Solar Eclipse, Same Sex, Lady Gaga, Wedding and More

Our photo and video coverage yesterday was soaked in a thunderous rain.  Summer is over so soon? We shoot the wedding of Ian and Benj, two lively and sweet Christians. It was held in Silang, Cavite...the concept was all Native Filipino complete with a Carabao and sled. The garden wedding was a bit ruined by the rain showers but anyway, their spirits are still high and affectionate. I handle the still shots and the long absence on services like this make my creative mind rusted on this area. Need some reviewer....

   A rare solar eclipse was seen this morning...It is an annular eclipse which mean that we can still see parts of the sun. A solar eclipse created a "ring of fire" from Asia to the western United States. Visible from parts of China early on Monday before moving westwards across Taiwan and Japan, continuing across the Pacific on a 13,600km arc ending in Texas late on Sunday. Travelling on a diagonal path, the eclipse crossed parts of Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico before disappearing in Texas with the sunset. 

   Four more eclipse is expected to occur this year...the next two will appear in the sky first week of June. (More on this HERE ) see video at the bottom of this blog.

   Protesters on Lady Gaga's concert...

   The protests in the Philippines are the latest in the problematic Asian tour for Lady Gaga. Her provocative lyrics and risqué costumes have prompted conservative Muslims in Indonesia to call for the cancellation of her upcoming concert in Jakarta. (SOURCE)

    My personal opinion: Churches have their right to defend their faith. Any person who cling to the demon must be cast-off. Lady Gaga's song "Judas" clearly states that rebellion against Christianity. She also, promotes Gay rights...

The eye-of-Horus sign by Lady Gaga

   Did you notice the world hostility against the word of God? Just look how people reacted when Manny Pacquiao share his views against gay marriage. The controversial(?)  Bible verse which was not anyway quoted by Manny is Leviticus 20:13...

King James Version (KJV)

¹³ If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

   Pacman should have not buckle and defend the Word of God. The verse does not say to kill all gays or lesbians (a curse that happens because of idol worship, Read Romans chapter 1) but for those who practice same sex marriages or a person who have intercourse with same sex. Although we do not practice any more death sentence to extreme sins listed in The Torah, it is still a sin and an abomination to both man and God, it will be measured by God in the end anyway. 

   What would people do next? Marriage with his or her pets? I am sure animal activist will be rallying for these...pros or cons?

And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast. -- Leviticus 20:15

   Chief Justice Renato Corona will finally testify tomorrow on Senate court on cases filed against him. Why Iglesia ni Cristo is dragged to this case? Ever wonder? The power of false churches, that is obvious...and I should say, our Politicians are within the systems of this world. 

   China is already exhibiting prejudice against our economy...first, they cut the number of flights going to the Philippines, this time they are holding 500 vans of fruits for quarantine and some 200 vans will be shifted back. 

Our Mirror on Whitney Houston's Death

People are quick to judge others...especially those personality in the limelight. Why? Because they can easily be spotted and maybe all of us have that "inborn" curiosity of another person's life. We love to gossips about their personal life, Ohhh! the juicy one's are those that involve marital relationship or the absence of it...the paparazzi blood in us.

   Whitney Houston's life is of course one of the best candidate as mealtime sauce over chat groups. And now her death brings revived interest over her glamorous and yet battered life. It is no surprised that she "trends" the internet these past days...some are tributes, condolences, recollections...but there appeared also some character assassination against her...

   You can tell the person is or was famous even after her death...there are still controversy whispered everywhere and anywhere. 

   I wouldn't be discussing any of those issues about Whitney ...or even who or what she is a person. What I will be focusing is on us...OH yes "WE". 

   I include myself as among the guilty because it is really hard to resist discussing "skeleton in the closets" and those sort of things...especially those people you idolize or people at the higher echelon. 

   Anyway, who would want to gossips about "the regular" humans? Not unless she or he create a video of themselves and spread a scandal on YouTube. 

   Again, why it matters to us (our already problematic life) to surgically peep into another persons "Private Life"? Aren't you contented already to the headache you and your family experience on regular basis like an illness that wont go away? Now you are bringing another load of other people's headache inside your home.

   What I theorized are these: Gossiping at another persons mishaps... gave us a sense of security too. Yes, if the rich and famous had problem, why can't I? 

   Another that I can think of is...we feel triumphant after telling to others that "Hey"! I am much better than our neighbor.  

   Or maybe there are really that genuine "concerns" to another persons...that you wish you can at least sympathized but can not because they are far from you. This is by spreading the gossips...(in your thinking) you are actually helping the other person. 

   When we gossip about the person we "Admire" we are actually highlighting the persons influence in us. We admire them because we want to be like them...or we see ourselves in them. And when they have done something that is against your morale value or unacceptable to your friends, you want to scold that person because you "love" them....you don't want your idol (your mirror self) to be prey upon by others/ or your friends. 

   Well, I don't know...I was just triggered to write this blog after hearing so many negative things against personalities. This is not just about Whitney or your neighbor...or the paparazzi...or the spy-cams....

    Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. -- Luke 6:37

   There is a thin line between Gossips and telling News or Info...sometimes the distinction is blurry. 

   Character assassination and Black Propaganda can actually serve as Warnings! That is why there is what we call information wars or info-wars. 

   Jesus told us the extreme power of the tongue. It can be use for good or evil desires. 

   See this blog is misleading!!! You perhaps open the page because you thought this is dedicated for Ms. Houston or about her life. I think we should give her the RIP she deserve now. 

   Well as consolation to those who are itching to know something about Whitney...well, aside from what other people think she was...she sings Gospels too...and calls YHWH too.
   Listen to the last part how she testify her faith in Jesus Christ!
   

To those without sin! Cast the first stone!!!!

I Got a Liebster

What is a Liebster? Nope it's not a sea creature but a German word that means "dearest" ...

   Now over at Pallavi Vyas blog she is giving away The first ever "Liebster Blog Awards" and one of the special recipient of the award is a dear friend and one of my most admired blogger Manisha Bhatia. A well deserve award for her blog When I was Lost In Me. Which was incidentally one of my choice blog/s for The Versatile Blogger Award that I've just published here earlier. 

   Like Manisha said. "It's Raining Awards" so here goes...to accept the award I have to follow this mechanics:

To claim the award Here it goes-

- First you link back to the person who gave you the award.

- Second you pick five people that you feel deserve the award and   notify them on on their blog.

- lastly, you post the award on your blog and Spread the love!

   Since I have already given awards to some of my favorite blogs earlier...this time I will give credit to blogs that I found quite interesting to follow and were not included on earlier post...

AUTUMN GLORY http://autumneliza.blogspot.com/

FARFALLA DREAMS http://www.farfalladreams.com/

JP BRANDANO http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/
LYRIC FIRE http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/
UNRIVALED SOLACE http://unrivalledsolace.blogspot.com/

   Thank you so much to blogger.com for giving us this opportunity to express our thoughts and desires through the internet.

  

Sharing The Award

what a welcome surprise to received my first Versatile Blogger Award from Thoughts of Beauty in the Stillness of Dawn by Andy David.  In fact, the first award in terms of blogging. Thank you so much Sir Andy David for the recognition and honor. 

   This passion to write was next only to my visual arts but to be recognized in such a way reminds me that enormous responsibility are attached to this endeavor. That each time we hit that publish button,   we expose ourselves and anyone for that matter, on materials that may affect humanity in the long run. Although my blog only had a handful of followers, I know what little spark can do...

   Once again, an award as such, makes me go back to my inner sanctum and rethink...cherish also the fruits...reflect. What have I really done? The answer maybe are within the pages of my blogs. 

   

Sharing the Award...

   In the tradition of the award, you have to pass it to 15 different bloggers and reveal 7 random things about myself plus of course paste the picture on the post.  

   Lot's of my on-line friend knew me as a Visual Artist but I think The seven random info that I will be sharing are facts most of you have no idea...

1. I have a slight fear eating spaghetti for unknown reason...

2. Don't talk to me when I am painting (I wont be irritated or get distracted, But I will not understand what you are saying)

3. My first real job is a Waiter in Singing Cooks and Waiters Restaurant.

4. Each morning I would spend an hour or two just staring on my fish tanks...

5. I used to be a Break-dancer and president of Lakandula Street Dancer. 

6. I drink more than 6 cups of coffee in a day...perhaps a dozen in normal situation. 

7. I love cats more than dogs. 

Now for the 15 (plus 5) Top Bloggers of my choice? Most have been awarded already with the same Honor but I think needed to be mention again here!!!

In Alphabetical Order: (Click their names to link respective blogs)

Aaron Offord not just about street photography but positive outlook

Abhisek Panda he manage great sites...so he should be awarded again.

Alpana Jaiswal on friendship this is the site to be...

Grant Snider humorous but real life comic strips

Linda Lee for experiencing the more powerful versions of ourselves. 

Jan Neel  for simple yet captivating collections of photos

Jerly Thinkingspace for her thought-provoking, mind twisting post. 

Kim Griffin on random thoughts...and how to think louder

Lisa Schmidt because I find her art works interesting...

Manisha Bhatia on Love and family relationships, poetry...anything. 

Mari Sterling Wilbur for the No non-sense tips, easy to the eye photographs.

Melissa Tandoc because of her honest one on one inner self-reflections.

Michael Edds on final great awakening; a must...

Monu Awalla for poetry and artistry...

Rimly Bezbaruah fiery poetry...this is it!

Sancheeta Biswas for weaving love in abstract but passionate poetry

Shah Wharton get blog reviews or find authors...

Syed Alfandi on beautiful digital art with a sense of heritage...

Tim Suttle for Christians everywhere...

Wan Maznah cooking and art fuse together...two of my passion.

   There are quite a large lists of beautifully written blog and interesting sites.. I wish I could include all...well, maybe I'll reserve those for next awards.  

The Girl Effect Campaign

A Father's Fear

Prisoner by Fher Ymas

. The issue is something we just can't ignore and simply let those brave ladies fight for these cause. As a father who according to the video you are about to watch (and I strongly suggest that you watch very intently...) had this sudden wake up call...I mean, my daughter is now six years old and that    "the clock is ticking" for me and my wife...another six years more and my daughter will be facing the challenges these girls are experiencing. That's not a life I would ever dream for my daughter. 
   I let the image settle for awhile on my head. Well, this is my daughter, I am providing him with an education she needed and hope so will continue as long as I can....BUT once I step back...just a stone throw away from where we live, I have seen similar stories of these young girls, having children before they turn 18. I saw how their lives are wasted in something that could have been avoided if they had the chance for a good education. 
   So I am joining this campaign for bloggers worldwide...with a hope to help in my little gesture to at least contribute in their wellness and to lessen those sinister girl effect and raise more awareness to what potential a girl could do.
   Here's how we can help as I grabbed one campaign from a blogger:

"SHE IS THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL FORCE FOR CHANGE.
An adolescent girl stands at the doorway of adulthood. If she stays in school, remains healthy, and gains skills, she will marry later, have fewer and healthier children, and earn an income that she’ll invest back into her family.
Her alternative is the path laid down by poverty. She’ll leave school early, marry too young, and miss the chance to reach her full human potential. Her tragedy, multiplied by the 600 million adolescent girls throughout the developing world – contributes to the endless cycle of poverty.
We know that adolescent girls are the key to breaking this cycle. Yet today only a tiny fraction of international aid is spent on her needs.
That’s why we’re here. For them, their families, and us all." Quote Fromhttp://www.coalitionforadolescentgirls.org/why_girls

Hear their stories from their own mouths here

Help them hereJoin the blogging campaign here

The clock is ticking!

   Please, watch and share this video...if possible discuss this with every young girls you know. 

Nostalgic Moments

We can be crucified between two thieves,

regrets of the Past and fear of the Future.

Although we can set the ambience to be nostalgic, any moment we like; this situation can be prompted by many factors like; when we overheard an old familiar tune, or during visits to our hometown, or also when we happen to re-read old books, found that family album while cleaning the house, or when you get invited to a Blogfest like these.

   There’s always that melancholic air when we enter a state of Nostalgia.  We will found our lips automatically smiling at times when our attention was caught by an almost fading Class picture; and all you could do is shake your head re-discovering that you actually wore those unmatched pants and suits during prom night or for ladies heavy set of hair-do with bright red lipstick and fake long curly lashes…together with flooding images from our much younger days.  Those bitter-sweet memories that still linger and sometimes coupled with regrets and “what if’s”….Sometimes we had wished those days had never ended or that we could re-live the moment once again.

   I had always imagine myself when I grow much older…The dancing glow of the fireplace with my grandchildren gathered around me; as I tell them stories of my adventures and mis-adventures. I’ll tell them that I used to have string of girls on my collections and how their grandmother snatched me in the middle of these lovely women. Oopps! That’s moving away from the past but going nostalgic for the future.  Hahaha. Of course, we can always spice up our story-telling for cinematic purposes.

   Anyway, so I’m supposed to be re-experiencing the past and make a blog out of these…

   It is said that gratitude is the memory of the heart, and perhaps my heart is filled with so much to be thankful for…people and places that remain inside the photo album of my mind.

   I opted to delete those images that have scarred my heart or marred my memories…I want to basked into yesteryears where those smiles and laughter’s stayed immortal.  Sometimes, I may have hurt people along the way unknowingly or intentionally but those were the recklessness of my youth and innocence.  That is why, for me, it is easier to forget and forgive now because of those “nostalgic memories” that allows me the lessons…that a person’s character are simply the mirror of his good and bad experiences.

   So as I turn old pages from my nostalgic time-travel…I’ve realized the value of each and every person that God allowed me to meet. They will forever stay in my heart more than how I have immortalized them in my “visual manuscript” and diaries…they form part of me and hopefully I had made it too as a special mark in the gallery of their Nostalgic Museum.

   Since a Nostalgic Moment is a compact remembering experiences of all the senses…I feel that I should include music in the background…and this song said it all…

To follow Blogfest click this link here

“And often times when I’m about to call it home…

We have to move along…

Life is a constant change.”

My Indian Friends

Ms. Universe 1994: Sushmita Sen

We generally call the people of India as Bombay here in the Philippines and like any foreign nationals we have made a stereotype image of them, and although some of these images may have been mostly untrue; they at least mirrors the clashes and mingling of two distinct culture that basically ignorance of each others character spell the big differences. I'm here to reflect on why Indian are special people to us even though we have a love-hate affair with them. 

   As Filipino you can not erase to us the image of a Bombay (read as boom-bay) riding his motorcycle and sporting his enigmatic turban -- who daily would knock neighborhood's door to collect lease (we call hulog) and would in-tone underneath his curly mustache and hairy beard a unique Filipino accent, in a strange but cute intonation on syllable that was not suppose to be stressed...and that made them funny by actually sounding mechanical.

   Yes, we love them when we need them for loans and we hate them when they came to annoy us daily with collections. The child would often run to his mother "Mother, Go and hide, the Boom-bay is coming!"

   Usually these loans are not money but they would sell you there goods like umbrella, mosquito net, electric fan, towel, etc. Name them, they have them. And they would insist you these items even if you don't actually need them. And then in a rather unusual business practice would close the deal by words and promises. The catch to these is what we termed as 5-6 (five-six) or more than double the price of the goods but lower daily payments. Of course these business relationship often would end up in not so good scenario.

   So, when you came here and heard a Filipino asked you for five-six or umbrella, don't be confused that's how we greet each other.

   Well, we have similarities too even if we don't eat much of Indian cuisine. Philippine cinema like Bollywood religiously include "song and dance" scene on almost all their films. Yes, whether be it horror or drama. 

Shivaker a.k.a. Sam YG

   Lately, we had Shivaker a.k.a. Sam YG who became a popular comedian who presented to us the character of an Indian national play by a real Indian. What made him endearing to the Filipino public is how he was able to make fun of his own culture according to a Filipino perspective but still stand tall with respect and dignity.  

   Seriously now, I'm writing this because of my new found relationship with Bombay. Aside from Aladdin and the magic-carpet I have very little knowledge of India and only now I'm beginning to be aware of the beauty of these people. No don't get me wrong here, I'm not speaking of skin deep beauty. I've already found beauty in them many decades ago, especially Sushmita Sen the Miss Universe winner aside from Jasmine singing "I can show you the world..."

   So who are these people that comprises 15% of the worlds population?

   Most of my Indian friends are from the networking sites only; so the reflection on the matter will focus on this aspect. First, I've notice that they are prolific bloggers and in fact I think they now rank number one bloggers in the whole worldwide web. If we Filipinos hold the kingdom of Facebook they are the Ruler of Blog Kingdom. These blogs change a lot of my misconceptions about India. 

   I think partly I am seeing the heart and soul of the mystifying India. I see their passions and enthusiasm almost similar to our determinations to make a contribution to global wellness. There is of course yoga that we have adapted for our exercise routine. Their poetry that speaks the inner-heart of pure love. Amazing artworks too that are unique in their culture. How they embrace to their faith and practices with utmost respect, and little by little I am seeing many similarities how we both value families and friends. There are a lot of things I am discovering from my Indian friends and I think I'm only seeing a small portion...

   Oh! Before I forgot to mention, that we are both expert in riding trains. I don't know who learned from whom but we can get in and out of a jam-packed train fast and swiftly without bumping each other. 

   Till, next time...continue to mystify me INDIA.

   

. 

Sketchers Delusions

I just can't imagine myself without sketching...I feel everything would just collapse and I'll be useless and meaningless for being here. I always feel I was made to do these. It's one of those thing I do with certain passion and urgency. As if I will be incomplete without doing just a little tiny stroke. I pointed in particular sketches and not painting because I can go on for days or even months without painting BUT to scribble at least some lines would be enough to satiate my cravings.

   I can fill a library with my sketches if we can recover them all. Hmmmm...my first platform that I can remember was our wall...when I was a kid. I draw on books, notepad, hem of my shirts, and even on my own skin that usually put me into trouble with my mother. The same reason my mother hammered my hand was when she found my tons of drawings hidden under my bed. Sorry if that story had to come out again...it's just that I had wasted so many paper and pen in my life that transform my disfigured hand this way. Does it disfigured my hand in literal sense? No the same with the wasted papers that I think so vital and necessary for my growth. 

   This particular sketch...on this blog would simply show the needed charges I should inject to myself to feel my worthiness. Also I need the challenge of this particular photo to illustrate the defusing of light without sacrificing lines. I have to take three shots because once again the camera doesn't justify it again. Probably I should start praying about it...I haven't ask that is why I'm not receiving. So God can you give me a camera SLR?

   Staying and roaming only around the vicinity of our home for the past days and the farthest I have take is the nearby store. It's blissful for me...as my much needed space not just for arts but FOR my interior self-analysis. Am I taking too much effort for this insights and not contributing for the welfare of our planet? 

   Once again I started a new blog on another site....Oh I could not give one specific reason for doing but I feel I needed one. I call it FherZonal Views (realizationism.wordpress.com) and some of the reasons can be found there.

   The rain that came this noon was surprising due to the warmness of the day and even hotter that the usual temperature of the past weeks. It's not just a trickle but a full pledge storm (was it?) It even flooded the pathway inside the compound...complete with thunderstorm. Even triggered a brownout and yet when he was done it seems nothing happen...he just greeted us. Enough to remind me that I did not go for church service. 

   Ohhh I just so hate myself for being too outrageous...action speaks louder that words. Next time I will just shut my mouth. Need ice over my head. 

Poe-a-Tree Blog Event

   I was a bit curious when I open Mari Sterling Wilbur's blog Poe a-tree Blog Event (link: Photography Tips)...it was the word POE actually that struck me. Here in the Philippines when you hear Poe, He is our Movie's Action King Fernando Poe, Jr. and from where I get my name according to my mom. Anyways, I was also thinking of Edgar Allan Poe. As I read the blog, I've learned it was about a blog event sponsored by Roy Durham.  Okey I'll just copy paste what was written by Mari, as follows 

   "Here's the idea behind the Poe-a-tree Blog: Each blogger will post a verse to the poem topic and the links to the other participating blogs. Sounds like fun.

   Per Roy, the theme of the poem is: “I am standing on a beach looking out to the horizon, what are my thoughts”. “What do I see, what do I feel, what is calling to me.” These are the questions to ask yourself and then write a verse. As many lines as you feel like."

   

   I'm in the middle of a project and contemplating on designs to put in a Mural...yet the invitation was so tempting that I thought I'll give it a spontaneous try. I wish I'm not busy so I can add my own art work as well...on second thought I have this strange feeling that I myself was on a horizon. Staring on a bleak...uncertain future. So here goes...

The Distant Horizon

Swirling but gentle tides kissing my toes,

my vision fixated in a not so distant horizons.

and then I was ask by my senses, it goes,

and urgent thought begging decisions.

I wept for a future that is yet to be seen

Once that I wonder why chilled at this breeze?

The Past and the future caught us between,

I thought I would traverse life in gentle ease.

Then as the tide grew even more harsher;

and the horizon threaten to grow even darker.

I started to succumb from thoughts that was once there.

Yet the cloud stirred and a silver lining shine through yonder.

"Fear not my son" I heard, "I have led you this far to doubt my ways...

I have made you a mansion, so count your days.

Have you seen that horizon, how distant so it seems,

I shall be with thee even as far as you see, I can redeem."

So I open my arms across the horizon...and let the shuddering wind hug me...

I have already seen God my father waiting there for me. 

Here are the links of participating Poe-a-Tree Blog Events:

Clara Garza http://jewelryboxdelights.blogspot.com/
Sue Larson http://suelarson.blogspot.com/
Melissa Tandoc http://www.grazieadio.blogspot.com/
Mari Sterling Wilbur http://www.mariscamera.blogspot.com/
Jan Neel http://jovanecatharticmusings.blogspot.com/
Megan Johnson http://starrlilly.blogspot.com/
Sulekkha Rawat http://sulekkha.blogspot.com/
Roy Durham http://royd-spiltmilk.blogspot.com/

Then Again....Writer in The Closets

   Nearly three months in blog hibernation. I need redirection, sharpen the sword so to speak. As I stayed in the backdrop and watch things unfold....I came to this point, where I really must start talking again. There are lots of things to share (This lifetime would be inadequate to squeeze them all) and the field is ripe for the picking. 
   We have to thank the worldwide web for giving us the opportunity to express our thought even if some of them are junk. Come to think of it, there's no such thing as worthless idea, who would have thought that a humble paperclip would be a very useful inventions or a simple idea like facebook and twitter would make it in the mainstream?
   So here I am again, writing for the very simplest of all alibis, which is the urge to write. Checking this blog prove that very few had actually took the time to ream them, But who cares? My passion is to write ever since I was a boy with very little vocabulary to expound. I don't even care if my grammar was wrong but I was able to finish 3 Novels then (No copies available now) and more than a dozen short stories that only my closest of peer were able to read and the reviews where heartwarming. One friend even literally cried reading "The Way We Were" (1986) and the story still hangs on my memory and if given the luxury of time I might rewrite it again.

   As you can see, I don't even took the time to preserve my writings. The gratification of being able to write was enough for me. I'm still working on another novel since 1995 and the story was finish on my head but only 7 chapters was done at the moment. The reason is I'm not writing to earn, I write to quench the desire and express myself in words the same reason as my paintings. 
   So here I am blogging again, trying to contribute something even if it catches no attention at all. If you are reading this blog, I am so thankful to you that you took the time to listen to The Wisdom of A Fool.    
(You can check my other site: The Art of Realizationism & The Armor of God )