Welcome To My World!

Meet your new dance instructor...

As the saying goes:

Do not give a hungry person a fish...teach him how to catch a fish!!!

Have a nice fishing day!

Stress Management

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience,
raised a glass of water and asked, "how heavy is this glass of water? "

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It
depends on how long you try to hold it. "If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. "In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. "

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If
we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden
becomes ncreasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. "

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while
and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. "

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down.
Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. "

"Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it!

And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to at them.

* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the
middle of it.

* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was
probably worth it.

* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a
warning to others.

* Never buy a car you can't push.

* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then
you won't have a leg to stand on.

* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep
late.

* The second mouse gets the cheese.

* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you
live.

* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the
world to one person.

* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

* We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are
pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

" A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a
detour.

* Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you
today. . .. . . . . . . I did.

Quezon City Is Famous For...

Quezon Memorial Circle/Shrine
The tallest structure in the city, Quezon Memorial Circle pierces 66 meters to the sky, a fitting tribute to the founder of Quezon City and one of the country's greatest statesmen, President Manuel Luis Quezon. The monument which was built in the center of the 27-hectare rotunda park also boasts a museum housing priceless Quezonian items plus the added attraction of the remains of this great man laid to rest in a bronze casket and marble niche.

Barrio Pugad Lawin Balintawak
It is a foremost Philippine historic site where the "Great Plebian" and founder of KKK, a revolutionary society, Andres Bonifacio launched the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards in 1896. The uprising was called the "Cry of Balintawak."

Barrio La Loma
It was in this barrio that the Filipinos first fought the Americans during the Philippine-American War.

Quezon City Hall
It was in this imposing 14-storey edifice where the new Philippine Constitution was signed in 1971. The building is the center of city government activities and houses other national government agencies as well. Its location is beautified by the refreshing view of a man-made lagoon.

Mabuhay Rotunda
Originally callled Welcome Rotunda, this towering structure which was built in 1948 by City Architect Luciano V. Aquino serves as the gateway to Quezon City from the neighboring city of Manila. This is where three of Metro Manila's busiest roads meet: España Boulevard in Manila, and Quezon Avenue and E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City.

University of the Philippines
The state-owned University of the Philippines, which was established in June 1908, is the country's foremost institute of higher learning and considered the finest in the Far East. Sprawled over an area of 450 hectares, the university provides a cool ambiance amidst tall and ancient trees conducive to learning. Although a government entity, the university enjoys its own charter of independence from government and other external agencies. Its subsidy from the national government allows it to provide education at a very minimal cost to most students and a totally free education to the meritorious through an extensive scholarship program. Many of the country's famous leaders, artists, writers, and professionals had been in UP as students or teachers. It remains as the center for the fermentation of ideas as well as for training in various fields of knowledge.

Araneta Coliseum
The world's largest covered dome during the 60s, Araneta Coliseum towers 220 feet and has a seating capacity of 32,000. It holds court as the district's focal point. The coliseum has staged various shows from the moment it captured the Philippines' first post-war world boxing title by the legendary Gabriel "Flash" Elorde. It presented, too, the classic "Fight of a Lifetime" between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frasier in 1976. Also worth mentioning are the beauty pageants and basketball tournaments of national and international tones plus local shows ranging from musical concerts to athletic events.

Camps Crame and Aguinaldo
These are two of the most important military headquarters where the famous four-day rebellion called People Power or EDSA Revolution of 1986 had started.

Parks and Wildlife Bureau
Quezon City's very own zoological and botanical garden, situated near the Quezon Memorial Circle, is a haven for young and old nature lovers. The 80-hectare complex of wooden areas is replete with wildlife conducive for picnicking and promenading. The park is also equipped with a children's playground and a man-made lagoon for boating. Specimens of the country's various flora and fauna, including the famous monkey-eating eagle, are found here.

Araneta Center
Prior to the buiding of the Makati Commercial Center, the Araneta Center served as the total shopping center for every Filipino. It is called the city's business heart. At the center are all kinds of commercial establishments such as theaters, banks, boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and many more. Huge department stores in Cubao even offer special discounts to tourists and balikbayans.

Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue Tourist Belt Area
Quezon City has its own tourist belt, found in the once quiet district of Kamuning. Tomas Morato and Timog Avenues and a portion of Quezon Avenue are now dotted with luxurious and exquisite restaurants, disco houses, night clubs, sauna clinics, and other shops.

Fiesta Carnival Complex
Originally conceived for fun-loving children, the complex is situated within the heart of the Araneta Center. The carnival offers merry rides and sideshows at minimal prices.

La Mesa Dam Water Reservoir
It is the biggest water reservoir in Metropolis Manila. The dam supplies the water needs of the National Capital Region residents.

Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
The white-domed and egg-shaped structure is considered as one of the most advanced atomic research centers in Asia. It conducts experiments on the uses of atomic energy.

JULY 31
ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

This famous founder of the Jesuits was born in 1491. He was from a Spanish noble family. As a boy, he was sent to be a page at the royal court. There he lived on the desire to someday become a great soldier and marry a beautiful lady. Later, he did, indeed, win honor for his courage in the battle of Pamplona. However, a wound from a cannon ball forced him to spend months in bed at Loyola Castle. Ignatius asked for some books to read. He preferred stories of knights, but only biographies of Jesus and the saints were available. Having nothing else to do, he read them. Gradually, the books began to make an impression on him. His life began to change. He said to himself: "These were men and women like me, so why can't I do what they have done?" All the glory he had wanted before seemed worthless now. He began to imitate the saints in their prayers, penances and good works.

St. Ignatius had to suffer temptations and humiliations. Before he could begin his great work of starting the Society of Jesus, he had to go back to school. He had to study Latin grammar. The rest of the students were little boys and Ignatius was thirty-three. Yet Ignatius went to the class because he knew he would need this knowledge to help him in his ministry. With patience and even a laugh now and then, he took the boys' jeers and taunts. During this time, he tried to teach and encourage people to pray. For this he was suspected of heresy and put in jail for a while! But that was not going to stop Ignatius. "The whole city does not contain as many chains as I desire to wear for love of Jesus," he said. Ignatius was forty-three when he graduated from the University of Paris. With six other students, he professed religious vows in 1534. Ignatius and his companions who were not yet priests were ordained in 1539. They promised to work for God in whatever way the Holy Father thought best. In 1540 their order was officially recognized by the pope. Before Ignatius died, there were one thousand members of the Society of Jesus or "Jesuits." They were doing much good work teaching and preaching. Ignatius often prayed, "Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask."

St. Ignatius died in Rome, on July 31, 1556. Pope Gregory XV proclaimed him a saint in 1622.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Monday (7/31): "I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world"

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-35

31 Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." 33 He told them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened." 34 All this Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world."

Meditation: What can mustard seeds and leaven teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous
birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of
men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within. Leaven is another powerful agent of change. A
lump of dough left to itself remains just what it is, a lump of dough. But when the leaven is added to it a transformation takes place which produces rich and
wholesome bread when heated -- the staple of life for humans. The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ
offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in
earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Cor. 4:7).

Keep On Believing

It has been said that a man is what he eats. Someone else said that a man is what he reads. Still another has said that a man is what he thinks. The proverbial writer said, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." What the editor is saying is that you are not only what you consume physically or what you conceptualize or internalize mentally, but you are also and foremost, what you believe in your heart.

If you believe you can, then you can. If you believe you cannot, than you cannot. Everything we do from the simplest acts to the most complex tasks require we believe in ourselves and in our ability to perform. You may not have given it much thought, but before you can get out of bed, or lift a fork to your mouth or speak a word; before you can memorize a poem or drive a car or learn how to use the internet; before you can quit drinking or overeating or any other habit ? you must first believe that you can and have enough faith to believe in God and in the power of Jesus to help you through. We are what we believe.

You probably recall the story of the white man who sold ice in the black community. A young black man observed what the white man was doing and decided that he could go into business and do the same thing. He produced a quality product at a lower cost and even gave better service. Soon all the black folks were buying their ice from him ? except one old lady. Try as he might, he just could not persuade the old lady to buy his ice. Finally, in exasperation, he asked her why she refused to give him her business. And she responded, "Son, it has nothing to do with you personally, but I believe the white man's ice is just a little bit better than yours." As long as we believe that other's ice is colder we will never achieve our goals.

What we must realize is that there is power in belief and powerlessness in disbelief. Remember when Jesus went home to Nazareth? He did not perform any mighty acts there as He had in other towns. It wasn't because the power that had worked elsewhere would not work there; it was not because the people there did not need the healing power of Christ and it was not because Jesus doubted His own abilities. It was because of the people's disbelief.

Abraham was a great man because he had a great faith. Scripture informs us that Abraham believed God. He did not kill any giants like David; he did not write any proverbs as Solomon did, he did not confront any pharaohs or dispense any laws as Moses did, he was not a learned scribe as Ezra or a great builder Like Nehemiah, but Abraham believed God. He did not have Samson's strength or Mordecai's political insight; he did not command the sun to stand still as Joshua did or defeat any armies as Gideon did. Abraham did not walk through the fire as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; he did not spend any time in a lion's den as Daniel did, but Abraham believed God. He did not dream any dreams like Joseph, see any visions like Ezekiel and he did not proclaim the Messiah's coming as did Isaiah or call forth fire from heaven as Elijah did. Abraham just believed God.

If you are wondering how you can keep on believing when everything is turning against you. If you are wondering how you can go on when you can barely make ends meet. If you are wondering how you can hold your head up when your world is falling apart.

I recommend you that you keep on believing in spite of your circumstances. Keep on believing in spite what people say or do. Keep on believing even when like Abraham, you do not know what is happening or why it is happening. God always has another ram in the bush for those who exercise faith in Him; those who love Him enough to believe Him in spite of everything and through it all.

I am reminded of the story of a ship that was caught in a storm so fierce the passengers had to put on life jackets. One of the passengers scurrying around found a little boy sitting by himself and playing with a toy truck. He seemed totally oblivious of all that was going on around him. The concerned passenger ran up to him and said, "Son, you must put on your life jacket, we are in a terrible storm." The little boy looked up at the passenger and said, "Thank you sir, but I'm not worried because my daddy is the captain of the ship."

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Conversation with God

God: Hello. Did you call me?
Me: Called you? No... Who is this?

God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.
Me: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now I am in the midst of something..

God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.
Me: Don't know. But I cant find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.

God: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
Me: I understand. But I still cant figure it out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.

God: Well I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.
Me: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?

God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.
Me: why are we then constantly unhappy?

God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
Me: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?

God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.
Me: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty…

God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?

God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better not bitter.
Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?

God: Yes. In every term, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
Me: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?

God: Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.
Me: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading..

God: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.
Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?

God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.
Me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?

God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. ! Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
Me: What surprises you about people?

God: When they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me". Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.
Me: Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here. I can't get the answer.

God: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a process of discovery but a process of creation.
Me: How can I get the best out of life?

God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.
Me: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.

God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.
Me: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.

God: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live it.

Have a Great Day!!

Albay Is Famous For...

Ceramics / Pottery
The province is noted for finely crafted jars and pottery from the municipality of Tiwi.

Hand-Made Paper
Also of note are the fine-quality hand-made paper products from the municipality of Sto. Domingo.

Pili Nuts
The stinging taste of Bicolano cuisine is neutralized by the sweetness of pili, a nut which is made into various confections.

Mayon Volcano
One’s visit to the Bicolandia is not complete without catching a captivating view of Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfect cone and Bicol’s fiery maiden. Her name was derived from the Bikol word “Magayon,” which literally means beautiful. The peak, likened to the legendary beauty Daragang Magayon, is often concealed by clouds urging first-time visitors to stay longer to admire her charm. Despite her enigma which has left a trail of death and destruction brought about by her 15 eruptions, her tantrums have become spectacular fireworks displays to behold.

Cagsawa Ruins
One of the most visited places in the province, Cagsawa Ruins Park in Daraga affords tourists an unhampered vista of majestic Mayon Volcano. Standing prominently are the ruins of Cagsawa Church, which was buried by molten lava when it erupted on February 1, 1814, killing some 1,200 persons who converged inside it for safety.

Gastronomic Delights
Relish Bicolandia’s mouth-watering indigenous cuisine, notably, Bicol Express (spicy pork and shrimp concoction), cosido (fish soup), balaw (small shrimps), natong, candingga, and pinangat. These are made more flavorful by the Bicolano’s penchant for spice.

Abaca Products
Albay’s prime souvenirs are abaca products creatively crafted into infinite creations such as home decor, office and personal paraphernalia and exported worldwide. Abaca is considered the world’s strongest fiber. These souvenirs are abundant in Daraga and Tabaco.

Albay Park and Wildlife
A picnic grove and a park all rolled into one, this place is the best way to commune with nature. Have a satisfying get-together with your family and friends while roaming the park, which houses 347 animals belonging to 75 species. The children can enjoy boat and bike rides, too. The park is situated near the foot of Albay’s famous Mayon Volcano.

Albay / Bicol Trekking
The Bicol region, a narrow trail of land running south from Manila, is studded with volcanoes, and offers a different and exciting experience for mountain climbers. Popular climbs in the area include Mt. Bulusan, Mt. Isarog, and the perfect towering cone of Mt. Mayon, which has one of the finest summit views in the country. However, Mayon is definitely active – it erupted in 1968, 1978, 1984 and 1993. It is constantly monitored by geologists who post warnings of imminent danger. You should consult the local authorities before trekking here.

Zambales Is Famous For...

President Ramon Magsaysay
Zambales is the home province of the seventh and most beloved president of the Philippine Republic, Ramon Magsaysay, who hailed from Castillejos. The Magsaysay Ancestral House can be found in the

Hermana Mayor Island
Located in Sta. Cruz, Hermana Mayor is an island in the middle of the sea. It is popularly known as Ms. Universe Island.

Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Once the site of the biggest U.S. naval base in Asia, Olongapo is fast developing into an industrial and tourism destination through the Subic Bay Freeport Zone under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. An educational tour to the rainforest within the Zone is available, which includes a guided tour of the JEST Forest Trails, a rolling tour of Subic Bay Freeport, and duty free shopping. During the tour, Aeta guides provide an outdoor orientation on basic mountaineering, fire building, trap making, wildlife identification, and other wilderness survival techniques.

Mangoes
Zambales mangoes are considered as the sweetest mangoes in the Philippine archipelago. A celebration that revolves around the mangoes of Zambales is the Dinamulag-Mango Festival held every April in Iba.

Fine Beaches
Definitely the best all-around diving along the coast, Subic Bay in Olongapo also has the best infrastructure and facilities, with the major pull being the wrecks. The star attraction is the USS New York, a battleship scuttled during World War II, to keep her 17in main guns from falling into the hands of the Japanese. A rare, fine example of an 1899 dreadnought, she lies on her port side in 27m of water, cannons intact.

Another great dive, the El Capitan is a 130m-long, 3000-ton freighter that went down in the mouth of Ilanin Bay. As the top of the wreck is just 12m below the surface, it is an easy dive. Marvel at the incredible array of marine life, and a swim-through amid shafts of light beaming down through gaping holes in the side.

The San Quentin is the oldest known wreck in Subic. This wooden gunboat was scuttled in the Spanish-American War in 1898 in a futile attempt to prevent the US Navy from entering the channel between the Grande and Chiquita islands. It is one of the more popular dives because of the wreck's historical past. Among the many others worth seeing is the Oryoku Maru, the "Hell Ship" that sunk in an air attack, with more than 1600 American POWs on board.

Subic also has some good coral dives. Grande Island, formerly an exclusive US military R&R resort, has some worthwhile wall diving, and Triboa Bay has a good coral garden at Nabasan Point. The best time to dive is between February and June. Accommodations are plentiful between Olongapo City and Barrio Barretto, a popular laid-back tourist retreat. Subic has the country’s oldest established recompression chamber, one of only three available to sport divers.

JULY 30
ST. PETER CHRYSOLOGUS

Peter was born in the small town of Imola, Italy. He lived in the fifth century. Bishop Cornelius of Imola educated him and ordained him a deacon. Even as a boy, Peter understood that a person is truly great only if he can control his passions and put on the spirit of Christ.

When the archbishop of Ravenna, Italy, died, Peter was appointed by Pope St. Leo the Great to succeed him. This was around 433. As a priest and bishop, St. Peter was effective. He worked hard to wipe out the paganism still practiced in his diocese. He helped his people grow in faith.

It was as a preacher that St. Peter became famous. Indeed, "Chrysologus" means "golden word." Yet his sermons or homilies were all short. He was afraid his audience would get bored. Besides that, these sermons were not especially unusual or beautiful. But St. Peter's message was more valuable than gold. He preached with such enthusiasm and fire that people listened to him breathlessly. In his sermons, St. Peter urged everyone to receive Jesus often in Holy Communion. He wanted people to realize that the Body of the Lord should be the daily food for their souls.

This good archbishop also worked for the unity of all the members of the Catholic Church. He tried to prevent people from getting confused about what Catholics believe. He also tried to keep peace. St. Peter Chrysologus died on December 2, 450, in his hometown of Imola, Italy. For his wonderful sermons, so rich in teaching, Pope Benedict XIII declared St. Peter to be a Doctor of the Church in 1729.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Sunday (7/30): "They saw the signs which Jesus did"

Scripture: John 6:1-15

1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiber'i-as. 2 And a multitude followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were diseased. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, "How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" 6 This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost." 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, "This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!" 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Meditation: Can anything on this earth truly satisfy the deepest longing and hunger we experience? A great multitude had gathered to hear Jesus, no doubt because they were hungry for the word of life. Jesus’ disciples wanted to send them away at the end of the day because they did not have the resources to feed them. They even complained how much money it would take to feed such a crowd -- at least six month’s wages! Jesus, the Bread of Life, took the little they had -- five loaves and two fish -- and giving thanks to his heavenly Father, distributed to all until they were satisfied of their hunger. The people of Israel had been waiting for the prophet whom Moses had promised: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren -- him shall you heed (Deuteronomy 18:15). The signs which Jesus did, including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified that God has indeed sent him as anointed Prophet and King. Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.

Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others.

What Life is All About?

When we look at lives in any places in this world, we may come to the similar red line. Those lives consist of phases that take living creature from a step to a further one. Be it human or plants or animals, their lives are all the same. It's a growth from youth to old then die.

As for human life, we grow from infants to a cute little baby, from teenager to adult and then old. In between the phases we are expected to live the life at the fullest. In other words, we spend the days with expectation of having improvement and development.

We learn, and are taught to learn every single step so that we become better and better. When things go on as we want them to be, we would feel content and happy. Knowing that we have achieved something and that we move on to a better situation. But sometimes, we have to deal with something that we wouldn't want nor expect. Something that makes us down and sad. When such thing happens, we usually come to an unpleasant situation that often makes us not knowing what to do.

However, do we really ever notice that everything happens is only a scene that put us on a temporary condition?

Just picture this life as a journey?

We understand that every trip has a final destination which takes us to a journey that passes many scenes of places. Suppose we are going to Rome from London by car. When we go through the way we may find that not all the road is good, and not all places we go by has beautiful view. Not to mention that we may get stuck in a traffic jam somewhere along the way. But of course we may find beautiful places that tempt us to stop by. All the things we see and find all through the way can give effect to our trip duration. They can enhance the speed, delay or even cancel the trip. It depends on us. Are we going to let ourselves get carried away by the temptation or get defeated by the hardship we find that we forget our final destination? Will we also let the obstacles take our time and focus that they cause delay to our trip?

Only WE know the answer, for only WE know the destination.

Therefore, don't let good things that happen in our lives makes us blind to move on. Always be alert that things change. Get anticipated for the changes.

But if we face bad scenes, don't let ourselves down for too long. Raise head up. See far ahead. Think of the final goal so that we can pull ourselves together to deal with the situation. Keep in mind that it was just one of the parts we surely go by.

So when we are fully aware that any kind of things may happen, we'll have more self-control and we know that those things are lessons for us to be better. Coz even when we get struck in a hindrance, we'll know that it was only something that makes ourselves improved. For the way we handle the situation will teach us to be more creative in thinking.

In other words, self-improvement can be gained either through happiness or sadness, through good or bad times, through ease or hardship. The main thing is, everything happens for a reason?..a reason for our own goodness.

So, let's keep on moving? Go through all the way until we reach our own destination.

BEST FRIENDS

Do you ever need to have your batteries "re-charged", or you may need a boost to your self-confidence. You might be facing a very scary situation--like turning another year older with a BIG zero behind the number--and need a strong and reasurring presence.

How about having a totally attentive ear to vent your troubles to and get feedback, but only if it is requested. On a more enjoyable note, you may want to take a fun filled vacation and spend countless hours talking, watching the birds and catching up on life. Wouldn't it be wonderful to find--and then hold on to--that special person, the one that fits these needs, plus many more!

If you are paying attention, we're talking about best friends here! It is all so important to identify and cherish one of the greatest gifts on this earth--best friends! They are truly invaluable and can save you literally hundreds of dollars in a psychologist's office. Once identified, this person can serve as "counselor" on everything from children, spouses, religion and political issues.

Now, it is also important to realize that these best friends are a valuable tool and resource, and not something to be taken for granted. You have a responsibility to guard and protect them.

Make sure to respect not only their time, but also their point of view when you ask for their opinion. Treat your best friends like the priceless gem they are, and insure their protection. After all, it's difficult enough to find and keep good friends--much less best friends.

Negros Oriental Is Famous For...

Sugar Mills
Begun almost a century ago, the sugar industry is a recognized top dollar earner for Negros. Central Azucarera de Bais was established in 1918 as the first sugar central of the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas SA, or Tabacalera, in the country. Located in Bais City, CAB propelled the province’s sugar industry and pioneered in the manufacture of paper from bagasse.

Sinulog de Tanjay
Celebrated every June 24 in Tanjay City, this is an old tradition that began with old men engaged in swordplay and dancing from house to house. Today, Sinulog de Tanjay is highlighted by street dancing and a mock battle between the Moros and Christians, followed by their reconciliation through the intercession of town patron Señor Santiago, held on the eve of the patron’s feast day.

Apo Island
The island offers the best diving around. On the southeast, the sanctuary is a gradual slope with a shallow wall. Thousands of tiny fish cluster around the bushes of black corals in crevices, and there are lapu-lapus, surgeons, some beautiful stony corals, and a collection of various species of clownfishes and anemones. Apo island is accessible by a 35-minute boat ride from Zamboanguita.

Apo Island Beach Resort, formerly Kan-Upe Cove Resort, is an internationally acclaimed dive site. The 12-hectare island has eight regular and honeymoon cottages. Located in Dauin, it has a hilly terrain and white-pebbled lagoon. Nestled within, the Balwarte Rocks and Negros Oriental Marine Conservation Park, with its spectacular coral gardens and marvelous marine life, are consistent crowd drawers.

PNOC Geothermal Power Plant
Nestled among mountains that spout steam from vents, set amidst a lush landscape at cool altitudes, is the power plant situated in Ticala, Valencia. The Palimpinon Power Plant is the centerpiece of the geothermal reserve in the care of the Philippine National Oil Company, which generates and supplies power to Negros, Panay, and Cebu.

Dolphin and Whale Watching
Regular cruises can take visitors out to Tañon Strait and Bais Bay to view playful dolphins and pygmy sperm whales, which surface from their natural habitat to put up an acrobatic show for enthusiasts. Visits are ideal between May and September. Spectacular underwater scenes reward snorkelers and divers.

Canlaon Volcano
One of the tallest peaks in the Visayas, the volcano raised Canlaon City’s skyline to 8,085 feet above sea level. The still active volcano is a favorite spot of intrepid mountain climbers. It can be accessed from Canlaon City, 165.7 kilometers from Dumaguete City.

Silliman University
Comprising 35 hectares adjacent to downtown Dumaguete, the university has been declared a bird sanctuary and is noted for its olden trees and cottage residences. Its major buildings, among them, the Guy Hall, Channon Hall, Oriental Hall, and Occidental Hall, had once been used by the Japanese Occupation forces for administrative and penal activities. Silliman University is located in Dumaguete City.

Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park
It is a 400-hectare protected mangrove forest which is a natural habitat and nesting place of birds and other wildlife. The park is located in Bais City. It is accessible by boat and then a walking distance through a 5,968 bamboo-split boardwalk.

Apo Island Rockclimbing
This tiny island off the coast of Dumaguete is almost completely ringed with 20m cliffs of stable limestone, offering fascinating climbing in a stunning setting. The island is surrounded by crystal water and extensive reefs, ideal for post-climb diving expeditions. Truly fearless (or perhaps foolhardy) climbers can cap off their ascent with a 12m dive into the ocean below. There are five established routes, ranging from 5.6 to 5.10, and the potential is there for many others. The island is a 30-minute boat ride from shore, and it is worth seeking the help of local climbers – contact the Dumaguete-based Cuernos de Negros Mountaineering Club, who can also arrange mountain treks into the interior of southern Negros.

Oriental Mindoro Is Famous For...

Puerto Galera.
The foremost asset of Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. Known as the Pearl of Mindoro, it is world-famous for splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike. There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes.

Mangyan Tribes.
The province’s existing ethnic tribal groups, the Mangyans, are gentle and withdrawn people but many of them have managed to integrate into the cultural mainstream, largely in the municipalities of Mansalay, Baco, Puerto Galera, Roxas, and Bongabong. The Mangyan tribe consists of various smaller tribes like the Iraya, Alangan, and Tadwanan. They are skilled weavers and craftsmen, producing intricate tribal finery, including baskets, mats, and other items, both functional and aesthetic.

Mt. Halcon.
Towering 8,488 feet above sea level, Mt. Halcon is the country's third highest peak. It is a favourite destination for nature tripping and mountain climbing. Mt. Halcon is located in Baco. It is accessible in two hours, by taking a jeepney to Baco, the jump-off point.

Tamaraw Falls.
The 423-foot waterfalls, situated alongside the road, is actually a series of asymmetrical falls, leading to the grand one, dropping to a frothy waterbed below. The cascading waterfalls is a great attraction to passers-by. Tamaraw Falls is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. It can be reached in two hours by taking a jeepney bound for Barangay Villaflor from Puerto Galera, or Calapan.

Beaches.
In nature-blessed Oriental Mindoro, you can choose your own beach among the many that abound, from fawn beige to powdery white. To name a notable few, there are the beaches of Sabang, Suqui, Banilad, Bongol, La Laguna, Small La Laguna, Talipanan, Melco, Punta Guarda, and White Sand, drawing local and foreign water enthusiasts alike with majestic sites ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Sabang Beach.
The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A cluster of nightspots abound in the area, which make it popular for evening socials. Cottages with entertainment facilities stand close to each other. Low-budget accommodations are available. Sabang Beach is located east of Puerto Galera. It can be reached in 15 minutes from the Puerto Galera pier by taking a jeepney or an outrigger banca.

Banana Festival
Held every March 18 to 19 in Baco, Mindoro Oriental, the festival is a celebration of the abundance of bananas. It features a banana cookfest and a "saba"-(type of banana)-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. Festivities coincide with the town fiesta held in honor of the patron, St. Joseph.

Oriental Mindoro Trekking
The large, wild island of Mindoro, easily accessible from Manila, offers some magnificent trekking experiences. Try ascending Mt. Halcon (2586m), a challenging four-day trek through old-growth rain-forest. Or brave the rugged journey south to the Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, one of the last homes of the tamaraw, the endangered wild buffalo of the Philppines. Park rangers monitor the tamaraw population carefully, and with their help, trekkers have a good chance of seeing these elusive animals.

JULY 29
ST. MARTHA

Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus. They lived in the little town of Bethany near Jerusalem. They were dear friends of Jesus, and he often came to visit them. In fact, the Gospel tells us: "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister Mary and Lazarus." It was St. Martha who lovingly served the Lord when he visited them. One day, she was preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples. She realized that the task would be easier if her sister would help. She watched Mary sitting quietly at Jesus' feet, listening to him. "Lord, tell my sister to help me," Martha suggested. Jesus was very pleased with Martha's loving service. However, he wanted her to know that listening to God's Word and praying is even more important. So he said gently, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part."

St. Martha's great faith in Jesus was seen when her brother Lazarus died. As soon as she heard that Jesus was coming to Bethany, Martha went to meet him. She trusted Jesus and felt the freedom to say: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Then Jesus told her that Lazarus would rise. He said, "He who believes in me, even if he die, shall live. Do you believe this?" And Martha answered, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world." Jesus worked a great miracle and raised Lazarus from the dead!

Later, Jesus came again to have supper with Lazarus, Martha and Mary. St. Martha served them at table as always. This time, though, Martha had a much more loving attitude. She served with a joyful heart.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Saturday (7/29): Martha said to Jesus, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day"

Scripture: John 11:19-27

19 many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world."

Meditation: What gives us hope and joy in the face of death? The loss of a loved one naturally produces grief and anguish of heart. When Martha, the sister of Lazarus and a close friend of Jesus, heard that Jesus was coming to pay respects for the loss of Lazarus, she immediately went out to meet him before he could get to her house. What impelled her to leave the funeral party in order to seek Jesus out? Was it simply the companionship and consolation of a friend who loved her brother deeply? Or did she recognize in Jesus the hope that God would restore life? Martha, like many Orthodox Jews, believed in the life to come. The loss of her brother did not diminish her hope in the resurrection. She even gently chides Jesus for not coming soon enough to save Lazarus from an untimely death. Jesus does something unexpected and remarkable both to strengthen her faith and hope in the life to come and to give her a sign of what he was to accomplish in his own death and resurrection. Jesus gave to her belief a new and profound meaning: He came from the Father to defeat sin and death for us and to restore life to those who believe in him. Jesus states unequivocally the he himself is the Resurrection and the Life. The life he offers is abundant life– life which issues from God himself. And eternal life– the fulness of life which knows no end.

Hellooo...are you there? This is an overseas call!

Could you return the clothes you borrowed from me lately? I need to change now...please?? Please don't hang up the phone... answer me... please!!!

Come on...just relax with me first!

The Nature of Anger

Many of us have some very definite ideas about anger. We see anger as destructive and hurtful. We consider it to be an inappropriate response. We equate anger with violence. In short, we feel that anger is simply wrong, and that when we experience anger, there's something wrong with us. Anger isn't nice. Anger isn't polite. And anger certainly isn't our friend.

Anger can be all of these things. But anger is also useful, necessary and even healing. We need our anger. We simply need to learn how to express our anger in appropriate, conscious, supportive ways. On its own, anger is neither good nor bad. It can be used to hurt, or it can be used to heal. It may not be a particularly pleasant emotion, but it's an important one. We can all benefit from exploring the nature of anger.

Few of us recognize that anger can be a positive, healing response. When we allow ourselves to experience anger, it focuses our minds, and strengthens our resolve. We discover reserves of strength and power. Our anger is what gives us the courage and the power to confront our fear that things will never change, by creating change.

We expect that our boundaries will be respected by others. When someone crosses a boundary, that expectation has not been met. The first thing we do is grieve the death of the expectation that other people will respect our boundaries. We feel unsafe because our boundary has been violated. But we also experience fear. We're afraid that things will never change: that our boundaries will not protect us because other people will not honor them. Our anger, however, is what allows us to change this. Our anger gives us the strength to defend ourselves. Our anger gives us the power and the courage to stand up and demand that our boundaries be respected. Our anger, in fact, enables us to feel safe again. Expressing our anger helps us to redefine and reinforce our boundaries. We know we can defend ourselves, and therefore we feel safe.

When we don't express our anger in healthy, conscious ways, we buy into the fear that things will never change. We feel unsafe. More importantly, we expect that we will always feel unsafe. Unexpressed anger inevitably turns to resentment and depression.

Anger is our call to awareness. Our anger encourages us to become conscious of a limiting belief. The key to experiencing anger in a healing way is to own our anger. We can then choose how to express our anger. We do not need to lash out, nor do we need to hurt anyone with our anger. Instead, we can choose to alter our thinking, change the limiting belief, and reclaim another piece of our true selves. When we embrace and understand the true nature of anger, anger can empower us, and help us to feel truly safe.

Batangas Is Famous For...

Anilao
It is not only ideal for poking around and observing marine life but also outstanding for macro photography. Multi-hued crinoids are prolific. The variety of nudibranchs is unmatched. Night dives are especially nice and often reveal unusual creatures like sea hares, sea goblins, catfish eels, ghost pipe fishes, blue-ringed octopuses, mandarin fishes, and snake eels.

The area’s best known dive site, Cathedral, is two large mounds with a cross in between at 50’. It is a well established fish feeding station. Covered with corals, the site is spectacular at night. Sombrero has a shallow wall of about 60’ with some good coral growth; offshore but nearby are Beatrice Rock and Bajura. Schools of triggerfishes and sometimes jacks and surgeons swim by, and they appear to have the market on anthias.

One of the prettiest dives in the area, Sepok has nice coral gardens and a vertical wall. Devil’s Point Twin Rocks, Coral Gardens, and Mainit are shallow dives with a wide array of invertebrates, especially nudibranchs. Bonete, Arthur’s, and Koala offer good dives for novices, with most to see above 50’. There is a good selection of hard and soft corals, anemones, and clownfishes, and goblinfishes at Arthur’s.

Apolinario Mabini Shrine
The national shrine is a memorial to the nationalism of Philippine hero Apolinario Mabini, known as the Sublime Paralytic, whose moral convictions and political principles illuminated the Filipinos in their search for national identity. It houses the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero who is also considered as the Brains of the Katipunan, the 1896 Filipino revolutionary movement against Spain. The shrine is located in Barrio Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas.

Taal Lake and Volcano
Southern Luzon’s centerpiece attraction is Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Batangas. The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay City, from the ridge where a panoramic view of Volcano Island can be seen. The volcano is known to be the smallest in the world. Surrounded by a lake, it is situated on an 8.8-kilometer islet, lapped by the 27-kilometer-long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on the crater of an extinct volcano. Volcano Island is also ideal for trekking.

Taal Heritage
Taal reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial era; the other is Vigan in Ilocos sur. The village conforms to the old town layout combining municipal hall-school-church-houses. It consists of a number of tourist attractions, namely, the Leon Apacible Historical Landmark, Marcela Mariño Agoncilio Museum and Monument, Basilica of San Martin de Tours, Escuela Pia, and Church of Our Lady of Caysasay.

Basilica of San Martin de Tours / Taal Church
San Martin de Tours is the patron of Taal, in whose honor a fest is celebrated every November 11. The church was first built by Father Diego Espina in 1575 in San Nicolas. It was destroyed when Taal volcano erupted in 1754, rebuilt at the present site in 1755, and once more destroyed by an earthquake in 1849. Construction of the present church was started in 1856. Once noted to be the biggest in South East Asia, the church is unique in its combined patriotic, religious, and artistic influence. Writers point to its theatrical exuberance. Its façade is baroque and consists of a single mass of stone shaped into rich complex designs. The church, however, is a fusion of styles with arched openings, alternating segmental canopies and arches of assymmetric shapes.

Church of Our Lady of Caysasay
This church is one of the province’s distinct cultural artifacts for some of the priceless relics of the Spanish colonial period. Among the relics are the 27-centimeter image of the Virgin which was fished out of the waters in 1603, the Augustinian emblems engraved on the communion rails, the ornately carved holy water receptacle, and the few baroque motifs which remain on the external frieze. The church has been renovated but many interesting details of period art can still be appreciated.

Mt. Maculot
One of the highest and most prominent mountains in the province, Mt. Maculot is one of the favorite sites of mountain trekkers. It is said that the mountain was the last stronghold of the Japanese in the province before they were defeated. Several tunnels built by the Japanese soldiers are present in the area. The name Maculot, meaning kinky, was derived from the curly-haired aborigines found in the place.

Parada ng Lechon
The celebration held every June 24 in the town of Balayan coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist. Lechons, or roast suckling pigs, coming from each barangay of the town are paraded, dressed in accordance with the theme of the fiesta. The parade is capped with a grand viewing of the lechons at the plaza. After the parade, the townspeople and guests partake of the fare as well as engage in water dousing.

Punta Baluarte, Calatagan
A nature resort set on the rolling hills of Hacienda Bigaa, Punta Baluarte offers first-rate accommodations, world-class golf course and facilities.

Balisong
Batangueños have a long-standing reputation for bravery, owing to the Balisong, a Philippine handmade fan-knife native to the province. Balisongs are an excellent buy from the myriad of shops that litter the province, showcasing the artistry of Batangueños.

Tanauan Aerial Sports
Accessible in less than two hours south of Manila, the small town of Tanauan is the skydiving capital of the Philippines. The drop zone, between Mt. Makiling and Taal Volcano, showcases some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The Skydiving Center in Tanauan has a 1200m airstrip with several aircraft available to take you aloft for jumping. The standard equipment is state-of-the-art square parachutes, which all have Cypress automatic activation devices fitted for maximum safety.

Surigao Del Norte Is Famous For...

Mancono Forests
The unique “mancono” (ironwood) forests of Dinagat Island remain to be one of the watershed’s most productive resources.

Metallic & Non-Metallic Deposits
The province is endowed with an abundance of natural resources, especially metallic and non-metallic deposits. Metallic reserves registered a total of 347,845,684 metric tons of nickeleferous laterite ore, gold, chromite, lode ore, and laterite ore. Non-metallic reserves registered a total of 376,718,867 metric tons of limestone, silica deposits, guano, rock phosphate, sand, and gravel. Nonoc Island has one of the world’s largest deposits of nickel while Dinagat Island has major reserves of chromate.

Excellent Fishing Area
The province’s seawaters, covering 12,540 square miles, are abundant with different species of fish. Game fishing and spear-fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the bountiful seas along the tuna route. Over 23 different species are caught the whole year round. Marlin, tuna, lapu-lapu, molluscs, crabs, even squids, stingrays, and octopuses can be bought fresh and cheap from the fish vendors and fisherfolk.

Mangrove Forests
Mangrove is the major theme in the coastal areas of the province. The saltwater-loving trees form interminable marine forests covering an area of 17,473 hectares along the coasts of the mainland and the islands of Siargao and Dinagat.

Marine Ecosystems
The province boasts a variety of marine ecosystems such as lush seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are relatively healthy and intact, supporting a rich diversity of marine flora and fauna.

Mamanwa Tribe
The province is home to one of the country’s ethnic tribes, the Mamanwas. Surigao City’s Bonok-bonok Festival depicts the merrymaking of these native folks and their gratitude to their pagan gods for a bountiful harvest and good health.

Surfing
Siargao Island is reputed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. It hosts international surfing events yearly. Its waves combine the best quality features of the top-rated waves of Hawaii’s fabled “pipeline” and the top-billed waves of Indonesia. Its huge, powerful rollers have been ranked among the top five breaks in the world, including the “Cloud Nine” which is considered one of the world’s top surfing waves.

Other Water Activities
For adventurous divers, the coasts of the province offer interesting dive sites while the islands of Sagisi and Corregidor are excellent for snorkeling activities.

Caving
The province has a number of caves and tunnels in its islands. Some, like the Suhoton Cove at Bucas Grande Island, are half-submerged in water most of the time and could be accessed only during low tides. A guano cave is situated in a mountain at Libjo, within which is a lagoon that remains unexplored. Steep climbs are expected on the way to the cave.

Siargao Sea Kayaking
While there are few rental craft on the island, Siargao has superb sea kayaking opportunities – on the east side, facing the Philippine Trench, the deep blue sea runs straight up against a perfect tropical coast, offering unparalleled wave-running. On the other side of the island, one of the country’s largest expanses of virgin mangrove swamp provides an entirely different kind of exploration. This centuries-old ecosystem is a rich breeding ground for marine life, including the salt-water crocodile, and is an adventure no kayaker will want to miss.

JULY 28
ST. BOTVID

Botvid was born in Sweden. He lived near the end of the eleventh century. The young man was brought up a pagan. But when he went to England, he became a Christian. Although he was not a priest, he felt a great desire to spread the Gospel message. He wanted to share Christianity with his own countrymen. He would be a lay missionary.

For this reason, St. Botvid returned to Sweden to work for the Lord there. But he was not even satisfied then. He wanted the Gospel to be preached in Finland, too. So he bought a Finnish slave and taught him the Catholic religion. Then he set the slave free to go back to his own country and catechize there. That man repaid the saint for his goodness by a terrible act of ingratitude. St. Botvid set out in a boat to take him across the Baltic sea to Finland. When they went ashore and the saint was asleep, the wicked slave killed Botvid and sailed away with the boat. When the saint did not return, friends searched for him until they found his body. He died in 1100.

St. Botvid is honored as a martyr of charity and as one of the apostles of Sweden.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Friday (7/28): "The cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word"

Scripture: Matthew 13:18-23

18 "Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

Meditation: How good are you at listening especially for the word of God? God is ever ready to speak to each of us and to give us understanding of his word. This parable of Jesus is a warning to those who hear and who preach the word of God. What makes us ineffective and unresponsive to God's word? Preoccupation with other things can distract us from what is truly important and worthwhile. And letting our hearts and minds be consumed with material things can easily weigh us down and draw us away from the treasure that lasts for eternity. God's word can only take root in a receptive heart which is docile and ready to hear what God has to say. One lesson is clear: the harvest is sure. While some seed will fall by the wayside and some fall on shallow ground and never come to maturity, and some be choked to death by the thorns; nonetheless a harvest will come. The seed that falls on good soil, on the heart that is receptive, will reap abundant fruit.

and the winner is...

Ohhhh...I really feel sleeeepy!!!

I rather sleep first before eating my meal...

The cat prefers to sleep while the mouse plays...

What Inspires You?

Have you ever thought? What inspires YOU? What is it that drives you day in and day out? What is it that inspires you?

We think of creative people as being inspired and ask about their work. What inspired you to paint, draw, produce this piece of work? What inspired you to make this? Usually the answer is: a book, poem, film, experience, person, a place or in Cole Porter's case the 'phone call from the director'.

Something else or someone else inspired the artist, the songwriter. But what about the person in a regular job? What inspires you?

"Inspiration is a desire to live life without flinching. To take a risk and possibly fail. To act on your emotions, creativity, ability and beliefs. To take criticism but have the faith in yourself to do it anyway. Bloody hard work, but then hard work never killed anyone (or so my Dad says). Oh, and I find foster parents inspiring. They pick up the pieces when the fundamental teachings and rules of our society fail. If I were religious I'd ask God to bless em."Carolyn Tomley(Sydney Morning Herald website).

What is it that inspires you?

You can begin to see that if nothing inspires you or excites you or lights up your life you are really missing something. You are just like a robot performing task after task. We believe that deep down you have a place where you can be touched. You have a place that is solely ours. Solely for you to show the world. Can you name it?

But what inspires you? What makes you go to that space where you continue to do what you do for hour after hour, when you forget the need to eat and drink. What is it that inspires you?

Some artists suggest that it is their imagination that inspires them. The need to tell the world what is going on in their heads. The links that they make. The different ways of viewing the world. After all literature, music and visual arts are all about the originator communicating with the rest of us.

So inspiration appears to be linked with the need to communicate with others. It may not be in words. But we feel it is about communication. What about you? What are you inspired to communicate?

Inspiration is linked to innovation. To introduce new ways of seeing things. Inspiration is a way of understanding the essence of ourselves. Understanding who we are and what we dream about. Whatever it is that inspires you, it is the core of your very being. So what is it?

Perhaps the role of inspiration is to wake us up from a big sleep. A sleep where everyday is the same. Where we contribute to the world but at the same time we don't contribute because there is nothing of us in there. Perhaps the role of inspiration is to get us to become involved with the world rather than be a bystander, an observer.

When we tap into whatever it is that inspires us we become a full member of society. We are able to share our ideas, thoughts and emotions. As we share and show our dreams, emotions and ideas and thoughts then we gradually become to understand the person we truly are.

So, the role of inspiration is more than we first thought. More that just a drive to action. It actually enables you to understand the very essence of yourself and what you have to offer the world.

Inspiration gives you understanding.
Inspiration gives you an identity.
Inspiration gives you a way of being.

Can you really live without knowing what inspires you?

Wisdom of the Worlds Proverbs

You don't have to excavate diamond mines or oil fields to find one of the world's greatest treasures. All you need to do is look at the world's proverbs--the "people's wisdom." Legendary Spanish writer Miguel De Cervantes described proverbs as "short sentences drawn from long experiences," and Scottish Historian Thomas Carlyle once wrote, "There is often more spiritual force in a proverb than in whole philosophical systems."

Proverbs are what the entire world has been creating for thousands and thousands of years through its thoughts, observations, insights, experiences, teachings, lessons, and writings. Here are some of these jewels of wisdom:

The unborn baby that fears criticism will never be born. (Burundi)

Every head must do its own thinking. (Liberia)

The zebra told the white horse, "I am white," and told the black horse, "I am actually black." (Namibia)

If you put a rope around your neck, many people will be glad to drag you by it. (Egypt)

The supreme excellence is not in being better than others, but in being better than your former self. (India)

A small house is enough room for a thousand friends. (Syria)

Don't be too sweet, or else you will be eaten up; but don't be too bitter, or else you will be spitted out. (Hebrew)

You can close the city gates, but you can't close the people's mouths. (Iran)

Marriage is an uncut watermelon. (Iran)

Ripe fruit falls by itself--but it doesn't fall in your mouth. (China)

A wise man makes his own decisions, but an ignorant man mindlessly follows the crowd. (China)

''t have to cut down a tree to get its fruit. (Cambodia)

Different men have different opinions--some prefer apples, some onions. (Indonesia)

A few kind words can warm three winter months. (Japan)

The person who has many faults is usually the first to criticize others. (Korea)

The distance between heaven and earth is no greater than one thought. (Mongolia)

Opportunities come, but do not linger. (Nepal)

No matter how much care is taken, someone will always be misled. (The Philippines)

Where there is a sea, there are pirates. (Singapore)

A husband and wife often fight intensely at one moment and then kiss intensely at the next moment. (Taiwan)

The sweetness of food doesn't last long, but the sweetness of good words do. (Thailand)

Things used to be that way, now they're this way, and who knows what they will be like later. (Basque)

Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it. (England)

What "they say" is half lies. (England)

One day is as good as two for the person who does everything in its place. (France)

Sailors get to know each other better when there is a storm (Corsica)

A praying pirate is definitely a sign of danger. (The Netherlands)

Hell is paved with good intentions, and roofed with lost opportunities. (Portugal)

If you want to be respected, you must respect yourself. (Spain)

Buy from people who are desperate, and sell to newlyweds. (Spain)

A timely ore (penny) is as good as a kroner (dollar). (Denmark)

Ask for advice, and then use your brain. (Norway)

A gentle word opens an iron gate. (Bulgaria)

To change and to change for the better are two different things. (Germany)

Listen to valuable statements, even if they come from your enemy's mouth. (Greece)

A habit is first a wanderer, then a guest, and finally the boss. (Hungary)

It's natural to have some disagreement between husband and wife. (Hungary)

All the brains are not in one head. (Italy)

He is a fool who does not consider his own interests. (Malta)

Being too nice can cost a lot. (Yiddish)

Asking is no sin, and being refused is no tragedy. (Russia)

If you wonder often, the gift of understanding will come. (Arapaho)

Listen--or your tongue will keep you deaf. (Cherokee)

Let your nature be known and expressed. (Huron)

Respect everyone, but lower yourself to no one. (Shawnee)

If you make yourself into a doormat, people will wipe their feet on you. (America)

The road to the head lies through the heart. (America)

After weeks of beans and taters, even a change to taters and beans is good. (Cowboy)

He who speaks too much is tiresome; he who speaks to little is boring. (Mexico)

A mind can make a heaven out of hell, or a hell out of heaven. (Costa Rica)

Even the supreme cloth is bound to have one faulty thread. (Honduras)

Brief encounters can result in long relationships. (Cuba)

Being careful is not being a coward. (Haiti)

Suit the behavior to the occasion. (Columbia)

The miserable only keep track of your misses and never count your hits. (Paraguay)

Those who lose dreaming are lost. (Australia)

A house full of people is filled with different points of view. (New Zealand)

Davao Del Sur Is Famous For...

White-Sand Beaches
Take your pick from the fine beaches in Sta. Maria, Malita, Jose Abad Santos, Sarangani, and Balut Island.

Tudaya Falls
Located in Sta. Cruz, it is one of the highest waterfalls in the country.

Eco-Adventure Activities
These include river tubing, a simpler version of white-water rafting using inflatable tire, in Sibulan River, Darong, Sta. Cruz; mountain climbing/trekking in Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the country; mountain biking around the province; aqua-sports activities in Malalag, Sta. Maria, Jose Abad Santos, Sarangani, Sta. Cruz, and in other towns of the province.

Tourism Farms
These can be found in Kapatagan (coffee, vegetables), Hagonoy (banana, sugar cane, mango), Malalag (banana), Padada (banana), Malita (cacao, coffee, coconut).

Cultural Tribal Villages
The province is home to the B’laans found in Matanao, the Tagakaolos in Malita, and the Bagobos in Kapatagan, Digos City as well as Sibulan, Sta. Cruz.

Pearl Farm
The 11-hectare Pearl Farm Resort was once, literally, a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white, and gold pearls. The resort lies in a secluded island off the coast of Davao City. It boasts Samal Houses patterned after the stilt houses of seafaring Samal tribes of the Sulu archipelago, with schools of tiny fish frolicking between the sturdy poles that support the houses.

Crocodile Park
Probably the country’s richest in terms of biological diversity, Davao is now also known to be the habitat of crocodiles. In Ma-a, within the city of Davao, lies the Crocodile Park, the habitat for grisly crocodiles, including the country’s largest crocodile, named “Pangil.” Aside from crocodiles of varying ages and sizes, the park also houses various breeds of birds, from the Philippine sea eagle to kakatoe and Indonesian parrots – truly a sight to behold.

Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center
It is home to the world’s largest eagle, the Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird. Once known as the monkey-eating eagle, the Philippine Eagle is endemic to the eastern portion of the Philippines, comprising the Sierra Madre Mountains in eastern Luzon and the heavily forested area of Mindanao. The largest eagle, standing to about 3.5 feet, may be recognized by its powerful bill, strong legs and claws. The general body color is grayish brown on the back and wings, whitish on the front, neck, and belly, with shafts of gray brown streaked feathers on the head, which, when erect, form a crest.

Davao Mountainbiking
The Davao area has great opportunities for two-wheeled tours. The pristine hills and white-sand beaches of Samal Island make it a popular bike destination, and a well-attended race is held here annually. From Davao City you can make day trips to the rugged foothills of Mt. Apo, the archipelago’s highest peak. There are other options for extended touring, with roads running up the coast into Davao Oriental, south to Davao del Sur, and the classic long route across the center of Mindanao, descending into Bukidnon and continuing out to the coast at Cagayan de Oro City. Davao has an active biking community; there are several well-stocked shops, bikes are available for hire.

Davao Trekking
Far to the south, the mountains of Mindanao offer another range of trekking experiences. Begin on the slopes of Mt. Apo (2990m), the highest point in the country. This peak towers over the Davao plain, dominating the horizon for kilometers around. The most popular trail, starting in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, passes swift-flowing rivers, streaming hot springs and virgin forest before arriving at the tranquil Lake Venado. The trail to the summit is demanding, leading you through fields of boarders, jagged peaks and a large crater with unearthly sulphur pillars.

JULY 27
ST. PANTALEON

Pantaleon came from Nicomedia, near the Black Sea, in Asia. He lived in the fourth century. He was such a famous doctor that Emperor Galerius Maximian chose him for his personal doctor. There, at the wicked, pagan court, Pantaleon got into trouble. He was a Christian, but little by little, he let the bad example around him ruin him. He began to agree with the false wisdom praised by the pagans. At last, he committed the great sin of giving up his Christian faith entirely.

A holy priest named Hermolaos was deeply saddened to see the famous doctor desert Jesus. He went to him. With his wise, kind words, he made Pantaleon realize what a sin he had committed. Pantaleon listened to him and admitted that he had been very wrong. He detested his sin and joined the Church once more. To make up for what he had done, he greatly desired to suffer and die for Jesus. In the meantime, he imitated Our Lord's charity by taking care of poor sick people without any charge.

When Emperor Diocletian began his persecution, Pantaleon at once gave away everything he owned to the poor. Not long afterward, some jealous doctors accused him of being a Christian. He was given the choice of denying his religion or of being put to death. Pantaleon absolutely refused to say he was not a Christian and no torture could make him do it. There has been strong devotion in past ages to this saint. In the East he is called the "great martyr and wonder-worker."

Daily Reading & Meditation

Thursday (7/27): "Many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see and hear what you hear"

Scripture: Matthew 13:10-17

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" 11 And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says: `You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. 15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Meditation: Do you want to grow in your knowledge of God? Augustine of Hippo once said: "I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe." Both faith and understanding are gifts of the Holy Spirit that enable us to hear God's word with clarity so we can know him better and grow in the knowledge of his love and truth. Jesus, however, had to warn his disciples that not everyone would understand his teaching. The prophet Isaiah had warned that some would hear God's word, but not believe, some would see God's actions and miracles, and remained unconvinced. Ironically some of the greatest skeptics of Jesus' teaching and miracles were the learned scribes and Pharisess who prided themselves on their knowledge of scripture and the law of Moses. They heard Jesus' parables and saw the great signs and miracles which he performed, but they refused to accept both Jesus and his message. How could they "hear and never understand" and "see but never perceive"? They were spiritually blind and deaf because their hearts were closed and their minds were blocked by pride and prejudice. How could a man from Galilee, the supposed son of a carpenter, know more about God and his word, than these experts who devoted their lives to study and teaching?

There is only one thing that can open a closed and confused mind - a broken heart and a humble spirit! The word disciple means one who is willing to learn and ready to submit to the wisdom and truth which comes from God. Psalm 119 expresses the joy and delight of a disciple who loves God's word and who embraces it with trust and obedience. "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation." (Psalm 119:97-99)

God can only reveal the secrets of his kingdom to the humble and trusting person who acknowledges their need for God and for his truth. The parables of Jesus will enlighten us if we approach them with an open mind and heart, ready to let them challenge us. If we approach God's word with indifference, skepticism, and disbelief, then we, too, may "hear but not understand" and "see but not perceive". God's word can only take root in a receptive heart that is ready to believe and willing to submit. If we want to hear and to understand God's word, we must listen with reverence and faith.

Be a Star in Your Own Life

Do you have the charactertics to be star in their own life?

What characteristics below do you have or don't have already?

Give each item a rating from 1 to 10 with 10 beingyou have this charactertics 100%.

1. Believe anything is possible. The universe is your oasis, see everything as vast within a reachable horizon.Keep raising your ceiling every day. Believe in you and others will believe in you. Everything is a mirror and others can only be a reflection back of that mirror. When you think it will work, then it will work. Who do you wantpeople to see when they look into your mirror?

2. Know your talents and focus on them in order to be star.Talent is not ability or skill. Talent is your gifts from God. Look up the words talent, ability, and skill in adictionary and learn the difference. You need to name it inorder to claim it. To find your talent, find the consistent patterns that have yearned throughout your life, the thingsyou have always gravitated to. Define yourself in terms of potential value you bring to the world. Ask, "What gives me a burning sense of fulfillment?"

3. Just like a star in the sky, gas and dust build that star and make it shine. The star chooses only the right gas, the right dust to bring into its building process.There are tons of choices (gas) and elements (dust) that are swirling all around you. Use only the specific types that will help you form your star.

4. Be selfish when it comes to fueling your talents and your dream. Do things that please you. Have daily call to actions that make you tingle and smile.

5. The smallest participles deliver big results. Big things emerge from the smallest actions. Focus on the little things whenever the big things aren't apparent.

6. Trust and use your instincts fully. Use heavy discernment regarding comments from others. Never underestimate your competition.

7. Burning rage is the difference in saying you want something and continually acting as if you do. You succeed only to the level of your hottest burning rage. Anger is notburning rage. Rage provides a sense of fulfillment when accomplished, it makes you happy and smile. Rage is oneclick past passion and desire. Rage has no fear and failureisn't an option. Rage propels you out of your comfort zone.Rage is a level of continual commitment that makes asuperstar. Rage keeps you alert, highly aware. It keepsyou looking for a new path, especially one that isn't blocked. Rage attracts like-minded positive people. Itshould propel you into action.

8. Make and bake your own breaks. Be ready for thea udition at any moment. Be the President of your own fan club. Who is drawn to you -- who are your biggest fans and why? Be the last one standing. Be a great pitcher. Worksmart and hard, be prepared, and be available.

9. Be comfortable with change. Choose to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It's hard to stand out when you're fitting in.

10. Turn any disadvantage in an advantage. Setbacks areonly setups for something else.

Palawan Is Famous For...

Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is a unique game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan.
Established on August 31,1976 by virtue of Presidential Decree No.1578, this was initiated in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd world Conference in Kenya. By virtue of RA 7611 (SEP), administrative jurisdiction of DENR was given to the local government of Palawan, effective December 31,1993. Management of the area is the responsibility of the PCSDO (Palawan Council of Sustainable Development Office). It is located in Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan.

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (formerly Crocodile Farming Institute).
It aims to preserve and conduct further research studies on endangered species of crocodiles. One of the structures is a ""hospital"" for sick and disabled crocodiles. It also intends to make good use of the raw materials derived from crocodile skin. The place also maintains a mini-zoo featuring some of Palawan's endemic animals, under the supervision and management of DENR-PAWB. Visiting hours are from 1 :30 to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn, and 1 :00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays. Feeding time is every Monday and Thursday afternoon.
It is located in National Road, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, 30-40 minutes’ travel from the city proper. One can take a tricycle and get off at Barangay Irawan where the crocodile farm is located. A jeepney could be hired to get to the place.

Tubbattaha Reefs.
It is a marine sanctuary located in the Middle Central Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City. Declared a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on December 1993, it is under protective management by the Department of National Defense (DND). It is under technical supervision by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) & the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR).

It is located in Cagayancillo town, Palawan. Trips to Tubbattaha from mid-March to mid-June are all vessel-based and require planning for a minimum of six weeks prior to departure. To reach the place, take a 70-minute flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. From the airport, a shuttle bus takes you to the dive boat. Boat ride from Puerto Princesa City takes approximately 12 hours.

Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga.
Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron.
Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 WWII Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40M. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area.

El Nido Marine Reserve.
Occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, this popular nature spot boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier tourist destinations. Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is, the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife. Countless varieties of fish are also found here. Manta rays are a common sight; when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammal, the sea cow, known locally as ""dugong.""

Accommodations are available at El Nido Resorts, it has two properties being Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort. Miniloc is set in a cove surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. Lagen on the other hand, is the most luxurious resort in the area, set in a lush forest with a magnificent view of the bay and the El Nido sunset. While each resort has its own special charm, both offer the same distinct quality of service that is attuned and responsive to the unique needs of each guest and focuses on making sure that your holiday is worry-free and filled with enriching experiences.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
A world heritage site, this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river, reputed to be the world's longest, that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out in to the South China Sea. This river flows within a deep cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs, special features of the park. Known as one of the world's wonders, this river stretches eight kilometers deep into an underground lagoon with crystalline waters. Within the hallowed recesses, one winds through the tunnel aboard a paddle boat with outriggers to be enthralled at every turn which reveals stalactite pillars, rock formations, and domed amphitheaters.

The park is located in Bahile, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Located 81 kilometers from the city proper, the place can be reached through Barangay Cabayugan to Sabang, from where one could take a pumpboat ride to the Underground River, or hike through a monkey trail. An alternative way to reach the river is through a hired pumpboat ride from Bahile wharf. Travel time through Barangay Cabayugan is 1 1/2 hours' jeepney ride and 10 to 15 minutes’ pumpboat ride or 1 1/2 hours’ hike.

Honda Bay.
The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs bordering fabulous beaches which have become the favorite swimming, snorkelling, and diving destinations of local residents and tourists. These islets are the Cannon (Cowrie) Island, Bat Island, Lu-Ii Island (derived from the word ""lulubog-lilitaw"", meaning floating and sinking island, is visible only during low tide), Meara Marina, Starfish Island (known for its fine white sand and clear water that teems with starfish), Snake Island (an island with a long stretch of fine white sand shaped like a snake), Pandan Island, and Senorita Island (the breeding site of lapu-lapu fish). Lodging facilities are available for overnight stays in the islands of Meara Marina and Starfish (Sandbar Resort).
The bay is located in Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City. About 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City is Sta. Lourdes wharf where pumpboats could be hired to take tourists to the island of their choice. Some islands require an entrance fee; others are privately owned, thus, permits from the owners are necessary. Sta. Lourdes wharf is 25 minutes away by hired tricycle or jeepney. A pumpboat ride from the wharf to the different islands is from 15 to 50 minutes.

Tabon Caves.
Known as the ""Cradle of Philippine Civilization,"" Tabon Caves consists of a series of chambers where anthropologists discovered the remains of crude man and his tools. Anthropological significance came to the fore with the discovery of the remains of the 22,000 year old Tabon Man in one of its interiors, along with other artifacts decades ago.
The caves are located in Lipuua Point, Quezon, Palawan. About 155 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, the place can be reached by taking a bus or jeepney ride from the provincial capital to Quezon. It is followed by a pumpboat ride from Quezon wharf to the caves. Travel time is 3-4 hours by bus or jeepney to Quezon and 20-30 minutes’ boat ride from Quezon pier to the caves.

Archeological Exploration.
The activity can be fun and endlessly appealing to both new and perennial visitors to Palawan. Visit the Tabon Caves and be enthralled by the chambers which yield knowledge about life 50,000 years ago.

Baragatan sa Palawan.
A grand celebration of the founding of the civil government of Palawan is celebrated every third week of June in Puerto Princesa City. Highlights of the Baragatan are the LGU Trade and Food Fair, and colorful parade with participation from the different municipalities and private sectors, featuring the ethnic groups and the coronation of Ms. Palawan.

Seacows
Palawan is home to the seacow, known locally as dugong, a unique animal, being the only herbivorous mammal in existence today. We probably owe our childhood fantasies of the mythical mermaid to the dugong, which, because of its fish-like tail, smooth brownish skin, mammary glands, and woman-like genitalia, was often mistaken by sailors, weary from long voyages, as a mermaid. The dugong can grow to more than three meters in length and can weigh more than 400 kg. Its body is torpedo-shaped with small short flippers and whale-like flukes. Its lip is shaped like a disk with thick hair.

Palawan Sea Kayaking
The islands scattered north of Palawan offer one of the world’s most spectacular marine environments. Towering limestone cliffs rear straight up from seas teeming with marine life, and hidden bays offer deserted beaches for camping. The coral reefs here are amongst the most extensive in the country, so be sure to bring your snorkeling gear. Many islands are also covered in jungle, the habitat of rare bird species. If you are willing to carry your boat, you can explore some of the lakes on Coron Island, home of the reclusive Tagbanua Tribe. Internationally known tour operators run regular sea kayaking tours among the islands around northern Palawan.

Zamboanga Del Norte Is Famous For...

Jose Rizal's Exile
Decrying Spanish authority over his beloved country, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero, lived in exile in faraway Dapitan City, then only a sleepy town in Mindanao. Here, he spent fruitfully his last four years in exile, from 1892 to 1896, to practice medicine, pursue scientific studies, keep with his artistic and literary endeavors, and widen his knowledge of languages. In Dapitan, Rizal found a school and a hospital, and became a farmer to prove to the people that farming is as good a profession as medicine.

Rizal Shrine
Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal spent his last four years in exile in Dapitan. His original estate here has been declared a national shrine and is being administered by the National Historical Institute. Hence, the city monicker, "Shrine City of the Philippines." By the year 2020, Dapitan is poised to become the Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center of the Philippines, owing to the wealth of Rizal memorabilia and memorable places associated with the hero.

The Rizaliana
It is a modern concrete building constructed in 1972, which houses all Rizaliana books, periodicals, and other historical exhibits. Part of it also serves as the office of the Rizal Shrine curator.

Dakak Beach
The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautfiully shaped cove and powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca in Mindanao. Pristine blue waters, excellent dive sites with an abundance of coral reefs, and a magnificent sunset horizon characterize this tropical eden. Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter private white-sand beach.

Sinulog and Kinabayo
It is a two-day celebration, held from July 24 to 25, of the annual patronal feast of St. James. The Sinulog is a dance procession while the Kinabayo is an exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish Wars, particularly, the Battle of Covadonga. During this battle, the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against the Saracens. They were able to reverse the tide of the war with the miraculous apparition of St. James, the Apostle. The addition of local color and innovations make this annual revelry a popular attraction drawing crowds to the city.

Tulwanan Village
It was the original settlement of Dipolog's early inhabitants, the Subanons. It is located about six kilometers from the city proper and along Dipolog River, through which the Subanons transported their products to trading posts and markets in the early days.

3003 Steps to Linabo Peak
Found up high at the foot of the heavens, these concrete steps wind along a tunnel of verdant trees, leading the visitor to a panoramic vista of sky, plains and sea; horizons and a spectacular view of the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. This is Dipolog's highest elevation point - 460 meters above sea level. Savor a rarefied experience, at the very least.

JULY 26
ST. JOACHIM AND ST. ANNE

St. Anne and St. Joachim are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They spent their lives worshiping God and doing good. They had one great sorrow, however: God had not sent them any children. For years and years, Anne had begged the Lord to give her a child. She promised to consecrate the baby to him. When she was already old, God answered her prayer in a far better way than she could ever have dreamed. The child born to St. Joachim and St. Anne was the Immaculate Virgin Mary. This holiest of all women was to become the Mother of God. Anne took tender care of little Mary for a few years. Then she gave her to the service of God, as she had promised she would.

Mary went to live in the holy Temple of Jerusalem. St. Joachim and St. Anne continued their lives of prayer until God called them home to heaven. Christians have always been especially devoted to St. Anne. Many beautiful churches have been built in her honor. Perhaps one of the most famous is the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre in Canada. Great crowds go there all year around to ask St. Anne's help in their sufferings.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Wednesday (7/26): "Since they had no root they withered away"

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9

1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."

Meditation: Are you hungry for God's word? Matthew tells us that Jesus taught many things to those who came to listen and learn. Jesus' teaching method was a very simple one. He used parables -- short stories and images taken from everyday life to convey hidden truths about the kingdom of God. Like a skillful artist, Jesus painted evocative pictures with short and simple words. A good image can speak more loudly and clearly than many words. Jesus used the ordinary everyday to point to another order of reality -- hidden, yet visible to those who had "eyes to see" and "ears to hear". Jesus communicated with pictures and stories, vivid illustrations which captured the imaginations of his audience more powerfully than an abstract presentation could. His parables are like buried treasure waiting to be discovered (Matt. 13:44).

What does the parable about seeds and roots say to us about the kingdom of God? Any farmer will attest to the importance of good soil for supplying nutrients for growth. And how does a plant get the necessary food and water it needs except by its roots? The scriptures frequently use the image of fruit-bearing plants or trees to convey the principle of spiritual life and death. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8; see also Psalm 1:3). Jesus' parable of the sower is aimed at the hearers of his word. There are different ways of accepting God's word and they produce different kinds of fruit accordingly. There is the prejudiced hearer who has a shut mind. Such a person is unteachable and blind to what he or she doesn't want to hear. Then there is the shallow hearer. He or she fails to think things out or think them through; they lack depth. They may initially respond with an emotional reaction; but when it wears off their mind wanders to something else. Another type of hearer is the person who has many interests or cares, but who lacks the ability to hear or comprehend what is truly important. Such a person is for ever too busy to pray or too preoccupied to study and meditate on God's word. He or she may work so hard that they are too tired to even think of anything else but their work. Then there is the one whose mind is open. Such a person is at all times willing to listen and to learn. He or she is never too proud or too busy to learn. They listen in order to understand. God gives grace to those who hunger for his word that they may understand his will and have the strength to live according to it.

Here's something that'll make you smile...

Dear Husband,

I'm writing you this letter to tell you that I'm leaving you for good. I've been a good woman to you for seven years and I have nothing to show for it.

These last two weeks have been hell. Your boss called to tell me that you had quit your job today and that was the last straw. Last week, you came home and didn't notice that I had gotten my hair and nails done, cooked your favorite meal and even wore a brand new negligee. You came home and ate in two minutes, and went straight to sleep after watching the game.

You don't tell me you love me anymore. You don't touch me or anything. Either you're cheating or you don't love me anymore. Whatever the case is, I'm gone.

P.S. If you're trying to find me, don't. Your BROTHER and I are moving away to West Virginia together. Have a great life!

Your Ex-Wife

Dear Ex-Wife

Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It's true that you and I have been married for seven years, although a good woman is a far cry from what you've been. I watch sports so much to try to drown out your constant nagging. Too bad that doesn't work. I did
notice when you cut off all of your hair last week. The first thing that came to mind was "You look just like a man!" My mother raised me to not say anything if you can't say anything nice.

When you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY BROTHER, because I stopped eating pork seven years ago.

I went to sleep on you when you had on that new negligee because the price tag was still on it. I prayed that it was a coincidence that my brother had just borrowed fifty dollars from me that morning and your negligee was $49.99.

After all of this, I still loved you and felt that we could work it out. So when I discovered that I had hit the lotto for ten million dollars, I quit my job and bought us two tickets to Jamaica . But when I got home you were gone. Everything happens for a reason I guess. I hope you have the
filling life you always wanted.

My lawyer said that with the letter you wrote, you won't get a dime from me. So take care.

P.S. I don't know if I ever told you this. Carl, my brother, was born Carla. I hope that's not a problem.

Signed,

Rich As Hell and Free!

Hi,

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with US$ 86,400.
It carries over no balance from day to day; allows you to keep no cash balance;
every night deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.
What would you do with such an account? Draw out every Cent, of course!!!

Every one of us has such a 'bank'. Its name is TIME.
Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds.
Every night it writes off as lost whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.
It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you.
Each night it burns the records of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.
There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow. You must live in the present -on today's deposits.

Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success!
The clock is running.

Live life as if its the last..

A Lifetime In Love

We let ourselves love but are afraid to say I love you.We constantly allow our emotions to run deep but why do we hold back on our sweet sensations and tingling feelings?

Sometimes although it hurts so bad we cry out for more.Is this what love is meant to be like?

There are times when special moments become favourite memories but we findsolace and comfort within, without saying a word, without expressing our true feelings, justliving life as it comes.

One day it will all begin to fade away and the question will be asked:

Where did I go wrong to make it like this?

Where is the love?

What can I do to turn back the hands of time?

The feelings were there but you grew apart. Now you have awakened from your dream with a broken heart.

Too late to say who is to be blamed. Oh what a dreadful shame.

Always share your dreams and grow together, making simple moments in life the biggest things ever.

Out of the blue say I love you, whether there is joy or sorrow. Love knows no boundaries and no distance so why not let love continue to be boundless.

Why continue to place obstacles in the way of love?

Once is a lifetime, forever in love. Make it truly a lifetime in love.

Wherever You Are...Be There!

One of the major reasons why we fail to find happiness or to create unique lifestyle is because we have not yet mastered the art of being.

While we are home our thoughts are still absorbed with solving the challenges we face at the office. And when we are at the office we find ourselves worrying about problems at home.

We go through the day without really listening to what others are saying to us. We may be hearing the words, but we aren't absorbing the message.

As we go through the day we find ourselves focusing on past experiences or future possibilities. We are so involved in yesterday and tomorrow that we never even notice that today is slipping by.

We go through the day rather than getting something from the day. We are everywhere at any given moment in time except living in that moment in time.

Lifestyle is learning to be wherever you are.

It is developing a unique focus on the current moment, and drawing from it all of the substance and wealth of experience and emotions that it has to offer.

Lifestyle is taking time to watch a sunset.

Lifestyle is listening to silence.

Lifestyle is capturing each moment so that it becomes a new part of what we are and of what we are in the process of becoming.

Lifestyle is not something we do; it is something we experience. And until we learn to be there, we will never master the art of living well.

Control Your Own Destiny

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you."
-Brian Tracy

In order to make choices that may change your destiny, you must first know yourself and what you are creating moment by moment. What you do in the present moment brings you closer to being in command of your destiny. When you focus on past experience and the knowledge you've gained from school, work, society, economic, and spiritual training, you can begin to know yourself.

Human nature is created so that you can choose your destiny, and then control it. The key is to be one of the few who know where you are going and exactly how to get there. To do this, you must realize that life is changeable. With each change along the way you develop experience. You enrich your learning.

Since your life is always in a constant state of creating and developing, you create your own story by choosing the direction you want it to take. With any one decision, you can change your destiny. You have the power to do this: it is called making choices. Without it you'd just be following the masses and letting others control your destination.

The repetition of certain thoughts also plays a huge part in determining your destiny. This is why it's most important to be aware of what and how you think. Some thoughts that may bear repeating include:

To always show positive feelings toward others. Negative thoughts and feeling are limiting.

To know you're smart even if it takes you a little longer to understand a point.

To know that failures can lead to success.

To welcome problems ? they are learning tools.

To know that there is untapped skill and creativity in everything you attempt.

To remember that God put you on earth to win.

To know that prosperity comes to those who believe it will happen.

That giving quality service to your customers may result in a quantity of customers.

To know that valuing your own self and making a commitment to excellence is worth striving for.

To treat others with respect and kindness is a measure of your spirituality.

And as you keep these thoughts uppermost in your mind, you have the power to be guided by them. Yet, just knowing without thinking how you respond to life is the art of self-awareness and living in the present moment. Being aware of each moment is a part of your true being

Other ways to measure the power of your thoughts is to limit any thoughts that are non-productive. Some of these non-productive thoughts may include:

Feeling guilty when you say, "No." Refusing to cater to the demands of others is not a selfish act. Saying, 'yes, when you mean 'no' may cause resentment.'

Feeling 'stupid' when you don't understand something - Rather then make a mistake when instructions are not clear, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. This is a sign of good judgment.

Thinking that everything you do is solely your own doing. Be confident and have enough faith to know that your life is guided by a higher power. This confirms your spirituality.

Ignoring opportunities to change - Growth comes with change. Life is a constant state of change. Be ready for any worthwhile challenge or opportunity to grow.

Worrying - Some of the best opportunities are missed when you worry and procrastinate until the opportunity has come and gone. Learn to be decisive. What's the worst possible scenario? How hurt would you feel if you missed a great opportunity?

Whatever you do, and wherever you are in life, pay attention to your thoughts. Any sign of negativity, anger, fear, or procrastination is harmful. Get rid of biased opinions. Be open to other ways of thinking. Make the best of your thoughts and your thoughts will make the best you.

Then, let your new founded self-awareness lead you to a life where you are free to choose and to control your own dreams and goals. That's your destiny.

Camiguin Is Famous For...

Old Ancestral Homes
Camiguin Island is famous for its ancestral homes gracefully dotting the streets all over the island.

Sunken Cemetery
A large cross marks a cemetery swept to the sea by old Mt. Vulcan Daan’s eruption in 1871.

White Island
A white sandbar just across Paras Beach Resort in Barangay Yumbing, ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling. This uninhabited sandbar changes its shape according to tide.

Old Historical Churches
Century-old churches are found in various parts of the island and one of the famous churches is the old Sto. Rosario Church in Sagay municipality, built in 1882, and the church ruins of San Roque in Barangay Bonbon.

PANAAD
Held annually in observance of the Lenten Season. People flock to the island and walk around a 64 km. circumferential road as their “vow” to Christian faith.

Turrones de Mani (La Salud) / Pastel
One the island’s traditional delicacies, with the main establishment owned by the Bollozos family. The method of making the delectable delicacy has not changed despite of the advancement technology.

Waterfalls
The island has numerous waterfalls, one of the most famous and accessible being Katibawasan Falls, with 160 meters drop of a slender stream of water. A shallow basin with its icy cold water is surrounded by wild ferns, trees, and boulders.

Hot Spring
Located in Barangay Esperanza, this famous hot spring is very much favored by tourists especially during night time because of its therapeutic effects.

Lanzones Fruit and Festival
A two-day grand display of agri-industry products, culminating with a grand parade of these golden fruits, usually with a tableau presentation depicting the local culture.

Walkway / Station of the Cross
A must-see destination for religious tours because this is where the station of the cross is located. One of the best areas from which to have the full view of the island.

Camiguin Beaches / Agohay Beach
Camiguin owes its monicker, “Garden of Eden,” to the presence of beautiful beaches and majestic waterfalls in this island-paradise. One of the favorite sandy beaches in the island is Agohay Beach, located 7 kilometers from Brgy. Agoho in Mambajao. Native cottages, a multipurpose building, and motorized pumpboats are available accomodations for visitors. Likewise, Agohay has a good camping area for Mt. Hibok Hibok mountaineers.

Mt. Hibok Hibok / 7 Volcanoes
Entry is through the base of Barangay Esperanza in Mambajao. It is the only active volcano among the SEVEN others in island; the 1,250 meters slope is a challenge even to the season climbers as the trek entails skillful maneuvers in loose rocks and boulders. A crater lake and stream serve as outlets in many places at the peak and a clear view of the entire island and Bohol beyond can be seen on clear days.

Bohol Is Famous For...

Chocolate Hills.
Located in the town of Carmen, 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the Chocolate Hills are undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Among the 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, which abound in Central Bohol, two have been developed into a resort. On top of these hills is a complex that offers accommodation, conference rooms, restaurants, and a view deck.

Dauis Church
Located in the town of Dauis, three kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Dauis Church is one of Bohol’s beautiful churches that has retained its Spanish architecture despite a semi-modern façade. The interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling.
The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers. It is the object of the faithful, who attend its annual festivities. Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the townfolk locked themselves inside the church until they ran out of water and provisions. Then suddenly a well appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main source of water for the people living in the church vicinity. Surprisingly, the water is absolutely fresh even as the well is located only a few meters from the sea.

Baclayon Church
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines is Baclayon Church, located in the town of Baclayon, six kilometers from Tagbilaran City. This ancient massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design. Both in the external and internal portions of the church are various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century, which have now been placed at the Baclayon Museum.
Baclayon is the oldest town in Bohol and the mother town of Alburquerque, Balilihan, and Sikatuna.

Blood Compact / Sandugo
Datu Sikatuna, a native Boholano chieftain, forged a Blood Compact with Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two countries. The Blood Compact that took place on March 16, 1565 is considered as the first “Treaty of Friendship” between the brown and white races. A marker of this historic event can be found in Barangay Bool at Tagbilaran City.

Dagohoy Revolt
Francisco Dagohoy led the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards, which lasted for 84 years. There now stands a marker in Magtangtang at the town of Danao, installed by the Philippine Historical Commission to honor the heroic deeds of Dagohoy. Magtangtang was his headquarters or hideout during the revolt. Hundreds of Dagohoy’s followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site located in Danao, 92 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.

Sandugo Festival
The festival celebrated from July 1 to 31 has been inspired by the blood compact, or Sandugo, a friendship treaty between the Philippines and Spain that took place in 1565. The annual spectacle of the province features an agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical showcase, sports events, a beauty pageant, balls and dances, entertainment shows, and streetdancing which culminates with the re-enactment of the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Bolibong Kingking Festival
Celebrated from May 23 to 24, it is a music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore, and traditions of the Lobocanons. Bolibong Kingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs, and their rhythm, used to accompany the supplication dance ritual performed before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the second patron of Loboc.

JULY 25
ST. JAMES THE GREATER

James was a fisherman like his father Zebedee and his brother John. He was on his father's boat mending his nets when the Lord passed by. Jesus called each of them, James and John, to become fishers of men, to join him in spreading the Good News. Zebedee watched as his two sons left the boat to follow Jesus.

With St. Peter and St. John, James was a special companion of Jesus. With them James was permitted to see what the other apostles did not see. With them he watched as Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus to life. With them he was taken up the mountain to see Jesus shining like the sun, with his robes white as snow. This event is called Jesus' Transfiguration. On Holy Thursday, the night before he died, Jesus led the apostles into the garden of Gethsemane. Matthew's Gospel tells us he invited Peter, James and John to accompany him to a secluded area to pray. They watched as the Master's face became saddened with grief. Then drops of blood began to form on his brow. It was a very sad moment, but the apostles were exhausted. They fell asleep. Then St. James ran in fear when the enemies of Jesus took him away. And James was not near the foot of the cross on Good Friday. But the Lord met up with him on Easter Sunday evening in the upper room. The resurrected Jesus came through the locked door and said, "Peace be to you." St. James and the other apostles would find that peace after the Holy Spirit's coming on Pentecost.

St. James began his ministry as an impulsive, outspoken man. He asked Jesus bluntly for a seat of honor in his kingdom. He demanded that Jesus send fire down on the villages that did not receive the Lord. But he had great faith in Jesus. Eventually, James learned to become humble and gentle. And he did become "first" in a way he could never have imagined. He was given the honor of being the first apostle to die for Jesus. Chapter 12 of the Acts of the Apostles tells us that King Herod Agrippa had St. James put to death by the sword. As a martyr James gave the greatest witness of all.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Tuesday (7/25): "Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?"

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Meditation: How do you approach authority and positions of leadership?Jesus did the unthinkable! He wedded authority with love and service and with sacrifice — the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of another. Authority without sacrificial love is brutish and self-serving. Jesus also used stark language to explain what kind of sacrifice he had in mind. His disciples must drink his cup if they expect to reign with him in his kingdom. The cup he had in mind was a bitter one involving crucifixion. What kind of cup does the Lord have in mind for us? For some disciples such a cup entails physical suffering and the painful struggle of martyrdom. But for many, it entails the long routine of the Christian life, with all its daily sacrifices, disappointments, set-backs, struggles, and temptations. A disciple must be ready to lay down his or her life in martyrdom and be ready to lay it down each and every day in the little and big sacrifices required. What makes such sacrifice a joy rather than a burden? It is love - the kind of "love which God has poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). An early church father summed up Jesus' teaching with the expression: "to serve is to reign with Christ." We share in God's reign by laying down our lives in humble loving service of one another as Jesus did for our sake. Are you ready to lay down your life and to serve others as Jesus did?

Learn From Failure and Confirm with Success

Both failure and success are good... if you know what their specific purpose is.

Of course we know that success is good, but why? Success is good because it confirms things for us.

Success confirms our plans.
Success confirms our decisions.
Success confirms our resources.
Success confirms our strategies.
Success confirms our hunches.
Success confirms our teamwork.
Success confirms our risks.
Success confirms a lot of things!

So when you are successful, ask yourself the following question:

What does this success confirm in my mind?

Now, what about failure? What is the role of failure and how in the world can it be GOOD?

Failure's role is to teach us. We learn from failure.
Failure teaches us that we need to change our plans.
Failure teaches us that we need to change our decisions.
Failure teaches us that we need to change our resources.
Failure teaches us that we need to change our strategies.
Failure teaches us that we need to change our hunches.
Failure teaches us that we need to change our teamwork.
Failure teaches us that we need to change our risks.
Failure teaches us that we need to change a lot of things!

But at least now we know one more thing that won't work! With every failure, we learn one more way we can abandon and focus in on what may be the correct way in the future! When we look at it that way, we set ourselves up for a powerfully successful future! So when you fail, ask yourself this question: What does this failure teach me?

Remember, Success and Failure are both good. They can both be your friend... If you know what role they are to play in your life. Learn From Failure and Confirm with Success.

Facing the Enemies Within

We are not born with courage, but neither are we born with fear. Maybe some of our fears are brought on by your own experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you've read in the papers. Some fears are valid, like walking alone in a bad part of town at two o'clock in the morning. But once you learn to avoid that situation, you won't need to live in fear of it.

Fears, even the most basic ones, can totally destroy our ambitions. Fear can destroy fortunes. Fear can destroy relationships. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our lives. Fear is one of the many enemies lurking inside us.

Let me tell you about five of the other enemies we face from within. The first enemy that you've got to destroy before it destroys you is indifference. What a tragic disease this is. "Ho-hum, let it slide. I'll just drift along." Here's one problem with drifting: you can't drift your way to the top of the mountain.

The second enemy we face is indecision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity and enterprise. It will steal your chances for a better future. Take a sword to this enemy.

The third enemy inside is doubt. Sure, there's room for healthy skepticism. You can't believe everything. But you also can't let doubt take over. Many people doubt the past, doubt the future, doubt each other, doubt the government, doubt the possibilities and doubt the opportunities. Worse of all, they doubt themselves. I'm telling you, doubt will destroy your life and your chances of success. It will empty both your bank account and your heart. Doubt is an enemy. Go after it. Get rid of it.

The fourth enemy within is worry. We've all got to worry some. Just don't let it conquer you. Instead, let it alarm you. Worry can be useful. If you step off the curb in New York City and a taxi is coming, you've got to worry. But you can't let worry loose like a mad dog that drives you into a small corner. Here's what you've got to do with your worries: drive them into a small corner. Whatever is out to get you, you've got to get it. Whatever is pushing on you, you've got to push back.

The fifth interior enemy is over-caution. It is the timid approach to life. Timidity is not a virtue; it's an illness. If you let it go, it'll conquer you. Timid people don't get promoted. They don't advance and grow and become powerful in the marketplace. You've got to avoid over-caution.

Do battle with the enemy. Do battle with your fears. Build your courage to fight what's holding you back, what's keeping you from your goals and dreams. Be courageous in your life and in your pursuit of the things you want and the person you want to become.

Cebu Is Famous For...

Guitars
Guitar-making is the occupation of the people of Mactan District and Maribago District in Lapulapu City.

Mangoes
Tropical island Cebu is famous not only for its fresh mangoes but its export-quality dried mangoes.

Magellan’s Cross
Planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, it is the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 of their followers, were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderema.

Image of Santo Niño
Considered as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines, the image of the Santo Niño, or Holy Child, was given by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana, among the first Filipinos to be Christianized, as a baptismal gift in 1521. The image survived a great fire in 1565 unscratched. It has since been deemed miraculous and venerated by the Cebuanos as their patron saint.

Basilica Minor del Santo Niño
The church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Father Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565. The first structure of the church was, however, destroyed by fire on November 1, 1568. It was rebuilt in 1602 under the administration of Juan Albaran and was rehabilitated in 1740. On May 1965, the church was conferred the title of Basilica Minor del Santo Niño by Cardinal Antonuitte, Papal Legate during the Fourth Centennial Celebration of the Christianization of Cebu.

Sinulog Festival
Cebu’s biggest and most popular festival, the Sinulog Festival is a feast in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Niño de Cebu. People converge along the routes of a grand solemn procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a mardi gras parade immersed in wild colors and the constant beating of drums. Fiesta Senyor, as it is widely known, is celebrated every third Sunday of January.

Mactan Island
It is a coral island and famous scuba diving and beach site. It is also the site of the Export Processing Zone, which presently employs a 37,118-strong workforce. Mactan Island, located across Mandaue City, encompasses a total land area of 150 hectares.

Malapascua Island
Malapascua, a term that literally means "Unfortunate Christmas," is a paradise where time stands still. The island is blessed with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The west coast is especially ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It takes about three hours by land from Cebu City to reach the island, which lies at the northern tip of Cebu and west of Leyte.

Moalboal
About a third of the way up the west coast of Cebu is the sleepy little market town of Moalboal. About five kilometers outside the town, down a dusty track, is Panagsama Beach, which was one of the first places where scuba diving caught on in the Philippines. In the early 1980s, it was one of the most popular and highly regarded diving destinations in Asia, which led to dive resorts having sprung up all along the adjacent coast. From Moalboal, you can dive straight off Panagsama Beach. All you need to do is swim out a few meters and drop down onto a beautiful, sloping wall that descends to 35 meters. Panagsama Beach is home to an extraordinary array of coral, anemones, sponges, and a swarming host of brightly colored reef fish.

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found thus far in the country. Migration of these birds starts from their breeding places in Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. Based on data gathered so far, the birds use Olango as a major refueling station as well as a wintering ground. At Olango, the birds can replenish their fat reserves by feeding on the rich supplies of invertebrates in the intertidal mudflats. These fat reserves fuel the birds on the next lap of their journey, which may cover from 3,000 to 15,000 kilometers of nonstop flight.

Boracay Is Famous For...

Beaches / White Beach
Boracay boasts of a sugary white sand beach and azure blue waters. The best part of the island is the four-kilometer White Beach known to be the "finest beach in the world." The surrounding water is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago. White Beach is so, soooo fine, it feels like treading on miles of baby powder!

Aquasports
The island paradise of Boracay is a perfect place for watersports. Here, you can partake in a smorgasbord of exhilirating aqua action - from swimming and snorkeling to scuba diving, windsurfing, sailboating, kayaking, boardsailing, and boating.

Nature Tripping / Eco-Adventure
World-renowned Boracay is an adventure island ideal for island hopping, hiking, trekking, caving, mountain climbing, biking, and horseback riding. Trekking and mountain biking can bring even the intrepid to the island's quaint interior villages and to the edges' scenic rocky cliffs, discovering along the way many hidden coves with isolated beaches far from the tourist crowd.

Boardsailing at Bulabog Beach
On the eastern side of Boracay Island is Bulabog Beach. It is a boardsailor's mecca that draws enthusiasts from all over the world, especially during the peak season from November to March. In January, it is the site of an International Funboard Cup.

Paraw Regatta
Sailboating and kayaking are popular sporting activities, with Boracay playing host to the annual Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat race that makes use of the native outrigger.

Diving
Dive sites surround the island and are learning venues to both novice and professional divers, guided by competent instructors of the many dive shops that operate in the area. For trueblue scuba diving enthusiasts, Yapak in Boracay is a great deep dive.

Recreational Sports
Laid-back Boracay is the perfect venue for golf, tennis, bowling, even beach volleyball. Top-of-class amenities for these activities are available in the island. For golf bugs, Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Countryclub has an 18-hole championship course.

Partyhopping
The code in Boracay is strictly informal. Walking barefoot than shod is the rule rather than the exception. Swinging discos have the beach for a floor, giving dance a new twist. From dusk to dawn, the island turns into one big party place where everyone is welcome to join in.

Mambo Number 5
For the adventure-driven, "Mambo Number 5" is a little bit of boating and wind surfing, a little bit of scuba diving, a little bit of trekking, a little bit of mountain biking, and a little bit of golf.

Shopping
Bargain shopping is a joy of a diversion while in Boracay. Souvenir pieces provide endless possibilities, from trinkets and native accessories made of shells and semi-precious stones to exotic or contemporary beach wear and fashion artworks.

Dining
The taste of the 6th Region, to which Boracay belongs, is quite simple. Charbroiled chicken is common fare. Another favorite dish is raw fish marinated in spicy vinegar. Dining is no problem in Boracay, with most resorts having their own restaurants that serve both Filipino and international cuisines. Small snack bars line the island.

Relaxation
Diversions are not a problem in Boracay, with leisure activities calendared throughout the year and amenities offered by some 350 tourist establishments. The island is ideal for beachbumming, relaxing, and simply lazing around. At the end of the day, unwind with a relaxing massage. The island never runs out skilled masseurs offering massage services by the beach. For a more luxurious treat, visit the new Mandala Spa.

Boracay Boardsailing
The picture-perfect tropical island of Boracay offers flat-water speed sailing, wave jumping, and longboard cruising. White Beach, shielded from the amihan, or northeast monsoon, is for beginners. Bulabog Beach, on the other side of the island, has ideal conditions for speed, slalom, and high-wind shortboard sailing. It is also the site of the annual Boracay International Funboard Cup. Tabon Strait has superb high-performance sailing, but there is a real risk of being swept away, so this site is for skilled sailors only.

Tibiao Whitewater River
Rising near the peak of Mt. Madja-as, the Tibiao River descends almost 2000m on its short but tumultuous journey to the sea. The lower section of the river, known as the “Chicken Run”, is grade 3; the more difficult upper section reaches grade 4. The Tibiao has all the classic features of a tropical whitewater river, with rich vegetation hemming the banks, views of rice terraces, spectacular falls and clear water. The river is close to Boracay and easily accessible.

JULY 24
ST. BORIS AND ST. GLEB

These two brothers were born toward the end of the tenth century. They were sons of St. Vladimir of Kiev, the first Christian prince in Russia. Their father had had many wives before he became a Christian. Afterwards, he had lived as Jesus teaches us in the Gospel. Boris and Gleb were his sons by his Christian wife Anne. They were true Christians, too.

In an attempt to acquire more power when King Vladimir died, his oldest son planned to kill Boris and Gleb. Boris was warned as he was coming back with his soldiers from a battle against some wandering tribes. His men at once prepared to defend Boris from his older brother, but he would not permit it. "It is better for me to die alone," he said, "than to be the occasion of death to many." So he sent them away and sat down to wait. During the night, he thought about the martyrs who had been put to death by their own close relatives. He thought of how empty life becomes if we make the things of earth too important. What really counts, he thought, is good deeds, true love and true religion. When in the morning, his brother's hired murderers arrived and began striking him with spears, Boris did nothing but call down peace on them.

St. Gleb was killed soon after. The wicked older brother invited him to come to his palace for a friendly visit. As he was sailing down the river, Gleb's boat was boarded by fierce, armed men. He was terrified at first and begged them not to kill him. Yet he would not defend himself by fighting, not even when he saw that they were determined to kill him. Instead, St. Gleb quietly prepared himself to die. "I am being killed," he said, "and for what I do not know. But you know, Lord. And I know you said that for your name's sake brother would bring death to brother." Only a few years after their deaths, the people of Russia began going on pilgrimages to the tomb of the two brothers. Miracles took place. St. Boris and St. Gleb are called martyrs because they accepted death as Christ did, without defending themselves. They died in 1015.

Pope Benedict XIII proclaimed them saints in 1724.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Monday (7/24): "An adulterous generation seeks for a sign"

Scripture: Matthew 12:38-42

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." 39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nin'eveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

Meditation: What would Jesus say about our generation? Jesus gave a rather stern warning to his generation when they demanded a sign from him. It was characteristic of the Jews that they demanded "signs" from God's messengers to authenticate their claims. Jesus faulted them for one thing: spiritual adultery. The image of adultery was often used in the scriptures for describing apostasy or infidelity towards God. When the religious leaders pressed Jesus to give proof for his claims he says in so many words that he is God's sign and that they need no further evidence from heaven than his own person. The Ninevites recognized God's warning when Jonah spoke to them, and they repented. And the Queen of Sheba recognized God's wisdom in Solomon. Jonah was God's sign and his message was the message of God for the people of Nineveh. Unfortunately the religious leaders were not content to accept the signs right before their eyes. They had rejected the message of John the Baptist and now they reject Jesus as God's Anointed One (Messiah) and they fail to heed his message. Simeon had prophesied at Jesus' birth that he was "destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that inner thoughts of many will be revealed" (Luke 2:34- 35). Jesus confirmed his message with many miracles in preparation for the greatest sign of all – his resurrection on the third day. The Lord Jesus through the gift of his Holy Spirit offers us freedom from sin and wisdom for our lives, if we listen to him. Do you thirst for Godly wisdom? James says that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity (James 3:17). A double-minded person cannot receive this kind of wisdom. The single of mind desire one thing alone– that which is good and ordered according to God's wise plan. Ask the Lord to renew your mind and to increase your thirst for his wisdom.

  

Today is Yesterday's Tomorrow

The problem with waiting until tomorrow is that when it finally arrives, it is called today. Today is yesterday's tomorrow. The question is what did we do with its opportunity? All too often we will waste tomorrow as we wasted yesterday, and as we are wasting today. All that could have been accomplished can easily elude us, despite our intentions, until we inevitably discover that the things that might have been have slipped from our embrace a single, unused day at a time.

Each of us must pause frequently to remind ourselves that the clock is ticking. The same clock that began to tick from the moment we drew our first breath will also someday cease.

Time is the great equalizer of all mankind. It has taken away the best and the worst of us without regard for either. Time offers opportunity but demands a sense of urgency.

When the game of life is finally over, there is no second chance to correct our errors. The clock that is ticking away the moments of our lives does not care about winners and losers. It does not care about who succeeds or who fails. It does not care about excuses, fairness or equality. The only essential issue is how we played the game.

Regardless of a person's current age, there is a sense of urgency that should drive them into action now - this very moment. We should be constantly aware of the value of each and every moment of our lives - moments that seem so insignificant that their loss often goes unnoticed.

We still have all the time we need. We still have lots of chances - lots of opportunities - lots of years to show what we can do. For most of us, there will be a tomorrow, a next week, a next month, and a next year. But unless we develop a sense of urgency, those brief windows of time will be sadly wasted, as were the weeks and months and years before them. There isn't an endless supply!

So as you think of your dreams and goals of your future tomorrow, begin today to take those very important first steps to making them all come to life.

Are You Afraid of Change?

Change, no matter how you cut it, can certainly be adaunting task. There are so many ways to change; yourimage, attitude, environment, perceptions, addictions, andhow you treat others.

However, let's explore the reasons for change. Firstly,aspects in your life that negatively affect self progression,whether put upon yourself or not, scream loudest to bechanged.

Many times the guarded vaults inside ourselves mask this need for change, due to false pride, or the mere misperception of how change can improve our quality oflife. As a result, a vicious cycle of negativity will hover if these changes fail to be made.

So then, how do we know when to prioritize a needfulchange so that it can be properly made?

No matter how blind one can get, signs from friends and family, or negative reactions to your conduct by others can definitely be the most telling, and that's where you wouldstart.

This recognition is a crucial beginning point, because if you can't recognize and then admit, then you will always be in denial of your infractions.

For example: If you are a drug addict or any type of addictfor that matter, the only way you are going to get clean ofthat chemical is not by force from the state or your family,but from within.

This introspection, though through a haze of chemicals ordenial is tough, cannot be overstated in its importance. Although, when done with logic and perspective, it can be utterly empowering.

How does someone muster up enough will to make a critical change?

Despite what everyone else will think, whether bad orgood; knowing yourself through introspection is indeed the best route with which to take, and will nullify all those external forces.

This, in part, is where your power to make that change willbe generated. Instead of worrying how others will perceiveyou in your plights, simply put, ...don't!

Trusting yourself above everything else is fundamentally how change can start to be implemented. In addition, whena change for the better has been made, subsequent changes can and will be made more smoothly with less internal conflict.

Understanding the power of your own mind and how it can heal itself when given a chance is what I hope people cantake from this article.

You do not have to be afraid of change!

Positive changes in life should always be sought out, and dispelling your fears through self trust can arguably become your best ally in making your next change.

Baguio City - Summer Capital Of The Philippines

Brief Description
Baguio is the gateway to the wonders of Northern Luzon: the calm beaches of La Union; the fabled Hundred Islands of Pangasinan; the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao; the ancient churches, Spanish influenced houses, historical and cultural relics of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, the Kabayan of the tribes of Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Abra.

Geography
Baguio City, approximately 250 kilometers north of Manila, is situated in the heart of the Province of Benguet. The area of the city is 49 square kilometers enclosed in a perimeter of 30.6 kilometers. The developed portion of the city is a plateau that rises to an elevation of 1,400 meters. Most of it lies on the northern half of the city.

About half the area of the city has a slope of 25% or more.

Political Subdivision
A popularly elected Mayor heads the city government of Baguio. He is assisted by the Vice-Mayor and a 12-man legislative council called the Sangguniang Panglunsod.

Climate
Baguio is 8 degrees cooler on any month on the average than any place in the lowlands. The temperature seldom exceeds 26° centigrade at its warmest, and the lowest reading was 6.3° centigrade, recorded in January 18, 1961.

Baguio is very wet during the rainy season which is from June to October. The recorded heaviest volume of rainfall measured 9,038.3mm.

Population
The population of the city as of 1995 was 226,883. The youth constitute nearly half of the population. During the peak of the annual tourist influx, particularly during the Lenten period, transients triple the population.

Language / Dialect
English is widely spoken and understood. It is the medium of instruction in all public and private schools. The national language, Filipino, is spoken by everyone. Ilocano is also spoken by almost everybody.

Major Industries
The three dominant industries in the city are tourism, education, and integrated circuits. Texas Instruments initiated the Export Processing Zone. Today, they export six hundred million dollars of products annually.

Manila City - Cosmopolitan Capital Of The Philippines

Description
Fascination is an understatement of the feeling that one gets by visiting Manila, a lively metropolis commanding a magnificent view of the world-famous Manila Bay and its golden sunset. Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, the “Philippine Cosmopolitan Capital” is a blend of cultures and flavors that offers an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences to never forget.

Right in the heart of Manila is found the “Walled City” – Intramuros. Constructed in 1571, during the period of Spain’s colonization of the Philippines, it comprised of European buildings and churches that have been replicated in different parts of the archipelago. It had been one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities. Here, dungeons and old churches share space with art galleries, theaters, a nature park.

At the center of Intramuros is the grand Manila Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. Then there is San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in Metro Manila and one of the four Philippine Baroque Churches inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Marking its entrance at the northwestern tip is Fort Santiago, one of the oldest fortifications of Intramuros. Built in nearly 150 years through Filipino forced labor, it now houses a lush park with flowering trees, homing pigeons, and rides aboard horse-drawn carriages.

Manila is home to Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the highest chief executive of the country and one of the most historic structures in the Philippines, and the National Museum of the Philippines, the official repository and guardian of the Philippine cultural, historical, and natural heritage. Along the northern bank of the historic Pasig river is Chinatown, a symbol of the long history of Chinese presence in the Philippines long antedating the arrival of the Spaniards. Today it is an important trade and business center, and a primary bargain shopping destination.

Five-star hotels and restaurants, some of them housed in historic buildings, make the perfect party place in the city. The nightlife offers everything from dazzling cultural shows to futuristic discotheques, lively casinos, sensational entertainment lounges, and fashionable cafes. The popular districts of Malate and Ermita showcase a wild variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops – truly, the ultimate cosmopolitan paradise.

Manila is geographically advantaged. It is an hour or two away from full-day excursions to Cavite and Corregidor Island, Batangas, and Laguna, replete with exceptionally beautiful beaches, stunning views, and local color. The city is over 17 hours away by air from Los Angeles, less than five hours from Tokyo, and seven and a half hours from Sydney. Wherever you are, you are less than a day away from one of Asia’s greatest cities – Manila.

Geography
The city of Manila is located on the west coast of the Philippine main island of Luzon and surrounded by fertile plains. The city straddles at the delta of the Pasig river, a short navigable stream that connects the fresh water lake of Laguna de Bay with Manila Bay and the South China Sea. It occupies a total land area of 38.3 square kilometers.

Population
The total population was 1,654,761 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
The city is composed of 897 Barangays, which are subdivided into six Congressional Districts. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

JULY 23
ST. BRIDGET OF SWEDEN

Bridget was born in Sweden in 1303. From the time she was a child, she was greatly devoted to the passion of Jesus. When she was only ten, she seemed to see Jesus on the cross and hear him say, "Look at me, my daughter." "Who has treated you like this?" cried little Bridget. "They who despise me and refuse my love for them," answered Jesus. From then on, Bridget tried to stop people from offending Jesus.

When she was fourteen, she married eighteen-year-old Ulf. Like Bridget, Ulf had set his heart on serving God. They had eight children, of whom one was St. Catherine of Sweden. Bridget and Ulf served the Swedish court. Bridget was the queen's personal maid. Bridget tried to help King Magnus and Queen Blanche lead better lives. For the most part, they did not listen to her.

All her life, Bridget had marvelous visions and received special messages from God. In obedience to them, she visited many rulers and important people in the Church. She explained humbly what God expected of them. After her husband died, Bridget put away her rich clothes. She lived as a poor nun. Later, she started the order of the Most Holy Savior, also known as Bridgettines. She still kept up her own busy life, traveling about doing good everywhere. And through all this activity, Jesus continued to reveal many secrets to her. These she received without the least bit of pride.

Shortly before she died, the saint went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. At the shrines there, she had visions of what Jesus had said and done in that place. All St. Bridget's revelations on the sufferings of Jesus were published after her death. St. Bridget died in Rome on July 23, 1373.

She was proclaimed a saint by Pope Boniface IX in 1391.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Sunday (7/23): "Jesus had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd"

Scripture: Mark 6:30-34

30 The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Meditation: What does the image of a shepherd tell us about God’s care for us? Shepherding was one of the oldest of callings in Israel, even before farming, since the Chosen People had traveled from place to place, living in tents, and driving their flocks from one pasture to another. Looking after sheep was no easy calling. It required great skill and courage. Herds were often quite large, thousands or even ten thousands of sheep. The flocks spent a good part of the year in the open country. Watching over them required a great deal of attention and care. Sheep who strayed from the flock had to be sought out and brought back by the shepherd. Since hyenas, jackals, wolves, and even bear were common and fed on sheep, the shepherds often had to do battle with these wild and dangerous beasts. A shepherd literally had to put his life on the line in defending his sheep. Shepherds took turns watching the sheep at night to ward off any attackers. The sheep and their shepherds continually lived together. Their life was so intimately bound together that individual sheep, even when mixed with other flocks, could recognize the voice of their own shepherd and would come immediately when called by name.

The Old Testament often spoke of God as shepherd of his people, Israel. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (Psalm 23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! (Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's people: He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus told his disciples that he was the Good Shepherd who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4, John 10). When he saw the multitude of people in need of protection and care, he was moved to respond with compassionate concern. His love was a personal love for each and every person who came to him in need. Peter the apostle called Jesus the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). Do you know the peace and security of a life freely submitted to Jesus, the Good Shepherd? In the person of the Lord Jesus we see the unceasing vigilance and patience of God's love. In our battle against sin and evil, Jesus is ever ready to give us help, strength, and refuge. Do you trust in his grace and help at all times?

Keeping Your Attitude Up When Circumstances Are Down

Everyone knows that a positive attitude is key to the successful life. But what happens when things go wrong? What happens when circumstances deal us a blow? We have a tendency to let our attitudes take the dive along with our state of affairs. Life deals us setbacks, both minor and major, on a regular basis, but if we are going to be successful, we need to know how to deal with them and keep our attitudes intact! We need practical tools to help us understand how we can go about keeping our attitude up, when the circumstances are down. Here are some thoughts to help us do so:

Take some time-out. I'm sure you are aware of what happens. You are going about your day and everything seems to be going well, when out of nowhere disaster strikes. All of your best-laid plans begin to tumble. Sometimes circumstances surprise us and we react. Unfortunately, this often compounds the problem because by reacting we tend to operate out of our weaknesses instead of our strengths. We make decisions that are not well thought out. We function with a bad attitude that says, "I can't believe this is happening!"

The next time circumstances turn against you, take some time to just step back from the problem and think. This will enable you to deal with the issue at hand rationally, instead of emotionally. It will allow you to put your state of mind back into its proper place. It gives you the opportunity to choose your attitude as you face the circumstances at hand. Remember that we don't have to do something right now. Go grab a cup of coffee and relax little bit. By doing this you function with you being in control and not the circumstances.

Keep your eye on the goal. A second step in keeping our attitude in the proper place is to make sure we keep the important things important. One of the biggest problems with trouble is that it gets your focus off of where it should be. When I experience difficult circumstances and people ask me how it is going, I tell them, "I am just keeping my eye on the goal." It has always been fascinating to me that when racecar drivers get into trouble, they keep their eyes straight ahead and do not move them away. There is just too much chance of wrecking that way. Instead, their eyes are on the goal, and this keeps them out of trouble. If you find yourself getting down about circumstances, sit down and write out what the goal is. Give some thought to how you can achieve that goal, or others you may have.

A man was asked how he was doing and he responded, "Pretty well, under the circumstances." The other man asked, "What are you doing under the circumstances?" Good question. We shouldn't be under the circumstances, we should be focused on the goal and moving forward.

Focus on solutions, not problems. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, the old saying goes. Negative circumstances don't sit idly by. They scream for our attention. When we face difficult circumstances, we tend to dwell on them. We talk about them, fret about them, and give them way too much attention. Instead of talking about problems, talk about solutions. Instead of spending your time thinking about how bad things are, think about how good they will be! Don't have family or staff meetings about the problems and how big they are. Have meetings on the solutions and how you will implement them. Don't let yourself or other team members complain. Encourage them to solve, with an emphasis on the positive results that will come from doing so. Then take some time to put these solutions down on paper, so you can monitor your progress.

Get some positive input. The mind tends to build on itself, so when we begin to go in one direction, i.e. worry, it can be a slippery slope. One thing we must do is get our thoughts back on track with positive ideas. When circumstances have got you against the emotional wall, get with a good friend who can encourage you. Listen to a tape by Zig Zigler or another motivational speaker. Pick up a good book and give it a read. Whatever external influence you can get to put your attitude back on the positive side of the tracks - do it! It must be one of our first goals to start plugging good things into our minds to fuel our attitudes.

Tell yourself the good. One of the greatest internal powers we have is the power to control our thoughts. Spend time dwelling on the good things about your life or job instead of the problems. Think about positive things, things you enjoy and give you a sense of happiness and peace. There is an old childhood song that says, "Count your blessings, name them one by one." That is great advice! Let your positive attitude develop from within as well as from without. This makes all the difference!

Remember that circumstances are not forever. Sometimes it seems like we are going to be up to our eyeballs in the situation forever, when in reality, this too shall pass. There will be a time in the future when circumstances will change and you will be on the mountain instead of the valley. This will give you a sense of hope as you live and work that will change your attitude, make you feel better and put you on the fast track for growth!

Some questions as we close:

Q. Do you have a habit of reflection before responding?

Q. Do you have a habit of keeping your eye on the goal?

Q. Do you focus on solutions or problems?

Q. Do you give yourself positive outside influence?

Q. Do you have a habit of telling yourself the good?

Q. Do you remind yourself that nothing is forever?

Persistency - Element In Reality

One of the keys to being successful in anything you do is persistence. Lets clarify the word 'persistence' :- It is ability to be persist on instances. And one of key element in this instances is your main Objective in life.

Persistence is success formula made up form the grouping of: confidence+ sustainability +Will power + endurance + self-esteem +patience & optimism.

Take an instance of building a muscle. If you have never exercised before, the first time you go to a gym, chances are you will not be able to bench press 100 lbs. However, if you are persistent, and you consistently go back to the gym, you will find yourself getting stronger and closer to your goal / objective with each and every visit.

It signifies that once you have realized & determined exactly what it is you want to achieve, you must take Significant & considerate action using good plan on a consistent, persistent basis in direction to succeed.

And on success path, Obstacles are the natural roadblocks, our job is to be persistent and work through those obstacles. If you find little or no obstacles along the way, chances are you are not really challenging yourself coz person realizes his potential when he is on peak of his performance & ability.

If you see any successful person, you will learn that the vast majority of them have had more 'failures' than they have had 'successes'. This is because successful people are persistent; the more they stumble and fall, the more they get right back up and get going again. For example, India got freedom because of the persistence & patience of great revolutionaries on their objective to make India free.

Just spend some time to learn persistency form others experiences, OBSERVE ANTS, funny isn't it; factual it is. They are much smaller than us, and teaches us Unity ? Discipline ? Team work -Hard work ? Persistency & killer instinct to achieve their goal.

Keep in mind that you must constantly reevaluate your circumstances and the approach you are using to reach your goal. There is no sense in being persistent at something that you are doing incorrectly, its self-deceit! At times you have to modify, multiply & magnify your approach along the way. Every time you do something you learn from it, and therefore find a better way to do it.

Things That Keep You From Success

A lot of people want to be successful. Yet, only a few people are willing to pay the price. There is a price to success as there is a price to failure. Here are 5 reasons that keep people from accomplishing their dreams.

Lack of Motivation:
Success comes from loving what you do. Is your current job your passion? When your study highly successful people, you understand that they have at least 1 thing in common: they love what they do and they do what they love. Is this the case for you? If the answer is no, you can start by identifying your passion. This is the best way to get motivated.

Lack of Faith:
Faith is a firm belief in yourself, God or others that you can do it. Build up a strong vision of what you want to accomplish. In developing a vision, the law of attraction is going to work for you. You are going to attract people, opportunities and money that will allow you to develop an unstoppable confidence.

Fear of Failure:
The fear of failure doesn't exist. Neither does the fear of success. Fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Micheal Jordan said himself that "Fear is an illusion". It is hard to overcome fears. One simple way to overcome the fear of failure is to read inspirational stories and quotes of people that achieved their dreams. Read one every morning. That will give you strength and hope.

Wrong Strategies:
When you want to build a business, to achieve something really big, you need to have mentors. You can't allow yourself to loose time, money and energy. Mentors are people that will give you the right strategies; they will provide the right information and will inspire you. They will coach you through the process. Choose correctly your experts, your models. Work with them and adopt the same thinking patterns, the same strategies, the same beliefs. If he did it, you can do it too.

Limiting beliefs:
Often times we have limiting beliefs about what we want to achieve. For example, you can really want to achieve a goal but at the same time something tells you: "It's not for you, you don't deserve that" or "You can't do it, remember". These thoughts pollute our minds and darken our life. A quick way to stop these damaging thoughts is to use the power to say no! First, represent in your mind the "limiting belief" and say NO! To it. Now, represent in your mind what you want in its place and say a big YES! You will be amazed how your attitude suddenly changed about the old belief. Can you remember it?

Quezon City - City Of New Horizons

Description
That Quezon City has been dubbed as the “City of New Horizons” holds truth when it comes to culture and lifestyle – the experience is fresh and not quite what would be expected of the usual urban setting.

Fast becoming a famous landmark in the metropolis is the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center, an experience of nature within the city. Conveniently located at the heart of Quezon City, the area was developed to simulate a natural forest setting and serve as a breather from high-rise and concrete. Found here are about 38 species of trees and shrubs, which are represented by 2,443 trees commonly found in Philippine forests. Nature tripping tastes all the sweeter as there is a grove, lagoon, rock garden, mini-zoo, craft village, and fishing village, among others.

Diliman in Quezon City is home to the University of the Philippines, the country’s foremost institute of higher learning and considered the finest in the Far East. UP was established in June 1908, and is sprawled over an area of 450 hectares. The state-owned university has produced many of the country’s best leaders, artists, writers, and professionals. The city is likewise the home of Camps Crame and Aguinaldo, two of the most important military headquarters where the famous four-day peaceful rebellion called People Power or EDSA Revolution of 1986 had started.

Holding court as the Cubao district’s focal point is Araneta Coliseum, the world’s largest covered dome during the 1960s. Towering 220 feet and with a seating capacity of 32,000, it captured the Philippines’ first post-war world boxing title by the legendary Gabriel “Flash” Elorde. Araneta Coliseum has since staged world-famous shows, from the classic “Fight of a Lifetime” between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frasier in 1976 to beauty pageants, basketball tournaments, musical concerts, athletic events.

Geography
Quezon City is 10 km. north of Manila. To the city's east are San Mateo, Rizal and Marikina City; to the west are San Juan and the city of Manila; to the north are Caloocan City and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and to the south are the cities of Pasig and Mandaluyong. Quezon City is five times bigger than Manila, and in area, it is second to the country's biggest city, Davao City.

Rolling hills spread over a large portion of Quezon City. Its lowest altitude is 25 feet above sea level while its highest is 55. The city occupies a total land area of 166.2 square kilometers

Population
The total population was 1,989,419 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
Quezon City consists of 140 Barangays, which are subdivided into fours Congressional districts. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

Caloocan City - Home Of Heroes

Description
No other city in the Philippines is quite like Caloocan. From humble beginnings had risen a city now in the face of relentless and continuing progress.

Before Caloocan emerged into a city, it had modest beginnings – first, as a wilderness, then as an uninhabited hill, then as a hilltop village. Few know the full story of how the city began. Even fewer remember the very interesting details that make up its birth and growth. Today Caloocan continues progressing to be the great yet humble city that is the radiant vision of its residents and the current leadership.

The main landmark of Caloocan City is the Bonifacio Monument, located at the intersection of Rizal Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, or EDSA. The monument commemorates the most proletarian of all Filipino heroes, Andres Bonifacio. It likewise marks the first encounter between Andres Bonifacio and his revolutionary group called Katipunan with the Spanish soldiers on August 3, 1896. The monument was immortalized by the great Filipino nationalist Guillermo Tolentino.

Geography
Caloocan City is located at the northern part of Metropolitan Manila. The city is divided into two parts: the urban portion, which is bounded on the north by Malabon, on the east by Quezon City, on the south by Manila and Navotas, and on the west by Manila Bay; and the rural portion, bounded on the north by San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, on the east and south by Quezon City, and on the west by Valenzuela. It occupies a total land area of 55.8 square kilometers.

Political Subdivision
Caloocan City is composed of 188 Barangays, which are subdivided into two Congressional Districts. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

Population
The total population was 1,023,159 as of the 1995 census.

JULY 22
ST. MARY MAGDALENE

Mary Magdalene was from Magdala near the Sea of Galilee. Some people identify her as a well-known sinner when she first saw Our Lord. It seems that she was very beautiful and very proud. But after she met Jesus, she felt great sorrow for her evil life. When Jesus went to supper at the home of a rich man named Simon, Mary came to weep at his feet. Then, with her long, beautiful hair, she wiped his feet dry and anointed them with expensive perfume. Some people were surprised that Jesus let such a sinner touch him. Our Lord knew why. He could see into Mary's heart. He said, "Many sins are forgiven her, because she has loved much." Then to Mary he said kindly, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

From then on, with the other holy women, Mary humbly served Jesus and his apostles. When Our Lord was crucified, she was there at the foot of his cross. She stayed with the Blessed Mother and St. John, unafraid for herself. All she could think about was that her Lord was suffering. No wonder Jesus said of her: "She has loved much." After Jesus' body had been placed in the tomb, Mary went to anoint it with spices early Easter Sunday morning. She was shocked when she saw that the tomb was empty. Not finding the sacred body, she began to weep. Suddenly she saw someone she thought was the gardener. She asked him if he knew where the body of her beloved Master had been taken. Then the man spoke in a voice she knew so well: "Mary!" It was Jesus, standing right there in front of her. He was risen from the dead. And he had chosen to reveal himself first to her. The Gospels show Mary as being sent by the Lord himself to announce the Good News of the resurrection to Peter and the apostles. In the early centuries of the Church, Mary Magdalene's feast was celebrated with the Mass of an apostle.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Saturday (7/22): "I have seen the Lord!"

Scripture: John 20:1-2, 11-18

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14 Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18 Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Meditation: How easy it is to miss the Lord when our focus is on ourselves! Mary Magdalene did not at first recognize the Lord because her focus was on the empty tomb and on her own grief. It took only one word from the Master, when he called her by name, for Mary to recognize him. Mary's message to the disciples, I have seen the Lord, is the very essence of Christianity. It is not enough that a Christian know about the Lord, but that we know him personally. It is not enough to argue about him, but to meet him. In the resurrection we encounter the living Lord who loves us personally and shares his glory with us. The Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to see the truth of his resurrection and victory over sin and death (Ephes. 1:18). The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our hope -- the hope that we will see God face to face and share in his everlasting glory and joy. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9). Do you recognize the Lord's presence with you, in his word, in the "breaking of the bread", and in his church, the body of Christ?

COFFEE

A group of alumni, highly established in their
> careers, got together to
> visit their old university lecturer. Conversation
> soon turned into
> complaints about stress in work and life. Offering
> his guests coffee,
> the lecturer went to the kitchen and returned with a
> large pot of
> coffee and an assortment of cups: porcelain,
> plastic, glass, some plain-
> looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling
> them to help
> themselves to hot coffee.
>
> When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand,
> the lecturer said,
> "If you noticed, all the nice- looking, expensive
> cups were taken up,
> leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is
> but normal for you
> to want only the best for yourselves, that is the
> source of your
> problems and stress. What all of you really wanted
> was coffee, not the
> cup, but you consciously went for the better cups
> and are eyeing each
> other's cups."
>
> "Now, if life is coffee, then the jobs, money and
> position in society
> are the cups. They are just tools to hold and
> contain life, but the
> quality of life doesn't change."
>
> "Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we
> fail to enjoy the
> coffee in it."
>
> Don't let the cups drive you... enjoy the coffee.

Take this test for yourself...

Don't peek but begin the test as you scroll down and answer.

Answers are for who you are now...not who you were in the

past.

Have pen or pencil and paper ready.

This is a real test given by the Human Relations

Dept at many of the major corporations today. It

helps them get a better insight concerning their

employees and potential employees.

It's only 10 simple questions, so...

Grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your

letter answers.

Ready?? Begin...

1. When do you feel your best?

(a) in the morning

(b) during the afternoon & early evening

(c) late at night

2. You usually walk

(a) fairly fast, with long steps

(b) fairly fast, with short, quick steps

(c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face

(d) less fast, head down

(e) very slowly

3. When talking to people you

(a) stand with your arms folded

(b) have your hands clasped

(c) have one or both your hands on your hips

(d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking

(e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth

your

hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with

(a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side

(b) your legs crossed

(c) your legs stretched out or straight

(d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with

(a) a big, appreciative laugh

(b) a laugh, but not a loud one

(c) a quiet chuckle

(d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you..

(a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you

(b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone

you

know

(c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're

interrupted. Do you..

(a) welcome the break

(b) feel extremely irritated

(c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?

(a) red or orange

(b) black

(c) yellow or light blue

(d) green

(e) dark blue or purple

(f) white

(g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments

before

going to sleep, you lie

(a) stretched out on your back

(b) stretched out face down on your stomach

(c) on your side, slightly curled

(d) with your head on one arm

(e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are

(a) falling

(b) fighting or struggling

(c) searching for something or somebody

(d) flying or floating

(e) you usually have dreamless sleep

(f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1. (a) 2

(b) 4

(c) 6

2. (a) 6

(b) 4

(c) 7

(d) 2

(e) 1

3. (a) 4

(b) 2

(c) 5

(d) 7

(e) 6

4. (a) 4

(b) 6

(c) 2

(d) 1

5. (a) 6

(b) 4

(c) 3

(d) 5

(e) 2

6. (a) 6

(b) 4

(c) 2

7. (a) 6

(b) 2

(c) 4

8. (a) 6

(b) 7

(c) 5

(d) 4

(e) 3

(f) 2

(g) 1

9. (a) 7

(b) 6

(c) 4

(d) 2

(e) 1

10.(a) 4

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) 5

(e) 6

(f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS:

Others see you as someone they should "handle with care"

You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely

dominant.

Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you,

but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply

involved

with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS:

Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather

impulsive

personality;

a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not

always

the

right ones.

They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will

try

anything

once;

someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure.

They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement

you

radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS:

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing,

practical,

and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the

center

of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it

go

to

their

head.

They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding;

someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS:

Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical.

They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest...

Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but

someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do

make and who expect the same loyalty in return.

Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to

shake

your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you

a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS:

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy.

They see you as very cautious, extremely careful,

a slow and steady plodder. It'd really surprise

them if you ever did something impulsively or on

the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine

everything carefully from every angle and then,

usually decide against it. They think this reaction

is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS:

People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone

who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to

make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with

anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always

sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're

boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Makati City - Wall Street Of The Philippine

s

Description
Urban lifestyle and affluence are nowhere more pronounced in the Philippines than in Makati, the country’s classiest city. Bustling and modern, it is the country’s model for city planning, rising in less than a decade from vast stretches of empty land to become the nation’s premier city.

This affluent city southwest of Manila is the country’s financial center, earning it the nickname, “Wall Street of the Philippines.” The major banks, corporations, department stores as well as embassies of the different nations are based here. Situated along Ayala Avenue is the Makati Stock Exchange, which houses the trading of stock. Fully developed, well-reputed city villages provide the perfect address for office buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Right in the heart of bustling Makati, spread along Ayala Avenue, is Ayala Center, the country’s business and financial center. Encompassing the Glorietta and Greenbelt shopping malls, among others, Ayala Center is also a commercial complex completely at par with the world’s most modern business cosmos. Within it is the Ayala Museum, among the city’s primary repositories of history, culture, and heritage, along with the Filipinas Heritage Library and Museo ng Makati.

Makati has the highest concentration of the country’s finest department stores, fashion boutiques, exclusive jewelry shops and antique stores, shoe stores, bookstores, and most other commercial establishments. In identified portions, the city contains the most exclusive residential subdivisions, including Forbes Park, where many of the country’s wealthy and powerful families make their homes. Five-star hotels and restaurants further provide the ultimate avenue for a life of comfort and relaxation.

Geography
Around the northern and eastern borders of Makati City curl the serpentine length of the Pasig River, which separates the premier urbanscape from the adjacent cities of Pasig and Mandaluyong and the municipality of Pateros. Fort Bonifacio and its crowded barangays sprawl along the eastern fringes. Due west is Pasay City, joined at various points to Makati's major arteries via the South Superhighway, Gil Puyat and Taft Avenues. Across Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) from the Ayala Center are the posh villages of Forbes Park and Dasmariñas. The trend spills over Makati's boundaries all the way down the South Superhighway towards the newer subdivisions of Magallanes and Merville Park in Parañaque, and Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa. Villamor Air Base, skirting the highway due southwest, is the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force. The city occupies a total land area of 29.9 sq. kilometers.

Population
The total population was 4,176 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
The city consists of three Barangays, which are subdivided into two Congressional Districts. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

Pasay City - Cultural Center Of Metro Manila

Description
The city of Pasay has long been a great earner for Metropolitan Manila, even when it was only a town. The economic life of the town had so steadily improved that its income exceeded the limit set for an ordinary town, and thus, it became a city.

Farming was once an important livelihood in the barrios of San Isidro, San Roque, and Malibay but it later give way to the manufacturing industry. Fishing, too, was a good source of livelihood in the town – until the construction of Roxas Boulevard, which was formerly named Dewey Boulevard.

Today, Roxas Boulevard is a recognized center for culture and the arts in the country. Found here is the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which was built to symbolize the country’s national cultural development. The CCP is an institution mandated by law to preserve, promote, and enhance the Filipino people’s cultural heritage. Not far from the Cultural Center of the Philippines stands the Folks Arts Theater. The work of Architect Leandro Locsin, the 10,000-capacity theater is used for popular performances which anticipate extensive audiences.

Found in Pasay are the houses of two prominent people in the national government, Claro M. Recto and President Manuel L. Quezon. With its nearness to Manila and the proliferation of business firms and factories, Pasay has been the target destination of people from all walks of life who have wanted to settle and build beautiful residences in the metropolis. Pasay today is a progressive city boasting modern conveniences and, for its multitute of urban settlers, cheap forms of transportation.

Geography
Pasay City is the third smallest political subdivision in the National Capital Region. It is adjacent to the city of Manila and bounded to the south by Parañaque, northwest by Makati City, and Taguig to the west. It occupies a total land area of 13.9 sq. kilometers.

Population
The total population was 408,610 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
Pasay City consists of 200 Barangays under one Congressional District. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

JULY 21
ST. LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI

Caesar Rossi was born in Brindisi, Italy, in 1559. Brindisi was part of the Kingdom of Naples, Italy. Caesar took the name Lawrence when he became a Capuchin Franciscan at the age of sixteen. He was sent to the University of Padua to study theology. Lawrence surprised everyone by learning six languages also. His first language was Italian. But he could also speak French, German, Greek, Spanish, Syriac and Hebrew. St. Lawrence had a wonderful knowledge of the Bible, too.

After he was ordained a priest, he became a popular preacher. Because he could speak Hebrew, he worked for the conversion of the Jews living in Rome. Later, St. Lawrence was sent to establish his order in Austria. The emperor, Rudolph II, did not want them to come. But Lawrence's tender care for victims of a plague won Emperor Rudolph to his cause.

Next, the emperor asked Lawrence to persuade the German princes to fight the Turks. The Turks were trying to wipe out Christendom. Lawrence did convince the princes. However, the leaders insisted that he go with the army into battle to make the victory certain. When the soldiers saw how large the Turkish army was, they wanted to quit. So St. Lawrence himself rode in the lead. He was armed only with the crucifix. The Christian soldiers took heart and fought bravely. The Turks were completely defeated. St. Lawrence received the praise. But he never prided himself for success. He put his trust in God and gave him the glory.

In 1602, St. Lawrence became the master general of his order. He worked, preached and wrote to spread the Good News. He went on important peace missions to Munich, Germany, and Madrid, Spain. The rulers of those places listened to him and the missions were successful. But St. Lawrence was very sick. He had been tired out by the hard traveling and the strain of his tasks. He died on his birthday, July 22, in 1619. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Leo XIII in 1881.

He was honored as "apostolic doctor" by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Friday (7/21): "I desire mercy and not sacrifice"

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." 3 He said to them, "Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? 6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is lord of the Sabbath."

Meditation: What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom: In their hunger, David and his men ate of the holy bread offered in the Temple. Jesus also quoted of the Sabbath work involved in worship in the Temple. This kind of work was usually double the work of worship on weekdays. Jesus then quotes from the prophet Hosea (6:6): I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. While the claims of ritual sacrifice are important to God, mercy and kindness in response to human need are even more important. Do you honor the Lord in the way you treat your neighbor and celebrate the Lord's Day?

"Lord, make us to walk in your way: ‘Where there is love and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance; where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor annoyance; where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor avarice; where there is peace and contemplation, there is neither care nor restlessness; where there is the fear of God to guard the dwelling, there no enemy can enter; where there is mercy and prudence, there is neither excess nor harshness'; this we know through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)

  

Spirit

There were two men both whom decided to get a horse. One man found a red Rhone with much spirit. The other chose one more docile. They would go riding together every day. It so happened on the route they would take around the countryside, there was a ditch about eight or nine feet wide, after a time it was apparent that the Rhone's spirit could not be shaken and he gave everything he had in all he did. When coming up to this gap in the trail he hurled it the first time. Because of the spirit in him he was quick to respond and jumped it with no problem. Yet the more docile horse would balk every time he came to the edge. He wasn't sure of the distance; he would stand on the edge trembling with indecision and doubt because the distance to him looked too great. Then one day after awhile, coming up to the ditch and watching his companion take it with ease, something happened within him, a knowing was born that he could too. So with agility and ease he gracefully bounded over the barrier.

Life is much like the two horses. When we as people come up against trials or situations we just don't feel like we can make the distance or that it just is too big and we don't know if we'll make it. So we balk standing on the edge trembling. It's not until we depend upon the spirit within. Then we are able to make it with ease. Until we quit looking at the obstacle or trial through our eyes, they will always seem too big for us. But there is a spirit within us that can judge the distance to the other side and will give us the strength to make it through it.

As long as we let it.

It all comes to a choice whether we look for the spirit within or just stand on the edge and balk. We will always have a choice.

Strange Human Facts...

The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.

It takes about 20 seconds for a red blood cell to circle the whole body.

The average human will eat an average of 8 spiders while sleeping.

The average women consumes 6lbs of lipstick in her lifetime.

On average, a 4-year-old child asks 437 questions a day.

Only 7% of the population are lefties.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

A human brain weighs about 3lbs.

1/4 of the bones in your body are in your feet.

You blink over 10,000,000 times a year.

When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop ... even your heart.

If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.

If you farted consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb.

The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out to the body to squirt blood 30 feet.

Koala and humans are the only animals with unique fingerprints.

The scent of apples and/or bananas can help you lose weight.

The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

Children grow faster in the spring.

On average a human will spend up to 2 weeks kissing in his or her lifetime A one-minute kiss burns 26 calories.

Marikina City - Shoe Capital Of The Philippines

Description
A city once threatened by a residential housing pandemonium, Marikina has emerged to reap various national awards for excellence in local governance and environmental preservation. In 2002 alone, it was a “Clean and Green” awardee of the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran – a category for which it has already been a Hall of Famer as early as in 1996, when it was still a municipality. On the same year, Marikina was also recognized for having a healthy workplace and marketplace. In various occasions, the city has been awarded as well as the “Best Local Government Unit.”

Thriving proof of the city’s continued quest for excellence is the Marikina River Park. Spurred by the death of natural resources resulting from the continuous growth in residential area, Marikina took pains in rehabilitating and converting the 220-hectare Marikina River into a sports and recreational park.

The city is no stranger to popularity. It has long been famous for its export-quality shoes, the products that gave Marikina the monicker, Shoe Capital of the Philippines. The city’s former Bigasang Bayan is presently being rehabilitated to become the Shoe Museum, showcasing no less than Marikina shoes. Part of the collection are the famous Imelda Marcos shoes. Don Laureano Guevarra, popularly known as Kapitan Moy, who hailed from Marikina, is considered as the founder of the country’s footwear industry.

Marikina also used to be a fulcrum of regional sports events when it was still a part of the province of Rizal. It used to be the training ground of some of the best athletes the country has ever produced.

Geography
Marikina, a lush valley bounded by mountain ranges and sliced by a river, is one of the twelve cities and five municipalities comprising the Metro Manila area. It is approximately 16 km. away from Manila, passing through Quezon City. It occupies a total land area of 38.9 sq. kilometers.

Population
The total population was 357,231 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
The city is composed of 14 Barangays under one Congressional District. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

Mandaluyong City - The New Tiger Of Metro Manila

Description
Mandaluyong, the heart of the “Golden Triangle” (Manila, Makati, and Quezon City), has finally emerged as a veritable boom city. It is one of the leading business and industrial centers in the country today, the “New Tiger” of Metro Manila, which made an unprecedented giant leap to progress.

A popular landmark of Mandaluyong is the EDSA Shrine. Located along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, or EDSA, the shrine serves as a monument to the Virgin Mary, considered to be the protector of those who participated in the People Power Revolution of 1986, the country’s first peaceful and bloodless revolution, which led to the downfall of the corrupt regime under President Ferdinand Marcos.

What used to be a swampy, stagnating town is now the haven of industrial giants and business conglomerates. The astonishing growth of Mandaluyong gained headway because its local and foreign investors hone a conducive climate for capital growth. The city today boasts top-class amenities, from deluxe hotels and commercial centers to high-rise offices and residential condominiums.

Geography
Mandaluyong lies on a heart-shaped 26 sq. km. of land, 7 km. southeast of Manila and 8 km. west of Pasig. To the south lies Makati, to the northwest, San Juan, and to the northeast, Quezon City. Thus, Mandaluyong is located at the very center of Metro Manila. With this geographical advantage, it has in recent years emerged as a veritable boomtown, the leading business and industrial mecca of the country.

Population
The total population was 286,870 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivisions
Mandaluyong City is composed of 27 Barangays under one Congressional District. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

JULY 20
ST. JOSEPH BARSABBAS

Today's saint is named in the Bible's Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter wanted to replace Judas after Jesus' resurrection. Peter asked the community to suggest someone. He wanted a person who had been among the disciples from the time Jesus was baptized by John until the Lord's death and resurrection. The first Christians proposed two men, both of whom were qualified to be apostles. One was Joseph, called Barsabbas, and the other was Matthias. "One of these men must become a witness with us of Jesus' resurrection," Peter said.

The community prayed. "Lord," they said, "you are familiar with each of us here. Help us to know the person who should take the place of Judas." Then they "cast lots." The man selected was Matthias. He was added to the company of apostles. Not much is known of Matthias or Joseph Barsabbas. The early Church writer, Eusebius, considered Joseph one of the seventy-two disciples.

Soon the disciples spread out and went to other places. This was necessary to avoid persecution. It is believed that Joseph Barsabbas preached in many places. He spent his energy to spread the Good News. Little else is known. In fact, his death is not even recorded. But his love for the Church and his dedication whether he was chosen or not, are his gift to us.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Thursday (7/20): "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me"

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Meditation: What does the yoke of Jesus refer to in the gospel? The Jews used the image of a yoke to express submission to God. They spoke of the yoke of the law, the yoke of the commandments, the yoke of the kingdom, the yoke of God. Jesus says his yoke is "easy". The Greek word for "easy" can also mean "well-fitting". Yokes were tailor-made to fit the oxen well. We are commanded to put on the "sweet yoke of Jesus" and to live the "heavenly way of life and happiness". Jesus also says his "burden is light". There's a story of a man who once met a boy carrying a smaller crippled lad on his back. "That's a heavy load you are carrying there," exclaimed the man. "He ain't heavy; he's my brother!" responded the boy. No burden is too heavy when it's given in love and carried in love. Jesus offers us a new kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. In his kingdom sins are not only forgiven but removed, and eternal life is poured out for all its citizens. This is not a political kingdom, but a spiritual one. The yoke of Christ's kingdom, his kingly rule and way of life, liberates us from the burden of guilt and from the oppression of sin and hurtful desires. Only Jesus can lift the burden of sin and the weight of hopelessness from us. Jesus used the analogy of a yoke to explain how we can exchange the burden of sin and despair for a burden of glory and yoke of freedom from sin. The yoke which Jesus invites us to embrace is his way of grace and freedom from the power of sin. Do you trust in God's love and submit to his will and plan for your life?

JULY 19
ST. MACRINA

St. Basil the Elder and St. Emmelia had ten children. They raised their family in Caesarea. Their first child, Macrina, was born around 330. Macrina was engaged when she was twelve. This was a custom of the time. But the young man died suddenly and Macrina told her parents she wished to remain unmarried.

Macrina was the big sister to nine brothers and sisters. Along with her parents and herself, three of her brothers are saints. St. Basil the Great (January 2), St. Peter of Sebaste and St. Gregory of Nyssa were all bishops. Macrina helped raise the children and they loved her. St. Peter of Sebaste remembers her especially with gratitude because she took loving care of him when he was a baby. Peter had been born the year his father died. The children grew up and St. Basil the Great found an estate for his mother and Macrina. It was like a convent and many women in the area came to live a spiritual life there.

After St. Emmelia died, Macrina continued to live the kind of life a nun would lead. She worked hard and gave away everything the family owned except what she really needed. Her brother Basil died in 379. She, too, became ill later that year. Her brother, St. Gregory of Nyssa, came home to visit her. He had been away for eight years. He found Macrina near death. Her frail body rested on two boards. His sister died within hours.

St. Gregory, the local bishop and two priests carried Macrina's coffin to the grave. The funeral procession was long and many people wept. St. Gregory wrote about Macrina and that is how the beauty of her life became known.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Wednesday (7/19): "Heavenly things revealed to babes"

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-27

25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Meditation: Do you want to know the mind and thoughts of God? Jesus thanks the Father in heaven for revealing to his disciples the wisdom and knowledge of God. What does Jesus' prayer tell us about God and about ourselves? First, it tells us that God is both Father and Lord of earth as well as heaven. He is both Creator and Author of all that he has made, the first origin of everything and transcendent authority, and at the same time, goodness and loving care for all his children. All fatherhood and motherhood is derived from him (Ephesians 3:14-15). Jesus' prayer also contains a warning that pride can keep us from the love and knowledge of God. What makes us ignorant and blind to the things of God? Certainly intellectual pride, coldness of heart, and stubbornness of will shut out God and his kingdom. Pride is the root of all vice and the strongest influence propelling us to sin. It first vanquishes the heart, making it cold and indifferent towards God. It also closes the mind to God's truth and wisdom for our lives. What is pride? It is the inordinate love of oneself at the expense of others and the exaggerated estimation of one's own learning and importance.

Jesus contrasts intellectual pride with child-like simplicity and humility. The simple of heart are like "babes" in the sense that they see purely without pretense and acknowledge their dependence and trust in the one who is greater, wiser, and more trustworthy. They seek one thing — the "summum bonum" or "greatest good" who is God himself. Simplicity of heart is wedded with humility, the queen of virtues, because humility inclines the heart towards grace and truth. Just as pride is the root or every sin and evil, so humility is the only soil in which the grace of God can take root. It alone takes the right attitude before God and allows him as God to do all. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6). Only the humble in heart can receive true wisdom and understanding of God and his ways. Do you submit to God's word with simple trust and humility? Jesus makes a claim which no one would have dared to make: He is the perfect revelation of God. One of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that we can know the living God. Our knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God, but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. To see Jesus is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God -- a God who cares intensely and who yearns over men and women, loving them to the point of laying down his life for them upon the Cross. Jesus is the revelation of God -- a God who loves us completely, unconditionally and perfectly. Jesus also promises that God the Father will hear our prayers when we pray in his name. That is why Jesus taught his followers to pray with confidence, Our Father who art in heaven ..give us this day our daily bread. Do you pray to your Father in heaven with joy and confidence in his love and care for you?

SAND AND STONE

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.





The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?" The other friend replied "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE

Muntinlupa City - Residential Haven

Geography
Muntinlupa is located at the southwestern part of Metropolitan Manila, bounded on the north by Taguig, on the northwest by Parañaque, on the west by Las Piñas, on the southwest by the province of Laguna, and on the east by Laguna de Bay.

Valenzuela City - Industrial Boomtown

Geography
The city of Valenzuela is situated in the northern part of the National Capital Region. Valenzuela City, together with Navotas, Malabon, Pateros, Taguig, and Muntinlupa, form the Metro Manila outer ring of towns. It is bounded to the north and northwest by Caloocan City and Malabon, and to the west by Navotas. The city occupies a total land area of 47 square kilometers.

Population
The total population was 473,165 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
Valenzuela City is composed of 32 Barangays under one Congressional District. It has been classified as an Urbanized City.

An Amazing Love Story

He met her on a party. She was so outstanding, many guys chasing after her, while he so normal, nobody paid attention to him.

At the end of the party, he invited her to have coffee with him, she was surprised, but due to being polite, she promised. They sat in a nice coffee shop, he was too nervous to say anything, she felt uncomfortable, she thought, please, let me go home.... suddenly he asked the waiter.

"would you please give me some salt? I'd like to put it in my coffee."

Everybody stared at him, so strange! His face turned red, but still, he put the salt in his coffee and drank it.

She asked him curiously; why you have this hobby? He replied: "when I was a little boy, I was living near the sea, I like playing in the sea, I could feel the taste of the sea, just like the taste of the salty coffee. Now every time I have the salty coffee, I always think of my childhood, think of my
hometown, I miss my hometown so much, I miss my parents who are still living there". While saying that tears filled his eyes. She was deeply touched .

That's his true feeling, from the bottom of his heart. A man who can tell out his homesickness, he must be a man who loves home, cares about home, has responsibility of home.

Then she also started to speak, spoke about her faraway hometown, her childhood, her family. That was a really nice talk, also a beautiful beginning
of their story.

They continued to date. She found that actually he was a man who meets all her demands; he had tolerance, was kind hearted, warm, careful. He was such a good person but she almost missed him! Thanks to his salty coffee!

Then the story was just like every beautiful love story , the princess married to the prince, then they were living the happy life... And, every time she made coffee for him, she put some salt in the coffee e, as she knew that's the way he liked it.

After 40 years, he passed away, left her a letter which said: "My dearest, please forgive me, forgive my whole life lie. This was the only lie I said to you---the salty coffee.

Remember the first time we dated? I was so nervous at that time, actually I wanted some sugar, but I said salt. It was hard for me to change so I just went ahead.I never thought that could be the start of our communication! I tried to tell you the truth many times in my life, but I was too afraid to do that, as I have promised not to lie to you for anything..

Now I'm dying, I afraid of nothing so I tell you the truth: I don't like the salty coffee, what a strange bad taste.. But I have had the salty coffee for my whole life!

Since I knew you, I never feel sorry for anything I do for you.

Having you with me is my biggest happiness for my whole life. If
I can live for the second time, still want to know you and have you for my whole life,even though I have to drink the salty coffee again".

Her tears made the letter totally wet.Someday, someone asked her: what's the taste of salty coffee?

It's sweet. She replied.

Love is not 2 forget but 2 forgive, not 2 c but 2 understand, not 2 hear but 2 listen, not 2 let go but 2 HOLD ON !!!!

Don't ever leave the one you love for the one you like, because the one you like will leave you for the one they love.

~DEATH~
WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT !!!!!

A sick man turned to his doctor,
as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said,
"Doctor, I am afraid to die.
Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know?
You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
on the other side came a sou nd of scratching and whining,
and as he opened the door,
a dog sprang into the room
and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
"Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
but I do know one thing...
I know my Master is there and that is enough."

May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly
where you are meant to be.
I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet
when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

May we always found favor in the eyes of our Master in Heaven. Have a great day!!

JULY 18
ST. FREDERICK

Frederick lived in ninth-century Utrecht, in the central part of the Netherlands. When he was ordained a priest, Bishop Ricfried put him in charge of instructing converts. Around 825, he was chosen to succeed Ricfried as bishop of Utrecht. Bishop Frederick became acquainted with the people of his diocese. He really cared about them. He gave high priority to missionary work too. In fact, he sent St. Odulf and other brave priests to areas where the people were still pagan. He wanted them to hear the Good News.

Because of his position as bishop, Frederick made a few enemies. The emperor's sons were very outspoken about their stepmother's immoral living. They asked Bishop Frederick to speak to Empress Judith. The bishop approached her gently but honestly. The empress did not take the advice well. She grew angry and was insulted.

Another challenge was the people who lived in the northern part of Frederick's diocese called Walcheren. St. Frederick sent priests to bring the people there the love of Jesus. Frederick knew the area was dangerous and unfriendly. He kept close to the priests whom he sent. He encouraged them and tried to help the people receive Christianity. But they were not ready to listen in any way. They resented the bishop's concern for them.

St. Frederick continued his care of the diocese with love and diligence. Then on July 18, 838, a tragedy happened. The bishop had just celebrated Mass. He was quietly making his thanksgiving when two men lunged at him with knives. A sentence from Psalm 116 came to mind. Slowly, the dying bishop prayed: "I walk before the Lord in the land of the living." A few minutes later he died.

Some say Empress Judith sent the hired killers because of her hatred for the bishop. Others think the guilty party was the people from Walcheren. The murderers were never caught and convicted. But Bishop Frederick is honored as a martyr and a saint.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Tuesday (7/18): "Jesus upbraided them because they did not repent"

Scripture: Matthew 11:20-24

20 Then he began to upbraid the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Chora'zin! woe to you, Beth-sa'ida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Caper'na-um, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you."

Meditation: If Jesus were to visit your community today, what would he say? Would he issue a warning like the one he gave to Chorazin and Bethsaida? And how would you respond? Wherever Jesus went he did mighty works to show the people how much God had for them. Chorazin and Bethsaida had been blessed with the visitation of God. They heard the good news and experienced the wonderful works which Jesus did for them. Why was Jesus upset with these communities? The word woe is also translated as alas. It is as much as an expression of sorrowful pity as it is of anger. Why does Jesus lament and issue a stern warning? The people who heard the gospel here very likely responded with indifference. Jesus upbraids them for doing nothing! Repentance demands change — a change of heart and way of life. God's word is life-giving and it saves us from destruction — the destruction of soul as well as body. Jesus' anger is directed toward sin and everything which hinders us from doing the will of God. In love he calls us to walk in his way of truth and freedom, grace and loving-kindness, justice and holiness. Do you receive his word with faith and obedience or with doubt and indifference?

The Famous Race of the Rabbit and the Tortoise - Version 2.0

Once upon a time a tortoise and a hare had an argument about who was faster.
They decided to settle the argument with a race. They agreed on a route and started off the race.

The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for some time.
Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he thought he'd sit under
a tree for some time and relax before continuing the race. He sat under
the tree and soon fell asleep.

The tortoise plodding on overtook him and soon finished the race, emerging as the undisputed champ.

The hare woke up and realized that he'd lost the race.

The moral- "Slow and steady wins the race. This is the version of the
story that we've all grown up with."

THE STORY DOESN'T END HERE

there are few more interesting things.....it continues as follows......

The hare was disappointed at losing the race and he did some soul-searching.

He realized that he'd lost the race only because he had been overconfident, careless and lax.
If he had not taken things for granted, there's no way the tortoise could have beaten him.
So he challenged the tortoise to another race.

The tortoise agreed. This time, the hare went all out and ran without
stopping from start to finish. He won by several miles.

The moral - " Fast and consistent will always beat the slow and steady.
It's good to be slow and steady; but it's better to be fast and reliable."

THE STORY DOESN'T END HERE

The tortoise did some thinking this time, and realized that there's no
way it can beat the hare in a race the way it was currently formatted.

It thought for a while, and then challenged the hare to another race, but
on a slightly different route. The hare agreed. They started off. In keeping
with his self-made commitment to be consistently fast, the hare took off and
ran at top speed until he came to a broad river. The finishing line was a
couple of kilometres on the other side of the river.

The hare sat there wondering what to do.
In the meantime the tortoise trundled along, got into the river, swam to the opposite bank, continued walking and finished the race.

The moral - "First identify your core competency, then change the playing field to suit your core competency."

THE STORY STILL HASN'T ENDED

The hare and the tortoise, by this time, had become pretty good friends
and they did some thinking together.

Both realized that the last race could have been run much better.
So they decided to do the last race again, but to run as a team this time.

They started off, and this time the hare carried the tortoise till the riverbank. There, the tortoise took over and swam
across with the hare on his back. On the opposite bank, the hare again carried
the tortoise and they reached the finishing line together. They both felt a
greater sense of satisfaction than they'd felt earlier.

The moral - "It's good to be individually brilliant and to have strong core competencies; but unless you're able to work in a team and harness each other's core competencies, you'll always perform below par because there will always be situations
at which you'll do poorly and someone else does well.

Teamwork is mainly about situational leadership, letting the person
with the relevant core competency for a situation take leadership.

Note that neither the hare nor the tortoise gave up after failures. The
hare decided to work harder and put in more effort after his failure.
The tortoise changed his strategy because he was already working as hard as he could."

In life, when faced with failure,
sometimes it is appropriate to work
harder and put in more effort.

Sometimes it is appropriate to change strategy and try something different.
And sometimes it is appropriate to do both.

The hare and the tortoise also learnt another vital lesson.

When we stop competing against a rival and instead start competing against the situation, we perform far better.

To sum up- the story of the hare and tortoise has much to say:
Chief among them are that fast and consistent will always beat slow and steady; work to your competencies; pooling resources and working as a team will always beat individual performers; never give up when faced with failure; & finally,
compete against the situation - not against a rival.

The night has a thousand eyes, and the day but one
Yet the light of the bright world dies with the dying sun.

The mind has a thousand eyes, and the heart but one
Yet the light of a whole life dies when its love is done.

----Francis W. Bourdillon

Can you answer these puzzles correctly?

No Cheating!! Let's See How Well You Do.

Get A Pen And Paper And Write Down Your Answers.
Once You're Done, Just Scroll Down For The Answers.
And Don't Forget To Share This With Your Friends!!

1. There is one word in the English language that is always pronounced
incorrectly. What is it?

2. A man gave one son 10 cents and another son was given 15 cents.
What time is it?

3. A boat has a ladder that has six rungs, each rung is one foot apart.
The bottom rung is one foot from the water. The tide rises at 12
inches every 15 minutes. High tide peaks in one hour. When the tide
is at it's highest, how many rungs are under water?

4. There is a house with four walls. Each wall faces south. There is a
window in each wall. A bear walks by one of the windows. What
color is the bear?

5. Is half of two plus two equal to two or three?

6. There is a room. The shutters are blowing in. There is broken glass
on the floor. There is water on the floor. You find Sloppy dead on
the floor. Who is Sloppy? How did Sloppy die?
7. How much dirt would be in a hole 6 feet deep and 6 feet wide that
has been dug with a square edged shovel?

8. If I were in Hawaii and dropped a bowling ball in a bucket of water
which is 45 degrees F, and dropped another ball of the same weight,
mass,and size in a bucket at 30 degrees F, both of them at the same
time, which ball would hit the bottom of the bucket first? Same
question, but the location is in Canada?

9. What is the significance of the following: The year is 1978, thirty-
four minutes past noon on May 6th.

10. What can go up a chimney down, but can't go down a chimney up?
(Hint...chim chimminy)

11. If a farmer has 5 haystacks in one field and 4 haystacks in the
other field, how many haystacks would he have if he combined them
all in the center field?

12. What is it that goes up and goes down but does not move?

Scroll Down For The Answers!!

ANSWERS:

1. The word "incorrectly." (Almost cracked your brain, didn't you?)

2. 1:45. The man gave away a total of 25 cents. He divided it between
two people. Therefore, he gave a quarter to two.

3. None, the boat rises with the tide. Duh.

4. White. If all the walls face south, the house is at the North pole, and
the bear, therefore, is a polar bear.

5. Three. Well, it seems that it could almost be either, but if you
follow the mathematical orders of operation, division is performed
before addition. So...half of two is one. Then add two, and the
answer is three.

6. Sloppy is a (gold)fish. The wind blew the shutters in, which knocked
his goldfish-bowl off the table, and it broke, killing him. {Poor Sloppy.

7. None. No matter how big a hole is, it's still a hole: the absence of
dirt. (And those of you who said 36 cubic feet are wrong for
another reason, too. You would have needed the length measurement
too. So you don't even know how much air is in the hole.)

8. Both questions, same answer: the ball in the bucket of 45 degree F
water hits the bottom of the bucket last. Did you think that the
water in the 30 degree F bucket is frozen? Think again. The
question said nothing about that bucket having anything in it.
Therefore, there is no water (or ice) to slow the ball down...

9. The time and month/date/year American style calendar are 12:34,
5/6/78.

10. An umbrella.

11. One. If he combines all of his haystacks, they all become one big
stack.

12. The temperature

Some Important Laws... Newton Forgot to State...

LAW OF QUEUE: If you change queues, the one you have left will start to move faster than the one you are in now.

LAW OF TELEPHONE: When you dial a wrong number, you never get an engaged one.

LAW OF MECHANICAL REPAIR: After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

LAW OF THE WORKSHOP: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

LAW OF THE ALIBI: If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the next morning you will have a flat tire.

BATH THEOREM: When the body is immersed in water, the telephone rings.

LAW OF ENCOUNTERS: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

LAW OF THE RESULT: When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will!

LAW OF BIOMECHANICS: The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

THEATRE RULE: People with the seats at the furthest from the aisle arrive last.

LAW OF COFFEE: As soon as you sit down for a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

Parañaque City - Novena Mecca Of Metro Manila

Geography
Parañaque lies some 9.7 km. south of the Luneta Grandstand. It is bounded by Pasay City on the north, Muntinlupa on the southeast, Las Piñas on the southwest, and Manila Bay on the west. It occupies a total land area of 46,626 sq. kilometers.

Political Subdivision
The city is composed of 16 Barangays under one Congressional District. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

Las Piñas City - Salt Center Of Metro Manila

Description
The city of Las Piñas is famous for the Bamboo Organ, praised for its unique, rare, and melodious sound. The unique bamboo organ can only be found inside the St. Joseph Church of the Parish of Las Piñas. It was in the year 1822 that the construction of this one-of-a-kind musical instrument started; it was completed in 1824. Fr. Diego Cera initiated building this organ using bamboo, wood, and metal. Yearly, a Bamboo Organ Festival is being held at the Parish during the month of February.

Las Piñas has also come to be known as a major site of Philippine revolts. During the Philippine-Spanish revolution of 1896, it was occupied by the forces of General Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the First Philippine Republic. Similarly, the city, then only a town, figured prominently during the World War II.

Beliefs on the true origin of the town’s name vary. Some say it is derived from the word “Piña,” meaning pineapple, since traders from the provinces of Cavite and Batangas shipped their pineapples for sale first to this town before the nearby markets. Others believe that the name was really “Las Peñas,” owing to the quarrying of stones and adobe, which were used to construct buildings and bridges. The name could also have originated from the two political groups that ruled the town at that time.

An inscription in an old church bell, which has been preserved inside the museum of the Las Piñas Parochial Church, states, “Siendo Cura-del Pueblo de Las Peñas el M.R.P. Padre Diego Cera se Fundio este equilon ano de 1820.” It shows that, as early as during the time of Fr. Diego Cera, the town’s first parish priest, the town had been called “Las Peñas” – until after sometime that the town’s name was somehow changed to “Las Piñas.”

Geography
Las Piñas City is bounded on the north and northeast by the city of Parañaque; on the east and southeast by the city of Muntinlupa; on the south by the municipality of Imus, Cavite; on the southwest and west by the municipality of Bacoor, Cavite; and on the northwest by the scenic Manila Bay. It occupies a total land area of 41.54 sq. kilometers.

Population
The total population was 413,086 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
The city is composed of 20 Barangays under one Congressional District. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City.

JULY 17
ST. LEO IV

St. Leo lived in the ninth century. He was a Roman by birth and spent his life in that city. Leo was educated in the Benedictine monastery near St. Peter's Basilica. He was ordained a priest and performed his ministry at St. John Lateran's, a large, famous basilica. Leo was well-known and loved by two popes, Gregory IV who died in 844, and Sergius II who died in 847. The death of Pope Sergius II was to have an immediate effect on Leo. Rumors of a barbarian invasion of Saracens had Romans terrified. They did not want to be left without a pope. Neither did the cardinals. They quickly elected the successor to Sergius II. He is known to history as Leo IV.

As pope, Leo had the city walls repaired. The walls had been damaged the previous year by a Saracen attack. He beautified churches and brought many relics to Rome. He started a renewal program for the clergy. In fact, in 853 he called a synod for all Roman priests. He passed forty-two rules which helped priests live more fervent, prayerful and joy-filled lives.

A few bishops caused Leo great suffering because of their lives. They confronted the pope openly and would not change their ways. No matter how much Pope Leo was insulted, he remained just, patient and humble. He never let his troubles get the best of him. Leo kept giving his time and energy for Jesus and his Church. He loved the beautiful prayers of the liturgy and encouraged liturgical chant and music.

People loved St. Leo. Even during his lifetime, he was considered a miracle worker. It is said that he was responsible for stopping the terrible fire in the English quarter of Rome.

Pope Leo IV continued serving the Church with cheerfulness right up to the end of his life. He died on July 17, 855.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Monday (7/17): "He who loves father and mother more than me is not worthy of me"

Scripture: Matthew 10:34 - 11:1

34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man's foes will be those of his own household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. 40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 41 He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." (Matthew 11) 1 And when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Meditation: Why does Jesus describe his mission and the coming of God's kingdom in terms of conflict, division, and war? Jesus came in peace to reconcile a broken and sinful humanity with an all-merciful and loving God. Jesus also came to wage war, to overthrow the powers and principalities arrayed against God and his kingdom. What are these powers? Jesus describes Satan as the ruler of this world whom he will cast out (John 12:31). The battle Jesus had in mind was not an earthly conflict between nations, but a spiritual warfare between the forces of Satan and the armies of God. The scriptures make clear that there are ultimately only two powers or kingdoms — God's kingdom and the kingdom of darkness. John contrast these two kingdoms in the starkest of terms: We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19).

What does Satan seek? Satan opposes God and all who would follow his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The evil one has but one aim — the complete domination of our heart, mind, and will for his kingdom. And he will use any means to draw us from good to evil, from truth to deception, from light to darkness, and from life to death. There are no neutral parties in this spiritual battle. We are either for or against the kingdom of God. The choice is ours and God's grace is available to choose for his rule in our lives.

When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship or anything else above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do.

True love for God compels us to express charity towards our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God. Jesus declared that any kindness shown and any help given to the people of Christ will not lose its reward. Jesus never refused to give to anyone in need who asked for his help. As his disciples we are called to be kind and generous as he is. Jesus sets before his disciples the one goal in life that is worth any sacrifice and that goal is the will of God which produces real life and ultimate and completely satisfying peace. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?

"Lord, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has conceived the things you have prepared for those who love you. Set us ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may love you in and above all things and so receive the rewards you have promised us through Christ our Lord." (from A Christian's Prayer Book)

The 7 Ups!

1. Wake Up !!

Decide to have a good day.

2. Dress Up !!

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
With two ears and one mouth..
it's meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul."

4. Stand Up!!
. . . for what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."

5. Look Up !!

. . . Keep yourself centered. Remember, you are important.

6. Reach Up !!
. . . for something higher.
Trust with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.

7. Lift Up !!
. . . your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."

A POSITIVE THOUGHT

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened
gift...Thrown away...Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music
before the song is over.

Life may not be the party we hoped for...
but while we are here we might as well dance!"

The Secret of Life

The secret of life is to make the best
of whatever comes along,
Make every day fresh and new,
Go in search of knowledge and experience.

Let your questions and
your answers reconcile.
Do your best to remember
that the best kind of learning curve
is an educated smile.

Share your magic with the people
who share your memories.
Let your feelings run deep.

Be in touch with the people
who live in your heart.
Be a caring person who plays for keeps.

To really know what success means, earn it.
Don't rely on some elevator to get you there.
The higher the floor you want to reach,
the more important it is to take the stairs.

The easiest lessons to remember
are the ones you learn the hard way!

Appreciate the little things
that make each day
unique and special.

Have A Beautiful Day!

Malabon City - A Coastal Capital

Description
The city of Malabon was an important literary center of the revolutionary Filipinos during the period of Spain’s colonization of the Philippines, which ended with the revolution in 1896. It was here, in Malabon’s Asilo de Huertanos, that the “La Independencia,” the voice of the revolutionary government, was printed. On the same site were housed children who had been orphaned due to the plague of 1882.

Today Malabon has become a coastal city situated in the northern part of Metro Manila. Malabon, together with Navotas, Valenzuela, Pateros, Taguig, Pasig, and Muntinlupa, form the Metro Manila outer ring of towns, with the city of Manila as the center.

A primary attraction in the city is the Malabon Zoo and Aquarium. It is a well kept and unique conservatory of both endemic and exotic animals, including a large variety of unusual fishes, stashed inside a one-hectare tropical rainforest environment. An amusing destination for the old and the young, it indulges its visitors with the distinct privilege to pet wild animals that normally avoid human contact. The zoo is an accommodating classroom for nature lovers as it educates people on the environmental preservation of forests and wildlife.

Geography
The City of Malabon is basically a coastal city situated in the northern part of Metro Manila. Malabon, together with Navotas, Valenzuela, Pateros, Taguig, Pasig, and Muntinlupa, form the Metro Manila outer ring of towns, with the city of Manila as the center. The city is bounded on the north and northeast by Valenzuela, on the west and southwest by Navotas, and on the southeast by Caloocan City. It occupies a total land area of 23.4 square kilometers.

Population
The total population was 347,484 as of 1995.

Political Subdivision
Malabon is composed of 21 Barangays under one Congressional District.

Navotas - Fishing Capital Of Greater Manila

Geography
Navotas is a small fishing town in the northwest portion of Metropolitan Manila. It is a long island system presenting an aggregate shoreline of approximately 4.5 km. fronting Manila Bay. Towards the north, Navotas shares a common border with the town of Obando in Bulacan along the Sukol Creek. The eastern boundaries of Navotas are the Binuangan river, Daang Cawayan river, the Bangculasi channel, and the Estero de Maypajo, all bodies of water sharing a common boundary with Manila in the south. In the west, the waters of Manila Bay wash the shores of Navotas. The minucipality occupies a total land area of 2.6 square kilometers.

Population
The total population was 229, 039 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
The municipality consists of 14 Barangays. It has been classified as a 1st Class Municipality.

JULY 16
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

Mount Carmel is a mountain overlooking the plain of Galilee. It became famous when the prophet Elijah, who lived before Our Lord, was born. Elijah worked a miracle there. Chapter 18 of the Bible's First Book of Kings tells how Elijah stood up to the 450 prophets of the false god Baal. Through his prayers, Elijah obtained a miracle from God to prove that Elijah's God was the true God.

Centuries later, in the 1200s, a group of European monks began to live on Mount Carmel. They honored Mary the Mother of God as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For this reason the people began to call them friars of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. This was the way the Carmelite order began. Pope Honorius III approved the order's rule in 1226. Simon Stock, an Englishman, became the superior of all the Carmelites in 1247. He helped the order expand and adapt to the times. He patterned the order on the Dominicans and Franciscans.

On July 16, 1251, Mary appeared to St. Simon and gave him the brown scapular. She promised her protection to all those who would wear the blessed habit. Many miracles proved her words. St. Pius X was pope from 1903 until 1914. He said that people could have the same blessings if they would wear the scapular medal. This medal has a picture of Our Lady of the Scapular on one side and the Sacred Heart on the other. Simon Stock died in Bordeaux, France, in 1265.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Sunday (7/16): "They anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them"

Scripture: Mark 6:7-13

7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.

Meditation: What kind of authority and power does the Lord want us to exercise on his behalf? Jesus gave his apostles both the power and the authority to speak and to act in his name. He commanded them to do the works which he did -- to cast out evil spirits, to heal, and to speak the word of God -- the good news of the gospel which they received from Jesus. When Jesus spoke of power and authority he did something unheard of. He wedded power and authority with love and humility. The "world" and the "flesh" seek power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches us to use it for the good of our neighbor. Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel light" with little or no provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample room for God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work through and in each of us for his glory. Are you ready to handle the power and authority which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends you?

TRUE FRIENDS

THE GREATEST ADVICE

Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior. Don't philander
because you think you are irresistible.

Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.

Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough and know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder. Don't sell yourself,
your family, or your ideals. Don't stagnate.!

Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back. Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr/Mrs Right. Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.

Learn a new skill.
Find a new friend.
Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won.
Only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.

To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.

To make yourself happy, pursue your passions and be the best of what you can be. Simplify your life. Take away the clutter. Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons. Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.

Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family. Be
true to yourself. Don't commit when you are not ready. Don't keep others
waiting needlessly.

Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.
Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.

Write poetry.
Love Deeply.
Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.

Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you. You light up your life. You drive yourself to your destination. No one completes you - except YOU.

It is true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.
Pursue your passions.

Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in your God.
Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!

When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves.

If the Lord has you on hold... hold on!
If the Lord has said "NO" to you... thank Him!
If the Lords is molding your heart and mind... go with His change!
If the Lord opens doors that you have asking Him to open... Praise Him!
Be blessed wherever you are in your life today! God has His hands on the situation!

The Mark of the Beast

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred three score and six." (Rev. 13:16-18)

Many Bible readers over the centuries have been puzzled, wondering just how such a system could ever be established, but it 's no longer a puzzle. Advanced technology has brought the world closer to the Mark of the Beast than anything else in history.

We know that the coming Mark of the Beast will somehow be connected with the economy, for the Bible says that no one may buy or sell without it. It may very well be that cash, checks, and credit cards are soon to become a thing of the past, because electronic money is becoming more popular all the time.

One form of electronic money is the use of smart cards. A smart card looks like a credit or debit card, except it contains a small computer chip with all sorts of information about the card holder, including bank account numbers and balances. When a smart card is used, the card holder 's bank account is immediately debited at the point of sale by computer transaction. This means more profits to retailers and banks alike, for bad checks and credit card abuse would be eliminated. Many banks and credit card companies believe that electronic money will eventually usher in a cashless society where everyone will buy and sell electronically. Terry Galanoy, former director of communications for what is now Visa International has made this bold remark: "Protesting too loudly about it isn't going to help either, because the disturbance you kick up is going to end up in one of your files. And on that come-and-get-it day when we 're all totally and completely dependent upon our card--or whatever security device might replace it--you might be left all alone without one!"

In promotional literature from the Danyl Corporation of Moorestown, New Jersey, Robert J. Merkert, Sr., senior vice president, says: "One day in the near future, we'll be able to pay for almost everything with just one 'prepaid stored value' or 'smart card.'"

Though many industry leaders are very much in favor of a cashless society where buying and selling is done electronically, there is a problem. How can it be guaranteed that the individual using a Smart Card is the authorized card holder? Some believe that this problem can be solved by combining Smart Card technology with Biometric Technology. After all, a Smart "Card" is only a piece of plastic. It 's the computer chip inside the card that stores the needed information. As unbelievable as it may sound, biometric technology has now made it possible to implant small computer chips under the skin of animals and people. The European Community's Executive Commission has already passed legislation which REQUIRES farmers in the EC to have their livestock implanted with microchips! In many cities across the U.S., the Humane Society is selling such implants for pets, as a replacement for dog tags.

You say, "Well, that' s just for animals. No one would ever try this technology on people." I wouldn't be too sure about that. According to the book, The Mark of the Beast , by Paul and Peter Lalond, a plastic surgeon in Florida has hit upon the idea of implanting microchips in people. This would be helpful in locating missing people, such as run away children, kidnapped children, wandering victims of Alzheimer's disease, and parolees.

Just for a moment, use your imagination and think about the convenience of implanted microchips. You wouldn't need any cash or checks for making purchases, for your bank account would be automatically debited every time you went through a check-out stand. You wouldn't need to keep up with a social security card, a driver's license, a Medicare card, a credit card, or even a smart card, because all of this information could be stored in the implanted chip. You wouldn't have to worry about getting mugged on the street, because there would be no demand for cash in a cashless society.

We are not saying that the government is going to make you receive a microchip implant, and we aren't sure how the number "666" can be integrated into all this. We are simply pointing out the fact that THE TECHNOLOGY IS HERE. We do not know exactly what the Mark of the Beast will be in it's final form, but it is obvious that the possibilities are greater today than ever before.

Your Only Escape

Only by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior can you be saved from the wrath to come (1 Ths. 1:10; 5:9). The Lord Jesus Christ will soon return to call His church out of this world (1 Ths. 4:16-18), and only those who are saved will leave. Everyone else will enter into the Great Tribulation (Mat. 24:21), and they will be required to take the Mark of the Beast. Those who do will burn in Hell forever (Rev. 14:11).

When you are ready to accept the fact that you are a lost and dying sinner and that your "good works" are unacceptable to God (Rom. 3:10, 23; 4:5; 10:3), then you can begin to see your need for Jesus Christ. He came into this world to lay down His sinless life for YOU--to pay for your sins, because you couldn't. Jesus is your only hope for salvation. Only by receiving Him as your Savior can you enter the gates of Heaven. There is no other way.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6)

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

The Lord Jesus Christ has come and PAID for your sins by shedding His own Blood on Calvary. By receiving Him as your Savior, you can be WASHED from all your sins in His precious Blood (Rev. 1:5; Col. 1:14; Acts 20:28; I Pet. 1:18-19). Notice these important words from Romans 5:8-9:

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

Jesus PAID your way to Heaven for you! By receiving Him as your Savior, you will be receiving God's ONLY means of Salvation for you. Are you willing to forsake YOUR righteousness and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, your ONLY HOPE for Salvation? Romans 10:13 says , "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Are you willing to forsake your own righteousness, and trust Jesus Christ alone? He will save you just as He promised. Why not receive Him today? Tomorrow could be too late.

Taguig - Rice Bowl Of Greater Manila

Geography
Taguig, a first class municipality, is situated at the northwestern shore of Laguna de Bay at the upper mouth of the legendary Pasig River, also known as the Napindan Channel, through which Laguna drains its flood waters. It occupies a total land area of 33.7 sq. kilometers.

Population
The total population was 381,350 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
Taguig consists of 18 Barangays. It has been classified as a 1st Class Municipality.

  

Pateros - The Philippines' Duck Egg Capital

Description
The foremost tourist attraction in Pateros is also its biggest and most famous industry - balut-making. Balut are duck eggs, and have been the source of a thriving industry in Pateros, which has been handed down from generation to generation. It presently accounts for about 23% of the total industry. Balut makers mostly come from Aguho.

Another attraction, and another industry, in Pateros is its popular Alfombra slippers. In fact, slipper manufacturing was one of the earliest and original skills of the people of Pateros. Today, the Alfombra slipper business ranks fourth in the registered industrial establishments of Pateros, with stores situated along the streets of M. Almeda and B. Morilla.

Geography
Pateros is approximately 13 km. southeast of Manila and north of the Pasig River. It is bounded by the following municipalities: Pasig in the northeast, Taguig in the south, Makati in the northwest, and the Pateros River in the west. It occupies a total land area of 10.4 sq. kilometers.

Population
The total population was 55,286 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
Pateros is composed of 10 Barangays under one Congressional District. It has been classified as a 4th Class Municipality.

San Juan - Brave Men In History

Geography
San Juan is situated in the central part of Metropolitan Manila. Its northern and western boundaries are Quezon City and the city of Manila, respectively, while the city of Mandaluyong form its southern and eastern boundaries. It occupies a total land area of 10.4 sq. kilometers.

Population
The total population was 124,187 as of the 1995 census.

Political Subdivision
San Juan is composed of 21 Barangays. It has been classified as a 1st Class Municipality.

JULY 15
ST. BONAVENTURE

Bonaventure's name means "good luck." He was born in 1221 in Tuscany, Italy, and was baptized John. Bonaventure joined the Franciscan order, which was still new. In fact, St. Francis of Assisi who started the Franciscans lived from 1181 until 1226. Francis was still alive when Bonaventure was born. As a young Franciscan, Bonaventure left his own country to study at the University of Paris in France. He became a wonderful writer about the things of God. He loved God so much that people began to call him the "Seraphic Doctor." Seraphic means angelic.

One of Bonaventure's famous friends was St. Thomas Aquinas. His feast day is January 28. Thomas asked Bonaventure where he got all the beautiful things he wrote. St. Bonaventure took his friend and led him to his desk. He pointed to the large crucifix which always stood on his desk. "It is he who tells me everything. He is my only Teacher." Another time when Bonaventure was writing the life of St. Francis of Assisi, he was so full of fervor that St. Thomas exclaimed: "Let us leave a saint to write about a saint." St. Bonaventure always kept himself humble even though his books made him famous.

In 1265, Pope Clement IV wanted him to become an archbishop. Bonaventure begged the pope to accept his refusal. The pope respected his decision. However, Bonaventure did agree to be master general of his order. This difficult task was his for seventeen years. In 1273, Blessed Pope Gregory X made Bonaventure a cardinal. The two papal messengers found Bonaventure at the large wash tubs. He was taking his turn scrubbing the pots and pans. The papal messengers waited patiently until Bonaventure finished the last pot. He rinsed and dried his hands. Then they solemnly presented him the large red hat which symbolized his new honor.

Cardinal Bonaventure was a great help to this pope who had called the Council of Lyons in 1274. Thomas Aquinas died on his way to the Council, but Bonaventure made it. He was very influential at the assembly. Yet he, too, died rather suddenly on July 14, 1274, at the age of fifty-three. The pope was at his bedside when he died.

Bonaventure was proclaimed a saint in 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV. In 1588, Pope Sixtus V declared him a Doctor of the Church.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Saturday (7/15): "Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell"

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33

24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Be-el'zebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. 26 "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Meditation: What does fear have to do with the kingdom of God? Fear is a powerful force. It can lead us to panic and flight or it can spur us to faith and action. The fear of God is the antidote to the fear of losing one's life. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.O fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no want! Come, O sons, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 34:4,9,11) What is godly fear? It is reverence for the One who made us in love and who sustains us in mercy and kindness. The greatest injury or loss which we can experience is not physical but spiritual -- the loss of one's soul to the power of hell. A healthy fear of God leads to spiritual maturity, wisdom and right judgment and it frees us from the tyranny of sinful pride, cowardice -- especially in the face of evil, and spiritual deception. Do you trust in God's grace and mercy and submit to his word?

When Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God he met opposition and hostility. He tells his disciples that they must expect the same treatment if they are to live and to proclaim the reign of God. There is both a warning and a privilege in his statement. Just as Jesus had to carry his cross, so the disciples must carry their cross and not try to evade it. To suffer for the faith is to share in the work of Christ. As one hymn states: Lift high the Cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod. The Holy Spirit gives us power and grace to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Do you trust in God’s grace to carry your cross for Jesus’ sake?

What Is Your Favorite Fruit?

>Pick a fruit and forward it with what fruit you chose on the subject line.
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>Which fruit will you pick if you were handed these:
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>1. Orange
>2. Apple
>3. Banana
>4. Coconut
>5. Pineapple
>6. Papaya
>7. Mango
>8. Cherry
>9. Black Grapes
>10. Peach
>11. Custard Apple
>12. Pear
>
>What did you pick?
>(Pick before you scroll down .... Do Not CHEAT!!!)
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>ORANGE: If orange is your favorite fruit, it speaks of a person who has
>enduring patience and willpower. You like to do things slowly, but very
>thoroughly and are completely undaunted by hardwork. You tend to be shy,
>but are reliable and trustworthy friend. You have an aesthetic bent of
>mind. You select your partner with care and you love with all your heart,
>and not in for just a fling. You avoid conflict at all costs.
>
>APPLE: If apple is your favorite fruit, you are an extravagant,
>impulsive and outspoken person, often with a bit of a temper. While you may
>not be the best organizer yourself, you make a good team leader and are
>good at taking things forward. You can take quick action in most
>situations. You enjoy travel immensely. You ooze with charm when you are
>with your partner. You have an enthusiasm for life, unmatched by most.
>
>BANANA: You are a softie, Loving, gentle, warm and sympathetic by nature is
>the banana lover. You often lack in self-confidence and are quite timid by
>nature. People often take advantage of your sweet temperedness, and sheer
>vulnerability to a situation. You adore your partner in every which way,
>both for their mental and physical beauty! Because of the way you are, your
>relationship is always very much in harmony!
>
>COCONUT: The coconut lover is a serious, very thoughtful and
>contemplative person. Though you enjoy socializing, you are particular
>about the company you keep. You tend to be stubborn but not necessarily
>foolhardy. Shrewd, quick-witted and alert, you ensure that you are right on
>top of any given scenario, especially at work. You need a partner with
>brains, and while passion is important it certainly isn't verything for
>you.
>
>PINEAPPLE: You are quick to decide and even quicker to act. You are brave
>in asking career changes, if that is what is to your advantage. You have
>exceptional organizing abilities and are undaunted by the size of the task
>at hand. You tend to be self reliant, sincere and honest in your dealings
>with others. Though you are not given to making friend very quickly, but
>once you do, it is for life. You rarely, if ever, make romantic overtures.
>Your partner is often impressed with your sterling qualities but
>disappointed in your ability to show affection.
>
>PAPAYA: You are truly fearless and take much that happens in life in your
>stride. You give considerable thought to things you do. You have a sense of
>humor that, along with your generous nature, keeps you in most people's
>good books. You are a go-getter in your professional life, and have a knack
>for being in the right place at the right time. You enjoy meeting new
>people and seeing new sights whenever you can. Your sense of humor is what
>attracts members of the opposite sex to you more than
>anything else. It is simply charming!
>
>MANGO: A mango lover is a personality to reckoned with; quite often, you
>are a person who has quite fixed ideas, and influencing you is not an easy
>task. You tend to be an extremist with strong likes and dislikes, and at
>times even like to control a situation. You enjoy getting involved in
>something that presents mental challenge. Strong as you may be, you are
>like a kitten when you are with your partner. You accommodate the love of
>your life, and make up for all the strong will elsewhere!
>
>CHERRY: If cherry is your favorite fruit, life isn't always as sweet for
>you. You often face ups and downs, particularly rofessionally, and find
>that you make small sums of $$$, instead of a lump sum. You have a fertile
>imagination and are often involved in creative pursuits. You are a very
>sincere and loyal partner, but find that expressing your feelings is not
>very easy. Your home is your haven, and you love nothing more than being
>surrounded by close family and your beloved partner.
>
>BLACK GRAPES: You are a polite person in general, but do have quick
>flare-ups of temper that cool down just as quickly. You enjoy beauty in all
>forms, including beautiful people. You are very popular because of your
>warm , gregarious nature. You have a zest for life, you enjoy everything
>you do, right from the way you dress, to your style and your day-to-day
>life. Your partner must share your zeal and zing for life to enjoy all you
>have to offer!
>
>PEACH: Like a peach, you enjoy the juice of life & all its lush
>ripeness! You are the friendly sort, and are quite frank and outspoken,
>which adds to your charm. You are quick to forgive and forget; and value
>your friendships highly. You have an independent and ambitious streak in
>you that makes you a realgo-getter. You are the ideal lover, fiery and
>passionate but sincere and faithful in love. You don't, however, like to
>display all that passion in public.
>
>CUSTARD APPLE: You are a modest and conservative person who can be quite
>sensitive at times. You tend to be thoughtful and contemplative,and
>therefore are rarely rash In doing things. You are quite ambitious and are
>good at anything that requires much detailing or working with numbers. You
>are quick at finding fault with others. While looking for a partner, you
>value a person's intellect far above their looks or good old passion. You
>are quite shy and not very comfortable demonstrating affection.
>
>PEAR: If you put your mind to something you can do it successfully, but by
>and large you tend to be fickle and have trouble completing a task with the
>enthusiasm you started it with. You need to know the results of your
>efforts almost immediately. You enjoy mental stimulation and love to get
>into a good discussion! You tend to be a restless and high-strung
>person, and are easily excited Being happy doesn't mean everything's
>perfect! It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections