I grew up watching Star Wars. I have seen all nine films. If I was asked which are my top three Star Wars films, they would have to be Attack of the Clones (Hayden Christensen is such a badass Anakin), Empire Strikes Back and the recently shown Rise of the Skywalker simply because I admire Kylo Ren and what he stood for.
*Spoilers Ahead*
I was among the fortunate ones who managed to watch Rise of the Skywalker before the Manila Film Fest started. My cousins Franky, Dannica, CD, Z and I watched it with Tito Buboy at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Prior to seeing it, I already had theories and expectations about how I wanted the saga to end. The origins of Rey, why Kylo Ren felt he had to live up to the image of Darth Vader, how will the First Order accomplish its goal of world domination and will Finn finally be able to tell Rey how he feels about her?
It was no longer about the battle for justice. Rey does not have a clue who she is and don't we all ask ourselves at least once in a while who are we and how did we get to where we are now? What made me come this far? Who gave me courage and the ability to move on despite my troublesome past?
Rey's dilemma echoes mine back when I was in high school and college. I had no idea why I took up marketing and advertising. Was I following my mom's footsteps in hopes that I'll be as successful as she is in the corporate world or was I trying to prove I can be better? College opened opportunities I was fearful of grabbing. Unlike high school when you all really wanted was to graduate with your friends and not with a batch younger than yours.
How about Kylo Ren? How was he able to kill Han Solo without remorse or guilt for what he had done? Why does he resent Han and Princess Leia so much? Yet when he learns about Rey and how fond his mother Leia is of her, he went ballistic and takes out his rage on Rey.
As an adult who still lives under her parents' roof, it can get chaotic having to obey them when we want to speak up and be heard. We answer back and like a childish, immature brat we storm off the house and run away; believing that would solve the problem.
Kylo must have felt like an idiot. He must have thought he is worthless to anyone, even his parents. Throughout the saga, we see how it is in chaos where people who have animosity towards each other unite to fight a villain that has given them nothing but pain and sorrow: the Siths.
In the Star Wars universe, the Siths are the most evil bunch of the lot. They use the Force to perform vile deeds and they do not mind eliminating anyone who dares to mess up their plans. The Jedis are all about peace, order and equality. Thus that is why the audience are asked, are you a Sith or a Jedi?
For Christians, the Force is the power of the Holy Spirit that comes from God. It is His grace that overflows and is constantly with us as long as we continue to seek God and live in His image and righteousness. I have been a Kylo Ren and Rey as a teen and now that I'm in my 30s, I am working towards being the Kylo and Rey that worked together to overthrow Palpatine and the First Order.
Will I let my future kids know how much their mom loves the Star Wars saga? Definitely! Thank you, George Lucas, for the characters I have loved since I was in seventh grade. C3PO, R2D2, Chewbacca, Han Solo, Luke and Leia, Darth Vader, Obi wan Kenobi, Qui Gon Jinn, Jar Jar Binks, Padmé Amidala - - - I have loved them like they were my family!
Go see the saga now. Start with A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Then Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Do not miss any of the nine films. Each film has its importance and place to make the saga easy to understand and appreciate.
Now, excuse me as I grab some popcorn and start my own marathon.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Thursday, September 13, 2018
When It's Time To Let Go
When do we know or how can we tell when it is time to let go of someone we love but does not love us back? How about friends who only bring chaos and turmoil to your life; when they no longer serve their purpose?
The moment we notice that nothing in life is permanent except change, that is when we should stop and look at what is hindering us from our walk with God. To become truly obedient to Him, we have to sacrifice a few friendships (and yes, loved ones too) along the way. The phrase, "blood is thicker than water"? Do you even know the whole phrase and what it means? People don't know that it is part of a much longer one: "the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb". It means the blood that is shed by soldiers on the battlefield makes for stronger bonds than those of the family you happened by chance to be born into.
Christianity is not a walk in the park. You will get into arguments and never-ending debates with people whose beliefs are different from yours everyday and when you allow yourself to live by His Word and be nourished by it rather than just nourishing your physical bodies with food and drink, that is the time you have to decide who stays in your life and who goes.
Where we're going, we don't need friends. All you need with you is Jesus. This is precisely why only a few people can fully walk the path the Lord gives them. I am not saying you should break up with all your pals and chums and live in seclusion to show that you are right with God and that you're devoting your life to Him. What it means is that we should learn to know what it will cost us to take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Do not get offended when people ridicule you for no longer doing the nasty things you did before you surrendered your life to Him and chose to serve Him. Many have been persecuted and stoned to death; some were even hanged and crucified for their unwavering faith and obedience to God's call.
To Catholics, this people are saints. I choose to see them as men and women of action. Faith without works is dead, as it was mentioned in the Bible, but don't let it mislead you into thinking that you need to do good in order to be saved. For we are saved by grace through faith in Him so that none of us may boast.
Start and end your day with a prayer. Choose kindness than hatred and violence. Learn to agree to disagree and never force your beliefs on someone. Respect must beget respect. For us to coexist and live in harmony, we must be humble and remember that everything will pass. Your friends, your earthly family, your life itself will pass as well. Live the life you want to be proud of.
The moment we notice that nothing in life is permanent except change, that is when we should stop and look at what is hindering us from our walk with God. To become truly obedient to Him, we have to sacrifice a few friendships (and yes, loved ones too) along the way. The phrase, "blood is thicker than water"? Do you even know the whole phrase and what it means? People don't know that it is part of a much longer one: "the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb". It means the blood that is shed by soldiers on the battlefield makes for stronger bonds than those of the family you happened by chance to be born into.
Christianity is not a walk in the park. You will get into arguments and never-ending debates with people whose beliefs are different from yours everyday and when you allow yourself to live by His Word and be nourished by it rather than just nourishing your physical bodies with food and drink, that is the time you have to decide who stays in your life and who goes.
Where we're going, we don't need friends. All you need with you is Jesus. This is precisely why only a few people can fully walk the path the Lord gives them. I am not saying you should break up with all your pals and chums and live in seclusion to show that you are right with God and that you're devoting your life to Him. What it means is that we should learn to know what it will cost us to take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Do not get offended when people ridicule you for no longer doing the nasty things you did before you surrendered your life to Him and chose to serve Him. Many have been persecuted and stoned to death; some were even hanged and crucified for their unwavering faith and obedience to God's call.
To Catholics, this people are saints. I choose to see them as men and women of action. Faith without works is dead, as it was mentioned in the Bible, but don't let it mislead you into thinking that you need to do good in order to be saved. For we are saved by grace through faith in Him so that none of us may boast.
Start and end your day with a prayer. Choose kindness than hatred and violence. Learn to agree to disagree and never force your beliefs on someone. Respect must beget respect. For us to coexist and live in harmony, we must be humble and remember that everything will pass. Your friends, your earthly family, your life itself will pass as well. Live the life you want to be proud of.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
The Last Letter To My Special Someone
Dear Future Husband,
We have been friends for 11 months now. Two nights ago, I thought I already knew that it is you I'd say yes to. Your surname will be mine, I'll be the mother of our kids, but you and I still have a lot of growing up to do.
Please let us go on being friends. Distance and time will help us be better and enable us to become the man and wife we each aspire to be.
I am leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. When the day shall come for you to propose to any woman you choose, may it be me or the woman you are attracted to and charmed by, may we be able to accept it but go on being courteous, civil and friendly to each other.
My dear friend. My confidante. How I long to someday plant a kiss on your cheek and wake up next to you and have our children wake us up even at ungodly hours. I'd gladly cook, clean, do the laundry and submit to your leadership. I will love you until my last breath.
You are loved. You are cherished. I'll keep you in my heart... ALWAYS.
Yours in time,
Cara
We have been friends for 11 months now. Two nights ago, I thought I already knew that it is you I'd say yes to. Your surname will be mine, I'll be the mother of our kids, but you and I still have a lot of growing up to do.
Please let us go on being friends. Distance and time will help us be better and enable us to become the man and wife we each aspire to be.
I am leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. When the day shall come for you to propose to any woman you choose, may it be me or the woman you are attracted to and charmed by, may we be able to accept it but go on being courteous, civil and friendly to each other.
My dear friend. My confidante. How I long to someday plant a kiss on your cheek and wake up next to you and have our children wake us up even at ungodly hours. I'd gladly cook, clean, do the laundry and submit to your leadership. I will love you until my last breath.
You are loved. You are cherished. I'll keep you in my heart... ALWAYS.
Yours in time,
Cara
The Dangers of Stereotyping and Limiting One’s Potential
Have you experienced being stereotyped, called names that are not your given name? How bad did that make you feel? Recently, I met up with a crush here in Baguio and although he meant no harm nor did he expect that I would react this way to how he perceives us, I came to see the dangers in stereotyping and how it correlates to limiting someone’s potential.
N said he’s a mountain boy while I am a rich kid.
N also said he likes simple women who love the great outdoors.
C responded by not showing her dismay. She calmly took the perception and analyzed what N was saying about his preferences in a woman. Then as C lay awake in bed, tears began to flow freely and it shocked her how she hid the truth from N that she is bothered by the fact that N thinks she’s high maintenance. N would have to make a lot of sacrifices just to meet her halfway or reach the same financial freedom she has. He doesn’t see her overall potential. He sees at least 30%. The remaining 70% he completely disregards.
Tuwing tayo ay nagiging mapanghusga sa ating kapwa, inaalis natin ang ating sarili sa Kanyang pamumuno. Tuwing minamasdan natin at binabalewala ang paghihirap at ang nais ng iba na umahon at umasenso sa buhay, di natin napapansin na tayo na pala ang sanhi ng kanilang kawalan ng tiwala? Saan o kanino sila nawalan nito? Una, nawawalan sila ng tiwala sa angkin nilang talento. Kapag nawala na iyan, sunud-sunod mo nang pagdududahan di lamang ang iyong sarili kundi pati na rin ang Siyang lumikha sa sanlibutan.
We should not belittle others. We should not stop them from being who and what they are meant to be.
N said he’s a mountain boy while I am a rich kid.
N also said he likes simple women who love the great outdoors.
C responded by not showing her dismay. She calmly took the perception and analyzed what N was saying about his preferences in a woman. Then as C lay awake in bed, tears began to flow freely and it shocked her how she hid the truth from N that she is bothered by the fact that N thinks she’s high maintenance. N would have to make a lot of sacrifices just to meet her halfway or reach the same financial freedom she has. He doesn’t see her overall potential. He sees at least 30%. The remaining 70% he completely disregards.
Tuwing tayo ay nagiging mapanghusga sa ating kapwa, inaalis natin ang ating sarili sa Kanyang pamumuno. Tuwing minamasdan natin at binabalewala ang paghihirap at ang nais ng iba na umahon at umasenso sa buhay, di natin napapansin na tayo na pala ang sanhi ng kanilang kawalan ng tiwala? Saan o kanino sila nawalan nito? Una, nawawalan sila ng tiwala sa angkin nilang talento. Kapag nawala na iyan, sunud-sunod mo nang pagdududahan di lamang ang iyong sarili kundi pati na rin ang Siyang lumikha sa sanlibutan.
We should not belittle others. We should not stop them from being who and what they are meant to be.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
31 Years Of Earthly Existence and What It Has Taught Me
To those who have been reading my blog posts since I started this account, you would remember how I was this angst-ridden, antsy college kid who informed everyone about what irks her and what drives her to do the things she does and most of the time, those decisions stemmed from emotions that overpowered her morals.
I just came home from Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, where Freedom Fest 2018 was held. I met people from different VCF and CCF congregations as well as other Christian churches all over the Metro as we gathered together for a day commemorating the Philippines' 120th anniversary of independence from Spanish colonial rule. Not only was it a celebration of liberty and separation from Spain but it signifies our freedom from bondage. The freedom that Christ gives us compares to nothing we can ever get here on Earth.
Damboo Calixto, a fellow member of VCF Alabang, was surprised to find himself being with another member from his home church. I know him by face but not by name but as we spent almost eight hours together worshipping, listening and praising God, I saw how God has been faithful to him as he came to SM Aura without a ticket, He withdrew money from his account to be able to afford one but God blessed him with a free ticket, allowing him to enjoy and participate in the festivities.
As I listened to the speakers speak about veering away from the world's views on relationships, success and character, I found myself reflecting on the past 31 years of my human existence. One of the speakers said that we should reap for ourselves treasures in heaven for all the luxuries we enjoy now will remain here. We are not to take anything with us to our graves and Paradise.
Have I been reaping those heavenly treasures? For what we consider high in value is only pavement in heaven, as per the words of Pastor JP Masakayan from Christ Commission Fellowship. Marble and gold are expensive and only museums or monoliths use those for its structures. In Pyrgos, Greece, the whole village is made from marble. How awesome is that? Truly, God made wondrous things.
If God gives the flowers unique skin and color, so has he made us unique and in His image and likeness. We are God's representatives on Earth and we should reflect His love, mercy, generosity and compassion to all mankind. Whether they may be Christians, Muslims, Mormons, Jews or Atheists; we must all treat each other as we would treat ourselves. Yet, you must love your self and not degrade yourselves. God does not see us the way the world does.
The enemy time and time again has been taunting me and tempting me to go back to my disastrous past. We are no longer who we once were for we are made new in Christ. Study the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to allow you to discern which messages come from the enemy or God. Not all good comes from God. Satan can lure us with promises of a better life but in exchange for our morals, our reputation and sometimes, even our lives are being held hostage by him whenever we choose to strike a deal with him in exchange for things we think we need.
31 years. In a few months, my age will no longer be found on the number of days in a month. I am no longer afraid to age because with age comes maturity and growth. Wisdom comes with it. I only pray that as that date draws close, I am one step closer to fulfilling God's plans for my life as well as the mission He called me to accomplish.
I just came home from Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, where Freedom Fest 2018 was held. I met people from different VCF and CCF congregations as well as other Christian churches all over the Metro as we gathered together for a day commemorating the Philippines' 120th anniversary of independence from Spanish colonial rule. Not only was it a celebration of liberty and separation from Spain but it signifies our freedom from bondage. The freedom that Christ gives us compares to nothing we can ever get here on Earth.
Damboo Calixto, a fellow member of VCF Alabang, was surprised to find himself being with another member from his home church. I know him by face but not by name but as we spent almost eight hours together worshipping, listening and praising God, I saw how God has been faithful to him as he came to SM Aura without a ticket, He withdrew money from his account to be able to afford one but God blessed him with a free ticket, allowing him to enjoy and participate in the festivities.
As I listened to the speakers speak about veering away from the world's views on relationships, success and character, I found myself reflecting on the past 31 years of my human existence. One of the speakers said that we should reap for ourselves treasures in heaven for all the luxuries we enjoy now will remain here. We are not to take anything with us to our graves and Paradise.
Have I been reaping those heavenly treasures? For what we consider high in value is only pavement in heaven, as per the words of Pastor JP Masakayan from Christ Commission Fellowship. Marble and gold are expensive and only museums or monoliths use those for its structures. In Pyrgos, Greece, the whole village is made from marble. How awesome is that? Truly, God made wondrous things.
If God gives the flowers unique skin and color, so has he made us unique and in His image and likeness. We are God's representatives on Earth and we should reflect His love, mercy, generosity and compassion to all mankind. Whether they may be Christians, Muslims, Mormons, Jews or Atheists; we must all treat each other as we would treat ourselves. Yet, you must love your self and not degrade yourselves. God does not see us the way the world does.
The enemy time and time again has been taunting me and tempting me to go back to my disastrous past. We are no longer who we once were for we are made new in Christ. Study the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to allow you to discern which messages come from the enemy or God. Not all good comes from God. Satan can lure us with promises of a better life but in exchange for our morals, our reputation and sometimes, even our lives are being held hostage by him whenever we choose to strike a deal with him in exchange for things we think we need.
31 years. In a few months, my age will no longer be found on the number of days in a month. I am no longer afraid to age because with age comes maturity and growth. Wisdom comes with it. I only pray that as that date draws close, I am one step closer to fulfilling God's plans for my life as well as the mission He called me to accomplish.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Jang Youngsil | 장영실 - Ep.6 (2016.02.02)
Song Il Kook portrays Jang Youngsil, one of South Korea's greatest astronomers. This historical drama started airing at KBS World January 2016. Educational and very informative. Prior to watching this, I never knew about celestial globes and star stone charts. Places worth visiting are the Gyeonbokgung Palace (english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264337), Daejeon, South Korea (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_4_10_4.jsp) and Gangwon-do, South Korea (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/mapInfo.kto?func_name=depth2&md=enu&lang_se=ENG&area_code=32).
Friday, August 7, 2015
HINDI MO KAYANG IBIGIN
Tingin ka ng tingin sa iba
Pero lagi mo akong kausap
Ano ba meron sila
Na sa akin ay wala?
Na sa akin ay wala?
Gabi-gabi may message ka sa akin
Pero ang iksi lang pala nang sasabihin,
"Ipagdasal mo naman ako
Para mawala kalungkutan ko".
Pero ang iksi lang pala nang sasabihin,
"Ipagdasal mo naman ako
Para mawala kalungkutan ko".
Nagbigay na nga ng mga sinyales
Ngunit talagang napaka-dense
Ng utak mong isa lang ang sinasabi
Na may iba kang gustong babae.
Ngunit talagang napaka-dense
Ng utak mong isa lang ang sinasabi
Na may iba kang gustong babae.
Sa tingin mo ba di ako nasasaktan
Sa tuwing ako'y pinapakiusapan
Na kamustahin ang iba
Pero ako di mo man lang kinukumusta?
Sa tuwing ako'y pinapakiusapan
Na kamustahin ang iba
Pero ako di mo man lang kinukumusta?
Siyam na taon akong nanahimik
Sabi ko aking ililihim
Ang nararamdaman ko sa iyo; ito ba ang kapalit?
Na kausapin mo lang at di mahalin?
Sabi ko aking ililihim
Ang nararamdaman ko sa iyo; ito ba ang kapalit?
Na kausapin mo lang at di mahalin?
Kung wala ka rin naman palang nais sa akin
Kundi ang kaibiganin
Wag mo naman akong paasahin
Dahil hindi mo ako kayang ibigin.
Kundi ang kaibiganin
Wag mo naman akong paasahin
Dahil hindi mo ako kayang ibigin.
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