The wonders of Christmas...

Two hours before Christmas eve approached, had to mix myself with the crowd to get a glimpse and a good capture of the nativity....

... also known as "the Belen"...

On my way home from attending the early dawn mass (Misa de Gallo) , a rainbow ( not a clear shot though) appeared in the sky...
...that seems to me a perfect reminder of hope ...
..and as we are about to welcome 2008, I pray that we'll realize even more that there's always hope and reasons to live! Have a fruitful and Peaceful New Year to all!!

When a Child is Born..

===============
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!
HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!!

On early dawn...

My eyes haven't been well lately that I need to have my glasses on. Well,just to give a little update of me for having been out of the blogosphere recently. Today is the third advent Sunday as a preparation for the birth of the baby Jesus in the manger.

As has been traditionally done here in the Philippines, we just started this day the early dawn mass otherwise known as "Misa de Gallo". And I am glad to have noticed a crowd of churchgoers that really filled me with awe. We hardly able to get a seat that we had to stand out in the church corridor hoping to at least get a glance of the Altar as the mass went on. It was a very solemn celebration where Catholics from all walks of life grouped together in preparation for the coming of our Saviour and King Jesus Christ.

The theme of the mass celebration speaks about humility. What is humility and how do we practice this value? How do we celebrate Christmas with simplicity and a sense of satisfaction,remembering Christ's humble beginning when He was born in the manger. These are questions I should like to answer in my mind. And that the material things or Christmas presents will just be meaningful when shared to those who do not have.

On early dawn, we await for the coming of Christ.The Lord has long come in our life. He's just there, there in our hearts."

Protected...

"A turtle once taught me that no matter how heavy his bearings are, it's his choice to carry the luggage ...for it is the only way he feels protected."

Very moving...

"For it is only by faith that we remain calm in the grip of human consciousness..."

click here to view: The interview...

On politics....

For quite some time, I had been writing commentaries regarding the economic and political issues in our country. But these issues went out to be so tiring to me and so I stopped airing my views and sentiments.

Late last night, while I was half asleep, left the tv on, I heard a news that stirred me back to my entire consciousness and that really made me awake! "Mrs. Arroyo along with 35 congressmen went on a European trip. The news reported that the trip could have been a gift from Madam President to these congressmen for drafting the impeachment complaint against her. It has been said too that they might also be using the government's funds for this trip and so this issue needs further investigation." For whatever reason, whether its an expense paid by the government or coming from their own pocket, I was like whaaaaattttt?? How could these "public servants" still manage to spend lavishly when they know in the first place that our country was just hit by typhoons and some of our countrymen are in chaos now living like wanderers at the evacuation center.

What's wrong with the mindset of this government?! Instead of spending money for their people, they can still afford to go on such a luxurious trip!!I couldn't help but feel so frustrated with these kind of leaders. I was really blown away with the news...I can't afford to keep my views over the government this time. I only hope they do not get enough sleep during that trip while thinking of the rest of our poor countrymen in chaos.