfegge. It was then that I realized that this may be it. Music was a completely different world that I thought I imagined. It was Planet X. A new dimension, a parallel world! By God's grace I passed the aptitude test, a written part and a sight singing part, basically because the questions were multiple choice, and the sight singing in my days was just a C major scale starting at G! But to crush my pride, I wasnt able to pass the audition for guitar major. My world came crashing down. My dad was a gift from God, he made a way for me to enroll in music, but as a cello major. I didnt know what a cello was!!! I didnt even know how to read music, much less the F clef!

It was a completely humiliating experience for me to go to class on the first day, as fresh 20 year old guy, surrounded by seniors my age, and a host of co-freshmen 5 years younger. And as a freshman, I knew I didn't deserve to be seated in the orchestra... first stand. I didnt know how to hold a bow, a cello, how to read notes, I didnt know anything!

The good thing about my case is that grace alone caused me to enter such a prestigious university. I didnt audition for cello, my teacher was the premier cellist of the Philippines, and I was completely inexperienced. And I relied completely on God's strength and talent to get me through the humiliation of not having anything to say when I was asked who my first teacher was, when did I start playing cello, etc. And that same grace saw me through the next 7 years in music!

I had my first recital when I was 25, and my graduation recital when I was 28. All my professional experience came by when I was forced to play quartet back when I was 22, since not many cellists were around, thus our high demand. I bravely accepted gigs I cannot yet cope with, but by prayer and practice, I was able to accomplish what only God can do through me.

In these years, I experienced working with the musical artists I only dreamed of seeing live on stage. I experienced also getting paid bucks for a few notes I played. A lot of recordings were lined up for then "unkown" artists like stonefree, Up Dharma Down, Session Road, etc. I also experienced traveling Asia with the Tenor Andrea Bocelli. I was given free plane rides and hotel accommodations whenever we played somewhere far. My food was always first class. I tasted the best food all the most expensive restaurants could offer.

I see my twenties as a time of blessing, experience, and growth as a musician, as a professional. In these times I learned a lot about character, integrity, and professionalism. I got embarrassed a lot, humiliated a lot, and hurt, but I grew from all those. I experienced traveling with my expensive antique cello on rainy school days on a jeep, taxi, or FX, and even ran in the rain with it. I sacrificed getting wet outside of the jeep while my cello lay dangerously in the middle of the muddy floor of the jeepney.

The last decade offered so many challenges, so many trials, so many victories, I had to say Im quite ready for the next decade coming up. I just hope I get disciplined and wise enough to make these next years be productive, coz I want to be rich!!! Rich for the Lord!

The Last Six Days of My Twenties

2008-05-21T01:45:00.000-07:00

May 21, 2008. I just finished paying the gift I bought my wife! I still remember buying her engagement ring, November 2006. I am not a wealthy man, I can never call myself financially abundant, so for me, the engagement ring was already a feat to accomplish! By God’s amazing grace I was able to pay it off! I made it a point to submit my decision to God’s approval first, before buying something expensive, such as an engagement ring. And of course I don’t hear a “yes” or a “no”, but I think about it, if I don’t go against His Word, if my parents approve of it, if my elders who give me advice say its okay, if I know its good, then I take it as a “go” signal from God. And how do I know it was really a “yes”? Simple, God gives me the ability to pay for it!

Now, about this gift I bought again for Rose, it was something I couldn’t afford given that I am already a family man, with many financial responsibilities. And yes, I’m still NOT a wealthy man. (When would that change?) My wife’s birthday was very special to me. Because I didn’t have any money on her birthday, I suffered the shame of having her sister pay for the party we had for her. I could only offer the car for our travel. My wife’s FIRST birthday as a wed woman, and her husband couldn’t even give her cash! How shameful! Don’t get me wrong, Rose didn’t ask for anything, she never forced me to buy her stuff, but I just feel very guilty not being able to make her feel extra special. So I asked her after her birthday, what she would like as a birthday gift…to my surprise, she did want something. It was jewelry! I thought it was a joke because it was way off our budget seeing I was still paying off my car loan, looking for rent and food money, etc. So I didn’t give it much thought. She didn’t either.

That night I stayed up thinking and praying if I should buy her jewelry. I prayed and prayed, until I remembered when I was still courting her, I would save my last centavo (exaggerated) just to buy Rose something that would make her happy. Again, I wasn’t rich back then (until now) so a new pair of jeans, or some cheap accessory was already a source of joy to both of us. I was happy when she was happy. I remember enjoying accompanying her to the mall and even waited for her to painstakingly pick her pair of shoes or blouse… I loved doing that! But of course, as a normal man, times change and you grow tired of doing the things you enjoyed before. So by the fifth or sixth year of our courting period, we were content in just watching TV, her knowing I was working hard to graduate, and me knowing she was working hard as a new employee in her job. Buying stuff wasn’t a priority anymore. But the thought crossed my mind and I remember the joy of sacrificing hard earned money to buy something that isn’t of worth to you, but of much worth to your loved one. So I took it as a YES from God.

That night, I decided to buy her the jewelry.

Less than three months after, I am so fulfilled to be able to say I paid for the jewelry in full. And as I see Rose wearing the engagement ring, wedding ring, and her new necklace and earrings, she is a stunner! Her beauty radiates and I know she loves my gifts! It is so fulfilling!

Well, today’s entry would end here, focusing on my fulfillment in loving Rose by giving to her, as God has given me the ability to.

The Last Seven Days of My Twenties

2008-05-21T01:15:00.000-07:00

PART ONE

Today is May 20, 2008, seven days before my 30th birthday. Since I will be entering a new chapter in my life, I decided to write and review what has happened to my life this past decade and try to assess my life as early as now, be it positive or negative.

They say that the thirties are supposed to be when you’re building a business and career at the same time. All preparations should have been finished in your twenties, connections, necessary experiences, and all those stuff. Here’s where the guy should have passed the stage where he goes looking for girls, and acting like a child, bumming around and playing PSP all day, watching DVD and hanging out too much doing nothing.

They also say, the Thirties is where a guy should be raising up his family in a godly way, working hard to provide for his wife and kid, and have completely released himself from the dependence on his parents. Thirties is also a period where a guy who is single should have at least saved up for his own car, living apart from his parents, and should have at least finished a degree or taking up masters, or a PhD.

Well, I’m approaching that age in seven days. It’s a wonder how time flies so fast. I don’t regret anything, really, for my life has been very fruitful, very enjoyable and fulfilling, and very content. However, a person cannot be truly a developing person, if he or she is content in his present state, and stops dreaming and learning.

I am content, yet I am not satisfied with my state. Does it make sense? I am content in a way that I do not worry for my future; I am sure that though life is hard, God will take care of me, just like He did when I was growing up. But I am not satisfied with the life I could offer to others, and to my God. I must force myself to improve in my skills, to raise the quality of living for my wife and my future kids. I must be looking forward to the day that I could stand up before my colleagues, friends, relatives, and my family and say, “God has been good to me… see what He has done!” I want my Dad and my Mom to be very proud of me, as I am very proud of them. Though my Dad and Mom weren’t able to give us luxuries of life, they have given me life itself. They raised me up with the fear of the Lord, and have sacrificed a lot to bring me to where I am today. And it was them who introduced LIFE to me… Jesus. So I owe them everything: my everything. I salute you Papa and Mama!

To my country, I am still not the man you have expected me to be. I can still accomplish many things for you… I must make you proud of me. This is my love for my country, that at least I could give honor to my countrymen, and be a productive citizen, by being a part of the solution to our country’s problems, and to help other Filipinos by inspiring them, giving them hope, and encouraging them to do their best and love their country as well.

To my God, I have given all I am to You. But as it is, I am so unfit. I have so many weaknesses. I am so sinful and unworthy. I want to give something better to You O God. Please work in me and accomplish Your work through me. As I see it, I will never please You, but if I allow You to glorify Yourself through and in me, I am sure I am able to live a life worthy of Your name. It is all by Your strength alone. Have Your way, do Your will in me.

To my wife and lover, friend and partner, Rose, my past decade has been dedicated to loving you and being faithful to you. You are God’s gift to me. It is through you that I am able to give God a portion of His love to me. I need you, and I honor you as the woman who captured my heart. I will give my life for you and I will protect you, as well as lead and teach you. I will be your friend and support. I love you.

It seems that the next decade has a lot in store for me, I need to be a better person for the persons mentioned above! Honestly, if not for them, I would be a bum, enjoying myself and completely content with whatever happens in my life. That is why in the next ten years, I should live my life for others, my country, my wife, and my God.

I found a great movie!

2008-05-19T22:52:00.000-07:00

I was blessed to be considered as one of Social Sparks reviewer of a movie called DeathNote. One of the requirements was to make a summary of the movie, and post it in your blog. So I logged on to the movie's link to know more about the story. Ha!!! It was amazing! I was so excited to watch this movie as soon as it will come out on May 20 or 21!

Ok, for my readers, I'll tell you the story:

An ace student called Light Yagami, accidentally gets a notebook called the Death Note, owned by the Death god Ryuk. This notebook, is so remarkable and powerful, that any name written on it would certainly die. Light saw this opportunity to help the world by writing all the names of evil people and wanted criminals, to administer his own justice. True enough, when the criminals start dropping dead one by one, the authorities send out a top notch investigator called "L" to find out why this is happening. Soon, L is hot on the trail of Light, who must re-evaluate his "noble" goal. Being both intellectually superior, they must pit against each other to determine who's really right and who's doing wrong.

Cool huh? Well check out the movie as it is showing in select theaters nationwide! On May 20th and 21st, 7:30pm... log on to http://fathomevents.com. They also asked me if I had special powers what would it be... so, I guess maybe my special power would be to mentally, and verbally influence the decision and beliefs of any person or group of people, meaning I can convince anyone or everyone whatever I think "for them" in true. Part of the perk is I can actually command them what to do or say, and even think.

Travel Blessings as a Musician

2008-05-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

God has indeed blessed me by not only giving me skills in music, but by letting me enjoy the perks and bonuses of being a musician! How? By traveling for FREE! As a young man, I really wanted to travel the world. But as I grew, I found it difficult to even travel in your own region, much worse your own local mall because of budget constraints! But bless the Lord I was allowed to join groups of musicians (MANILA STRING MACHINE and Manila Philharmonic Orchestra) who were also blessed by talent, that we get invitations to play to different private clubs, resorts, hotels, and even countries!!!

The only time I went out of the country was when we toured with the International Tenor Andrea Bocelli, where we went to Singapore and Hong Kong! I really enjoyed Hong Kong, because it was cool and very clean! Their policies and guidelines for traffic and the sort were strictly enforced, making it a very nice city! I went to the night market and Ocean Park, and it was really awesome! Staying with other musicians are great specially if you're in one hotel, you can go to the other guy's/ girl's unit and just eat up their bag of chips, and use their bathroom to keep yours clean.. ha! That was really cool! Hey if you want to check out cheap hotels in Hong Kong, you can go to this link which was referred to by friends:http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com/Hong-Kong/.

Now, as a treat for my self, because I read a pamphlet about China about the Olympics, my desire is to visit China someday! I want to see the Great Wall, the Yang Tze River, Beijing, Shanghai... and basically to learn by first hand the beautiful ancient culture they had, before the West influenced them. The only hope I could go there if someone would pay for my fare, hotel accommodations and food for the stay! And that only hope is if ever I could play with a group and perform live!

Oh by the way, Shanghai before was a place where musicians played and was a bastion of great Filipino Musicians! My grandpa went there for a time and played the flute and clarinet in the army. He also played in some hotels in Shanghai, how I wish I could go there!

So, if any of you would like to send me to China, so I could share the music God has given me, and for me to personally enjoy this wonderful culture, please wrtie me at botbydblud@yahoo.com or comment to this blog! Hehehe!

Making money out of Blogging, I signed up for SOCIALSPARK!

2008-05-16T02:06:00.000-07:00

This blog has been a blessing to me, since I started last February. Blogging is easy and very enjoyable, you know, just writing about your life, your ideas, your feelings, and even somehow advertising your services! That’s what I did, and basically TAMPERPROOF WORSHIP has become a blog that shares my ideas, my experiences, and also my expertise…playing music! In a sense playing music is my line of work, and so I call it a profession, therefore, I can use my blog to be my profession related to music! Ah! Whatever I mean, Im just saying that Im making money out of my blog either by blogging, or advertising my services!

Since we’re in the topic of blogging, there have been many sites that have helped me earn some bucks. Yup, just write and you get remunerated! Well, the business of blogging indeed has boomed and what’s important is that advertisers see this as a great way to spread the word, whether it’s a product, or just a buzz!

Some sites also sponsor your blog because they just want their site to be known. A specific site I want to endorse is SocialSpark, where you can actually meet and advertise to new people around the world! What’s so neat is that Ir ead their CODE OF ETHICS, they indicated there that they place high regard in disclosure, or full transparency. What they mean is they want the blogger, (which is me) to let it known that I get paid in what I do. This way, people who read your blog can know for which advertiser you are working with, and get connected to them also! Isnt it cool? Well, whatever the case, SocialSpark is one of the coolest sites I’ve ever been to. Why don’t you join now? Just click on the link and presto, you’re there! Enjoy your blogging!

new songs coming!

2008-05-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Last night, as we were preparing a line up for Sunday's songs, God gave me a tune and a topic about serving Him. Our series this May is refreshing oneself in God's healing waters, and the specific topic is Jesus' washing of the feet of the disciples, so I needed to write a song about service. Serving others is great, but serving the Lord is the best!

I thought that us serving Him is really just a response to what He has already done! I can never serve Him out of my own initiative...why? He served me first. The same when I say I love Him: God loved me first, and died for my sins even when I was still hopeless. He chose to love me. What is amazing is to know that He has loved me with an everlasting love, and has drawn me with His loving kindness!

Going back, so my song will revolve around that topic, and ideas from His Word. Not yet complete though, coz I realized that the line up wasn't finished yet! Well, after it was finished I felt I needed to pray more about the song's structure and poetry. Oh, my fervent prayer is that my words wouldn't be too much "my" feelings, but more of who He is, and facts from the Word! Lord help me write YOUR song! I pray that He would give me the chance to write more songs for Him! I love singing to my great God!!!

Watch out for the new song!

My Music: Where is it Heading?

2008-05-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

I've been writing alot of worship songs since I got involved with our music team as a worship leader since 1997. I've been blessed to have written over 60+ songs and by God's grace over 90% of the songs have a very high retention and appeal to the congregation. Though of course it is not the goal AT ALL, since we know that it's what God would think that matters, but practically speaking, you have to think about the congregation (crowd, audience) who will sing the songs, so it does have a factor.

Moving on, I'm very blessed to have been chosen by God to write such well-loved songs like Heartcry, Take Me, Pumarito Ka, For Eternity, This is the Day, Worship You, Alay, etc. God could've chosen anybody to do that for Him, but still, even though I am a dirty, rotten sinner, He used me. Praise the Lord... With that said, I feel I'm not giving His songs much justice by sharing it only to our local churches, and sadly, even just to our congregation. I know the songs can go farther and be a blessing to other bodies of believers elsewhere. Be it paid or not, my goal is to see the nations worship, and I would love to be part of that by letting the songs entrusted to me be hymns of praise, of thanksgiving, of devotion, of worship to our God.

The thing that troubles me is this... I don't know where I'm heading. I have this weakness of being in too many duties at the same time, spreading myself too thin, and ending up not accomplishing really BIG-TIME for God. I also have the love for many things, an interest for many subjects, and a desire to be student and also a leader. I am so confused. I ask not that God would take away these wonderful gifts from me, but I ask that He would give me the will, the wisdom and the character to decide on which I should prioritize and pursue.

Right now, the songs are just sitting here, waiting to be a blessing to others. I desire for God to help me record these songs, lead me to producers who will fund the recording and publishing, and distribution, even promotions of these songs. If any of you might want to help me in this endeavor, please help by praying for a good laptop computer that I may be mobile in recording and editing from our church and our home, a good condenser microphone, and lastly, please pray that God would provide for me musicians who are really capable and talented, and who have hearts to worship the Lord.

If you want to express your help in any way possible, please contact me at botbydblud@yahoo.com or by calliong my phone 0918-9066377. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His love and grace!

MANILA STRING MACHINE TAKES TO FLIGHT

2008-05-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

On May 13, 2008 the Manila String Machine's debut performance as a small string orchestra was a huge success! Composed of six violins, two violas, a cello and a double bass, we performed for the glorious 30th Anniversary of Prudential Life.

Though Manila String Machine is known for being a music service provider, I decided to name the small string ensemble with the same name, and the clients loved it, as well as my coleagues, who were highly capable, professional, and talented musicians.

Dressed in our tuxedos, the members of the Manila String Machine provided dinner music, AVP background music, walk in music for presentors, background music for the awardees, and accompaniment for the PrudentialLife theme song Did You Fill The World With Love and If We Hold On Together. As expected, string music elevates the ambience of a high class event, but LIVE string music makes it even soar higher.

Included in our repertoire for the evening were Astor Piazzola pieces, arranged for strings, Winter Games Theme, 1984 Olympic Theme, James Bond Theme, and the Godfather Theme, just to name a few. Manila String Machine's resident arranger Rommel Camba, is a very skillful arranger, weaving into his arrangements the beautiful flow and harmony of string music. His talent is exceptional, and he workd very fast, either just by giving him the piano piece, or just the audio, the outcome is fantastic.

With the success of the first performance as a group we seek to serve clients who would want to hear us play as a small chamber orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Maybe the next step is looking for a client who may be needing strings with a small brass/woodwind section, and a standard rhythm section composed of drums, electric bass, electric guitar, keyboards and a piano. It would be a challenge for us, but the Manila String Machine depends on God's help and grace, therefore we will succeed!

To know more about The Manila String Machine's services you can view my blog named Manila String Machine, or check out MSM's multiply site, and scroll down to see the older posts! Or contact me at (0918)9066377, or 6453027. You can email me at botbydblud@yahoo.com too.

Bless the Lord!

PASSION AND CHRIS TOMLIN IN THE PHILIPPINES

2008-05-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

I was invited to join a seminar by the Passion Team last May 12, and was surprised to discover that the seminar was for leaders of youth groups/ churches to help out as volunteers in the upcoming PASSION WORLD TOUR, which includes artists like Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin. They will be holding this "concert", on august 1 at the ULTRA. Oh, I was informed that this is not a concert, but rather a worship celebration and a time of teaching, strengthening, building and empowering college students to live their lives for Christ. Invited in this event are college students, youth workers, and even youth pastors who are looking for fresh approaches to address our young people's roller coaster lifestyles! Do email me about this great event since I might be part of the volunteers who will help in whatever capacity we can. Oh, if you need more information, just log on to www.beccamusic.com.

I love to sleep!

2008-05-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

To those like me who love to sleep, I could just imagine a soft pillow on a warm, comfortable mattress, airconditioning set at a very cool temperature, some soft music playing your favorite classical piece on cello, and lighting is just perfect to lull your tired eyes to sleep. I am blessed to enjoy these luxuries, except the airconditioning, and have truly enjoyed every moment of sleeping except for.... BED BUGS! I had a friend who had an apparatus to get those bedbugs out, and immediately, life turned to normal!

Leadership by Example

2008-05-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to have people under me who are good men and women of the Lord. Whose desire is to serve the King and to make His glory known. I have been leading our worship team in church, and for some reason lately, my friends and co-servants who serve under me have noticed and commended my being a loved leader.

In all honesty, I don't see myself as a head of an army, much less even the head of a company of soldiers, I just do my job and I want to get the work finished as clean and as early as possible. But praise the Lord in my service to Him, many of the young people have been blessed by the attitude I have taught them, to never be arrogant, but in humility regard others better than themselves.

In the ministry, integrity, and passion must go hand in hand. Besides that it is imperative to have a servant heart. But it all becomes effective if we lead by example. We cannot be generals who fight the war behind the last line of defense. I believe in a leader who is always in the front, raising the banner, and declaring, "follow me to VICTORY!" Ha, the picture of a champion!

I am far from my dream, but in my opinion, i will always be heading towards that direction. MAybe I will never reach my goals, and would lead only a handful of soldiers in my lifetime, but it is all worth it, if i knew, that some faithfu; men and women followed my lead, as i led by example. As the Apostle Paul said, follow me, as I follow Christ.

Art and my baby

2008-05-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

I am a musician. I happen to be a graphic artist too. I love to write poetry, short stories, and articles on worship. But in all these, there is a connection. And that is a pen. You need to be a calligrapher to experience the beauty of writing. The Chinese say that a good swordsman has the ability to wield his sword at the stroke of his pen.

Alright, enough of the artistic words… bottom line, I love to write! And my love for nice penmanship has also dug up a passion for great fonts, lettering and the sort. I recently got married, and in our budget constraints, I decided to write all my invitations. And write them I did. I took the strength out of me! Man, it took days to do those invitations! I remember buying a calligrapher’s pen, and also ink, so I practiced all my known fonts and started writing on semi-finished invitations. And trust me, after that, they were gorgeous! It added a personal touch because all were handmade! But then again, I was drained of all my energies!

A good solution to this problem of getting tired is the simple printing! Ha, next time, coz the next step after my wedding is making invitations to our possible baby’s dedication! His or her birthday invitations or any baby announcements we would send out must be done lovingly and beautifully! Well, there’s no baby yet but I’m sure I’m hiring a letterpress printing company to do all the work for me. Now with my taste for calligraphy, I need someone to do it my way. Someone to write it as if I did it myself… hopefully it comes soon!

The Musicians' Paradise!

2008-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

If you're a musician, you have got to check out this website! Well, I hope you could visit this asap so coz I've been looking for music sheets all over the net, and so far this is the best. You need lyrics? From Ron Kenoly's Sing Out, to Red Hot Chilli Peppers Lyrics, you can download them all!

Aside from being a singer and cellist, i really love the bass... and my influences are basically Jaco Pastorius, Abraham Laboriel, Jackie Street, Don Harris, and yes, Flea. This site also has tabs for the songs of red hot chilli Peppers bass tabs.

Ha, not only am i interested in the four stringers, but also am a guitarist myself! I remember learning by ear Harem Scarem's Honestly, Something to Say, White Lion's You're All I need, and even the guitar tabs of Red Hot Chilli Peppers Under the Bridge. It's really cool!

Man, learning new stuff for me is the best way to express your music. Like a language, you need to be well versed so you could communicate better. Likewise in music, you need to learn more music, secular and gospel, so you could understand your music more. And the best road to take is learn to read music! If not, collect tabs, lyrics, bass charts, they're all available in the net! Thank God for technology! Go info age!

I LEARNED ABOUT THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

2008-05-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

My mom came home one day with a bottle of sweet tasting juice. She asked me to take some sips and I asked her immediately what it was. My mom enthusiastically answered it's the fountain of youth!

I asked her how in the world could that be, when it is just a myth? The answer is simple... GOJI juice. It comes from a plant called goji, found in the himalayas, and it was used by Chinese emperors to preserve their health. One evidence is that they actually lived longer than their contemporaries! My mom put it to the test, and she found for herself that she really grew stronger, she felt less tired, her immune system was boosted,(it was when she was taking Goji was when she had the longest time of wellness and disease free), and less grey hair grew, and out of the ordinary: her hair in her armpits grew again! She had smooth, hairless armpits for the longest time!

It is sort of funny, but to buy goji juice or gochi juice would certainly boost your life, and health. It's really a fountain of youth!

HEROES MUSICIANS-2nd RATE

2008-05-06T08:26:00.001-07:00

What do I mean second place? Here's the reason: we were first counselors and servants, before we are musicians. I remember during our earlier camps, we were rock stars and an elite group of people who scooted out of the sanctuary every time we were finished with the music part of the worship time. We walked around the camp site saying Hi to everyone and signing autographs and we were literally stars!

I wont be a hypocrite, I loved the feeling. It felt good to be respected, appreciated and even revered. But this year we were different. Pastor Jeff (the camp director) instructed us to be 2nd Rate Musicians, and first rate counselors (understand the context?). We had to build relationships with the campers (we were assigned a group of young people that we were responsible with), and spend time with them, eat with them, play games with them, pray with them, share the Word to them, and basically be a big brother to them. At first we were apprehensive and wanted to group ourselves together, but after a while we understood the importance of investing time in the lost kids' lives.

Many of us shared after the camp that we were able to share the gospel more this camp than the whole year combined! We had stories of lost hope renewed, rededication of lives, repentance of sins, and a transformation of lives! And on top of that, we had the greatest influence on them because they see us on stage! Maybe that's why the Praise team was assigned to the most notorious group of guys... hmm, now it makes sense. It was indeed the right choice, and an honor, to be 2nd Rate musicians in the Heroes Camp.

HEROES CAMP WAS THE COOLEST!

2008-05-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Last April, I got to serve the Lord and the young people of this generation by being part of the Music team of the HEROES youth camp. This year, we had a great band! Namely, the instruments we used were awesome, the set up of the sound system and monitoring systems were really great, miking and mixing was very up to par with the demands of a "rock" concert. It was really cool, since this year, I was the over all in-charge of music including sound set-up.

From the transport of equipment from different churches, coordinating the people to be in places on time, getting the same people to load and unload equipment, encouraging them to work hard (remember, none of us are paid to do this), set up the sound system, instruments, miking, monitoring, and house sounds, whew! All of those! But it was great because I had a great team of musicians and servants (of the Lord), who were basically hard workers and excited to serve God. My team was composed of, directly under me was Russel Surigao, a very talented young man who became the apprentice of Harry White, a sound engineer while he held his week long sound seminars here in the Philippines. Russel was really interested in setting the hi-tech equipment up. By the way, included in my line of work was the responsibility of making sure the equipment to be brought was working, three weeks ahead!

Russel studies electronics in a vocational college and he is pretty good in those electronics kit kats. He works hard, cleanly, and professionally, and his work ethics are very good. Anyway, he was basically responsible for setting all the equipment up at camp, and Praise God, we had ZERO problems during the two-week camp. I admire that young man.

Also with the team are able and equally talented musicians, who helped carry stuff, set up the hardware, and industriously worked to perfect their craft. Jeff, Ryan, Kenneth, Jerry, Momon, Kaye, Paulene, Maxinne, Aubrey, Rachel, Herschelle, David, Charisse, Kurt, Christine, Micah, Sheila and Ashley. Man all of them were awesome! They rehearsed hard, and played very well! On top of those, they really were worshiping, and they love the Lord with all their heart.

I seriously love serving with them, and that is why I consider this camp: THE COOLEST!

WEB PAYMENTS MADE SAFER, EASIER AND MORE SECURE

2008-05-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

I’m a new comer in the web based business environment, and yet I do enjoy the quick, easy processes of web banking. Many of you who might read my blog may notice that I am a music service provider and I get paid through bank, or fund transfer, and not always cash. But as we all know, on-line marketing is booming, and the fashion trend for this technologically advanced age is surely leaning on the web based payments, and e fund transfers.
A good solution to many of our fund transfer (e payments) is Payoneer. Not Pah-yo-neer, but Pehy-yoh-neer. They are veterans of the financially and technologically related realms of businesses, and their services basically involves Mastercard. If you are a Mastercard holder, you can make payments all around the world for traveling, online payments, and for web based businesses to make payments to their workers, vendors, etc. It’s a great solution indeed to cover all our payment needs! By the way the card is PRE PAID, so the limit is up to you!
They offer the Prepaid MasterCard®. Which can be used worldwide, just as long as MasterCards® is accepted! Really cool huh? They also assure the customers that they are able to use their cards easily, safely and responsibly.
Now, the dangers of on-line fund transfer is also high risk. But if you log on to their website, you can be assured that they offer one of the best customer service in the world! Not only that, they are partners with reputable financial institutions worldwide, and they place high priority on investing on the top-notch secure technology! Oh, maybe you can check them out as soon as you finish reading my blog!

To be able to know more about the company, you can go to their website at payoneer.com.

I LOVE MY BLOG

2008-05-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

Yes I do! I'm so happy with my blog because of the income I get out of it! Yeah, nasty as it may seem, but who would say "no" to income!? It's really great since I started last february, I was able to generate much income, which may probably not be big for you, but for me it is!

I started out writing my thoughts on worship, about my love for my wife, the church, etc., but I felt led to advertise my services (music services) through free blogging! What makes me excited is that if you go to the google search engine, type "string quartet for hire manila", my blog would probably be in the top 5 WORLDWIDE! And many times, I do top the list!!! Since february my clients grew to about 8-10, and it covers weddings, to small events, to graduations, and an upcoming Corporate event in Prudential life to be held at sofitel. What makes me more excited is that this is my first client to hire a 10pc string orchestra! My biggest so far. Hopefully, this would grow into even bigger shows, and by God's grace alone, I would love to work with concerts, tv shows, recordings, etc.

Now, for all of these, I bless the name of the Lord, from whom all blessings flow. And God doesnt just give me blessings, He makes sure I work hard for them. He doesnt want to spoil me you know. But if do look at the minute details of life, how He richly blesses ALL of us, we are kinda spoiled...

But that's because He is my Dad. He loves to provide for me, and take care of me. This blog has ultimately brought back glory to the One who deserves it all, Jesus! That's why I LOve My BLOG!

MANILA STRING MACHINE GENERAL AGEEMENT

2008-04-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

THE MANILA STRING MACHINE GENERAL AGREEMENT

1. The String Quartet will perform on (venue) on (date) for the (event)

2. The String Quartet will be as follows:
________________________ 1st Violin
________________________ 2nd Violin
________________________ Viola
________________________ Cello

Any replacements on the members would be solely for the reasons of sickness, or emergency.
Our group assumes the responsibility to make sure that the replacement would be of equal or even higher musical capability.

3. The String Quartet will arrive 1hour, or at the latest, 30mins before the celebration.

4. The String Quartet will be providing the following equipment:
a. Music Stands
b. Music Pieces
c. And our instruments (violins, viola and cello)

5. The String Quartet will be dressed in any of the ff attires: Barong, tuxedo, long sleeved or coat and tie.

6. The String Quartet will play for a maximum of 3 hours.

7. The String Quartet would require a program hard copy, or a program coordinator to assist us in the performance cues.

8. The String Quartet assures the client that they will perform to the highest level of discipline and musicality possible.

9. The String Quartet would play a wide range of repertoire from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc music, to country-ragtime, to broadway, standards, to beatles and modern popular songs. We also have selections of original Filipino Music available.

10. The String Quartet does not take requests on the spot. If there are requests, we would be able to play them if we have a piece available, specially arranged for the String Quartet.
The String Quartet will request for breaks in between sets.

For the CLIENT
1. The client will provide food and drinks for the quartet.

2. The client will pay___________(amount in words)____________(Php____________) to the String Quartet anytime before the program ends.
a. preferably cash
b. if check, please deposit a week earlier to :BDO Antipolo-Masinag Branch,
Acct 0630165602 Acct name: Theodore Philip Amper.

3. If the client requires special pieces, they have to provide the pieces for us to play arranged for string quartet. If there is no piece provided, the client can ask us to arrange at Php2K per piece.** The requested piece must be given to us at least a month in advance, and the piece will be arranged (at the latest) a day before the event.

4. Rehearsals and the like must be scheduled, and a rehearsal fee of Php6K is required.

5. Travel expenses (if outside metro manila) must be arranged exclusive of the talent fee. (toll, gas, parking)

6. The client will provide a table or a place for the quartet to retreat and rest in between sets.

7. The client will provide ample space (3m x 2m), ample lighting for the quartet to see their pieces, armless chairs (four pieces), and microphones on four separate boom stands and a sound system to amplify the sound, depending on the venue and number of guests.

**depending on the degree of difficulty of arrangement, the arranging fee is negotiable

please contact Mr. Theodore Amper at 0918-9066377 for booking and more info. God bless you!

Your blog's can be seen LIVE!

2008-04-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

As a musician, I always dream of my 15 minutes of fame, whether its just me, or with a group where I can be seen live on TV! Actually, I’ve done many stuff like that with the orchestra and my quartet. However, since the advent of internet, and on-line promotions, I know its VERY possible for a nobody like me to be seen in the big STAGE: the World!

You can check out blogtv.com, where you can get live tv shows, anywhere in the world! You can host your very own live show too, and live broadcasts! Amazing huh? So, to wanna-bes out there, here’s our chance to be seen!

MANILA STRING MACHINE new contacts

2008-04-02T02:48:00.000-07:00

Manila String Machine, a music service provider for various events and functions, has extended it's roster of music services. We have
1.)Duets, (piano and violin), (starts at Php6k)
2.) trios (piano, flute, violin), (piano, violin, cello) etc. (starts at 9k)
3.) Chamber groups (5-12 members, mini orchestra) (from php20- php50k)

These has numerous combinations, I would have to update the clients on those, and the pieces they play. I also have contacts on SOLO performers like the great TOTO SORIOSO, who happens to be my classmate at Ateneo when we were in grade school. Man, he's a good singer and guitarist! He can be booked at Php4k for local venues, and if out of town, its Php8k. My list of performers even gets better!

I have special discounts when you want to inquire about the latest guitar legend JEROME RICO. His album Guitar Shop is available on every music store and he is awesome! His normalgig fee is about Php6k, and he delivers hands-down, super terrific music.

I can recommend solo instrumentalists too like Genesis Marquez and Dennis Contreras, who are solo violin players. The same rate at 4k for a night of solo violin music. They are great for personal haranas, an evening of light music at dinner-dates, etc.

Of course, String Quartets are standard so we start at php8k up to php16k for local events, for out of town, its normally double the rate. But all of these are negotiable, so please dont hesitate to inquire at 0918-9066377 or email me at botbydblud@yahoo.com

String Quartet Services- Manila String Machine 2

2008-03-22T01:16:00.000-07:00

The Manila String Machine isnt a string quartet in itself. It is only a music provider with multiple string quartets affiliated to its roster of players. Here are some of the quartets who have joined our list of highly qualified, professional string players.
1. The Quattro Stagioni String Quartet
2. The Erdu String Quartet
3. The Halal String Ensemble
4. The Meschianza String Quartet
5. The Saoirse String Quartet
6. The Zimra String Quartet

We are still in the process of updating our list of performers, but please be assured that they are all UP and St. Scholastica Colleges of Music graduates and students, under the tutelage of great professors in the Philippines.

The Manila String Machine's goal is to provide top quality, performance-relation based services, and to exalt the Master Musician Himself, Jesus the Giver of Music.

Please do not hesitate to call my number 0918-9066377 for inquiries! We would love to serve you!

TO VIEW OTHER BLOG ENTRIES: TYPE IN SEARCH ENGINE- botbydblud.blogspot.com or TAMPERPROOF WORSHIP

Manila String Machine explains what the String Quartet is...

2008-03-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

Manila String Machine is a music service provider for different occasions such as weddings, birthdays, dinner meetings, and similar functions. We basically provide music by a string Quartet, which is (by standard) composed of two violins (named violin 1, and violin 2) a viola and a cello.

Before we move on let me give you a crash course on what a string quartet is. Let's begin with the physical components: all instruments of the standard string quartet are members of the violin family which basically looks the same except that they differ in size, shape, and string thickness and assignment. The player depresses the strings of the instrument with his left hand fingers, to lengthen or shorten the strings, to acquire the desired pitch he wants to play. The right hand utilizes a bow, made out of horse hair and pernambuco wood, which is played across the strings of the instrument to produce a sound, either soft or loud, short or long, quick or bulging. The first member is a violin, which is a small stringed instrument played on the left shoulder of the player, under his chin, or somewhere in the left lower jaw, depending on his school. Its strings are named G, D, A, and E respectively from the lowest (or thickest) to the highest (or thinnest ?). The viola is very similarly played, but its strings are different, named respectively as C, G, D, and A, again lowest to highest. The cello is played differently, with the instrument standing vertically on its end pin, and in between the legs of the seated player. It's bow is glided horizontally (perpendicular to the strings) and is much larger than the violin or the viola. Its strings are also C, G, D, and A, but they are a lot thicker and the method of playing is very different from that of the violin and viola.

The two violins represent the higher registers of a piece, the viola which is slightly bigger and longer in structure, play the middle register, and of course the cello, acts as the bass or the lowest register player. All in all they are similar to the structure of an SATB choir, which represent the soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

With regards to function, normally the first violin plays the melody of a piece, and the cello plays the bass of the accompaniment chord. The two inner voices are the violin 2 and viola. Their role is very critical since they are the meat of the chord. It is difficult to assess the degree of importance or hierarchy in the quartet, because all instruments throw in an equal amount of importance to the piece being performed. But that is purely subjective. It is ideal, but it depends on the arranger of a piece, on how he/she manages to distribute the load equally to the four players. Personally, I am biased to arrangers who play the piano BUT are talented string players also. They know how to arrange the piece in such a way that every note for the individual player would be contributing to the over-all aesthetic of the piece.

Now, with the introduction on what a string quartet is, let us move on to the "business part". Our string quartets play specially arranged pieces by Mr. Rommel Camba, an accomplished pianist and viola player, and our selection of pieces are varied from a wide selection from different genres and styles.

I can be contacted at 0918-9066377 or botbydblud@yahoo.com.

PROFESSIONAL STRING QUARTETS FOR HIRE

2008-03-13T00:49:00.001-07:00

I've decided to go ahead and register to the SEC so I could establish this business of music providers for weddings, events and the like, and... pay taxes! I will also try to put up a list of other service providers for the clients to have other choices. I wouldnt like to just get ahead of my competition, I also believe in the principle of the "more choices, the better." That way, if my clients need someone else to suit their needs other than me, they can also ask my help in recommending other service providers. I guess they call them vendors. As for the SEC, its still not established because I'm still fighting over the fact that taxes would definitely increase the quartet fee... not to cover it at the client's expense, but because the standard musician rate is Php4k, and rehearsals would be Php1,200. Now, if I still price it at Php16k, the musicians (who by the way have the same right to professional fees as doctors and architects, etc because we STUDIED for this at a University level in UP, UST and St. Scholastica colleges of Music) would definitely be affected because that will reduce their income. See, I also think about my coleagues, not just myself. Anyway, I would definitely be starting a business based on Christian Values and principles, such as no obscenity, clean, pure music, and definitely professional.

Alright, my new business would be called MANILA STRING MACHINE. And for inquiries, just scroll down to my older posts in this blog, where you will find list of pieces we play, packages and price rates. God bless you all!

Whether the Weather is Wetter

2008-03-13T00:49:00.000-07:00

My Wife Rose's Birthday

2008-03-05T00:46:00.000-08:00

Last march 3, my wife had her 29th birthday. We were with the whole Legaspi-Aspacio families, which by the way is a small number, since we fit in one car! Waking up that morning was a day full of hopes and excitement for a day full of activities. Rose had to file a vacation leave since it wasnt a working holiday! Anyway, our celebration was indeed great since we spent the whole afternoon at Trinoma in Quezon City, and ate in a class restaurant, Marina. Man, the food was delectable, exquisite, and DE-LI-CIOUS! We were so bloated!

But in all honesty I found myself crushed in embarrassment since I neither had a card, a petal of a flower, nor a gift for my most special wife. I was simply too negligent. I am so sorry and I apologize to the world about that. But just this afternoon, I had the courage to call up a jeweler, and I would buy her what she really wants for her birthday: a necklace and earring set. I just hope the Lord would provide for my funds because right now, Im still saving up for house rent, electricity, water, phone, and car maintenance bills. I havnt paid my insurance by the way.

So, I publicly declare my faith in the Lord that He is my provider, and that He will see me through by the end of this week! I dont know how He will provide, but He will, as He always has... I actually learned not to worry anymore!

Musician Growth in Sold Out Live

2008-03-01T23:41:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, Heroes Youth Camp is upcoming and new songs are coming from botbydbludmusic! But do watch out for new songs by other members of the gang like Momon, Jeff Ayanco, Russel Surigao, Alex Litonjua, and Ashley Anclote! John Mark Miraflor and Kaye Ann Violeta along with Pauline Reyes are also putting up new sounds that the new generation will love!

I am particularly blessed on how the youth has been exploding in church, with how they grow deeper in the faith, how they are getting excited about the work, etc. But honestly, our numbers are growing at a very slow pace. But its quality, really, not just quantity Im after.

The growth of new worship leaders and new musicians is such blessings to me personally, and I have seen their musical maturity increasing. Last February, we attempted to play a piece that has so many hits and arrangements, its almost impossible to study the piece in just 2 days. Fortunately, I've trained the musicians to read charts and to read basic notation and sight reading so i tried to write the chords along with notes below it. Amazingly, they were able to replicate the original song in the first practice! I had them hear the recording after so they would get a better feel of the song, and voila! lo and behold, almost the same as the recording.

It just feels so good to know that you have been a big part in the growth of these wonderful talented guys. But what amazes me is nobody in these group of musicians applied for the position as a good musician. All of them, including me were practically dumb and dumberers with regards to music! It is a blessing that the attitude of these guys are so godly, teachable and humble that they dont know they are improving by leaps and bounds! In particular I'd like to talk about our keyboardist, Momon. He among them all had the least musical inclination. He just wanted to join for whatever reason he had! I rejected his applications numerous times but with the promise of if he practices and follows my advice, he might just be accepted.

After nearly a year or a little more, he tried to play one of my songs in the piano, which he always does, and I heard a distinct sound, not my song, but his heart. He had a heart for music.
I invited him to be part of the youth praise team but sadly he wasn't utilized as much as he needed to be trained. So, I forced myself to gamble and asked him to be the keyboardist of the main service. True, he's not a concert pianist, but his learning skills were fast and he easily picked up hits and arrangements, and the best part is, he reads my charts, at a 85-90% accuracy. With more training, he could beat me soon, and I would take pride in that!

All the guys that I started training are now nearly as good as their teacher, and some of them surpassed my skills already. Each of them has a story as good as Momon's. We were all nobody's, but now, because of the love Jesus has shown, we are now somebody's. At least in God's sight hehehe.

In my direction, I emphasize that we needed to have three hearts in the ministry: A servant heart, a humble heart, and an excellent heart. The servant heart represents ATTITUDE. I dont care about what they know or what they can do, or what they believe. The attitude of the heart is always obvious. They all need to have hearts that have an attitude of thanksgiving and praise, hearts that do not feel they are the served, but the servants.

The humble heart represents our realization of who we really are. We are NOTHING! Its by God's mercy and grace that we are now able to serve Him and others through the ministry. A humble heart also represents submission to authority, and to God's Words. Also, about being aware that in the congregation,there are better musicians there than us. Our job is to serve them and to the best of our abilities, help them and usher them to the presence of God. Not to show off!

The excellent heart represents quality, genuine, disciplined hearts. They are hearts that do not settle for mediocrity, but strive for the best possible presentation of the worship service. The excellent heart also signifies the heart of the upright. We must all be blameless when we get up in front of God's people. And that righteousness only comes Jesus, who is the righteousness of God.

With that said, my passion is that our church would have the heart of worship that God truly seeks. In my opinion, recently, we are now headed there....