Baul ni Noel

The Five Important Baby Words, AMAZING!

2012-01-16T00:53:00.001+03:00

This morning I was chatting with my Mom and my sister and had an exchanged greetings. Afterwards, my sister shared a video to me about a woman who supposedly discovered 5 important words that babies say to their guardian which were actually baby's reflexes. I watched the video and was amazed at how familiar the words are to me because we always here Encee here it. So to test if it is true, I tried to memorize the words or sound's meaning.

Here they are:

neh - the baby is hungry

eh - the baby wants to burp

heh - a very common sound I hear from Encee which means discomfort, mostly about their diapers being full

owh - the baby is sleepy

eair - the baby has gas or they are having some stomach ache

After watching the video, I kept in my mind the words I've learned and try to really listen to Encee's words and was really amazed. The first words I've heard was "Neh" which means he is hungry. I gave him milk immediately and was more amazed that he really was hungry. It followed the words "eh", "heh" and "eair" and like Priscilla Dunstan said - our babies do really communicate to us and what all she said was true.

Here is the video of her being interviewed by Oprah.

Amazing isn't it? I really am going to need this since I am going to be an at home Dad from now on. God bless to all and thanks for visiting.

2011 Year of Challenges

2012-01-08T08:43:00.000+03:00

I think everyone would agree when I say that year 2011 is the year of challenges for most people specially for the victims of disastrous calamities. In all my years, I can never think of any year that is as challenging as what the previous year have brought to everyone, even to me.

I remember, 2011 started with a challenge to my company's financial stability and throughout the year it has been a challenge for everyone of us - I think I've only received my salary 4x last year. My year ended with a big bang - I got terminated from my company.

Well, I actually resigned around the month of September but my resignation was denied. I'm glad they did because my wife had some serious health problems after that and to think she's all alone and has a baby coming. It was all according to His plan - it is what we always say and it really is what God had planned for us and it is the best.

I don't know how it works in any other country but here in Saudi Arabia, when you have resigned, you will only receive (I think) 1/3 of your benefits compared to the amount you'll receive when you are terminated which is 100% plus they'll pay my end-of-service calculated up to my finished contract which happens every August (yearly automatic renewal).

Year 2011 may have brought me a lot of hurtful feeling specially with regards to my company. Having no support from them on my financial issues with regards to my health insurance and even financial support so I can go to my designated office which was very far from my place (costs me about 25 SR or 270 pesos or double it if going back and forth). I ask my manager how I can go to the place if I don't have money and all he says is "I don't know but you still have to go there." and they deduct if I didn't go - was there justice to it? Was that even fair? Our company owes us around 7-8 months salary plus 3 vacation pays and tickets for me - they keep denying my vacation.

But year 2011 wasn't so bad. After all, we received one of our greatest gift - Noah Caleb. He is a great addition to the family. My wife got to open file at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and was admitted there for free - yehey!. Noah was born there and was under a photolite therapy for more than a week and my wife also has to stayed there for almost 10 days and we didn't even pay a dime nor asked for a donation money - it was a blessing. My wife also got a permanent job on a clinic nearby our house which has a very good standards with regards to paying their employees on time plus a very understanding employer - bless them dear God.

In total, we are blessed. God is good for making all things according to His plan. Now for the year 2012, I hope everything would be great. And with a starting balance of no job for me and a great family, I believe this will be an interesting year and for sure a blessed one too.

Goodbye 2011 and welcome 2012. I leave you all with an inspiration from the Bible.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" - Ecc 3: 1

God bless to all.

Merry and Peaceful Christmas to All!

2011-12-23T21:54:00.000+03:00

It's really hard to say thank you when you are facing a tragedy just like the typhoon Sendong which killed a lot of Filipinos in Iligan. I know a lot of people there are still mourning for their loved ones that passed-away and what's worst - they'll be spending Christmas without them.

I know this may not be the merriest Christmas of all to everyone but I still pray for everyone to feel the spirit of Christmas. Another test of unity for our countrymen. I believe we can all overcome this with each and everyone's help.

May God bless each of us this coming Christmas. And to all who lost their loved ones, I pray for their strength and blessings from God.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9: 6

God bless you all and may we all have peace in our hearts. Merry Christmas to all.

My Christmas Wishlist

2011-12-06T12:11:00.001+03:00

Nineteen more days to go before Christmas and more and more people are getting into the spirit already. People nowadays are busy making their shopping lists; some are busy decorating their houses with Christmas decors and ornaments while most people are preparing recipes for their Noche Buena this coming Christmas Eve. Some are even making their lists of special things to buy for their loved ones or made their Christmas wishlist already. Christmas is the most-loved tradition and most favorite occasion among Filipinos. And because it is a tradition, most people already forget why they celebrate the occasion –they just happily celebrate.

Our pastor sent us a message through Facebook reminding us why people celebrate Christmas. Why do we really celebrate Christmas? The root word for Christmas is Christ which pertains to the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Christ is the very reason for the season.

Our new cute bundle of joy - Noah.

A Blessing of Hope

A week ago, while I was buying some decorations for our Christmas tree, an Arab lady was standing right next to me. She was looking for a very nice Christmas decoration for their wall. She approached me and asked me if I found a wall decor that has a Santa Claus in it. I showed her the one that I saw while browsing most of the store’s items. She said “Thank you and Merry Christmas”. I replied happily and said “You’re welcome and Merry Christmas to you too”. Before I went out of the store, I saw her meet another Arab lady carrying a lot of Christmas decorations and heard their conversation about what other things to put on their Christmas tree. It wasn’t the first time for me to find Arab people celebrating Christmas but I am still surprised whenever I see one. Actually, there is this happy feeling inside me whenever I see an Arab person celebrating Christmas. I must be hoping that they celebrate Christmas because of Jesus as well and hope that they are Christians and have the same blessed hope.

My Saddest and Happiest Christmas

I remember my first Christmas here in Saudi Arabia. I was still homesick that time because I just came from Manila that time. I came here in Jeddah - Saudi Arabia on the 8th of November-1998 so you can imagine how sad I was to be celebrating Christmas far from my family. I was beginning to get used to the new people around me when the news of us going to Riyadh came. To make the story short, the four of us (Filipinos mostly – Jon, Waltz, Jef and I) were sent to Riyadh and we went there to finish a project that was started before I even came. It was my saddest Christmas ever and to make it worst, we extended our time there until after New Year so it was also my saddest New Year ever.

Our two wonderful gifts from God.

Fast forward to the present, I am still here in Saudi Arabia but I am not going to be sad this time. This time, it’ll be my happiest Christmas ever. God gave us a very special gift in advance and we are happy to have him with us. Noah Caleb “EnCee”, as most of you know, came to us earlier than we expected and we were very thankful to God for giving EnCee safely to us. I am so blessed to have my family with me that is why even though we went through a lot this year, we are happy because it is not usual for an OFW – Overseas Filipino Worker to have their family with them.

Yesterday, I read about Samsung's new promotion for coming Christmas and it was actually what inspired me to do this article. How, I wish my wishlist to be among the digitally drawn wishlist. I asked my son Ize what he wanted for Christmas and guess what he asked for? A PS3, PSP or an XBOX 360 - he actually read my wishlist in my mind (lol!). Actually, two things kept on battling on my head - a brand new Nikon D7000 or a new laptop but both are optional since we are in a very tight budget.

One Christmas Wish for All

Their is one particular wish I have on my list this coming Christmas. I hope and pray for all to have a very blessed Christmas. Family is still the best medicine for conquering sadness this Christmas. So for all OFWs celebrating Christmas far from their family, it is best to equip yourself financially by earning enough at least to make a phone call and have a quite long conversation with your love ones or have a chat with them. God bless.

Car Troubles That Will Make You Think!

2011-11-30T10:43:00.000+03:00

I found some funny photos I like to share to everyone. Here are car troubles that will make you think "What or How did it happen?".

Worst parking ever.

Look hon, it's a flying cow!

I know what you are thinking.... how?

The first car probably has great breaks.

Alright kids, just sit quietly at the back please, that is if you find the backseat.

Edward, I think I found the problem.

Ugghh... I probably can't think of anything if this was my car.

Okay, that's it for now. Have a happy day guys.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-11-29T11:17:00.001+03:00

I would like to greet my ever dearest Mom a very Happy Birthday.

We've been through thick and thin before and now we are both thin (chubby lol!) - we are still here. We've been through difficult times and still is probably but I know in my heart that we'll get over it soon (hope pretty soon). Slowly but surely. We may not be in control of the bad situations happening around us but God will not allow His children to suffer.

It's been a long time since we have seen each other or been together but I know in God's grace we'll all be together. I miss all the fun and laughter we had with Candy and Tonton.

I thank God for making you strong and I am praying for you to be more stronger. I can only offer my prayers for now but I promise to help in every way I can. Now there is a new member of the family that will love you too. Hope we'll be able to have our vacation there so you can enjoy a time with your new grandson - Noah Caleb.

My beautiful Mom.

Always remember that we love you always and always remember what God said in the Bible on Heb 13: 5 - "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." Have faith, God will not abandon us.

Love, Life and Marriage

2011-11-13T22:11:00.001+03:00

It has been brought to my attention through mail that Facebook's Notes will be removed soon. True or not, I decided to check if I have some important notes that I should back-up and while doing so, I found this old note I made dated December 14, 2009. This was supposedly a response to a note made by a friend about her experience in her past relationship (marriage) that has gone wrong. I feel sad about what happened to her and I can't say anything negative or even judge her since it is how she believe what Love, Life and Marriage is to her. I do hope the best for her. Best-friend Ilyana! Hope you are doing great where ever you are and hope your love-life is great. And before they delete my notes, I wish to share to all my visitors and hope they share the same view as I am. I still believe in my statements below. This is a perception in general and not just because I am a Christian.

image from Flawboard

Marriage is when a man and woman decides to be one. Marriage doesn't work one-sided, it should be worked-out by both parties like you said.

When one acts on his own for his own desire then marriage will start having problems. Why? Because they are already acting individually and not as one.That is why, when one wants or desires something for his/her own the other should know so they can both decide as one, understanding should be there.

Fall-out-of-love happens during the time one acts individually, only thinking of their self. And when this happens, it doesn't mean the end of the relationship or marriage, it means the relationship needs FELLOWSHIP. They should start practicing the marriage once again by making actions as one. When they start to enjoy their renewed fellowship, falling-in-love can happen once again because love was there already, just covered by our own selfishness. Both should submit in the idea of making actions as one and making the marriage work again, if not then the danger comes.

Marriage is not like a light bulb that when the light starts to flicker, you must buy a new one. Great thing about marriage is if both submits to the idea of making the marriage work, the success of marriage is always there even in the midst of crisis.

Marriage failure happens when their foundation starts to fall. If your marriage is founded by happiness, it will fall once problem occur. Same goes with marriage founded by money or wealth, if wealth is gone then marriage will fall. So the secret to marriage was always the foundation.

What is the best foundation then?

Being a Christian, God founded my marriage. When something happens, we both reach out to Him by prayer and make our decisions wisely as if God is in the middle of our conversation. Of course having God in the middle makes the conversation mild and less provocation to one another.

I also found people who grew old together in their marriage who aren't christians. Their secret, they founded their relationship with their friendship. Treat your partner as if he/she is your best friend, no secrets. If you can make your friendship last longer, why not your marriage. Highly applicable to Christians as well.

Did you marry the right person?

Well, before you decided to get married you have answered this already. The only difference this time is you've known each other better and you've seen the bad side of the other person.

Like I said earlier, the foundation is very important in making the marriage work. If you married that person because you just believe he/she is the one then your marriage is already bound to fail. Why? Because if you continue to ask that question during marriage or while your marriage is in crisis, then that means you still have doubts. That is why one should eliminate these thoughts before deciding to get married.

You said marriage is a career, in some way it is. If you don't practice your career, you will not excel but if you practice it very well - PERFECTION!

Well, it is just my opinion. God bless to all.

I just noticed today, this post is this blog's 200th post.

11-11-11: Welcome to our Family, Noah Caleb!

2011-11-11T23:47:00.001+03:00

I am supposed to be sleeping now but I can't help but to blog this great moment so here it goes. Today another great blessing has come to us and the gift came in a very small package. Today, my beloved wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy and we named him Noah Caleb and his cousin Ate Guian just gaved him a nickname already "NC" and thus his nickname shall be "Encee".

Wednesday morning around 7:30 am, during my sleep and while I was rolling my lazy and sleepy and slender (bwahaha!) body on my son's side I heared Leah said "Dad, dinudugo ako!" (Dad, I am bleeding!). Immediately, I stood up and said "Hah!". When your wife is pregnant, those words can't be ignored because it is not a small deal. I asked her how she feels and decided to wake up completely. After that I went to the other room and prepared to pack-up things so we could go to the hospital. When I came back she said that maybe if she didn't move and just lie down, it will go away. It never went away and one more thing happened, her water broke. It is not her due yet because tentatively, the baby's due is around 2nd week of December.

To make it short, we went to the hospital and prepared ourselves to a probable early birth of Noah (we already thought of this name before). When the doctor checked her she was already 2cm and water is still gushing out of her. Fast forward again (Sorry, I am getting sleepy now), she was admitted. The doctor told us that she'll be undergoing an induced labor because if the water continues to flow it will be very dangerous for the baby to stay without water.

Fast forward again, 2:22 am November 11, 2011 or 11-11-11 when Noah Caleb "Encee" Libed Ablon came out. He was so eager to meet us already, probably jealous of us laughing altogether while he continues to swim on his mom's womb. I heard him cry loudly, probably wanting to ease our worries and saying "I am healthy so quit worrying!"

Thank you dear Lord for your wonderful surprise and for ending my wife's burden. We hope and pray for her continued good health and the baby's good health too. Here are the photos and more to come.

By the way, thank to all the brothers and sisters who visited us awhile ago. To all the people who prayed and support us, God bless and thank you.

Night Out with Mom

2011-10-31T16:01:00.000+03:00

28th of October-2011, One fine Friday in Jeddah. After a long stay-in at home, Leah has fully recovered and to celebrate it, we went to family's favorite dine-in restaurant, Applebee's. Here in Jeddah, the nearest branch to us is located along Andalus Street near US Embassy. Wow! I suddenly realized why famous international restaurants were located around Andalus area.

When I told Ize that we'll be going outside and going to Applebee's, he was quite excited and asked if his mom was coming along with us. I assured him that his mom will be coming with us and he was so happy. It's been a long time since we all went out together.

We ordered Leah's favorite - Oriental Chicken Salad, Ize's favorite - Chicken Quesadilla and as for me, I ordered something new like their Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs and tried their Strawberry Daiquiri if I remember correctly.

As usual, we enjoyed the food and the ambience. We loved the baby back ribs, it was very tasty and nicely cooked. The Strawberry Daiquiri however didn't work for me. The minty taste combined with strawberry didn't go well for my taste and I still prefer their bottomless Iced Tea. It's a good thing my Omnia 2's camera is fixed, we were able to capture the moment and here they are:

Before we went home, we decided to drop by at Tihama Bookstore to check out books to read and I was able to buy a new dictionary with thesaurus and a grammar quiz booklet to test and to hopefully sharpen my grammar skills (hope I pass lol!).

I just thankGod Leah's doing great, I am hoping and praying for her continued good health. I am also glad the baby is doing fine. We all went home happy and very satisfied. Hope you have a great day ang God bless to everyone.

Tired but Happy!

2011-10-27T23:12:00.000+03:00

Tiring day or should I say tiring month. Because of the deadline plus my wife's condition I wasn't able to have a complete rest everyday-I feel so restless. I am not frustrated just tired but I am glad and thankful to God that we were able to finish this week with so much achievements. First, to my work and then to my family.

We were able to open up a file at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital for my wife. King Abdulaziz University is a school for medical practitioners here in Jeddah or probably in the whole kingdom. It's a great blessing to be accepted at that hospital because we won't have to worry about any expenses anymore since it's all free. Prayers are really so powerful and I would like to thank all who prayed for my wife. She's doing great now - thank God.

I admit, I kinda felt numb these days on what is happening around me. Like for instance, even though we experience difficulties there aren't any heavy feelings within me. And like now, I feel the tired but I don't feel sad about these difficulties. I don't know if it is positive or a negative thing. I think God made me not feel these burdens so I could concentrate on what I can do and not on what I can't do. We know that when a person is being pressured, they panic and start to think of what they can't do and be frustrated about it.

I did almost everything at home like cooking, washing the dishes, washing the dirty clothes, ironing clothes, preparing Ize to go to school, etc... plus my work. I was just glad that my boss allowed me to work at home. I never imagined it is such a hard job working at home. In case you are wondering why I am doing all this stuff, my wife got another blood clot and the doctor strictly told us for her not to work and even walk. Here is an info about her health problem - check it here.

Before I was wondering what God is trying to teach me or us (me and my wife). But now I realized that God taught me these things:

This was taken at Baksh Hospital when Leah was confined.

Trust - I do trust God but He made me realize that all things are possible and he will never ever leave you or neglect you.

Prayers do work - like I said, God listens. Sometimes He just wants to hear what we need. Ask him diligently in prayer. And of course with the prayers of your friends.

Faithfulness - God was so faithful even if we weren't faithful to Him.

He works in mysterious way - like when the time when we were in the university, the assigned doctor was too lazy. From the time he went on his schedule he up to the time he ended his shift, he only accepted three or four patients of all the 30 people (I think) that came. We were only accommodated before that doctor ended his shift and was endorsed immediately to the next doctor who was accommodating and was more willing to help us. He was the one who approved and made the recommendation for us to open a file at the university which is quite hard to achieve there.

For short, I am dead tired but I am happy. Thank you God for such blessings. God bless to all.

Saul or Paul?

2011-10-24T20:28:00.000+03:00

Let me give you all a new series of reading material which I think will be useful for soul-searching people out there. Here is a Bible Study Tools that I personally studied myself. I hope you can all learn what I have learned as well.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Phil 4: 13

When you have decided to follow God, was life more easier for you? Or was it more difficult?

What I can say is that when I decided to follow God, I have a better understanding of why I experience sufferings, how I should solve it, what I need to solve it and whom I should ask for help. And in my opinion, I believe that I may have a different understanding and different approach in solving my problems if I have not followed God. One thing is certain, when I was an unbeliever and when I experience difficulties in life, I always felt alone and I always felt like I am against the world. It was hard for me to find strength when people around me have their own problems to settle and it made me feel very low of self-esteem and I had self-pity.

Now, being a Christian made me feel confident knowing God is with me always. There maybe times that I tremble but once I realize God is with me and He gives me strength, it made me feel secure. There was this certain disciple of God that made an impact to Christians up to now. His life is a good example of how even a vilest offender can have a great purpose in God's work and his name is Paul.

Saul of Tarsus

Before Paul became God's disciple or when he was still called Saul, he was a determined persecutor and most Christians were afraid of him. He was Christian's public enemy no. 1. During those times Saul's determination gave him power to eradicate Christian churches but of course God did not allow that to happen to his children. This is a good illustration of how God loves us. Imagine your worst enemy turned into one of your greatest ally.

It is Saul who approved that Stephen be put to death (Acts 8: 1)

In Acts 9, he continued to pursue other Christians and asked the support of the high priests.

As we can see, power is in Saul's hand. He even have the authority to end life.

Saul's Characteristics

Saul's character were persistent, wise and has authority which are all great characteristics of a leader. But let us see how Saul used those characteristics. (Acts 9: 1-2)

Saul was persistent on his goal to persecute Christians.
He was fearless in persecuting multitude of Christians.
He was wise to know whom to seek power in order to pursue his goal. He went to the high priest and ask their approval in pursuing the Christians. (Acts 9:1-2)
And he had the authority or power in making decisions in persecuting and ending life of Christians (e.g. Stephen)

But God did not allow Saul's goal to continue and because God may have found Saul's character crucial to his work, he was made a chosen vessel (KJV), chosen instrument (NASV / NIV) .

We are Like Saul

We may not know it but we are like Saul, maybe not responsible for killing Christians but like Saul, we used to be God's enemies (refer to Rom 5: 10) and we also have characteristics like Saul had. Let's see how most of us use our characteristics.

We are persistent in pursuing our goal. We work hard everyday, some even work abroad just to support the family or buy their dream house, support the education of siblings or just working to bring food on the table.
We work fearlessly. Most overseas worker leave their families behind just to earn money to support them. For female overseas Filipino worker or OFW, most of them even knew the risk of being raped, abused or molested by their employers but they fearlessly accept the job. And with the current statistics, most broken families are from families with an OFW family member and leaving their family behind is a great risk already.
We were wise because we knew where we should go, what government body we should seek in order to validate our application and make sure that we can go properly to our new workplaces abroad.
Working abroad enabled us to come up with money to purchase what we desire which of course gave us purchasing capabilities more than we used to. This gave us authority and power to make decisions on what should or should not purchase. For parents, we have authority on where we should use the money that we have earned.

Being a New Creature

When Saul was converted, his best qualities were still with him but he became a new creature. And like Saul, when we accepted God we became a new creature like what it says in 2 Cor 5: 17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Saul became Paul and these were his new characteristics:

He was persistent in sharing and spreading the word of God. (Acts 9: 20-22)
He was fearless in speaking the word of God. (Acts 9: 28 - he was speaking out boldly in the name of God). He knew that his life is now on the line because before he used to be one of the persecutors.
He was wise to know whom to seek power. Before it was the high priest but now his strength comes from God. What did he say in Phil 4:13? His strength is from Christ.
He has an authority and power to spread the word and give life to those who do not yet believe God. It was God who chose him and gave him the authority (Acts 9:15)

Being a new creature, we begin to understand why things happen and learn to accept things easier and learning to draw strength from God.

In Which Authority Do I/We Share God's Words?

Authority is given unto all Christians (Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. - 1 Tim 4: 2) but with great responsibility. And since the world is against God we must reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine which means we will experience persecution and we should patiently-endure all of the persecutions that we'll be experiencing. It is not always pleasure serving God, it is also suffering for God's sake.

But when we suffer pain, do not immediately think that God is punishing you. It is just how God equips us because all things work together for good to all those who love God. We should thank God for everything.

If we think we are not capable to lead and share the word of God think again. We can do all things through Christ. We can be like Saul or our old self or we could be like Paul. And like Paul, we can be capable of great things through God's given strength.

We already have the characteristics, we just need new directions and guidance from God and channel those great characteristics that God gave us already. We can do it... through Christ.

Saul or Paul?

Will we continue to be like Saul or our old self? or we put on our new self - a new creature like when Paul was converted? A Paul who learned to draw his own strength from God.

So when we suffer pain, think what Paul said and let us draw our strength from God. We cam do it.

We Love Phineas and Ferb!

2011-10-11T22:30:00.000+03:00

If there is one cartoon show my family loves to watch then it is Phineas and Ferb. The whole family loved Phineas' family, from Phineas, Ferb, Candace, Mom, Dad, even their pet Perry and friends. It's a musical cartoon show from Disney and because we monitor our sons TV shows and after seeing few episodes of Phineas and Ferb - we started to love the show (yes, even my wife). We always await cool new inventions from Phineas and Ferb.

It's a must for kids since it shows a loving family (even Candace's goal of busting her brothers where just to protect them from their own inventions), most of the time it is hilariously-funny, good morals and great music compositions.

When I heard about their movie, I immediately looked for it and glad I found it. If ever the DVD is available, we'll definitely buy one for the family (I know in the future, the new baby will love it too).

We watched their movie Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension awhile ago and we definitely loved it - specially Ize. Ize loved the song "Where Do We Begin", a song about summer. Here it is and I know you'll like it too.

Here is the full and official trailer of the movie Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension.

QT10016: Hebrews 13: 5 (Reflections)

2011-09-29T23:30:00.000+03:00

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. - Hebrews 13: 5

It's been a long time since I've blogged here at my Baul again. I've missed you guys. I've been busy lately and I have to let go of blogging for the mean time in order to finish my projects. Most of them are finished so here I am again. Now let me share you something about a reality that surrounds me right now - a reflection, my reflection.

Thanks to Dorisjoa for the image.

Having an inspirational themed blog doesn't mean that I am always inspired or even mean that I am a strong person. It is true that when in difficulties, it is hard to thank God for the things happening around us. Difficulties come to everyone and Christians are not excempted. I've been through a lot lately but I am confident even when I struggle. I am confident that all things will still work together for good (Rom 8: 29).

The good thing about having an inspirational themed blog is that I don't have to go anywhere else to be inspired. Sometimes, I find myself reading back some of my articles to remind me how blessed I am. I am my own audience and sometimes I laugh at myself when I realize how I tremble on things or find myself troubled when I am having problems. I tend to loose sight of what I have while chasing a glimpse of what I wanted and missed.

I am weak and I am not afraid to admit that. And these past months have been a struggle for me and my family. Sometimes I think too much of how I'll be able to deal with all the problems that surround me. I forgot that there are other people whom I can rely on and whom I can put my trust.

YOU

I was watching the news awhile ago and watched as people struggle, tremble and cry as they try to reflect on the things they have lost after the typhoon. You'll really feel pity for them. The question is what can YOU do?

What can you do when you yourself have a problem? or your family?

It is a very good deed when you help other people but you are worst when you can help others while you deny help to your own family. So go help your family first. I am sure that nobody will ever hate you for doing that - other people may even love you for that and more so your own family.

Difficulties come and go and more will come. It is not how many problems we have accomplished. It is how we approached it and how we solved it. We should always be responsible on our actions even when things get rough in our lives and not compromise others for our own benefits.

I've said awhile ago that I am not afraid to admit that I am weak, it is true. My weakness is my greatest strength for my strength comes from God. I am God dependent and He proved that in so many ways. I am thankful that even during the times of my troubles I can still see how God moves in my life.

WE should stop and reflect on things before we loose our sight on God. He maybe offering us the answers already and we keep on looking on to other things. Our own selfishness tends to find a reason to compromise and look the other way. Remember, even sinful people like us can give rewards to our children, how much more our Father in heaven (Luke 11: 13 / Matt 7: 11).

GOD

Like what our quiet-time verse says - He will not leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13: 5).

God is so pleased to have us as His children (John 1:12) and for that He will not forsake us (1 Samuel 12: 22)

And this is our great confidence in Him, if we ask anything He will hear us (1 John 5: 14)

God bless to all and never cease in praying guys. Thanks for having time reading my reflections.

Hungry Saturday

2011-08-22T03:55:00.001+03:00

Last Satuday - August 22, I had an urge to eat sambusa so I thought I should buy on a store nearby our house. Sambusa is a Somalian recipe and is very famous street food here in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan season probably in the whole Gulf Region as well. It is triangular in shape and can be bought with different flavors or fillings such as vegetable, chicken or beef. After buying some, me and my son savoured each of them until there's none. What a joy! After eating, I felt so sleepy probably because of too much satisfaction. I know it is not good to sleep after you eat so I took some time before I decided to hit the sack (around 3 minutes lol!).

Now, when I woke up I can't stop thinking of the kwek-kwek I saw at the store. It is just a boiled egg that is soaked in mixture of flour, salt, pepper, food color (orange) and is cooked deep fried. It is best-served with mixture of vinegar, soy sauce and some spices. It is a very well-known Filipino street food and is very famous among locals. And since I can't get it off my head and my craving for it keeps getting stronger every minute, I decided to cook some. I also thought my wife would love to eat some so I decided to surprise her by cooking some kwek-kwek. I was right.

While working here in Saudi Arabia, I've seen different Asian Food Recipes and I am quite surprised that some of the recipes are quite familiar to me. One of the familiar dish is the kwek-kwek which is also famous in Indonesia, I don't know what's it called in there but I'm glad they have it here. The only difference is that in the Philippines, kwek-kwek have different varieties.

Ize and the famous kwek-kwek!

Let's eat! Have a nice day people.

QT10015: 1 John 2: 5-6 (Dad, You're Jesus!)

2011-08-18T23:14:00.000+03:00

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. - 1 John 2: 5-6

Yesterday while I was mopping the floor, I asked Ize to stay on the sofa. He was quite bored so I decided to put the chairs in front of him and told him to pretend that he is on a boat. His boredom quickly subsided and got quite excited. He was watching me while I mop the front area of his "boat" and then he said "Dad, that's the water. Your stepping on the water." He was talking about the wet area that I've mopped. "Oh! You're walking on the water like Jesus!" I laughed and was happy that he remembers the stories shared to him on their Sunday School and the Christian cartoons he was watching on TBN - Smile of a Child.

The new Superman outfit. Ize pretending to be Superman.

"Really?" I asked him. "Yes! You are like Jesus. Dad, you're Jesus." he replied shouting. I laughed again and said "No, I am walking in water like Jesus and like?" I asked him if he knows who is the other person who walked in the water and when I got no answer I told him it was Peter - "I am like Peter, because Peter walked in the water too. I am Peter!"

Then I remembered these verses and asked myself, am I following Jesus?

It is true that following Jesus is hard because of our sinful-nature. Christian terms like sinful-nature, flesh, body of sin, and old man all pertains to us able to do sins easily even without learning how to do it. One example of this is a child learning to lie. Even if you don't teach a child to lie, they'll eventually do it and that is because of our sinful-nature.

The Bible teaches us that when we follow Jesus, God's love is perfected in us. How? Simply put, Jesus didn't have a simple life when he walked among us. He was stoned, mocked, and persecuted. So following Him means to have the same hardship as He did. Others literally followed Jesus even in hardship by whipping their backs or even nailing themselves at the cross but it is not what Jesus wanted. He already did it for us so we won't have to, we just have to follow His instructions.

And his instructions were to accept Jesus as our saviour (John 3: 16) and spread God's words (Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: - Matt 28: 19).

Most people may not have the courage or knowledge to share God's words but you can share God's words by being a good example to others and showing them how God changed you or how God WORKS IN YOU. (Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matt 5: 16)

God bless and take care everyone.

Dinner With The Family

2011-08-06T04:43:00.009+03:00

Due to the hot weather season here in Saudi Arabia and my wife's previous health condition, we seldom get out anymore and dine-in to our favorite restaurants or try out different restaurants. Me and my wife decided to have another experiment and let our taste buds explore a new food adventure, this time our taste buds suggested seafoods.

Nearest to our place was The Manhattan Fish Market. It's along Andalus Road and just beside Ruby Tuesday's. Before we even went there, my son was already complaining and telling us that he likes to go to Applebee's Restaurant which is only a few blocks away from The Manhattan but the moment we stepped in front of the restaurant he changed his mind immediately. He was fascinated by the small fountains which were setup at the small pond just in front of the restaurant.

The moment we stepped out of the elevator, we were greeted by friendly Filipino waiters and managers (or supervisors) and supervised us immediately to where we desired to stay. There is a smoking area for smokers but of course we went to the non-smoking area. The place is clean and the seats were very comfortable.

Welcome area of The Manhattan.

The interior decoration was somewhat a mixed of different themes. Looking up will make you feel that you are eating on a dock. They've added some pictures of sea creatures which are mostly well-known food fish species. Corner area places have a different wall decoration, I can't seem to tell if it is even related to their theme. Overall to their interior decoration, it needs more definition of their true theme, so more space for development.

Now since there are Filipino crews, we expect a high quality service which indeed is what they have delivered. For starters, we were served with complimentary dishes. We were given two big chunks of Lamb that will be served for later since during that time locals just finished their Iftar or breakfast. It is Ramadan season so meats were served around 10pm till dawn for their dinner.

We decided to order a Gala Platter meal which is good for two already and ordered a baked hamoor (fish) with rice and soup for Ize. The platter includes grilled mussels (Pinoys call it Tahong), grilled shrimps, grilled hamoor, french fries and tasty rice and was served with three kinds of sauce.

The food was great and the fish soup was very tasty and by far the best I've ever tasted, we ordered another bowl just to be satisfied. The meal we ordered for Ize comes with a big slice of The Manhattan Mud Pie which is one of their best offers from what I've heard. The rumors were now a fact.

As for the price of their food, I've heard that it is quite expensive but I think it is just the right price. We all know that seafoods are quite expensive but it is worth it. But I can definitely say that the price was moderate and quite affordable. To add happiness to our experience, we were given a big discount. So our overall experience, our stomachs were deeply satisfied - it was a great experience. Here are some pictures of us enjoying the night.

The complimentary chunks of Lamb.

The Gala Festival Platter

The Manhattan Mud Pie

Before we went home, Ize spotted his favorite car just parked in front of the restaurant, it's a Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

We all went home happy and full. Even the baby inside my wife moves a lot probably enjoying the food, just check out the picture below to see how happy I am.

See you guys and thanks for visiting my Baul. Thanks Manhattan for a new food adventure.

My First Cellphone

2011-07-27T01:11:00.000+03:00

I can still remember how communication evolved. From pagers came big analog cellular phones which you have to recharge for about 12 hours. We used to have one at home and our electric bill went up just because of it. Years went by and then came smaller cellphones. I remember that time Nokia 3210 was the first big hit in town and not just the town but the whole world (I think). Back then I have a few friends who decided to go along with the trend. As a student, I didn't have the luxury of buying one even when I started working. I've worked hard but never owned one.

When I started working abroad (around 1998), I remember telling myself "I'll definitely buy a cellphone this time" but it didn't happen as well. That time, communications in Saudi Arabia was so outdated. There were no cellphone services and no cell sites and cellphones were only seen in pictures and on TV. Just to give you an idea of how poor their technology was that time, back in the Philippines, internet dial-up is already available but not here in Saudi Arabia. There were no internet providers yet and call rates are up so high. There were a few internet providers that came but it was too expensive and you will have to connect via long distance to Bahrain in order to connect and receive data via satellite .

Saudi Arabia eventually realized the value of communication and began upgrading their facilities and services. Dial-up internet providers began to sprout like mushrooms plus the call rates became much cheaper. If I remember it correctly, expats were only allowed to have 8 local numbers and 1 international number preset on their sim cards. Expats were asked to fill-up an application form with 8 preset numbers along with the names of those people who you want to enlist. Then I thought - "I guess it's time". Since cellphones were like new toys, they were so expensive and for me to be able to support the family back home was much more essential than to buy myself satisfaction in having a new toy which "I can use to communicate with my family." - that was my mind trying to reason with me.

With a big smile on my lips, I uncovered my first cellphone. It was a Nokia 6110 and I didn't buy it. My boss eventually upgraded his cellphone and decided to give me his very old one. I was so thankful of him, imagine my first cellphone and I didn't spend a dime on it. It had a few cracks on it and some buttons were not working but technicians told me that those were quite easy to repair. So I spent around 75SR for the repairs, new keypad and new housing but it's fine as long as it's working like brand new. After it was repaired, it looked exactly as the picture below.

The joyful feeling when you are talking to your love ones be it on a cheap cellphone can't be compared to anything. Being away from them was already a sacrifice and communicating with them is the only reward an expat or OFW like me can ever have. First time will always be memorable for all of us regardless of how much value we spent to acquire it. But the most important thing was, I was able to communicate with my love ones whenever I want to.

After I was able to buy a better cellphone I gave it to my younger brother and it was his first time to have a cellphone too - he was as excited as I was. It still works like brand new.

QT-10014: Romans 12: 4-5 (Division of Labor)

2011-07-19T22:48:00.000+03:00

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

It's been a long time since I've made an addition to the series of Quiet Time. Once again, I ask your forgiveness. I think it is great and timely that I discuss something about division of labor.

So what is Division of Labor?

Whereever you look, there is always a division, there is always a group. At work, we are designated on a group called department (eg. Information Technology, Human Resource, etc..). Our task at work depends on our skill or the job description we are hired for. Like in a restaurant, there is the cook, cook's helpers, the waiter or food servers and cashiers and they all share the same group but different tasks. They all depend on each other's performance and if one is not performing properly the whole group's performance maybe affected.

In a church, the pastor/priest/rabi or the leader is the one who is leading it but they also have members with different tasks. Members like for example their music ministry, catering or food ministry, ushers, elders, etc... All of these contribute to one goal and that is to spread the word of God, enlighten and to inspire each other. All are working for the work of God.

In this society, we belong to a group called family. And whereever you go, family will always be with you, it may be physically, mentally or spiritually. If one does not perform well, it could also affect the whole family. Unlike our jobs at work, the labor we do in a family don't depend on our skills, it depends on our capacity and our reliability. As a husband, it doesn't mean that he'll only do man's tasks and as a wife it doesn't also mean she'll only do woman's tasks. If one can do something, they do it regardless of whose task is it -if the situation demands it.

In our current situation, me and my wife are trying our best to make all things work even if the two of us have different jobs. We used to have a helper at home to take care of Ize and do some chores but now most of the Pinay maids went home to our beloved country. It was due to the petition of Saudi Arabia and their demand to lessen their salaries and make their maximum monthly salary of $200 ceased/halted our government in sending domestic helpers here. And now that help is hard to find, we must both depend on each other.

I work in the morning from 9-5pm while my lovely and pregnant wife works at 2-10pm. And since there is nobody to look after our son, I go home for lunch at home and bring my son with me at the office. It is a good thing Ize is a good boy and is not a hassle in the office. My wife does the laundry, ironing of clothes and cleaning the house while I cook at night for me and my son's dinner and lunch for the next day and I also do the dishes and some cleaning. It may not be a man's job but it is a parent's job. It is not an agreement between the two of us, we just do what we must do and that is Division of Labor.

Sinigang na Bangus that I cooked awhile ago. Kain tayo!

It is not sharing the burden but it is sharing responsibilities. Above all these things, we work to make this household better with love and understanding. After all, we are a household of faith and God is the head of our family.

God bless you all.

Help Manila Zoo Recover

2011-07-17T20:29:00.000+03:00

As I watch GMA 7's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho the GMA featuring the condition of Manila Zoo, I felt sad. It was my plan to visit Manila Zoo when I once again have my vacation back home. I wanted my child to see our very own Zoo. Ize was even excited to go since it will be his first time to visit a zoo.

I remember watching Eat Bulaga or even Wowowee before and saw a lot of students on their show. It was decided by their school boards to have their school outing to be on that show instead of visiting our very own national parks. During my school days, visiting our national parks is the most famous school outing venue but it seems those days are over. I sure wish that our board of education would support our National Parks instead of going to noon-time shows.

Visiting Singapore, one of the best places I went was their Singapore Zoo and it features a lot of animals. Our zoos may not have the same facilities as they have but if more and more Filipinos make an effort in saving Manila Zoo, I know it will become one of the best place to visit in Manila - atleast on a national level.

I believe it is possible to preserve and rehabilitate Manila Zoo, just look at Fort Santiago and how it was developed. I hope Manila Zoo too can have the same attention as most of our National Parks. If it is developed, it also has the potential to be an international tourist spot.

Instead of a petition to close it, why not make the Filipinos (starting with students) to be aware of our Manila Zoo and help support it. If we just point our fingers to the one who should be responsible in its developments then their won't be any Zoo left for us to visit. I want my children and my children's children to have a great experience in visiting our Manila Zoo.

I think it is also one of the best place to visit when OFWs have their own vacations. Why not develop it and feature it at Pilipinas, Kay Ganda! (if it is still there?)? If I'll be a super-billionaire, I'll probably invest there but I am not so sorry Philippines.

Philippine Riyadh Embassy Press Release for OFWs...

2011-07-12T12:20:00.001+03:00

Yesterday, Philippine Riyadh Embassy has released a press release regarding the rumors of fellow-OFWs that were supposed to have a vacation but was given an exit-only visa instead of exit-reentry. There were also rumors spreading about OFWs coming from vacation with re-entry visas but were not accepted in the Kingdom, of course it is also not true.

An exiting employee should undergo a clearance before they exit because the government makes sure that that certain employee has no obligations or any pending cases before he totally leaves the country. Two good examples are the bank loans or owned and registered cars. If this is trully the case then there will be possibilities of people making huge amount of loans before going on vacation which of course they are preventing.

I admit that I too became worried about this shocking news because I've heard of it just right before my planned vacation (which never happened anyway lol!). When the news broke, it started with two (or four) indians being issued with exit visas and it spread like a virus (I wish I had that same amount of viral-effect for my blog's traffic lol!)

To all my fellow-OFWs, be NOT afraid to go on your vacations. It is all a rumor. I hope this article gives peace of mind to everyone of you. You can check the press release by pressing read more.

God bless to all. (Thanks to Bro. Richard for the copy of this Press Release)

Blessing in Technology

2011-06-27T00:08:00.001+03:00

Last week, I went with my wife to the hospital for her follow-up check ups for her regarding her past issue of blood clot and hospitalization. I've already posted the issue here before. Well, so she had another ultrasound to check for the remaining blood clots. Thank God, there were no more traces of blood clot. We are both so relieved to hear that her blood clot is totally gone and we thank God for His healing power and of course thanks to the prayers of our beloved friends and family.

Since she's already there, Leah asked the doctor if he could show me the baby. I felt so excited. It is my first time to see a baby on the ultrasound monitor and not in the film or printed out paper. And the baby didn't disappoint my excitement, the baby actually showed-off. The baby was playing with his/her feet, even Ize felt excited to see the baby moving and playing. I never saw Ize's ultrasound before because Leah always had her ultrasound while at work in King Khalid National Guard Hospital.

Now Leah is on her 16th week of pregnancy and thankfully she has fully recovered from her past illness. Now the only thing for her to overcome is her night sickness. I salute all the women, especially mothers who had to overcome all this hardships just to bring life into this world. It was hard and painful but that is life. All we could do as husbands is to keep them from harm and accommodate each of their needs and support it. I always try to tell Ize how hard was it when his mom was still carrying him on her tummy. He has been supportive of his mom and I really am proud of him. Everytime he hears his mom puking at the toilet, he was always there with me to give his mom aid while giving his mom a comfort touch at the back, even when I am at work.

Thank you for all your continued prayers. God bless you all.

Reliving Memories

2011-06-24T00:46:00.005+03:00

When I was young boy, I remembered how I used to adore a portrait of myself drawn by my Lolo David (Grandpa). It was painted on a canvas and it shows me holding on to a weird looking puppy. It felt funny the first time I saw it because; first, I don't have a puppy and second, the puppy looks so weird and it almost looked like a rabbit (lol!).

Nowadays, it is quite seldom to see people drawing or painting on canvas and if you find one, it would be so expensive. I found a great website which offers a great service that can relive your past memories by having your favorite photos on canvas. I haven't tried it but I am very interested. I'm preparing our family photo and send it to them for print. I hope I can make it on time for their Independence discount of $30 off. You can visit their site and see for yourself -- visit them at http://www.personalcanvasart.com.

Sample Artwork.

I hope I can remember to ask my Lola Tina (Grandma) where she hid my portrait when I come back to my province. It would be a great addition to our growing number of family portraits. I'd like my children to see that too.

Loved or Used

2011-06-21T16:50:00.001+03:00

I just saw a nice status message and I'd like to remember it always. Here is what it says:

People were created to be loved.
Things were created to be used.
The reason why the world is in Chaos;
is because things are being loved
and people are being used.

No, this has nothing to do with the phrase. I just did this awhile ago and I wan't to share it.

My iqama (work permit) just expired yesterday. A lot of things are affected when iqama has expired and it is very troublesome since it gave me limits to what I can do. Here are what's affected:

Can't go on vacation to Philippines or any country outside KSA.
Frozen bank accounts (ATMs and Credit Cards).
Can't send money to Philippines using Tele-Money, Western Union, etc... (anything that is bank related)
Can't receive money at Western Union -they'll ask for a valid and not expired iqama too.
Can't enroll my son at school.
Don't let the police catch you with an expired iqama or you might end up in prison.

Can't do anything for now except to wait.

Suddenly Craved for a Wonder Boy Crackers!

2011-06-14T10:59:00.000+03:00

Has anyone recall the Wonder Boy Crackers? It's a spicy and salty potato chips made years ago. I remember when I was still a young boy (probably not long ago hehe!), Wonder Boy costs only 1 peso and it was my favorite snack. My mom probably knows it too since it's also her favorite. I remember munching some of this snack before -with her. I've had many vacations where I used to browse nearby palengke (market) just to look for it but I always end up disappointed. If you still don't recall it, just look at the picture and you may probably recall it.

The boy kinda resembles the futre Speed Racer hehe!

How I wish they still make this wonderful junk food. A classic junk food that I used to eat while playing with my toys and some playmates of mine. When I'm eating this stuff, I never share hehe! It is my PRECIOUS! How about you? Any precious snack in your mind?

Happy 113th Independence Day to the Philippines

2011-06-12T10:36:00.000+03:00

Baul ni Noel wishes all the Filipinos all over the world a Happy Independence Day.

On June 12, year 1898, the Philippine Declaration of Independence occured. With the public reading of the Act of the Declaration of Independence, Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain.

And in observation to our beloved country's grand day, BNN displays the flag of the Philippines.

"Mabuhay ang Pilipinas"

(Long live Philippines)

Should I Spank my Child?

2011-06-11T15:58:00.001+03:00

A child's success is a parent's success as well but when they fail we parents asks ourselves sometimes "where have we failed?". Their greatness reflects the values we teach them and of course their misbehaviours as well. Was it really the parent's fault if a child misbehaves?

First of all, the children may be learning a lot of things at school but HOME is where they learn most of their behaviours. It is our duty as parents to correct our children if we see our child's misdeeds. If we lack the effort to correct these misbehaviours, it will lead to bad attitudes.

Ize's 5th Birthday. Taken last April 5, 2011

Should you spank your child?

In some places, spanking a child is considered a child abuse and in some it is considered a necessary measure in disciplining a child. How about you? What is your opinion on this?

I belong to a family that believes that it is necessary to spank a child sometimes to learn their lessons. I was brought up that way and I have never hated my parents for it. I believe it was the right thing to do. More so when I've learned about it in the Bible.

Hebrews 10: 11 says "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Proverbs 23: 13-15 says "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. ".

Proverbs 13: 24 says "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. "

Around 1980 to 1996 in Sweden, a child died as a result of physical abuse by the parents. Can it be considered a child discipline? Obviously, this is not a means of discipline but to hurt the child. Never hit or spank your child in anger coz it will only provoke them to hate you. (refer to Slate: Hitting Bottom - Why America should outlaw spanking)

Proverbs 19: 18 says "Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. ".

Ephisians 6: 4 says "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.".

In some studies, spanking a child may have a long-term harm than a short-term of instant obedience. I believe that it may really have a long-term harm if a parent neglects explanation to their child or unable to balance discipline and praising or giving them rewards. (refer to CBSNews: Spanking May Cause Long-Term Harm)

In my case, I spank my child for his misbehaviours but I reward him for the good things he has done. That way, he'll know it is best to do good than otherwise. Coz I believe if a parent neglects to give praise or give rewards to their child, the child may think that all they do is wrong which could develop to them having lack of self-esteem and other negative attitudes.

I love my child and I don't want him be in harm's way so if I can avoid spanking him, I try to avoid it but if it is necessary, I spank him. I believe it brings more harm to them if you shout at them than spanking them.

I told my son not to bring toys at school coz he may loose it there many times already. Last night, I found a piece of his toy watch and asked him where was it and without hesitation, he admittedly said "I'm sorry Dad. I lost it at school." Instead of getting angry, I just remind him not to do it again. I am so proud of my son, who has no fear of admitting his faults and be honest about it.

The Victor's Challenge

2011-06-02T19:42:00.000+03:00

Thanks to all who prayed for my wife while she was suffering from thrombosis (blood clot). In my previous article I have told of my wife's health issue regarding her blood which is called antithrombine deficiency. The medicine that she's taking is Clexane and basically it is to keep her blood from getting thick which could cause thrombosis or blood clot. Well, as you can see it happened and she suffered a lot of pain. Thankfully, it didn't get worst - worst could mean cardiac arrest (caused by blocked nerves) or pulmonary embolism (blockage of nerves in the lungs). There are some other worst complications but I am thankful to God it didn't go there.

She is now under double dosage of Clexane and is still under observation but not in the hospital anymore; she's now under my loving care. When the people knew that we'll be paying by cash, they immediately concluded that it will be better for us to finish her treatment at home. It was costly, but it is a price you have to pay to make our lives better in the future. I'm just glad that the baby is safe and Leah's condition is getting better.

Because of my company's financial issue, all our medical cases that require approval were all made on "hold" status by our insurance company. Just another one of our company's dilemna. It's a big challenge for us since I haven't receive my salary yet (for 2 months). That is why I thank JCF (disclosed for security reasons) for the help that they have extended. If it not for their help, Leah would have not been allowed to be discharged and we'll have a hard time accumulating the amount needed to pay the hospital bill.

Well, Ize was so excited and became more enthusiast in his activities knowing his mom is there to see him again. Sometimes his behaviour tends to be annoying when he wants so much attention from his mom, and sometimes he accidentally hurts his mom by his actions. He is such a sweet boy.

God trully is wonderful and he never neglects His family. Thank you again to all the people who prayed and to all who visited her at the hospital. Thanks to God for granting us the strength, wisdom and friends to became victors of yet another challenge in our life. Trully, God's hand is not short for His family. God bless you all.

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: - Isaiah 59: 1

I Am Back!

2011-05-24T00:21:00.000+03:00

Many things happened this past few days, months to my assumption. Praise God for His blessings and I'm trully grateful for His provision.

First of all, for the strength and wisdom while my wife was away and I'm alone with my son. Actually, the yaya is still with us. Thankfully God knows we needed her; that's probably the reason her schedule for deportation was delayed many times.

Second is for the provision of job for both me and my wife which God uses to provide us our needs. It has been months (probably a year) that we are trying to make all ends meet and with His help we were victorious. A blessing came to us in a form of a job offer and another great thing is that my wife is pregnant and is now on her 11th week (I think).

taken March 30, 2011 to celebrate Ize's upcoming birthday.

Lastly is for my wife's return. This time I am not her sponsor anymore. She's finally working as a dentist here in Jeddah (legally - our secret). I know how hard it will be for her to work since she is also pregnant but this time I am not alone on her back, Ize was always there to cheer her up whenever things get bumpy. If you don't mind, I'd like to take this opportunity to ask you all for a moment of your time to pray for her pregnancy. She's one of those rare pregnancy case (could be critical) where her life is also at risk because of her blood related disease. She has a rare disease called antithrombin deficiency and she has to take Clexane during pregnancy while daily intake of Coumadin when she is not pregnant. It is like diabetes in a way where she has to take daily medications but it is very well monitored and maintained.

So, what I was trying to say is "I am back" (I hope) and hopefully you'll get to see more of me and some more of my ~~boring~~ inspirational thoughts. Thanks to all who visited this site while I am on a slumber. God bless to all of you.

The Good and the Bad News

2011-05-02T12:52:00.000+03:00

Me and my wife celebrated our reunion last night after almost a month of being away with each other. She will be joining her new sponsor company. Ize was so happy to open his pasalubongs from his mom when he woke up this morning. Last night I was unable to contain myself and decided to peel one Manggang Kalabaw and dunked it on bagoong alamang with pork. I remembered a reminder from elders before about eating raw mangoes at night could risk myself of having a diarrhea but I felt pure bliss and enjoyed every bite.

But as we rejoice this morning, we were shocked by a terrible news. A friend dear to us, passed away - here in Jeddah. He was a dear brother to everyone of us, a carpenter, an electrician, dish washer, brother and servant who delights in serving God.

Brother Roland Alep (legally Alip) passed-away yesterday and joined our creator God. He was on his way home when his boss asked him to re-check the lifting motor that lifts all their construction materials that was installed on the roof-top of a 10-storey building. According to his colleagues, the motor broke or the attachment broke and he fell even before the lifting cage fell. His colleagues told us that they just assumed that since he was the only one who came back to check it. They just heard something fell from top without knowing it was him. When they checked him, he was still breathing but due to restrictions, he wasn't allowed to be touched nor moved not until the emergency respondents arrive. He didn't make it alive to the hospital.

Our condolences to his family. We will miss you brother Roland. Our only comfort is that we know you are now with our creator. See you in heaven dear friend and dear brother.

Blog Update: Facebook Comments and LIKE Buttons

2011-04-20T20:29:00.000+03:00

Thanks to Facebook's cloud computing technology (if I understood the term correctly), Baul ni Noel's posts can now be "LIKE"d via Facebook and anyone can comment via Facebook instead of Blogger's default comment widget. This is to allow a wider audience and interactivity and hopefully friendship.

Thanks and hope it will be more convenient for you all. God bless.

BNN meets Jeddah Bloggers again!

2011-04-19T11:16:00.002+03:00

Thursday (April 14, 2011), Baul ni Noel meets Jeddah bloggers once again (mostly from PEBA). It was so brief but it was nice to see them once again. PEBA founder Kenji and El-Presidente NJ was there too, with Pepe and NFB too. Hope there will be more Jeddah bloggers coming out of their shell. It would be nice to meet new people.

Since I haven't blog for awhile, I thought this event should be my ice-breaker for my blog silence. It was a short notice but in my experience, planned EB usually end-up a no-show. NJ once again brought something for everyone. He wasn't lying when he said we'll have a hard time carrying it. He informed us that the Bangus was big but when I saw it, I was still surprised at how big it was - it was HUGE! I never knew Bangus grow up like that.

We first met up at Balad and then we settled to Fish Market since we can't divide the special fish that NJ brought. I am waiting till my wife comes back to cook it on the sizzling plate - weeh! Anyways, we had a few exchange of stories while waiting for the eisha prayer to finish so we could ask or pay someone to cut and clean the fish. Here are some pics taken by Pepe. I don't have a camera with me since my wife brought it with her in Manila.

By the way, we'll be serving the Bangus this Friday for our church's special event.

It was another overwhelming experience for me even though it was kinda short. Thanks Sir NJ for a wonderful fish experience hehe! Nice meeting you all guys also Zakki. You can visit their blogs below:

Kenji - Thoughtskoto!

NJ - Desert Aquaforce

Pepe - Camera ni Cabrera

Nelson - Soy Negrense

Images courtesy of Camera ni Cabrera.

Debt-Free Christian Living

2011-04-16T09:38:00.004+03:00

Proverbs 22:7 - The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender.

Who among us is debt-free? Or rather who among us here is not dept-free?

Long time ago, people save money to buy house and lot for their future home but nowadays saving money for future home is hard. Now people often loan houses from big Real Estate businesses instead of renting a house which won’t be yours someday which is quite typical and looks quite more promising. A lot of great deals are offered but of course most of them are overpriced.

As a Christian, our debts are like the sins that we have made. And somehow, most of us become slaves to sin. [Romans 6:16 -- Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?] For example, if we loaned a money from a person, we regard their rules of payment with respect and utmost sincerity.

Satan is very wise, he is like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He seeks whom he may devour. Did you know that this is how he deals with us. This means that we should be wise too. We might end up realizing that it is Satan who lent us help and not God in exchange for what we desire. He’ll do everything for us to be trapped in his devious plans. When we get indebted to him, we will continue serving him so be very aware of our actions. Here are some examples:

Pleasures in Lust

People often times mislead love from lust. Sometimes our longing for someone tend us to believe that we love that person. In exchange for that love (attention), we decide things almost immediately without even having thoughts if it is right or wrong. People having extra-marital affairs often find themselves trapped or slaved to their affairs specially if accidentally it beared fruit. I assure you that it is how Satan deals, he gives you pleasure and he'll make sure you'll be his slave and it will be hard for you to go back the same way again.

Once a person commits adultery, in order to hide their sins they will lie. One lie after another. Doing this, they continue to sin in order for them to continue their affairs.

Pleasure in Power

In politics, in order for the government officials to maintain their power, most of them bribe people. They bribe people in order for them to have supremacy over others but in exchange for their slavery to greed in power. They offer greed to Satan to experience a luxurious life and gain supremacy. If a threat is at hand, for example a witness in unraveling their greed for power they ask other people to make those witnesses remain silent by money or by permanent silence.

Pleasure in Wealth / Money

A lot of businessmen now are seeking advice from financial advisors how they may be able to evade taxes and other expenditures that greatly affect their income. They try to hide other profits and invent expenses in order for them to lessen taxes. Some of them lie and cheat in order for them to get more profit.

For poor people, some of them steal from others. Sadly in our country, the number of robbers and thieves on the street keep growing and they came to the point of killing their victims to keep their identities hidden. They kill, they terrorize people for them to have money and they keep on getting worst to protect themselves. They continue to do this after their first kill because they know, there is no turning back. They are trapped like how Satan deviced everything.

Worldly Pleasures

Innovation in technology is rapidly evolving and more inventions are done almost every year. From telephone to pagers, pagers to cellphones, cellphones to smartphones and now more smarter phones which involves tablet pcs with communication capabilities. These are the new technologies that keep evolving almost every 3 months. If you are a tech-freak, you’ll most likely buy the latest technology gadget and during this time, every 3 months there is a new gadget being introduced. People instead of investing their money to good use, they invest it in buying these things. And they offer time and money which is supposedly for God in exchange for these vanities.

Notice that people get indebted to Satan if they value their worldly desires. To keep those valuable things to us we lie, we steal, we cheat, and to some they kill. It is hard to maintain a healthy living and we know that specially in this place. We get carried away by our problems and when we feel discouraged or discontented with what God gave us -we try to make our own way to get what we desire – and most of the time we sin to get those things and we become slaves to sin. We are being conformed into this world.

Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

But there are two great things that will enable us to be debt-free.

Be Content

[2 Corinthians 12: 9 – And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.] God’s grace is sufficient. We do not need those things that will just make us slaves and indebted to Satan’s trap. God will provide for us.

Be God Dependent

[Phil 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.] We can do all things through Christ. When we say dependent, it means with trust. If we are contented to all His blessings and be dependent on Him, we’ll be able to withstand temptations in any form. And no worldly desires can keep us from sinning and we will be Debt-Free from Satan’s schemes.

And always remember that God is always with you:
[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

When Tooth Hurts!

2011-03-21T11:48:00.001+03:00

Basically, when our tooth hurts we drink medicine Biogesic / Panadol (Paracetamol). And when it really hurts big time, we consult a dentist if it can be extracted to ease your pain or save it through root canal.

Along time ago, I have this thought that our life is like a tooth. When tooth hurts what do we do to ease that pain? Most dentist recommend root canal to save the tooth and you from pain as well. Root canal is a procedure to kill the tooth by ~~cutting-off and totally removing the roots~~ cleaning out and filling the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed (I was corrected by my wife, she is a dentist lol!). The nerve is the one that sends the signal to your brain that "it hurts!". It's there but it is dead already.

Sadly, in most cases, this is what happens to life. Most relationship end up broken and sometimes, for the sake of their children -they continue to live together under one roof. Yes, it looks like root canal to me. With this kind of relationship, a strand of hair may tear it apart anytime and anywhere -you'll never know.

Crowning for Strength

Crowning makes the root canaled tooth stronger but still there are no guarantees of when will it last. Like broken relationships that live in one roof, no matter what they do there are still no guarantees of having that relationship last until forever.

Dentures / Tooth Implant for Replacement

When you remove a permanent teeth, there's no way another tooth will sprout from it but you could replace it with denture or tooth implant (looks better but very expensive). But once you've decided to have dentures or tooth implant, the only way to fill that void when the false tooth is broken is by replacing it again. And like root canal, there is no way for you to tell when will it last.

So there is no hope?

Yes, if you're a tooth.

In life there is hope but before we go there let me ask you something. For some people they may have agreed on the thought I mentioned above, accepting the fact that they are like a tooth.

Will you accept the fact that you are like a tooth to your love one? A tooth that should be removed in order to ease their pain. A tooth that should undergo a root canal so they won't feel the pain when it breaks. A tooth that serves its purpose but is dispensable to its body. That no matter what you do, there won't be a brigth future in your relationship. It hurts just by thinking how dispensable you could be to your loveone, right? Same goes to the other person if you think of them the same way.

The Hope

For a tooth, forgiveness is irrelevant that is why you can't be compared to a piece of tooth. You can't forgive an aching tooth and the pain will go away, right? Again, same goes to a person. You forgive THAT person or YOU ask for forgiveness but the pain won't go away easily BUT the pain will gradually go away in TIME.

However, pride goes in the way of forgiveness. It is hard to forgive a person when your pride is hurt, same goes to the other person. What do we gain with our pride anyways? I ask this question many times and try to put myself in a situation where pride could hinder forgiveness. Sadly, pride is a very persistent enemy that seeks your every weakness, trying to reason out every possible conclusion for you not to forgive that person. Us humans are limited already and having pride limits us from mostly everything.

The Pride

I've already tackled this pride before but I'll define it again.

Pride hinders you of truth because you can't accept you were wrong.
Pride hinders you of growth because you don't grow if you don't make mistakes. Because learning from a mistake grants you wisdom.
Pride hinders you of true friendship because you can't accept the fact that people who trully cares for you will sometimes tell you things that hurt you to correct you.
Pride hinders you of answers because you are continually blinded by your own thoughts.
Pride hinders you of great strength because you can't accept that you are too weak to ask friends for help.

Pride is limitless when it comes to limiting you of your own happiness because we all need to know the truth, we all need to learn from our mistakes, we all need true friends, we all need answers and we all need great strength in order to achieve happiness.

It is hard to accept the truth sometimes or most of the time but what we all know or some deny that when you accept the truth it will set you free. It will set you free from your pain and pride. Accept the fact that you can make mistakes too and forgive. I think it is the only key towards a great relationship.

Forgiveness and Time together can even strengthen relationships. Trust can be easily broken, but forgiveness and time will strengthen it too. Forgiveness gives each and everyone a chance to fix their mistakes. This time you know that whatever you do will not be in vain because you are still bound to your love one. You are not dispensable anymore because they (the person you love) know it will hurt them if someone or something tries to remove you from your place.

Once you have restored your loveone or you were restored by them, take good care of it. Chances are, you won't find the same chance ever again.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13

Blog Break!

2011-03-18T02:49:00.001+03:00

Let's have a Blog Break for awhile. And since it is friday later, I'll dedicate this and post to everyone. My wife and me had been longing for a good day-off. Hope Friday brings a lot of cool thoughts. This was taken at Corniche Road.

Ize and Mom in Corniche Road.

QT-10013: Matthew 24:6-8 (What is Happening to the World?)

2011-03-11T23:47:00.001+03:00

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Matt 24: 6-8

This morning as I opened my PC to check what is currently happening to Jeddah via internet. I checked but to avail there was no internet. I checked the laptop and the other machine but no internet. I reset everything but still there is no internet. Then I realized about the news that has been spreading this past few days about another demonstration, not in other country but here in Saudi Arabia -specifically Jeddah. We have all witnessed what is currently happening in most arab nations -demonstrations for a change in their country's leaders for all those country who are tied-up or has a good relations with United States of America.

They said when a country has an alliance with USA they are also supporting Israel. Egypt eventually has totally oust their former leader and now Libya is still at war with their own people. I don't know but I think Libya is not even in good terms with USA. Their is also the case in Qatar. It would be sad, to think Qatar is currently booming and their economy continues to rise yet this rumors of demonstrations.

This past few weeks, rumors were also spread here in Jeddah that this Friday, a demonstration is going to take place. That is why this morning I thought their government is blocking all means of communications for the demonstrations. But when I called a friend and he told me that he has internet, I just turned off my modem and let it rest for a while.

So what is happening?

For all I know, we are currently witnessing a prophecy in motion. In v6, we shall hear rumors of wars - Omigosh! it is happenning. No don't be alarmed at the end of that sentence it says -it is not the end yet.

If you read the whole verse you will notice that it is Jesus himself that was talking to His disciples and explaining these words to them.

Awhile ago, my wife told me that their was an earthquake awhile ago in Japan and there was also a big tsunami. When I logged-in on Facebook, I saw a lot of images of Japan in turmoil. You can relate to v7 as it states that there will also be famine (in Africa and in some other places), pestilences (eg. AIDS) and earthquakes.

I am not trying to scare you people but this is just the beginning (in v8). This is just the beginning of all prophecies in motion. lol! Yes maybe I am trying to scare you a bit. I actually felt chills while reading these verses coz I know that the time is near. If you are asking me, what to do then you should read my previous article first and it is about asking wisdom from God. After you have read it, you come back and read some of my Quiet Time verses. I'll be uploading a gift for everyone next time, I just have to package it carefully.

God bless you all.

God's Instruction in Finding Wisdom

2011-03-11T01:28:00.000+03:00

For the Lord giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. - Prov 2:6

When we face trials we always want to find answers and solutions based on our understanding. We sometimes forget who to turn to when we are in great need. Here is an instruction from God when we need wisdom from him. (Refer to Proverbs Chapter 2 for below verses)

1. Always keep His words with you.

1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words,

And hide my commandments with thee;

2. Listen carefully and make your heart understand.

2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom,

And apply thine heart to understanding;

3. Ask or Cry for Help and direct our words into Him above.

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge,

And * liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4. Seek God's wisdom like a how you seek a treasure.

4 If thou seekest her as silver,

And searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,

And find the knowledge of God.

5. And He will surely give that wisdom.

6 For the Lord giveth wisdom:

Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

6. And He will protect and guide you by the wisdom you gained from Him.

7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous:

He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

8 He keepeth the paths of judgment,

And preserveth the way of his saints.

Follow this instructions and surely you will not get lost and always be guided by Him and by the knowledge that you will or have gained from Him. God bless always and hope you all have a nice day.

QT-10012: Romans 8:28-30 (Happiness and Sadness is Not Always)

2011-03-06T01:04:00.000+03:00

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Are we the type of person that goes where happiness is? There is a saying "Life is too short to be anything but happy." But did we ask ourselves, is life all about happiness only?

The past year has been very hard for me and my family, it started Nov-2009 I think. The crisis that hit US before eventually caught-up on our company. 2010 was a year of financial instability for our company and us too. We tried everything in order to survive and thankfully God provided an advance blessing to us, a blessing that suffice us during drought.

To me, it wasn't just a financial crisis - it was a test. A test of faith and patience. It was during that time that I've learned to appreciate what is in front of me and to continually depend on Him - our only source of everything.

Because of our company's crisis, I have to really depend on my salary and since they give the salary almost every three months it is hard to make things meet. The gravity of my situation was complicated by my project location assignment. I was asked to work far from my home and since I don't have a car, I have to commute. It is easy to commute if you have money to pay for it. And since our salary don't come on time, I ran out of money before I can receive the next salary.

My burden didn't end there. My manager don't seem to understand the gravity of my situation. I try to explain to him that I can't go to work if I don't have money and since I was assigned in Obhor which is quite far from home, my usual transportation allowance is not enough plus the fact that we don't receive our salaries on time. My only choice was to go to our main office which is very near my home (walking distance only. .When I talked to him before about my situation, he just shrugged his shoulders and told me "I don't care. For me you are absent because you are not there.". I just nod my head with disappointment. And this didn't happen once but a few times already.

But it is not always sadness. My happiness is being with my family and seeing my family when I go back from work is happiness already. I know in a day full of tiring and frustrating moments, there is a kid who looks up on me with great big smile and full of hope when I go home. There is also my wife who continues to support me and love me and understand me. I know I am still blessed among the thousands of OFWs that is working abroad without their families with them.

Our Blessing - Ize.

A blessing came this morning as we check our son-Ize's result of examination. It was all perfect - even Arabic. The teacher said Ize is OUTSTANDING in his class. I saw my wife as she went out the gate with Ize with full smile and excitement. "Ize is Outstanding, he perfected all his exams!" - it was like a beautiful song to hear. A blessing God can only give.

We can never ask for more. Thank you God for all the patience and love you gave us and thank you for the knowledge he has given Ize.

So to conclude things, we have survived a year full of trials and we manage to gain from our loss. It is not always happiness God has promised us. In fact, He said that we would perish just as He did.

I am glad God knew me before these things happened and I knew Him too. I know all things will work together to all those who love Him and all this things shall pass while we smile together in the future. God bless you all.

Maria Aragon, Another Rising Pinoy Star!

2011-02-28T09:56:00.003+03:00

I can't wait to see this girl to stardom. These video clips make you really feel proud of being a Filipino. Maria Aragon or Maria Lourdes Aragon (born July 17, 2000) is a Canadian YouTuber, from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was born and raised in Canada to Filipino parents.

In February 16 2011, she posted a video on her sister's YouTube channel in which she performed a cover of "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga. A tweet from Lady Gaga on the video was sent to her eight million followers, and launched Maria to instant, international fame.[1] The video garnered over 10 million views on YouTube in just five days. In just 6 days, her video, "Born This Way - (Cover)" on Youtube had reached up to 12 million views.

I believe she'll even be greater than our very own Charice Pempengco because at such a young age she is already showing a great potential.

Here is a video of her talking to Lady Gaga where she was invited to have a duet with the famous artist.

Before I end this, check out the video that Lady Gaga was talking about.

Go Maria ang make us proud once more. Go Pinoy!

A Prayer for OFWs

2011-02-28T01:29:00.000+03:00

I share to everyone a prayer for all OFWs. I did not make this prayer myself. This is to support PEBA in addressing the overwhelming issues regarding our fellow OFWs having problems with their employers, the country of their job, facing death penalties, raped, abused and molested. This prayer is from PEBA and all its supporters, from the heart of each OFW. Let us all bow our heads and in unity - pray to God - this prayer.

Dear God,

You crossed every border between divinity and humanity to make your home with us. Bless our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who have travelled to foreign lands with faith in their heart leaving their families behind as they break through the barriers of people, cultures, and languages to escape oppression and poverty.

There are many things going on that are beyond us even with our collective power. We come to thee in supplication and heartfelt pleadings as we are mindful of the ordeals of others.

We thank thee for hearing the prayers of your people as China grant reprieve to our three OFWs and may the Chinese government grant a lesser penalty to their case.

We pray for the thousands of OFWs who were incarcerated and imprisoned in the Middle East, Asia and other continents, may thou please grant them the chance to get back to their families and find a new life, justice and freedom as they entrust their lives into thy hands. May Thou enlighten our leaders to put the plights of distressed OFWs as a priority and withdraw from plans to cut the DFA social service and legal assistance funds.

We pray to Thee that our OFWs in Taiwan will soon be reprieved of taking all the heat of the current Taiwan-Philippines rift. May the government emissary would soon find resolution to this issue so that those more than five thousand scheduled for deployment will now be allowed to take on their jobs, and the nearly a hundred thousand currently employed may keep their jobs and be able to sustain their families.

We pray that may Thou please keep our overseas Filipinos safe in the escalating conflict in countries where democratic renaissance in Muslim nations is unfolding from Morocco, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and Libya as they await the immediate repatriation efforts being taken by our government agencies.

We pray for Thy protection and guidance of the more than thirty thousand OFW’s in Libya. May their families in the Philippines be freed from fear and worries of their condition and that the OFWs safety is assured despite the worsening condition.

We pray that may Thou save from harm our Filipino workers in war torn countries of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as OFWs in Nigeria, Somalia, Lebanon and Jordan, who have taken great risks to continue their fight against poverty to support their families in the Philippines despite of the work deployment ban imposed in these countries.

We pray for the safety of the Filipino nurses trapped in the rubbles during the earthquake in New Zealand, and the rest of the OFWs and Expats around the world who are suffering from natural calamities, diseases and injustices that they may find comfort through faith in Thee.

Hear our prayer Lord, to end the corruption that has become the plague of our nation, to end poverty that afflicts and besets Thy people, to end violence and war that displaces millions of our Filipinos from their homes, which separate, divide and break families.

As we await for the signs of time when the Filipinos around the world, the fathers and mothers brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters may be reunited as one happy family.

We pray for Thine tender love and kind mercy, with our faith, with our hope, with our love to thee, we pray for power greater than us all, we pray for divine intervention.

This is a joint call from the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, or PEBA, Inc, along with its 300+ KABLOGS, the RMN News Bantay OFW radio program and the Blas Ople Policy Center and we are asking for your prayers or support by reposting this to your blog, posting this link in your FB, Friendster and Twitter accounts or sending this as email to your networks.

Original content is found here.

PEBA Cares for Bethany

2011-02-19T20:16:00.001+03:00

Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards or PEBA just launched their new social program to help orphaned children called PEBA Cares. While PEBA Scholars is about helping poor children reach their dreams by sponsoring their education and PEBA Help is to help distressed OFWs, PEBA Cares thrust is for orphanage, home for the aged, environmental projects, and other probable issues in need of help in our country.

PEBA Cares' first project is to help Bethany House Orphanage which is currently on shortage of food, specially the rice. Ms. Yanah and PEBA volunteer Marco was informed that everyday the orphanage consumes one sack of rice while our local government only rations them 10 sacks of rice a month.

For complete information on how you can send help, please click the PEBA Cares icon on the right.

Photography in KSA

2011-02-18T22:40:00.000+03:00

You remember my post about Saudi Arabia's tourism entitled "Are They Really Ready for Tourism?" where I have blurted out all my frustrations about photography in Saudi Arabia - I think they have read it (just kidding). Well, a fellow blogger (thanks Ron!) posted in Facebook about the good news. They have a law where anyone can take pictures as long as there isn't any no picture taking signs posted in the area. Now, I won't be afraid to take pictures anymore as long as I bring the document I'll be sharing you guys.

So to all those Photography hobbyist that is situated in Saudi Arabia, here is the good news for you guys. Just print this out and put inside your camera bag. Enjoy photography!

Here is the file - enjoy!

Yaman Ng Puso

2011-02-14T21:37:00.000+03:00

Here is an article I wrote just for this very season. It is an article I wrote for The Kablogs Journal monthly theme - Puso / Hearts. Hope you all like it.

"Ito ay sapagkat kung saan naroroon ang inyong kayamanan, naroroon din ang inyong mga puso." (Luke 12: 34/ Matt 6:21)

Sa tuwing darating ang buwan ng Pebrero (February), ang mga bulaklak na kahit halos doble o triple ang presyo ay bentang-benta sa mga tao. Ang mga pasyalan ay hindi mo na halos mahulugan ng karayom sa dami ng mga pares ng mga taong nais na ipagdiwang ang araw ng mga puso. Di rin pahuhuli at napupuno naman ang mga motel ng mga baliw sa pag-ibig. Bumabaha ng mga pusong-pula na tila parol ng Pebrero.

Saan ka man naroroon, mapa-Pilipinas o ibang bansa marami ang nagdiriwang ng araw ng mga puso. Maging dito sa bansa ng mga Arabo ay naging talamak ang pagbili ng mga bulaklak o alinmang bagay na kulay pula. Nitong nakaraang tatlong taon lamang, sila ay nagmasid at ipinagbawal ang alinmang patungkol dito sa tuwing darating ang ika-14 ng Pebrero.

Read the complete article at The Kablogs Journal.

QT-10011: Proverbs 22:6 (Let Them Be Children!)

2011-02-12T19:06:00.006+03:00

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Prov. 22:6

Since I am assigned to teach in our church's youth ministry and shared a room with children of ages 4 and above, I have observed some of their behaviors. Whenever I hear something from their mouth, they always try to mouth words from the TV shows they have seen. Most of the words I've heard were from Pinoy tele-novelas. It was fun watching them play dead, play doctor, play like their idols, play like "lobos" or werewolves and vampires from ABS-CBN 's tv show Immortal. But have we ever listened closely to what they were saying?

"Kakaiba na talaga ang mga kabataan ngayon." (Children these days are so naive) - this are the famous words by people these days, specially by adults. But have we asked ourselves, are they truly naive?I don't know how many times have I shared this word of God but for the sake of our children, let us always be reminded the value of training our child the way they should be.

"As parents, have you ever wondered when and how they've learned those stuffs? What have you done about it?"

People these days start talking about sex, marriages and violence at a very young age. And as a parent, you maybe laughing when you hear some other children talk about it but when you hear it from your own child, it is a different matter. You'll most likely be furious at the person who taught them some of their words. Or we'll probably blame other children and start telling your child not to play with those BI (bad influence) child or children. Should we really blame those other children? Or should we blame ourselves for not trying to correct them?

Without our knowledge, these children learn by themselves just by watching TV. My son Ize surprises us sometimes when he says new things to us and we wonder when and how he learned about it. But it was a great surprise for us since we make sure to monitor all the tv shows that he is watching - we have even instructed his yaya of what tv shows Ize should and should NOT watch. It is a very tedious job as a parent to filter what they are watching but it is a very important investment of your time.

"Their minds are like sponges, they'll absorb every interesting information they find."

I remember one time, me and my wife were talking about our vacation in front of Ize when he suddenly asked me "Dad, what's vacation?". After explaining it to him, he said a few sentences trying to use the new word he has learned and at the end he was asking to have our next vacation at Disneyland - we just launghed and said "sure! if we have money." I also recall the time he learned the word "snore" and I used it like "Mommy also snores at night." and Leah laughed at that but we laughed harder when we heard him trying to snore and said "Hahaha! I'm snorsing! Look at me Dad. I'm snorsing!". He was very particular about how I used the word "snores" and made it a verb by adding an "ing" at the end and making it "snorsing".

Ize in front of a random shop in Stars Avenue.

Most common mistakes done by parents is the negligence in monitoring their child's tv shows. Most of the time, parents allow their children to watch tv shows that are not appropriate to their child's age without their guidance because they don't have time. Parents, it is the very reason why networks warn us before a new tv show is shown that some scenes may not be appropriate for children - yet we allowed them to watch it even without our guidance. And we say "they" are "naive". That is because we taught them to be naive.

It should be "Kakaiba na talaga mga magulang ngayon." (Parents these days are so naive) and not our children. Do you want your child to be branded "Naive"? thus making you naive too. All I can say is "Let them be chidren" and let them watch what they are supposed to watch. Let them watch cartoons or any children's tv show and let them enjoy being a child. Of course we still have to monitor if the tv show is showing violence or whatever is not appropriate for them. I recall my Dad saying "takpan mo mga mata mo" (cover your eyes) whenever there is an inappropriate scene on a tv show that we are watching. Those were the days when a lot of parents were still NOT naive (lol!).

These days, Ize asked a lot of new things to us and we discover a lot of new things he has learned from the TV as well. But since we only allow Christian Channel and Disney Channel, we are confident that whatever he's learning - it is good.

So train your children dear parents. Make time to filter what show they are watching and train them that way. Someday they'll learn the value of what you are doing and they'll pass it on to their children as well.

So Many Things to Do!

2011-02-09T14:26:00.001+03:00

I have so many things to do yet so little time. I am so busy with a lot of things and I am unable to finish Baul ni Noel's new layout which eventually delays my baul's dot-com too. I want to feel good about Baul's new home with a new layout.

After finishing the layout, I still have to integrate it here at Blogger which is kinda messy and could definitely distort things -specially my widgets. I hope I find time for it next week or next-next-week (lol!) after I am finish with my other projects at hand.

"Sahod, please dumating ka na! Isa ka pang nagpapa-delay ng lahat! hehe!" I really just want to shout it outloud.

To all those who added my blog to their blogrolls and if you don't see your blog in my blogroll, PLEASE make a comment and inform me of your blog - I would love to add your blog. Thanks and God bless to all.

Side comment about Angelo Reyes' death. I hope his death won't hinder justice. I hope this time, justice will prevail.

To Lose is Gain

2011-02-06T12:40:00.001+03:00

Yesterday, I watched a really hillarious movie entitled "The Grown Ups". You put all the best comedians in one movie and this is what happens. Actors Adam Sandler, Kevin James (one of my favorite comedian from TV series King of Queens), Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider made this movie so good. It is a must-see for everyone.

The movie was very entertaining and at the same time you'll learn some great values. I tried to filter it if it is really for family, probably in US standards but not for Filipino standards. I don't want kids learning to bad mouth and talk back to adults same way the children was shown here. One of the great lessons in the movie was their friendship and the other one is the value you get from losing. It's not all about winning.

Chris Daughtry never won the grand title of the American Idol but look at how famous he is now. Same goes to other American Idol "losers" who are very popular now. They were never really losers, they were winners.

Sometimes we really need to learn how to lose before we learn how to win. These times were difficult for me and my family and I've been feeling a bit down, okay a bit more down lately. I am actually desperate at finding the best solution for our crisis right now. It's been like this since late 2009 and our company is still in a desperate situation. And now there is a new management. I remember trying to reason out with that person before but he was to unreasonable and now that he is the big boss and his first move was to chop-off people. I don't mind being chopped-off but they should give me my benefits or atleast give me a release (much better). We are on a point where staying is also a burden (thank God Leah was blessed with an opportunity). If there were other opportunities in my hand, I would have left them (my company) with haste.

I know God works in mysterious way and all things work together for good to all those who love Him. I know it is not a losing battle in front of me and if it is, I'll win something greater beyond my expectation.

This also proves that being an OFW means to live in wealth nor to struggle. Being an OFW is a commitment. A commitment to your family.

Speaking of OFW, PEBA has launched its new contest for all Pinoy bloggers out there and it is about making the best slogan for the upcoming PEBA 2011 theme "Coming Home Towards Solidarity and Progress". Great prizes await the winning contestants.

Every Step Near Home is a Blessing

2011-01-28T11:03:00.006+03:00

On the 26th day of January-2011, I dared to challenge the greatest flood Jeddah has ever faced and I am sad to say that I was defeated. The experience was really something and I can say memorable for me because it is the very first time I've really charged a fierce flood. From Obhor, me and my colleague (a Sudanese) were able to conquer few great floods we passed along the way. Our journey ended in Madinah road just right before Falasteen road.

While I was walking last night at Mushrefah's suburbs, I found a few Pinoys walking in group and a few lone ones like me. I kept thinking "How am I going to go home for my kid?" Getting near Falasteen, the flood kept getting deeper and deeper - no, the video is not the place where I walked, the video is not mine and I just took it from the internet. I saw some people going back after trying to beat the waves but decided to surrender. They were warning people that the water is chest deep and that the waves are quite strong just like the video above. I really want to go home but I felt a great fear for my life if I continue my journey (don't want to be famous because of my stupidity and die because of it, lol!). That is when I decided to surrender as well - for the time being. I decided to go back to Madinah road and grab a bite before I try again. It is dark already and the current is getting stronger. I saw some lightning flashes around north which made me a bit troubled. I prayed the whole time while I was walking but it felt better when I heard a fellow-Pinoy saying "Kabayan? Ingat kabayan ah!". I thanked him and decided to do the same to other Pinoys I met. Sometimes, in a moment when you least expect it, strangers may sometimes give you encouragement with just a simple greeting.

Grabbing a bite isn't easy as well. Al-Baik is jump-packed full of stranded people and from the looks of it, Al-Baik is the only one having the benefit from the current situation. After eating I decided to check if the flood is already dissipating but when I checked it, it is still the same so I decided to surrender and went to our church. It's a great thing Kuya Lito and Ptr. Henry was there. I prayed that no rain would come while other stranded people like me try to take a rest and gather more strength for journey home the next day.

Morning came and our pastor and I went and fetch Leah so we could try and go home. Before that I checked ArabNews Online and check about the current situation but due to some restrictions in news and media, I was only able to find pictures from yesterday. I was expecting something like our very own online news where people is informed of the current situation from traffics, pictures and video clips but was only disappointed.

Our journey always end up at Falasteen road where hundreds (probably more) of abandoned car were dumped by nature, just check out the video and try to imagine how the cars were dumped (eg. car over another car, upside down cars, etc...). Our last resort was Siteen since it is the only bridge and the only high place connecting Sharafiyah and Mushreffah (North to South). We live around Baghdadeyah opposite of Ruwais but the level is much lower than Madinah and Siteen so we decided not to go there - the place could still be flooded.

When we arrive our target location, we're relieved to know that we made the right choice but it seems the only way we could get through Falasteen is by foot because of the number of abandoned vehicles and the number of vehicles trying to get pass Falasteen. My wife and I decided to just walk our way home because we don't know what lies ahead and we re afraid that Ptr. Henry would be stranded as well. So we thanked him and went our way by foot.

It is a great thing that I've decided to delay my journey home because if not my wife would probably be walking alone or would have to stay with friends for another day. You can find images from our journey home at Baul's Diary (Sqwander!). Update: Here is a slideshow of our journey home.

All I can say is that every step we made and every step near home is a blessing. We are so tired but relieved when we saw our place. I felt renewed strength as we go up the stairs. Ize missed us so much, he kept on hugging and kissing us the whole time - he was so worried. I recall him being awake when I called his yaya around 6am that morning (he usually wakes up around 10am during weekends or when there are no classes). Thank you Lord for our safe journey home.

I would like to add a few prayers for all the people who bravely help others instead of thinking about themselves. This is just one of the scenes here in Jeddah. Just watch closely at the people trying to help the troubled people inside the vehicle that was caught in a wild flood wave. Truly, tragedies give birth to brave heroes when a nation faces a great tragedy. Salute to all of them and hope they miraculously survived.

Latest Happenings in Pinas

2011-01-26T01:08:00.000+03:00

I don't know if I'll be happy or sad about having GMA7 once again because of what's currently happening on our country. This happened after we got our Orbit Pinoy Plus:

Consecutive Oil Price Increase
Price increase in Flour
A new zodiac sign was introduced
Killing of 2 Car Dealers
Consecutive car accidents (mostly from alcohol)
Bus Bombing

What is happening to our country? The killing of 2 car dealers sent shivers to my spine whenever I see its footage. The bus bombing is just another one of those crimes that is really threatening our country's tourism and possible foreign investments. I am trying to think of a reason why would these people do such thing. What drove them to do such thing? Unless, there is already a warning to the government, probably a ransom was demanded already and the bombing is just to prove how serious they are. Well, it is the only thing I could think of.

It will make you really think that Philippines is not a safe place to go to anymore. Hayst! But one thing is for sure, no matter how unsafe Philippines is, I'll surely comeback to my beloved country.

Blogging for Friendship!

2011-01-20T11:48:00.005+03:00

I was watching Jessica Soho's Kapuso yesterday and I was amazed at some of their featured bloggers who were already famous for what they're doing. So blogging is really in these days. Most of them even earned a lot just for their blogging (how I wish for the same oppotunity).

In Facebook, my latest addiction is to exchange ideas and have a quick chat with some other bloggers at U-BLog (United Bloggers) and KaBlogs (Kabayan Bloggers) where most pinoy bloggers lurk. Met a few new friends and found new ideas - thanks guys. In reality, I am a shy person (slightly lol!) and making friends is quite hard for a person who hardly make efforts in INITIATING a conversation. Few people would find me snob at first glance, even my wife had the same idea but that time I was really shy coz I really like her the first time I saw her (okay, this story is not about our love story so I'll cut it hehe!).

However, blogging filled some empty space in me. Even when I was a child making friends for me is quite hard. But if people get through my barrier, they'll eventually find a talkative, joker, clown and sometimes an opinionated person but most of the time you'll find me lurking in the corner just listening to all conversations. So if ever you saw this characteristics while we are together that means you got through my barrier.

My Barrier or Fear
I don't treat that barrier a very bad thing for me, sometimes it serves as my protection but most of the time it is a challenge. Sometimes, I also break it myself so I can get a chance to know some people and reach or probably break their barriers as well but I seldom do it (lol!). That is me!

Another fear of mine is public speaking or just being the center of everyone's attention. One great thing happened to me that even our school's Personality Development Training Program didn't accomplish is overcoming the fear of talking to people or like public speech or just plainly talking to a crowd. God provided me that gift and I thank Him for that. Although I conquered my fear of public speaking, I still am not able to find the courage in making that initial conversation (weird hmmm?).

So to summarize this, my confidence is down low (yeah! you said it). Thanks to God, He gave me confidence which is really a great gift for me. Reading this article from top to bottom made me think -- what am I talking about here? what is my goal? (lol!) .

I guess what I am trying to say here is....

Blogging made it easier for me to find NEW friends and I thank God for the confidence that He gave me. I can use it to strenghten new friendships I find along the way. Others maybe blogging for money, food or places to go, I am blogging for friendship!

God bless you all and thank you.

Pic of the Day: You Think You're Not Blessed?

2011-01-16T14:46:00.001+03:00

I have decided to add a new series to this Baul aside from my un-updated QT verses (sorry!). Here is our Pic of the Day. I found this at Kuya Rom's FB profile and found it made a lot of sense. Hope you all will be inspired as I have been inspired by this.

Are They Really Ready for Tourism?

2011-01-13T11:46:00.005+03:00

I remembered while we were waiting for our flight, I saw a bunch of leaflets about Saudi Arabia's Tourism. I actually laughed at the thought. You ask why? It's not because they don't have any beauty to offer but it's because there are a lot of narrowed-minded local citizens here that often think bad about what you are doing. Probably they are thinking that you are spying on them or whatever.

When it comes to beauty, there are a lot of things they can actually offer. For start, Saudi Arabia loves sculptures and I too am fascinated with lots of their sculptures. Here in Jeddah, you'll find numbers of sculptures almost line-up in Corniche Road and it is a sight to see for everyone. Whenever I see their sculptures, all I could do was admire them - didn't dare take pictures of them. Why? I am afraid that their police might catch me and put me in jail for it. I remembered a friend who did experience this first hand, a fellow blogger - Pepe of Camera ni Cabrera. I forgot how long he was detained but the thought is just so discouraging.

I also remembered a Saudi officemate of mine (take note Saudi) who took some pictures for surveying purposes for our company. A police saw him taking pictures and confronted him. I forgot what happened next but at the end the police (I think) got angry and smashed his camera and broke it. Well, this may have happened a few years ago but still the thought of your hard-eaned money being smashed into pieces in less than a second is seriously - again discouraging.

Another time while I was with my family in Roshan Mall about two months ago. My wife and I were so fascinated with their murals which is actually their way of covering un-occupied shops. It is a very nice idea to put something artistic instead of people seeing an empty shop. We happened to find one masterpiece which is we think famous among Arab paintings, so my wife posed with my son and I took the picture. Once I took the photo, the security guard came rushing toward me and told me not to shoot photos and said it was forbidden. I looked around to see if there was a warning sign about taking pictures but found nothing so I tried to reason with him but ke kept on saying it is forbidden. Since he approached me with calmness, I just followed what they think is "forbidden".

One other time while we were on Hyper-Panda, we found an odd-shaped vegetable and tried to take pictures using our camera phone. A local citizen told us not to shoot pictures and told us it is "forbidden". My wife got angry of the guy and told him that it's just a vegetable but the guy kept on blabbering in Arabic so I never understood what he was saying. Thinking he won't win the argument, the guy just left with his stroller of groceries. I thought he was an official or from Hyper-Panda's management or crew but he was just a nobody like us. We continued taking photos by the way (lol!).

Looking at some of their sculptures that were once beautiful but now full of dirt and has stockpile of birds dung, I thought to myself.... perhaps if they let others appreciate their arts, people may have put more value into it by taking care of it and not trash it since they can't appreaciate it even if they want to.

Now going back to the leaflet I am holding that time, I asked myself "Are they really ready for tourism?" - What do you think guys?

Super Izeboy vs Apron Man

2011-01-10T00:08:00.001+03:00

Just had a duel with Super Izeboy and here are the events that happened awhile ago after I came back from work.

I thought I'll never see sunlight after this.

Here are the rest of what happened.

I shall return!

I have been defeated but I shall have my vengeance. I will be back Super Izeboy.

This is our second Sticker Fun. Our first sticker fun was with my wife. We'll do it again sometime. This is just one of my quality time with my Ize.

God bless!

1-1-11: Starting Balance for Year 2011

2011-01-01T15:24:00.002+03:00

Before we withdraw money from our ATM cards, we often check our balances just to be sure that we have something draw. Now, before we start the year 2011, what balances do we have? I am not talking about the money in your ATM cards but what you currently have as YOU! Do you have a family where you could draw strength and inspiration? Do you have friends where you can confide in times of trouble? Do you have faith in yourself to finish this upcoming race?

Many used this great opportunity to change by changing their old self to a renewed one. Having learned of past mistakes, they set goals - make resolutions. But have we really changed this past few years inspite of the resolutions we made?

Isn't it much better to atleast TRY and do those resolutions we make (even our past resolutions)? In politics, newly appointed leaders often set new goals and just trash the old ones. If we try to analyze the past resolutions, it is quite good and some are even great. It would probably hurt them if they were able to accomplish the resolution and the credits will go to the previous leader. It probably didn't occur to them that it is a great accomplishment to make something work that others were unable to accomplish.

Going back to our current balances in life, do we have anything that is enough to start a good year this 2011?

Dec. 16, 2010: JCF Couples Christmas Gathering

Our Exchange Gift

For me, I have a very big initial or starting balance this year and that is my family.

It is a great blessing for me to have them beside me and it is a great privilege as well. I know that whatever comes, be it good or bad - we will make it to the finish line.

I thank God for this great blessing. A great channel of God's love where I can draw my inspirations, draw my strength and draw courage in facing life's trials.

Hope everyone is in great shape for this coming race. What about you? What is your starting balance? Are you broke? It is not the end of the world. Save what you can save from last years balance, try to mend the broken assets and re-invest your love into it. Even one who started broke can end up victorious. The race of life isn't about who finishes first, it is about who finishes the race TOGETHER with your love ones. Because if you did win the race alone, you may not be able to recover what you've losed along the way.

Dec 31, 2010: New Years Eve on a fine-dining area of our house.

God bless and Happy New Year to everyone!

The Eventful December

2010-12-28T02:29:00.001+03:00

This past few days was something for me. It was fun, tiring and very eventful as well. Christmas, Galas, outing, etc... Let's see how I'll be able to tell you all about "those" happenings.

Dec 16 - a very eventful day. JCF Couples Christmas Gathering / PEBA Gala Night / PEBA Jeddah EB. I cooked palabok for the PEBA EB and for our churches Friday morning service.

When I went home that they, all I could think of was PEBA or Pinoy Expats Blog Awards. I've said the story already in my previous article. The stuff where I was so nervous while watching the streaming video while cooking - yes that's it and you can read it here. It was 7pm already yet I was still packing, I hope Kenji won't mind my being tardy that time, I don't think he won't mind. I just remembered, I was the earliest (I think) to arrive the last PEBA Jeddah EB - July that I was part of hehe.

Anyways, back to that eventful day. I decided to wait for my wife coz I still feel a bit "shy" hehe! I thought it is also best to bring her with me so Kenji and the rest of the PEBA Jeddah Bloggers to know the whole Baul ni Noel family who were my inspirations.

My sister Vangie receiving my 4th place award.

When I heard what my blog won, I felt joy and my heart rejoiced - it was something great! It is a very rare award for me so you can imagine how I feel. Okay, so we went to Kenji's house which is situated in front of the very busy place of Jareer Falasteen. It is a good thing the taxi driver decided NOT to use Falasteen Road or we'll be stuck there forever.

When we arrived, PEBA Jeddah Bloggers are there already - Nelson of ¡SOY NEGRENSE!, Pepe of Camera ni Cabrera / X-Spot / ¡Superextraordinarisimo!, Ron of My Kaleidoscope World and Kenji of Thoughtskoto. Sir NJ wasn't there but there is hope for another EB. It felt great to see new people as well and by the way it was my first time to see Ron. Honestly, I didn't even know he was the author of one of the blogs I am following and he was so silent the whole time we were there. He didn't even told me what his blog is or maybe I just didn't gave him a chance (lol!).

left-right: Nelson, Ron, Pepe, Noel and Kenji

Before we started the party, Kenji asked me to lead the prayer and it made me feel a bit nervous. I didn't feel nervous because I wasn't ready but I felt nervous because I don't know most of their visitors - I don't know if I'll be offending somebody with my prayer or what but I guess it is okay since Kenji was in control -but still I felt nervous (lol!).

Another reason we were there was to celebrate Nelson's birthday. He really had a great birthday gift that time for winning the 5th place (Again, congrats NFB). Pepe also won (congrats!) 5th place among the PEBA Top 10 International Photo of the Year. And since I also won, I guess we had a few more additions to our celebration.

We also had an exchange gift and what I got was still a puzzle for me. I'll have to research one time of its usage (lol!).

Ize playing with Hevyn

Ize had fun playing with Hevyn that time. It was nice to see how accommodating Hevyn was for entertaining her visitor friend - Ize. Leah took a few cute pictures that time -of Hevyn and Ize playing. I also felt proud of Ize for being responsible that time. We always told him to take care of the little ones when he's playing with them, avoid hurting them and be very careful because they get hurt easily.

When it was our time to leave, we said our goodbyes. Kenji assured of another EB when NJ comes back.

It was almost dinner time when we reached our second event - JCF Couples Christmas Gathering. We also had an exchange gift there. For security purposes and confidentiality, I feel the need to make the details private. In general, much have been learned about "Christmas" that time and a blessing of unity and brotherhood bond was strengthened. Exchanging of gifts ruled! And we all had fun with our gifts.

We went home tired with a smile.

Dec 23-24 - JCF General Christmas Gathering. It was an overnight event but we were only available Friday morning for the main event. We had a worship service about Christmas with a few visitors this time.

Aiza on hot seat. (Kusina! Pwede!)

We celebrated Christmas after the service and we enjoyed exchanging gifts by guessing what it is inside the box. We also got to play "Pinoy Henyo" JCF version. It was really fun, I never knew it was more fun when it is played first hand. The energy and excitement filled the air as brothers and sisters shout "Oo", "Hindi" and "Pwede" while others try to almost give the clue. If they were at Eat Bulaga, they'd be thrown out and the contestant will be disqualified -but who cares, we are on a different level of fun.

We took pictures after the event and I get to use my SLR once again. Too bad with a little more experience I'd have taken better shots (okay more experience probably). But it was worthwhile to see good results anyway.

I guess I'll call this a day for now. I'll tell more stories next time, it is late already and I'm a bit sleepy. I just blogged to make myself sleepy and I don't want this feeling to subside. See you next time guys. God bless.

QT-10010: Proverbs 3:5

2010-12-23T12:58:00.001+03:00

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

To all who are heavy hearted and who is currently in trouble and almost lost their hopes. Specially, to all the OFWs that will be spending their holidays far from their family.

Whenever I feel troubled, I read this verse and try to remind myself that in my years of stay here in Saudi Arabia, He was my only hope and the very foundation of all my strength and knowledge. He made sure that even at times of trouble (financially), He always delivered and meet all my needs. Even when I was weak and almost lost my hope, He kept on meeting my needs. My blessings may not be overwhelming but He made sure it was sufficient for my family. Enough to realize He was there when we need Him, enough for us to continue depending on Him and enough for us not to forget Him.

Trust in the Lord always is difficult if you keep depending on yourself. Depending only in your own understanding will probably help you build self-confidence but it won't help you get through all the future problems we may face. We all know that our knowledge and strength is limited and all those came from God as well.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass. [Psalm 37:5]

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. [Proverbs 16:3] - NIV

If we continue to trust in the Lord, He'll make sure you will pass your trials. I testify to this statement and as far as trusting Him - I shall continue trusting God. It is because I know, in my heart - He will not leave His children. And I know, whenever I find failure it is God's will that is revealed to me.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. [Deuteronomy 31:8]
Say this prayer with me:

Dear Lord,

I thank you Lord for your continued support and for keeping me safe from harm. Thank you for the strength and knowledge you have bestowed upon me. And if ever I have overlooked at your blessings, please forgive me. Help me realize your presence in my life, oh Lord. Help me accept whatever your will is for me. Help me accept my failures and help me realize your will. But most of all give me courage to move on and follow your will. My faith is in you Lord and I trust you.

Thank you Lord. In Jesus' mighty name we pray.

Amen.

God bless us all.

QT-10009: Isaiah 9:6 (The Birth of a Savior)

2010-12-21T12:19:00.002+03:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

It's been a long time since I've written a Quiet Time passage, please forgive me for that. I am still busy but I think this would be a great reminder for everyone of the coming season.

In coming days, people will merry and people will rejoice as they celebrate Christmas Season. Back in the Philippines, you'll hear joyous Christmas carols all over the radio night and day while at night you'll hear children singing Christmas carols in exchange for a few bucks. People conduct Christmas parties and exchange gifts, and other events -all pertaining to Christmas. But do we really know what Christmas is?

In your heart, what is Christmas?

it is a time of giving.
it is a time for forgiving.
it is the birth of our Savior.

These are just a few answers that you'll hear if you ask people what or why they celebrate Christmas. I just want to share my Christmas or what it means to me.

One day, a child was born and his name is Jesus Christ. He offered a gift of salvation to everyone but not everyone accepted that gift. I accepted Him as my personal savior and he gave me a great gift. I am very grateful of His gift. I will rejoice and be glad in it! For He is my savior, my counselor, my everlasting Father and my mighty God.

Although God did not allow us to know the exact date of Jesus Christ's birth, I will celebrate the birth of the one who has given me a great gift, the one who gave us all great hope. I can celebrate it anytime and anywhere, but this time I will celebrate it with great joy in my heart because I know this time, I am not alone celebrating such a wonderful day.

How about you? What is the meaning of Christmas to you?

God bless us all. "Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat."

PEBA Night: This Time, I Won!

2010-12-19T23:49:00.002+03:00

It was late and I was about to sleep that night when I decided to check my email and found a few but one interesting email I found was from Yanah and it was entitled PEBA Night. It was a few days before the awards night so I thought that I am just being informed that I am once again a finalist and that I have to book seats for me or my representatives. I decided to read it anyway.

The first paragraph totally surprised me (yes, it's the only word I can think of right now). I have to read it four more times just to be sure I am reading it right. And confirmed it, okay not really - I called my wife and let her read the letter - just to be sure. And she said "Wow!" almost waking-up Ize who is sleeping soundly that time. What a way to confirm it.

Those times, I was so busy with our church's events and my studies so imagine how I was feeling not being able to concentrate on both. "The award wasn't even mentioned" I told myself. I read my article one more time and try to get a feeling and pretended to be a PEBA judge just to seek or guess how worthy my entry is of such honor - what ever it is they'll be awarding me.

I have to admit that I am not that self-confident most of the times. I may have shared a few pointers here on how you can get confidence but it was like a reminder to myself. I even find my blog boring most of the time and having a religious or Bible inspired blog doesn't really attract most blogger or readers. Most people would rather read funny blogs, rumors, entertainment or sports.

I remembered that I've sent my sister last year to be my representative but not at PEBA's but of Philippine Blog Awards - I didn't win anything but I became a finalist, o yes I was also a finalist at PEBA's last year. I can almost guess how my sister will react when I tell her to go to the awards night- she'll probably tease me and tell me that she'll be going there again and not receive anything so before she could say anything I told her - This Time, I Won!

She felt excited and told me that I should prepare a speech in case she's asked to say something. I told her that I'll be preparing a video clip (but in the back of my mind I am asking myself if I should do it or not) so she doesn't have to worry about it. I told her to bring along Mom with her. The only thing is, they have no formal dress and I have to give them some money for it as well as the money for Christmas.

Event night came and I was at home busy cooking palabok while watching the live streaming. Now, I don't know the order of the awards so I was pretty nervous the whole time. It's a good thing that there is a chat box available and I was able to register and made a few exchange of words with George and Kenji guised as PEBA. I found a few bloggers their as well. The tormenting part was the poor volume, all I could hear was bits and pieces of words uttered by the hosts. I almost ripped the speakers attached to my TV and connect it to my PC just to make sense of what people are saying. Oh yes, another thing is that from time to time, the video freezes and the minute it comes back you missed something already.

All the while, I was cooking the pancit luglog for my palabok and stirring the sauce and wished I don't miss the part when the host will say "Baul ni Noel". Not wanting to overcook the sauce, I gave it an undivided attention and when I came back - I kept praying I didn't miss it. I read what peba (Kenji) typed and glad I didn't miss it. When I read Kenji saying major awards will be next, I became more nervous.

That's my sister Vangie, receiving my award. Image courtesy of pusangkalye! Thanks Anton.

To cut it short, I was able to hear my Baul awarded and it ranked #4 among the Top 10 Outstanding Blogs in OFW Category. I was so happy, it was something great indeed - something worth treasured.

I am very thankful of the Lord for having granted with such prestige and honor. I'd like to share this great victory with my dearly beloved family and friends and my avid (if there are) readers. And to all the people who lovingly dedicated their time and effort (without pay) in making the PEBA event successful - Thank you very much! To PEBA Founder Kenji and PEBA President NJ, more power to you guys. As to PEBA 2011, I can't wait for it -- and though I am disqualified already, I still will gladly support it. Lastly, to all the finalist and awardees, congratulations!

As I celebrate the great blessings God gave me, I wish to greet you all Happy Holidays! God bless you all.

Baul's First Major Award!

2010-12-17T09:38:00.000+03:00

Baul ni Noel wishes to thank the PEBA Team for all the efforts in making OFW's voice be heard in Strengthening OFW Families. And to all the judges and coordinators for making the event successful. And lastly, for choosing us as No. 4 among the Top 10 Outstanding Blogs: OFW Category. Congratulations to all the winners.

This was my very first major award and I wish to dedicate it to our Lord, Jesus Christ. I also wish to share this award to my family, friends and dear blogger friends and to all followers of Baul ni Noel.

More story and pictures on my next post. God bless you all and congratulations to all the winners.

Preparing for a battle and for a feast!

2010-12-10T22:41:00.001+03:00

Wow! It has been a month since I've posted another blog post. I seldom blog these days because I have been busy trying to re-grow my skill in my chosen career. Due to the crisis our company is currently enduring, the realization of how competitive I am on the current market gave me chills. The problem when your career is based on a fast moving technology is that you really have to catch up in order to be competitive. No, I am not transferring to another company but just in case, I have to be prepared for the battle.

One great thing I've learned is that the capacity to learn is limitless when you are enjoying what you are doing. It is tiring and to the point that you are sleep deprived. Sometimes, even if you want to sleep, ideas kept coming in your head like a stream of water -- sometimes, I can't ignore the fact that some of those ideas are even great that I have to stand up from bed and put it into codes or at least make a note.

Holiday is coming and I can't ignore the feeling of joy having to spend it once again with my family. I thank God that He gave me this great privilege. I just pray that more OFWs will get a chance to spend it with their families. It is a great blessing indeed.

So to all OFWs who will be spending Christmas with their families -- "Be grateful and enjoy these moments because not everyone get this same privilege." and while others enjoy some stay at home looking at old photos or current pictures, some maybe spending their holidays with friends, some maybe spending a night having a video chat with their family. To all OFWs who won't be spending their holidays with their families -- "You'll get your chance. I have included a prayer for you guys."

God bless and Merry Christmas.

Hongkong 2009 Vacation: Day 2

2010-11-10T12:45:00.001+03:00

Our Hongkong 2009 Vacation Day 1 is quite an adventure already even if it is only half-day. According to the itinerary that we made, our next trip would be the Ocean Park.

The great thing about our hotel is that the Ocean Park's bus service is only a bus away from us -around 15 minutes away. So we started our day early by eating our noodles (yes, the instant noodles where you just put boiled water in it). We also have bread with us that we bought from 7-Eleven at Lang Kwai Fong.

It was hot and quite humid that time and as a precaution, we brought atleast two shirts extra for me and my wife but for Ize - we brought around 4 extra shirts. We also brought Ize's milk, milk bottles and his stroller as well.

Ocean Park looks small from the outside because of the trees and and water surrounding it but when we went inside -it was huge. We were pretty excited to see everything but we have all day just for Ocean Park so we don't have to worry about it. Ize was pretty happy to see a flock of pelican's welcomed us. I don't about others but it seems the people around us just ignored them so it's a good thing for us because we don't have to worry about people getting on our way while we take pictures.

It wasn't easy taking a picture of you alone or with only your family because of the number of people around us. We tried letting them have their pictures but some other people will try to have pictures as well, so even if we gave way for others - other's can't keep waiting at all - they have to take a picture. When it is our turn, people keep coming so we really try to make the best out of the opportune time.

The first thing that we were able to ride wasn't some joy-ride bump-cars or mini-train but an escalator - a very long escalator. It took us around 15 minutes to reach the next level. Funny thing is, I thought we were already on top but we weren't.

Who would have thought we weren't on top.

There it is - our next escalator ride to the next level.


Is it hot? Dunno we were enjoying the Dolphin Show.

There are a lot of things to tell but I don't want to make our Day 2 adventure a 2 part post so I'll try to give the highlights. I'll fast forward a bit to our Cable Car ride which also took time - who cares we are enjoying every bit of it. We'll be going on the other side of Ocean Park using the cable car. Just look at our pictures.

We thought he'll be afraid to ride the cable car - he actually had fun since we saw a lot of things.

They're like big lanterns.

We spent half of our day here.

I guess I can't help but to make this post a 2 part post. I'll post it some other day. I'll have more time now since it is holiday (Hajj). See you again soon.

The Room

2010-10-31T11:50:00.003+03:00

No, it this is not a Japanese horror movie or some low-budgeted movie review but if you try to relate yourself in this story, you might find some horrifying facts about yourself. After I've read this article, I feel the need to share it to everyone as an eye-opener. I hope it serves as it should be. This article was written by a 17-year old boy named Brian Moore. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted. Here is how his article goes:

The Room

by Brian Moore

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read,""Lies I Have Told,""Comfort I have Given,""Jokes I Have Laughed At."

Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger","Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.

Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I

Have Watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.

But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room.. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.

Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files.. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Tribute: Lakbay Diwa

2010-10-27T15:37:00.001+03:00

This is a tribute song (we used to sing this song --me, my sister and him) to my dear father who was murdered by the grandson of a politician in Laguna. He was the remaining eyewitness to a crime done by his' murderer's relative. He was slain before the last day of hearing, before he could have testified of one man's innocence and another man's crime. His murderer was able to go to HK and then US even after caught with illegal firearms (eg. guns, grenades, etc...). His last wish was to see his first grandchild but he didn't make it.

Lakbay Diwa
by Asin

O, aking kaibigan na namumungay ang mata
Dahil lang sa usok na hindi ibinuga
Mayroon pa ba diyan, pahingi naman
Upang ang pangit ay magiging maganda

Kumikislap na ilaw, o kay gandang tignan
Kung tanungin mo siya, iisa ang dahilan

Nababangga sa poste sa malawak na daan
Sa tanghaling tapat nakakita ng buwan

O aking kaibigan na merong dala
Ilabas mo na, kitang-kita sa mata

Langaw na dumaan sa harapan niya
Ay kinausap niya at napatulala
Pagkat buong akala'y madadaganan siya
Oh oh ohh, ang sabi pa niya

O aking kaibigan, alas ang tinira
Tinodo na lahat, tumirik ang mata

O aking kaibigan na di na nadala
Pagkaraan ng araw ay aking nakita

Naglalakad ng mag-isa at nagsasalita
Siya’y naging dakila, dakilang tanga

He always wanted a happy song.

Happy Birthday Dad!

My Captain

2010-10-25T06:25:00.009+03:00

Out of the night that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.

Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with joy is humbly bowed.

Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.

I have no fear, though strait the gate,
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul.

This is the Christian version of the Invictus.
(reference: Two Poems)

--A courage strains after the corpse. (don't mind this, it is just a claiming post)

Wow PR3!

2010-10-25T01:56:00.000+03:00

Okay, I know that it's been a long time since I've blogged here at Baul ni Noel. What happened to me? Well, my wife got sick, then my son Ize --it was almost one and half month of being around sick love ones. I am blessed to have my good health so I could take care of both of them. Thank God we've been through it and we've managed very well without our company's insurance. Thank you God for your provision.

In case you are wondering what PR3 is? It is Baul ni Noel's PageRank at Google. What it means is that Google has found my site important. They found me handsome, cute and very adorable -- I mean my blog lol!

Anyways, I lost my PR1 on my other website but surprised to see not PR1 but PR3 on my Baul. I guess it goes without saying there is more love in my Baul.

Here are quick information about PR:
PageRank - SEOPRStudies
SEO and PR - XleonTips (collection of information)

Here is how you can find out about your site's PR.

Check Page Rank of your Web site pages instantly:

This page rank checking tool is powered by Page Rank Checker service

Happy Birthday Sister!

2010-10-16T01:31:00.000+03:00

Happy Birthday to my dear sister, Vangie (but I call her Candy). Here is yet another open letter for my dear sister.

Candy,

We have been through a lot of things --hardships and happiness. I just want you to know that I may have a family of my own but you never lost a brother. Instead you have me, Ate Leah and your cute-cute pamangkin Ize who loves you as well. We may not be there to tap on your shoulders when you have problems but our love and prayers will always be with you. I only wish for your happiness and since this is a special day for you --I wish you MORE happiness (lol!)

Kidding aside, my wish for you is for God's blessing to pour on you and may his blessing be your JOY --a happiness treasured forever. Be patient on what God is about to give you for I know it is something far greater than you expect. Keep praying and depending on Him for He knows what is best for you. Take good care of Mom and Tonton. I know the moment I went here, you became Mom's confidant --her shoulder to cry on. I know the feeling of having such privilege. I know it is hard and at the same time fulfilling.

Be strong, have faith in Him that have blessed us as well. I know you'll get the best blessing ever.

God bless you always and we love you. Happy Birthday!

Love and prayers,

Kuya Noel, Ate Leah and cute-cute Ize (lol!)

Making Pizza with Ize

2010-10-09T10:49:00.003+03:00

This afternoon, I was thinking of merienda and just decided to have a pizza. It is too hot outside and the nearest Pizza store is a taxi away so I decided to make our own pizza using our old bread (old but not spoiled okay). To make it more fun, I invited Ize to help me make a pizza that way it will also entice him to eat the pizza. So here it is, I present to you the artist who made my header image - Ize.

IZE: This is how you make a home-made pizza.

Here are the things that you'll need.

Here is what you need to do:

Prepare the stripped hotdogs, it is best to fry it first until it is cooked like your regular hotdog (this will make the hotdogs quite crispy when it's done). Then set it aside on any container with a tissue to suck the oil from it.
Get one slice of bread. You can use an old bread (again, old but not spoiled). Place in on a clean surface.
Get 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce and spread it on the sliced bread. You can add some more sauce as long as it covers the top.
Put some cheese, more would be great.
Put onions, mushroom and hotdog strips.
Put some cheese again.
Place inside an oven (electric or gas) and bake for about 5 minutes. If you have an electric oven, it would be best to activate upper and lower heater for 3 minutes and then use only the lower for 2 minutes so the toppings won't get burned.

While waiting for the Pizza, you can play or watch TV with your love one. After it is done, Presto! You have your home-made pizza and you were able to bond with your love one.

Ize was so happy making his own pizza and he enjoyed the pizza that he made. You can add more toppings as it pleases you.

God bless and enjoy your day with your love one making this pizza. It's a true parent-child bonding experience.

The Bookworm Adventure Game

2010-10-03T23:28:00.002+03:00

If you are looking for a game that is fun, crazy and something challenging, Bookworm Adventures is the game. If you love the Bookworm game, then you'll love this new adventure. In the first game it is just a word link game but in this game - Lex, the green worm who is the main character of this game was summoned again for the biggest adventure of his life. You must help Lex find the right words to defeat the evil forces who kidnapped the princess.

Definitely a fun-fun game. I give it 10 out of 10 - a must try.
Bookworm Adventure Download Demo.

Legalize all Illegal Things? -Now na!

2010-10-02T16:10:00.003+03:00

“Jueteng has lived long enough since the Spanish period to withstand any more anti-jueteng campign as they all failed miserably. Maybe it is time for the government to look into the other direction and consider making it legal and reap benefits from it" said Estrada.

Wow! He really knows the history of Jueteng.

Why don't they just legalize Assassinations as well, even before the Spanish era assassination is there already? People have made laws and also failed miserably. Imagine the line of people eager to work as assassins and they can put a big tax out of it. I remember when my father was killed by a drug addict, a murderer and a grandson of a Mayor who successfully avoided imprisonment and even got out of the country and probably in US by now. During the funeral, there were I think two who approached me and offered me their service. They said that they knew of the guy and they are willing to kill that person for money - "5000 pesos lang, itutumba ko yun kung gusto mo." - remarked the guy. Another one person approached me (I'll just make him anonymous since he is close to me and my father), he'll do it for FREE! He just wants my blessing "Sabihin mo lang!" -that's his words and he is very serious about it. In my mind, why would I let them have the pleasure of killing that person. But of course I won't do such a thing -you all think I could do it? Shame on you -lol!

I know it is cruel but what I want to point out is; people voted for them because they believe they can do something about our country's problem and the only solution they'll come-up is to legalize it? If they can't do anything about it then what are they doing in their offices? Should they even govern if they could not even do something about the problem. The law is there already, they just have to make it work. What will people think if the people could see that even they themselves do not believe in the system of our government - shame on them!

Even if Jueteng is to be legalized, a new illegal gambling method will be invented. I don't know but I thought Lottery was supposedly the legalized version of jueteng,. Now they want to add jueteng?

For sure once jueteng is legalized, more things will come-up. Abortion, divorce and prostitution are probably on its way too. It is a good thing that the integrity of the senate inquiry of the Jueteng issue was maintained by Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against these roaring lions who are looking for someone to devour.

"I think at this point the discussion on jueteng must still refocus itself on the wrongdoings of officials in allowing the numbers games to continue. (Legalization) for me should be considered a separate issue," -Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

But I think there is a good intention in Jinggoy's proposal;

“The government can finally collect the revenues sourced from this numbers game, make use of the proceeds to finance important government programs, deny syndicates the opportunity to benefit from it and stamp out corruption," said Estrada.

-- Looks like a bribe to me. And about stamping out the corruption? The proposal itself is the offered corruption to the nation. I don't know --you judge it.

Refer to (GMANews: Senator Jinggoy files bill to legalize jueteng)

First Time in Saudi Arabia? What You Should Expect.

2010-09-22T19:16:00.000+03:00

Due to the sensitivity of some issues that will be brought upon this article and for some Filipinos untrained in English, this will be written in Filipino’s native tongue.

===

Ito ba ang una mong pagkakataong makarating sa Gitnang-Silangan o ng Saudi Arabia? Ano ba ang mga bagay na iniisip mong kahaharapin mo o kahihinatnan ng desisyon mong pagpunta sa lugar ng mga arabo? Ang mga mababanggit o mga tatalakaying bagay sa akdang ito ay base sa aking obserbasyon kaya maaaring ito ay hindi kinaharap o kinakaharap ng ilan nating mga kababayan.

i. Di pagsunod sa kontrata.
Bago ka palang dumating sa lugar na ito, sa ahensya kung saan ikaw ay lumagda ng isang kontrata, makabubuting isipin ng maaga na ang ilan sa mga bagay na nakasaad sa kontratang iyong nilagdaan ay maaaring hindi mangyayari o hindi mo matatanggap ayon dito ngunit hindi naman lahat ay ganito ang nagiging kaso. Ito ay sa kadahilanang ang ilang mga nakasaad dito ay mga kinakailangang bagay upang makapasa ito sa ating embahada o ng Department of Labor. May kalakip din itong kopya sa wikang arabo na kung saan nakasaad sa kopyang Ingles na mas binibigyan nila ng halaga, kapangyarihan o awtoridad ang kopya ng iyong kontrata sa wikang arabo. Bago ka pa magbago ng isip, magbago ng desisyon o mawalan ng pag-asa, isipin mo muna ang iyong layunin sa iyong naging desisyon. Maaari mo rin naman itong imungkahi o isangguni ng maayos sa iyong magiging amo - hindi naman sila lahat salbahe gaya ng kwento ng ilan nating mga kababayan.

ii. Mga patungkol sa kahalayan.
Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pagdala ng anumang bagay na patungkol sa kahalayan o "por.nog.rapiya" kahit sa ano mang klase o porma nito. Makabubuting isangtabi na natin iyan - pumunta tayo sa lugar na ito upang magtrabaho. Gayunpaman, nakasisiguro akong maraming bagay na pwedeng pagkaabalahan na siya namang tunay na nakalilibang habang ikaw ay namamalagi o nagta-trabaho sa lugar ng Saudi Arabia gaya ng basketball (ito ang numero unong libangan ng mga kalalakihang Pinoy dito), volleyball (ito naman ang sa mga kababaihan at sa'ting mga kababayang may Pusong Pinay --alam niyo na yun --meron din namang mga kalalakihan), tennis, badminton, golf (pwede rin sa loob ng bahay o sa disyerto hehe!) at kung ano-ano pang mga bagay.

iii. Alak at Sugal.
Ang alak o anumang inuming alkohol at inuming nakalalasing at maging ang sugal ay mahigpit ding ipinagbabawal dito. Gaya ng nauna kong sinabi, naparito tayo upang magtrabaho kaya makabubuting isangtabi na lang natin itong mga bagay na’to. Ilan na rin sa mga kababayan natin dito ang nakulong dahil sa ganitong gawain --kulong at deportasyon ang pataw na kaparusahan sa sinomang lumabag nito.

iv. Bawal na gamot.
Ang mga bawal na droga ay lalong higit na ipinagbabawal –kahit saan naman siguro. Dapat nga ay di ko na sinasabi pa ito. Hindi ako nakasisiguro pero ang nalalaman ko ay kulong at maaaring pataw na kamatayan sa pamamagitan ng bitay ang iginagawad na parusa dito dahil sobra ang paghihigpit nila dito.

v. Mga padala .
Isa ring paalala sa mga may mabubuting kalooban, huwag basta-bastang tumanggap ng mga padala mula sa mga kakilala. Kung tayo man ay tatanggap ng mga padala ay makabubuting tingnan natin ang laman nito lalong higit kung ito ay nakabalot ng mahusay. Mas magandang humingi muna tayo ng permiso mula sa taong magpapadala na kung maaari natin itong siyasatin bago natin tanggapin. Kung hindi ito pumayag ay huwag niyo na lang tanggapin. Wala kayong malay na maaaring ipinagbabawal na droga o epektos ang nilalaman nito. Ilan na rin sa ating mga kababayan ang nahuli sa airport na may dalang mga bawal na gamot o shabu at kung ano-ano pa mang bawal na ang kanilang tanging rason ay ipinadala lamang ito ng isang kakilala. Mabait na kung mabait pero hindi ang buhay nila ang siyang nakasalalay sa oras na kayo ay mahuli o madawit dito.

vi. Mga bagahe.
Gayundin sa mga bagahe, mag-ingat din tayo sa mga nagnanais na maki-angkas ng kanilang mga sobrang bagahe. Ang ilan sa kanila ay nagpapanggap na umanoy sumobra na ang timbang ng kanilang bagahe kaya nais nilang humingi sa inyo ng pahintulot na ikargo na sa inyong bagahe o ilagay sa pangalan niyo ang ilan sa kanilang sobrang bagahe.

vii. Disiplina para Kaunlaran.
Hindi lahat ng nagtungo ng Saudi Arabia o ng ibang bansa ay umunlad. Ang ilan sa kanila ay lalo pang nabaon sa utang ng dahil sa kakulangan ng disiplina sa sarili. Dito sa Saudi Arabia, ang sugal ay isa sa mga nakahuhumalingan ng mga Pinoy na isa ring sanhi ng pagkaka-baon nila sa utang. Ang ilan sa mga sugal na ito ay ang tong-it, pusoy at ang pinaka-matindi ay ang lottery o lote kung tawagin dito. Hindi lang Pinoy ang nahuhumaling dito, maging mga ibang lahi. Disiplina sa sarili ang kinakailangan.

viii. Pagiging maagap para sa kaligtasan.
Hindi rin lahat ng nagtungo dito ay pinagkalooban ng maayos o ng mabuting amo. Ang nakakalungkot dito ay ang ilang mga pinagkalooban ng di-maayos na amo ay ating mga kababaihan natin. Ang ilan dito ay na-maltrato ng kanilang amo. Gayunpaman, ang ating konsulado ay abot-kamay lamang para sa bawat OFW na nangangailangan ng tulong. Makabubuting humanap tayo ng mga kakilala, kaibigan o kamag-anak na matatakbuhan o matatawagan natin sa oras na kailangan. Makabubuti rin lalo sa mga kababaihan ang alamin o tunguhin ang ating embahada o konsulado at hingin ang mga importanteng detalye gaya ng telephone number ng mga taong dapat na tawagan kung ikaw ay nangangailangan ng tulong.

ix. Di-wastong panahon ng pagsahod.
Ang perang ating sinasahod ang isa sa mga mahahalagang bagay na ating inaaasahan sa tuwing darating ang katapusan ng buwan. Ang ibang mga manggawa dito ay tumatanggap ng kanilang sahod ayon sa kalendaryong Gregoryan na siya rin naman nating gamit sa Pilipinas. At ang iba naman ay sumasahod ayon sa kalendaryong-Islam. Ang pang-karaniwang suliranin ng mga Pinoy dito ay ang di-pagtanggap ng kanilang sahod sa wastong panahon. Ang ilan dito ay halos tatlo hanggang anim na buwan bago nila matanggap ang kanilang mga sahod. Ako man na dating tumatanggap ng sahod ayon sa wastong oras ay isa na sa mga kababayan nating patuloy na umuunawa, naghihintay na maibigay ang kaukulang sahod. Kaya wag tayong mabigla kung ito man ay ating kaharapin. Tiyaga at pasensya ang siya nating kinakailangan kung nais nating patuloy na suportahan ang ating minamahal na pamilya sa Pilipinas. Pang-unawa naman ang ating hilingin sa ating pamilya.

x. Pulitika.
kahit saan naman siguro ay meron nito at maging sa lugar na ito ay palasak ito. Ang nakalulungkot lamang ay minsan kapwa Pinoy pa ang siyang namumulitika sa atin. Kaya mabuti na ring asahan natin ito. Ang tanging paraan lamang upang ito ay paglabanan ay tamang pakikisama. Pag sinabing pakikisama ay hindi ka nakiki-sama o nagiging masamang katulad nila.

xi. Pakikipag-away.
Kung sa ating bansa ay hindi gaanong pinapansin ang away o gulo, kapag ikaw ay nahuling nakikipag-away dito ay kulong ang siyang kaparusahan sa’yo at sa iyong magiging kaaway. Kung minsan sa pakikipag-away ay tayong mga Pinoy lamang ang ikinukulong kaya mas mabuting iwasan din natin ito.

xii. Pagsasamang huwad.
Mga nagsasama bilang mag-asawa ngunit hindi tunay na mag-asawa. Ayoko na sanang talakayin pa ito pero ang nakakalungkot ay marami talagang gumagawa nito. Sa panahon ngayon na dumarami ang mga Filipinong napapabilang sa sirang-pamilya dulot na rin ng kalungkutang hatid ng pangungunilila sa mga minamahal ay makabubuti sa bawat OFW ang magkaroon ng maayos na komunikasyon, tiwala at paninindigan sa bawat isa. Maaari niyong basahin ang naisulat kong akda patungkol dito – OFW Famila ko. Lubos din itong ipinagbabawal sa Saudi Arabia kaya ang mahuling gumagawa nito ay pinapatawan ng pagkakakulong at deportasyon. Madalas pa ay pinapatawan ng prostitusyon ang mga kababaihang nahuhuling nakikiapid.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga dapat nating asahan sa pagtungo natin bilang OFW sa Saudi Arabia. Maaaring ang ilan sa mga ito ay nakakabasag ng paninindigan ng isang Pinoy pero kung lubos nating pahahalagahan ang pinaka-dahilan ng ating pagparito sa Gitnang Silangan, sa Saudi Arabia o ng anumang bansa ay maari natin itong pag-tagumpayan.

Mga Talumpati o Programang tungo sa Kabutihan
Nakakatuwa naman na ang ilan sa mga kababayan natin ang gumagawa ng mga talumpati, programa o samahan upang mapag-labanan ang lungkot natin dulot ng pangungulila sa ating pamilya.

Ang ilan dito ay bumuo ng grupo na patungkol sa sports. Marami na ngayon ang nagtaguyod ng mga ganito para sa kamalayang-pangkalusugan. Mayroon din namang mga samahang binuo ayon sa lahi o katutubong-dila.

Mayroon din naman sa mga bloggers, isa na dito ang aking pina-unlakan ng husto ang PEBA o Pinoy Expats Blog Awards na pangunahin sa mga miyembro nito ay mga Pinoy na mahilig sumulat ng blog.

Ang blog ay maaaring talambuhay o mga akda base sa buhay ng isang tao o maaari rin itong mga akdang patungkol sa mga nakalilibang na bagay, nagbibigay inspirasyon, mga katawa-tawang biro o jokes, mga pagkakakitaan sa internet at kung ano-ano pang bagay na nagbibigay aliw sa may-akda.

Isa sa pangunahing layunin ng PEBA ay pagkakaisa ng mga OFW saanmang sulok ng mundo na nahihilig sa blog. At isa sa kanilang talumpati ngayon ang pagpapalaganap at pagkakaisa ng mga Filipino na pagtibayin ang samahan ng bawat pamilya ng OFW sa pamamagitan ng mga panulat.

Ngunit isa sa pinakamahalagang bagay na naging parte ng aking pamumuhay dito sa Saudi Arabia ay ang makilala ko ng lubusan ang Panginoon. Kung kayo ay Kristyano, ang mabuting balita ay maaari niyo pa ring paglingkuran ang Panginoon sa lugar na ito pagkat ayon sa batas ay maaari ng sanayin ninuman ang kanilang pananampalataya kung ito ay hindi nakaka-abala o nakaka-sagabal sa mga tao o lugar na pinag-dadausan nito. Gayunpaman, mabuti na ang mahuli kang naglilingkod sa Diyos kesa ikaw ay mahuling nagsusugal, umiinom o nakikisama sa hindi mo asawa.

Maligayang pagdating kaibigan sa lugar ng Saudi Arabia. Nawa ay makatulong ang akdang ito para sa magiging buhay mo bilang OFW. Mabuhay ka!

QT-10008: Matt 21:22 (Need Your Prayers Guys)

2010-09-18T00:36:00.001+03:00

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Whenever we are weary or sad, we like to hear encouraging words. And one of those days is when we are sick. It is a good thing that me and my wife are together coz right now she is currently sick and I could take care of her. It has been more than a week since she was sick but still she's under medication. Although it is not some serious matter, it is quite a burden for her since it is continuous pain that she has to endure everyday. The only thing we could do is to follow what the doctor says and drink her medication like she's instructed. Believing in prayer that she'll be healed, we continue to pray for her.

Now, I only ask all the Bible believing readers of this Baul to please make a little prayer for my wife. We know in our hearts that God will not forsake His children specially this faithful and diligent servant of His.

Basically, that is what this verse means so it doesn't need more explanation. We believe and we know a few more days we'll be saying "Thanks" and we'll have another testimony for you all. God bless us all.

Hongkong 2009 Vacation: Day 1

2010-09-14T22:03:00.002+03:00

The failed hostage negotiation that lead to Hongkong’s decision to ban Filipinos from traveling to their country saddened a lot of Pinoys. I can’t blame our security forces’ lack of training since we seldom experience this kind of situation. This post is not meant to blame, accuse or insult anyone whatsoever. This post is just to share a moment and a great experience we had when we had our vacation in Hongkong.


This plane depicts the very first airplane made by the Wright Brothers

Last year, my family had a 6-day vacation in Hongkong which is by the way the most fun and most entertaining trip of all our travels and my personal travel as well.

Day 1: Airport to Hotel and our trip to Lang Kwai Fong

The plane landed at around noon time. Even though are stomachs are filled with airplane food (in-flight meals) we can’t stop thinking about the food that we’ll encounter since me and my wife are “food people” which means we love food. Going to our hotel at Bishop Lei, we used their express train station which is really fast and very comfy. Anticipating the long-travel we’ll be facing, we have already prepared our backpacks and children’s stroller for our 3 yrs old child – Ize. So take note, if you have a child aging from 10mos – 4 yrs old, you should bring a stroller – it is a big help.

When we arrived at the hotel, we gave them our hotel booking information from online booking which really is a great help as well. The room we got is just enough to accommodate us and our luggage. It has a small toilet with shower which we think is enough since we’ll only be staying there to sleep and mostly we’ll only occupy it during mornings and evenings.

Our first trip was the business centers near our hotel’s area which is a bus away only. When we reached the place, we just walked and enjoy the view. We walked and walked until we got hungry and then we decided to eat at some restaurant --the price is reasonable and quite tasty. At first we rode the taxi going from one place to another trying to figure out things but when we reached Lang Kwai Fong which is a place for nightlife - we settled to end our trip there. We were just curious as to what it looks like. We looked for the bus stop where we could reach our hotel but before we resigned, we bought some bread, noodles (where you just put hot water in it), some drinks and snacks at 7-Eleven.

The climate was hot during those days so we went back to the hotel feeling tired and sticky. We all took a bath and slept well. Our next day will be a long journey and a busy one.

QT-10007 - John 16:33

2010-09-11T21:59:00.001+03:00

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

These very words were the words used by Jesus to comfort His disciples. Are you not comforted to hear these words? We may not be of peace today but God has promised us something great - PEACE. We all know that peace starts in our home. Now, the peace that God offers is different from what the world offers as it says in the Bible (Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27). I have already taught this to our young people group (John 14:27) or about the peace that God offers. Think of this situation:

As a child, you accidentally broke your Mom's favorite glass jar. Using your earned money from school allowances, you try to hide what you did and buy a new glass jar of the same kind and color while hiding the evidence of the accident. You managed to fool your Mom but still you are afraid if your mom ever finds out about the accident. The fact that you were able to fool everyone by replacing the broken jar with a new one never really gave you peace.

Here is a true example of God's peace. You accept your mistake and went to your mom and ask for forgiveness. Your mom who truly loves you forgives whatever is done. Without even spending a dime or replacing the glass jar and fooling everyone specially your mom, you achieved peace. There may be guilt in your heart but the feeling of having been forgiven is something really great.

We may also notice that this verse also proves that Jesus did not promise us good things all the time, He said we shall have tribulation in this world but we should not worry. So, what Jesus wants us to know is, let us rejoice for He has overcome the world. Have a peace of mind - God loves you.

At Last My Official Vacation

2010-09-11T02:46:00.001+03:00

After days of tiring work and other responsibilities, my day has come to relax. Happy Eid to all my muslim friends. Ahhh... let me savor this moment. Okay, I'll be sleeping without worries of waking up late tomorrow. God bless to all.

The Proud Parent

2010-09-04T04:15:00.002+03:00

Ize pretending to be Super Larry

Ize pretending it is cold.

Having a big salary, house and lot, car and other luxurious things maybe a good thing to have but nothing beats a healthy living with your family. A child that looks up on you even when the world looks down on you. You may look small to others and you may feel weak but to your child you are a big person because of the great things you offer to him/her and you are a strong person that they can rely on.

Be a happy parent and be proud of it. It is a wealth with great value. It is a present with great love from above. I always thank God for the great privilege He gave me - a job and a life together with my family ,a blessing of having to see my child grow.

Nothing special today, just sharing thoughts. God bless to all parents out there - it is always our day.

Waaah! Check this out!

2010-08-29T01:06:00.000+03:00

I laughed so hard watching this. It has been a tiring day for me so it's best to relax and make myself laugh. Just check it out, it is hilarious!

It's Larry Boy's Fault!

2010-08-27T21:14:00.001+03:00

Yesterday, one of Ize's plastic chair fell on his feet while playing with our suction plugs for our kitchen. I just bought it and since it looked like Larry Boys ear-plugs it became an attractive and very potential toy to him. While trying to fix the kitchen sink with powder (liquid Sosa) I bought from the store he got the suction plugs and played with it. When the powder didn't work the only solution would be the plugs. When I went out the kitchen, I saw him holding the plugs while the chair was attached to the plugs. It fell and landed on his feet. It's a good thing the nails are intact but it really hurt him.

While it seem that everything is fine, dawn came and Ize cried and kept complaining about his feet. We didn't get to sleep well, he only stopped crying around 8am. We are all tired and sleepy and we weren't able to come to church because of that.

Well, it's one of those days. I hope it won't hurt again later. By the way, Larry Boy is a character from Veggietales - one of Ize's favorite TV show. It's a good show since it teaches the children about good manners that is based from the bible. It's nice to hear a great quality cartoon show featuring bible verses. It's a must show for all who have children. Just keep your children from suction plugs.

QT-10006 - Romans 12:1

2010-08-27T01:55:00.000+03:00

It has been a very busy month for me. So sorry about the delays, I promise to make it more often that I update my Quiet Time after my project is done. So here it is:

Romans 12

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Now this is another reason for us to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, drug abusing, etc... The Bible teaches us that if we love God and we want to serve God, let's present our bodies a living sacrifice to him - ACCEPTABLE unto God. Will God accept our body if we continue to destroy it by smoking, drinking alcohol or anything that abuse our health.

It's logical, God loves you and He doesn't want you to neglect your body. It's for our own good yet people are having a hard time doing this. My next QT will be a verse much related to this one.

God bless us always.

Lupang Hinirang: GMA7 version

2010-08-23T20:26:00.000+03:00

GMA7 has done a great job in making this video clip that is almost like a movie of Lupang Hinirang. All-starred cast and packed with great cinematography, the very message of our country's hymn was once again relived.

This video will be shown before GMA's broadcasting and will be shown again at the end. GMA7's great effort in making this video has been widely appreciated and was chosen to replace the Lupang Hinirang that is also shown in our local cinemas. It is a very inspiring just to watch the video.

I saw this while researching for my project and when I saw it, I have to stop, watch and share it to you guys. To all my Quiet Time followers, I won't post any for now because I am so busy, I haven't slept for a day til now. I'll try to have a quick nap before Ize wakes up.

QT-10005 - Philippians 4:19

2010-08-20T20:14:00.001+03:00

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I said this Quiet Time verses should be daily but I was unable to post for 2 straight days, so to all those who silently follow Baul's Quiet Time - I am sorry. This past few days have been very difficult for me. I am still trying to finish the latest project that was given to me. Okay enough of this. Let us go to our Quiet Time verse for today.

While in prison, this letter from Paul encouraged a lot of Christians during those times. I can hardly imagine myself being in prison and trying to encourage other people especially outside prison. It is those people in prison who truly needs encouragement yet Paul does the opposite.

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus - Noel. Yes, I said it and not Paul and that is the beauty of the Bible - you can claim God's words (probably not all hehe!). It is timely that this verse was given to me because our company is in crisis right now. Three (3) months of unpaid salary - (what else can you think of?) and this made me think of leaving the company already or find a new one. I admit that I am not at peace lately but whenever I think of Him, I know in my heart He will provide. I'm still looking for new job offers but while I'm here, I'll continue to trust in Him that He will provide our needs coz He really does provide - and this is my testimony.

To summarize, the Bible is teaching us to trust God like how Paul trusted God during his jail time. So this is me being Paul. Trust God. He will supply your needs.

God bless us all.

Thanks to Blogger.com's New Spam Filter!

2010-08-17T13:57:00.001+03:00

I have been trying to remove the spams on all my blogger blogs for the past years but the only option I have is to manually remove it. Thanks to blogger on their new comment moderation module which includes comment spam filtering - it saved me a lot of work.

This is a testimony. Good job Blogger! You can read their blog to find out more about their latest updates - HERE.