What's Your Religion?

What I am about to discuss is one of the five “thou shall not open topic” in social gathering but since this not a social gathering, I will freely say what is in my mind regarding this topic: RELIGION  

When someone starts talking about religion, there are two other words that will follow suit: faith and belief.  You can never fully discuss one without touching the other two.  They are like joined triplets, when one is mentioned the other two are right beside it; which is why a heated discussion will come about when this topic is raised, with or without set conditions prior to the discussion.

Before I continue, let me define first those three (3) words so that it would serve as a guide to all.

re·li·gion

  [ri-lij-uhn]  Show IPA

noun

1.  a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose ofthe universe, especially when 

     considered as the creation of asuperhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and

     ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governingthe conduct of human affairs.

2.  a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generallyagreed upon by a number of persons 

     or sects: the Christianreligion; the Buddhist religion.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs andpractices: a world council of religions.

                                                                                                                                      -dictionary.reference.com

-      the belief in a god or in a group of gods

-      an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods

-      an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group

                                                                                    -merriam-webster.com

- The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.

                                                                                                                                  -oxford dictionary.com

faith

 noun \ˈfāth\

: strong belief or trust in someone or something

: belief in the existence of God : strong religious feelings or beliefs

: a system of religious beliefs                                                                                                                                 -                           

                                                                                            -merriam-webster.com

  

1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, orthing.

2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.

                                                                                                                  -the free dictionary by Farlex

Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

                                                                                                            oxford dictionary.com

      -

Belief

Assumptions and convictions that are held to be true, by an individual or a group, regarding concepts, events, people, and things.
                                                                                                                             -business dictionary.com

·                             *                           *

To give you my dear followers/readers a clue to my religious background, I was born and baptized under the Roman Catholic Church.  Both of my parents are devout Catholics. I know my Angelus, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.  I know my holy days and the practices that go with it.  I even studied in a Catholic school run by monks during my high school and college years.  Am I a full Roman Catholic at heart?  The answer is No.

At age  12, I started having questions unanswered.  Questions brought about with my budding gifts.  Gifts that is unexplained and unspoken by the Church.  In history, if someone manifests these types of talents, they are to be hanged, drowned or burned alive.  At that age, what I thought were simple dreams and a figment of the imagination, were a reality.  I turned to science and got a name for my situation.  I was a psychic in the making.  Yes, a person capable of using his mind beyond that of the regular person.  I could not move things but I can read emotional marks on things and say the story behind it. 

That was then.  I grew in power and capabilities and I can do more now. In the course of growing my gifts, I turned to books of the arcane/new age, history and mythology.  The church won’t give any answers.  Any such talents/gifts are shunned upon and tagged as demonic.  But in my course of study I learned that all things have balance; a Yin and a Yang, Heaven and Earth, angels and demons.

If you would look into all the things around you, you would see that there is balance in it.  Creation and destruction, life and death, male aspect and female aspect, light and darkness; all things in balance.  You can never experience one without the other.  In Taoism, balance is achieved when all is in harmony.  When earth-wood-fire-metal-water all works together.  In western mysticism, you will have North = Earth, East = Air, South = Fire, West = Water and in the center is the Spirit; all working in harmony.  This would show balance if all is in harmony.  For me, balance is another manner.

I learned that balance in its purest form has the raw beauty seen in nature when they go in their cycle in life. I am talking of the beauty captured by some photographers when their subject is that of a storm.  That raw and dangerous power! This is what I believe in.  True balance is achieved when you found the balance in two conflicting element.  Making them work together.  None is greater than the other.  All in equal.  All in balance.  It is hard but it is the ultimate balance.

Do I believe in God? Yes!  Do I believe in other supernatural beings? Yes!  Are elementals real? Yes!  

Regardless of what religion one person is in, bottom line, you have a concept of God in your life.  Call Him in whatever name that you have known Him to have, it DOESN’T matter!  What is important is you know HIM and believe in HIM.

That who goes to another religion to seek for answers is but normal.  It only means that they are looking for answers in life and I respect that.  I hope people who get to find their answers will know how to respect the belief of others too.  It is ok if you preach about your experience but DON’T project that the group that you are into is the greatest.  ALL RELIGIONS ARE EQUAL!  There is only a difference in the number of followers.  The size of the group doesn’t mean that the group is great.  It only means that they were able to answer the questions that you had in your life!  I’ve been there!  I fortunately met a charismatic group that is open to me having gifts and the fact that I am gay!

My religion is Roman Catholic.  My faith is with the Supreme God and all that works under him.  My belief, we are in this world along with other beings we don’t physically see at time but get to interact always.  Am I a practicing Catholic? If we are talking about practices and such, then my answer is no.  Am I heretic or even pagan? If we are talking of me believing about things outside of the church then my answer is yes.

I follow the golden rule: “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you”.  I respect those that I don’t normally see with the naked eye but with my mind’s eye.  I practice balance in my own way that is a mixture of east, west, old and new.  I keep an open-mind but hold on to what I believe on and what I see is right.  My faith is with the FATHER of us all and a MOTHER who gives all.

That is my belief. 

Julio, El Mes de Actividades Por FILA

July is a month of activities for FILA indeed.  With new endorsers, pictorials, store visits and a birthday celebration, they are indeed one busy group and it is just nearing the half of the month!

Cherry Burwell,
Promotion and Advertising Manager

Last July 9, FILA held a double celebration in Jill's BGC to welcome the newest member of the FILA family, ATAT Racing Team and the birthday celebration of Ms. Cris Albert, FILA's owner. The whole activity was arranged and coordinated by no other than Ms. Cherry Bustamante Burwell, FILA's Promotion and Advertising Manager, and her team of energetic people.

Held at Jill's Bar at BGC, the place was packed with ATAT Racing Team supporters, rider enthusiasts, friends and media people.  As part of the social-media team, we were given the chance to meet and greet the whole ATAT Racing Team before the whole party started.

Any Time, All the Time or easier known as ATAT, is a group of guys who enjoy racing in the race track.  Strictly on the race track only.  They are strong advocates of street safety, that is why the whole team decided to get another bike that is to be used on the street alone and not use the one for racing on the road.  For them, the thrill of racing or simply going beyond the normal speed is a different high.  It is not the thrill of cheating death that gives them a rush but the thrill of managing your bike and putting it to its limit in terms of speed.  The front of Jill was filled with their racing bikes that people gets to pose with, check-out and look in envy for those who are fans of bike racing.  The media/social-media people were even offered a chance to watch and feel the thrill of speed; we just need to tell them and schedule will be set.  Presently, ATAT is being managed by Mr. Lester Codog, owner of Foilacar.

What better way to welcome the whole team but through a party!  The night and place was indeed a party scene with well-wishers to no other than the birthday girl herself Ms. Cris Albert!  Ms. Cris Albert is a strong supporter of people living an active and balanced life; welcoming the whole ATAT team to the FILA Family and celebrating her birthday in one event was the perfect way to paint the town red.

FILA's supporters were ever present that night!  Fabio Ide, Ann Abad Santos and Team Volcanoes was present to name a few.  Prizes and drinks poured that night.  Technomarine watches, FILA GC's and liquor bottles from Ralph's were given away that night.

It was a night filled with reasons to celebrate!  A welcoming party, a continuos growth for FILA and the 25th birthday celebration for Ms. Cris Albert, the ever gracious lady of the hour and every hour there after.

 Photos:
(All photos used were taken by me personally during the event)

The bikes:

ATAT:

Friends:

The Lady of the Night:

Philam Paaralan, Turn-Over Ceremony at Taguig National High School

"If the local government, private sector and the community work together, then there is nothing that we cannot be achieved."
                                                                      -Hon. Ma. Laarni I. Cayetano (Taguig City Mayor)

Words delivered and left a meaningful mark during the classroom turn-over ceremony of Philam Life Foundation to Taguig National High School.

The event is so significant because it showed the corporate responsibility of Philam Life Foundation as a new resident of Taguig City, the educational commitment of the local government unit of Taguig and the dreams of the children of the said community.

Established in 1997, Philam Foundation embarked on  Philam Paaralan as its flagship program that aims to help improve the quality of education in the Philippines through the construction of classrooms in underprivileged communities, includiing typhoon-devastated provinces.

To date, a total of 23 fully-furnished Philam Paaralan classrooms were constructed in Isabella, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Batangas, Compostela Valley and Agusan del Sur.  By the end of 2014, Philam Paaralan will have built a total of 60 classrooms with the completion of 37 classrooms being built in Yolanda-hit areas in the Visayas.

Philam Foundation Executive Director Max G. Ventura said, "It is our belief that, as big part of nation building, education should be prioritized even during disaster recovery efforts." A line truly reflective of the actions of the group as demonstrated during the turn-over ceremony.

It was a successful turn-over event for all the needed and expected parties were present.  The whole Philam Foundation team lead by their Executive Director Max G. Ventura was present, the Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, Hon. Laarni Cayetano, Mayor of Taguig, Taguig National High School administration and parents, all took part of their time just to be there and show their support and gratitude.

Such endeavors are quite remarkable and touching when you see people unite for a common cause.  People not simply after self-gratification but for the dreams of others. Others who would lead and form the nation that we are in right now, regardless of religion and social standing.  Such is the case in Taguig National High School that day.  To give you an idea about the school, this is one institution that has a high percentage of Muslim students.  I have Muslim friends and it was a delight to see a place that houses both Muslim and Non-muslim.  A place where equal opportunity in terms of learning is present and everybody living in harmony.

A worthy endeavor, a community of people working hand-in-hand, and a government that is indeed for the people. Truly an event that I hope would create more such events in the future.

Photos:
(All photos used were personally taken by me during the turn-over event)

Hon. Laani Cayetano

Turn-over ceremony

Certificates of appreciation were given to Hon. Lani Cayetano and
Philam Life Interim CEO Bobby Madrid

The new classroom

Ribbon cutting room #1

Philam Staff

Ribbon cutting room #2

Ceremonial turn-over

It Is All In The Bag; Parachute Bags and ELLE = Function + Fashion

If I tell you that you can have a fully functional bag chances are you would respond with: "I have one already."  If I tell you that there is a new fashionable bag in the market, chances are your response would be: " I have a lot of bags already." But if I tell you that there is a fully functional and fashionable bag in the market that is affordable, water resistant and space friendly; would you believe me? Well there is.  Please welcome Parachute Bags and Elle!

Parachute Bags is a brainchild of a chinese woman who wants something more to a bag. She wants function and fashion in one but with a twist.  The twist - the material used, how you can keep it handy and the multi-functionality of it.  Being a bag-lover myself, this product got me hook, line and sinker!

The bags are made from the same material used for parachutes, thus the name Parachute Bags.  It is durable.  Double-stitched at the right places and is water-resistant! No more fear of your things getting wet due the sudden downpours that we are experiencing right now. It is stylish too! With colorful patterns to choose from, get a bag that speaks to you and for you!

For me, I would call them convertible space-saving bags.

There are two types of bags that you can choose from: the space savers and the convertibles or in my book the transformers. The space savers for me are quite handy and helpful in my opinion.  They are your foldable bags packed small that turns into bags for you to use. You can get one that turns into a shopping bag for satisfy that impulsive shopper in you (good for that sudden shopping bug bites) or the one that turns into a backpack for those sudden need to bring stuff somewhere but still keeping your hands free to hold other items.

The convertibles aka transformers are bags that turns from one type of bag to another depending on your need.  From tote bags to backpacks, messenger bags to backpacks, small tote bag to a spacious travel bag, belt bag to a backpack, it is up to you which one would suit your lifestyle.  You could even get all if you want.  Imagine two bags for the price and space of one!  If asked which one I like, I LIKE ALL!

Not only do they have your regular bags but they also have multipurpose pouches (pencil and tisssue cases), camera cases, and trolley bags (backpacks and big school bags with wheels).

Getting the licensure of the brand Elle from Paris, you would really expect fashion to the highest level.  I am not talking of studss and beads but of color and style.  With 3 color line in the market right now, you have the option to get all or simply complete one color line.  Choose from the classic black pattern, blue polka-dots or the flower orange design; it all depends on your personality and style. My pick, the blue polka design.  It alive and relaxing at the same time.  Try and get the food bag of Elle (small black bag in the picture).  It is insulated to keep your food warm up to 4 hours.

With so many bags brand to go for now-a-days, one would ask whether it is practical to get another.  My take on this: "One can never have too many bags.  If you get to use all, then what's the problem? If you get to use only some of it then you have a problem.  There is always a second-hand buyer for your un-used bag. That's your solution. Keep a bag for formal events, social functions and some for the on the go mode. Remember, your bag may make or break your attire." Definitely Parachute and Elle will keep you always  in-style and be the envy of others due to the functunality of it.

With Parachute and Elle now in the Philippine market, you get to have a bigger option on the bags that you are getting and giving away as gifts.  Especially this year when they are coming out with new designs that you can choose from, what is there not to love about this brand? Nothing! Where can you get one? They are available online (http://www.shopparachutebags.com) and could also buy them at Robinson's and Metro stores.

Is it affordable? Yes! Is it fashionable? Yes! With a wide range of colors and patterns that you can choose from, there is definitely one that will catch your eye.  Is it durable? Yes! With materials well chosen and stitched right, you can be sure that you won't have a bag issue (bag rift or tear). Does it deliver what it promise? Yes! It is fashionable, functional and definitely affordable.  Made from the same material used for parachutes, you are assured that your things would be dry when catch in sudden downpours. So what are you waiting for? This is the bag for you!

Photos:
(All pictures used was personally taken by me during the event made at Just Thai Restaurant in Burgos Circle)

From a backpack to a messenger bag

pouches

Tissue case

Trolley backpack for her

Trolley backpack for him

Meet & Greet with a Needle Master, Dr. Philip Niño Tan-Gatue

It was a personal delight for me to finally meet a acupuncturist here in the Philippines.  Being a believer in alternative medicine treatment, meeting one who has the knowledge of both western and eastern medical treatment is indeed a treat!  I am please to introduce and feature in my blog, Dr. Philip Niño Tan-Gatue.

More commonly called as Doc Phil,  he is a license medical person and a certified acupuncturist by profession.  Having 5 clinics in the metropolis, he is one busy person!  It was a pleasure that he was able to give time to meet us bloggers last July 7 at Just Thai Restaurant in Burgos Circle.

The venue, food, company and Dr. Philip was a delight in totality!  It was good food enjoyed with good company and the whole chit-chat was both informative and simply casual.  No pressure, relax and similar to chatting with personal friends.

We were given the chance to ask Dr. Phil about his craft and he was casual in answering all our queries.  He even shared some of his experiences during his training and his present clients.  No worries for he maintained the manner demanded by his profession, confidentiality; no names mentioned simply the medical situation involving acupuncture.

                                                  *                     *                      *
About Dr. Philip:

Dr. Philip Nino Tan-Gatue MD, CAc, CMA,is one of the leading experts in Traditional Medicine and Chinese Medicine in the Philippines. Currently, he is a Clinical Associate Professor in the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and is Director of Acupuncture Services at The Medical City.

After graduating from the Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) Program of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Doc Philip (as he is fondly called) took an interest in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. He has travelled to China and the US in search for training and knowledge.

He studied in the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and gained invaluable experience in the Xuanwu Municipal Hospital and in the First Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has also learned through lectures given by Andrew Wu, L.Ac, Giovanni Maciocia, and others.

Currently, Doc Philip maintains a private practice while teaching in his alma mater and in the University of the East. He also appears frequently on radio and television to talk about Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.  
(information and writing style was lifted from acupuncture.net.ph)
                                                  *                           *                              *

Doc Phil with a needle
on his arm

Based on our discussion that night, like any other professionals in this field, Dr. Philip is well aware and verse with the different schools of learning about needle usage.  For him, the concept of the Yin and the Yang plus the 5 basic elements is a must to properly diagnose the situation at hand and apply the needle at the right point.  He is also a conservative in nature.  Conservative in the sense of using simply a few needles as much as possible.  Why?  For him, it is his way of helping out patients also.  It is a per needle costing and for those who seeks medical help but lacks in monetary means, this is his way of giving back to the public.

True to say that some may be hesitant to try this method for fear of the tool being used but it is a way that may help you recreate that system and energy balance that you may need.  Acupuncture is both a curative and health maintaning medical practice. Also applied for aesthetic purposes by some.

Is it right to combine western and eastern medical practice?  My answer to that: Yes! Dr. Philip is a living proof of that. He supports both western and eastern medical practices.  The point is in the right combination.  Your medical situation may be known in western medicine by a certain name and in eastern it can be called in different names due to its nature and vice-versa.  Bottomline is both medical practice has a curative step for it.  You just need to consult and seek the right person for the proper combination and practice should you wish to apply both principle.  For one practice can give support to the other.


Through out the dinner, Doc Phil showed us how needles are placed, via some pictures in his mobile, and its purposes and even personally used his arm for demonstration purposes. Being a strong supporter of the Traditional and Integrative Medicine act of 1997 and a person who freely uses his hands to express his thoughts, it is no wonder that he is known for his craft and has a strong set of followers in his blog.  For me, a person who uses his hands freely to fully express his thoughts is someone whom you can trust and believe in. A family man, his greatest critic is his wife. No harm there for it helps him improve his craft and see things in a more balanced context. The night ended with poses and pictures taken of Doc. Phil and bloggers alike. It was a night worth having a second chapter . . . the needle experience.

The meet and greet party with Doc Phil

 Care to join me in that experience of being a pin cushion and have a balanced Qi?