Lessons on Living from Solomon

LESSONS ON LIVING

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Solomon
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:11 1 Kings 5:6

1 Kings 5:6

"Now therefore, command that they [the servants of Hiram] cut down cedars for me from Lebanon; and my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you wages for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know there is none among us who has skill to cut timber like the Sidonians."

Teamwork

Don Bennett, a Seattle businessman, decided he wanted to climb Washington's Mount Rainier. It's a stiff climb to the peak of the 14,410-foot summit, but so many individuals have succeeded that it no longer merits much attention. But for Bennett, the climb was a remarkable achievement. He made the climb on one leg and two crutches. Asked to share the most important lesson he learned, Bennett gave credit to the team of individuals who helped him attain his dream. He observed, "You can't do it alone."

Solomon realized this same truth. When he became king, he inherited from his father not only the kingdom but also the task of building a temple worthy of the God of the universe. Such an awesome responsibility would have been overwhelming, but Solomon knew it could be done if he called on others to help. Accordingly, he contacted a friend of his father, King Hiram of Tyre, and requested his most skilled lumbermen. The king graciously agreed. And thanks to the benefit of teamwork, they built one of the most beautiful temples ever.

Christians are notorious for not working together as a team. Some try to worship God on their own. The writer of Hebrews had to admonish such people about "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (10:25). Others can be difficult to get along with (1 Cor. 1:11). But whatever we accomplish alone is not nearly what we could have accomplished with others.

Are you willing to be a team player? Can your pastor count on you to pitch in with others in your church when there is a job to be done? More will get done if we do it together. Learn from the wisdom of Solomon. Be a part of something greater than yourself. Be a part of a team.

The best work is teamwork.

The Limelight Idol

The Limelight Idol

"'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do...to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full'"
(Matthew 6:2).

We feel good about some people being in the limelight: firefighters, police officers, and members of the military who risk their lives to protect and save others. We are happy to see Olympic medal winners and honor students have their moments in the limelight. But when people resort to dishonest means to get fame and publicity, it does not sit well with us.

The church in Jerusalem heartily recognized Barnabas as a self-sacrificing individual. He had sold some land and donated the money for the needy. But then Ananias and his wife Sapphira tried to gain the limelight by selling their property and pretending to donate the entire amount of the transaction to help the needy. They could have kept part of the profit or even all of it, because they were under no obligation to donate it at all. However, they conspired to lie to God and man about the sale amount. When their conspiracy was revealed, they paid for their limelight worship with their lives. God values humility and integrity.

© 2009 by HAVEN Ministries. All rights reserved.

Vote for Pinoy voice for UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

An email arrived to me the other day from an friend, here's the content of the email he sent:

From: Paul Darwynn Garilao

Sent at 11:26 PM (GMT-10:00)

Vote for Pinoy voice for UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

To: Friends & All:

As we have delivered victory for Efren Penaflorida to become the CNN Hero of the Year via online campaign, we ask for you support again in CNN/YouTube video tilt.

Please vote for Paul Garilao & Alfonso Orioste, the 2 young Pinoys seeking an opportunity to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark on 12/7 to 12/21/2009 if they win a contest on climate change.

Their video "Raise your Voice by Filipino Environmental Advocates" is the single entry from the Philippines and South East Asia; there are more than 500 entries around the world.

We are allowed to vote multiple times

DEADLINE: Nov. 30, 2009 8:32AM

Multiple Voting

1. Click on this link: www.youtube.com/cop15

2. Click Vote (The other choices are HOME, SUBMIT and PRIZE)

3. On Search the videos per country, click the dropdown menu tab and SELECT Philippines, then Click GO, which brings up and plays the video on the next screen.

4. Click the “green thumbs up” sign for the entry entitled: Raise Your Voice by Filipino environmental advocates. After you've done this, notice that the pink thumbs down sign becomes faded.

5. To vote again, refresh the link by clicking on the green up and down arrows to the left of the red x in your URL toolbar, then repeat steps 2-4.

Pls spread the campaign to your friends, on Facebook and Twitter, etc

Garilao, who used to work in a public relations firm in Manila , is now based in Kahului, Maui , Hawaii. He is a licensed engineer in Manila and had made a research on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines.

Orioste is now a law student in San Beda College.

Both are graduates of De La Salle University

They are featured on:

1. The Filipino Channel's Balitang America:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uigxUhH0lQk

2. GoodNews Pilipinas

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=9216

3. GMANews.tv

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/177388/pinoys-join-raise-your-voice-campaign-on-climate-change

4. ABS-CBN News Interactive

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/technology/11/17/09/2-pinoys-join-cnn-youtube-climate-video-tilt

5. Philippine Star:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=524159&publicationSubCategoryId=63

6. Manila Bulletin:

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/230877/join-youtube-cnn-drive-filipinos-told

Thank you and God bless us all!

Idolatry Weakens a Nation (from Anchor Devotional)

Idolatry Weakens a Nation

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain" (Psalm 127:1).

When I was a pastor in Altoona, Pennsylvania, four decades ago, I often served as a substitute teacher in two junior high schools and a high school. One of the schools prominently displayed a quotation of Philippians 4:8 on the front wall of its auditorium. I would like to revisit that school to see if the display still exists. I doubt that it does. In recent years we have witnessed a concerted effort to strip away religious symbols, objects, and observances from all public buildings. Our nation has become increasingly secular and less noticeably Christian.

But it hasn't become non-religious. Those who refuse to acknowledge God still worship something: money, possessions, self, reason, science, etc.

Judgment will come, as surely as it did for Israel in the times of the Judges. There was a penalty for their disregard for God and pursuit of false gods (Judges 2:13-15). Let's endeavor to draw our nation back to God one heart at a time-starting with our own!

from Anchor Devotional

RULES FOR CANDIDATES

RULES FOR CANDIDATES

Posted on 6/9 11:39PM

HUMMING IN MY UNIVERSE By Jim Paredes (The Philippine Star) Updated September 06, 2009 12:00 AM

The 2010 train is moving forward. Before we know it, it will be here and we have to make important decisions about where we want it to go. So this early, let us start the process of selecting our candidates well, and imagining how and where we want a presumably new set of leaders to take us.

I am proposing these rules — half-serious “new rules,” rants actually — for candidates to observe during the elections so that we can be sure we get the leaders we deserve. Here goes:

1. Anyone who wants to run for president must, on top of the qualifications stated in the Constitution, not be a female below five feet tall. She must not have a mole on her face, an overweight husband with a high–pitched voice and sons who are congressmen.

2. Every candidate must clearly state his or her stand on an issue that divides our nation’s sense of culture, its sense of socio-political correctness, its definition of honor, dignity, compassion, good taste and etiquette, and more importantly, its moral fiber. I am not talking about the National Artist awards, the RH bill or the MTRCB. I refer to something more pervasive in our national life and conversation that has set the tone and direction of our children’s values: Willie Revillame and Wowowee!

3. Every presidential candidate must promise to be creative in handling coups, tragedies and other calamities and refrain themselves, their spokespeople and their underlings from using the following overused phrases in their media statements: “We are monitoring the situation,” “We are on top of the situation,” “Everything is under control” and “We will punish them accordingly.”

Seriously, it is time to speak a different language and come up with intelligent solutions to our country’s problems.

4. Every candidate running for public office must promise not to purposely talk stupidly, or espouse dumb ideas because he thinks that by doing so, he is connecting to the greater number of our people. In truth, it only shows how much he actually despises the public when he assumes they are stupid. If you talk stupidly, at least be honestly stupid about it.

Sad to say, our people have learned to expect this behavior from politicians, the media and even the Church who have been dumbing down to us for decades when they evade real issues because it takes an extra creative effort to simplify them and discuss them with the masses. They do this when they presume that the Filipino is stupid and cannot appreciate complex concepts and ideas that can liberate them. They do this when they fear that people are not smart enough to make their own choices and so they must be kept ignorant and easier to dictate upon.

The worst part is, we have learned not just to live with this indignity, we are no longer even bothered by it. Imagine someone like Senator Villar, who instead of expressing his aversion when asked about Willie Revillame’s supposed vice-presidential aspirations, chooses to answer perfunctorily that “he has every right to do so as a Filipino citizen,” and gets away with it

Jeez! It’s the safe but insincere answer, a reactionary response that can be called idiotic politeness. It comes from the mindset of one who will wheel and deal and bend to please everyone.

We want our elected officials to be intelligent and honest and walk the talk no matter how tough the temptation is to play “dumb” in order to “connect.” And we, the electorate, should let politicians, the media and the Church know that dumbing down is unacceptable.

If we want to move ahead as a nation, we must challenge not only our leaders but also ourselves to dream higher and embrace a greater understanding and appreciation of the issues that affect us.

Knowledge, wisdom, leadership are elite qualities. Decisions, therefore, should be made by an elite group of elected officials, and by that I mean people who know what they’re talking about, in consultation with their constituents.

Would you be comfortable if someone outside of his competence — like, say, Manny Pacquiao — performed brain surgery on you? So why does the administration want him to run as a lawmaker?

5. A caveat to all candidates declared and undeclared: please avoid stunts like suddenly becoming visible with ads that promote you even before the campaign period has started. And when called down for premature campaigning, please do not say that it is “friends” who are paying for them. People have learned to see through your evasiveness. Where there is smoke, people know there is a fog machine somewhere helping create an illusion.

While we’re at it, here are some rules for officials to consider after they are elected:

A. Every public building and all public property therein, all government cars and assets must be marked clearly with stickers that read: “This is owned by the Filipino People. Use of this by the President and other government officials is a privilege. He/she must not in anyway think, act or use this like they own it.”

Remember the story of Cory’s grandson who asked her if he could eat the candy on her desk, or if it belonged to the Filipino people? That’s how conscientious officials and their family members should be. It should not be farfetched to imagine the President staying up 10 minutes longer at night grappling with his conscience, not just on how he tackled the big issues but also whether he was too extravagant using paper clips, Kleenex, or the air conditioner.

B. Once a month, public officials must set a day to state unequivocally and in public any mistake they may have committed that may have harmed the public interest, no matter how small. It would be great to hear Speaker Nograles say, “My fellow Filipinos, I’ve been such an insensitive idiot for insisting on Charter change, and through con-ass at that! My bad!” Or Senator Miriam Santiago could come clean with: “Okay. I admit I love to hear the sound of my own voice and my self- perceived brilliance. I’m sorry if I took up so much senate time which cost the taxpayers millions.” Or Senator Lito Lapid might candidly say, “I still don’t know what I am doing here. I’m sorry.”

We must find a place in our culture for public apology. It will force our officials to remain humble and may even change our nation in a big way. Imagine plunderers, coup plotters, thieves, and other baddies admitting their crimes in special courts, asking the people for forgiveness and volunteering some form of retribution like going on self-exile, returning the loot, or offering to commit suicide. (Okay, forget the suicide.) In truth, it may take as little as genuine contrition to heal our divisions. In Rwanda, people who committed atrocities during the civil war came forward and asked for forgiveness sincerely. And guess what? In most cases, that was enough.

6. Opening sessions of the legislature, executive meetings, and all caucuses, including the SONA, must start with a five-minute talk by a non-public official. In Russia, such a privilege is given to poets, writers and other artists. In our case, we can give the pulpit to humble citizens like market vendors, public school teachers and farmers. While there is a risk that this can turn into a circus, at best, our officials will be reminded at every turn who they are supposed to serve.

The tide is changing. A fresh wind is blowing. I am willing to bet that in next year’s election, genuine dignity — similar to that by which Cory Aquino carried herself during her campaign, throughout her presidency and the rest of her life — will have a better chance of winning than cheesy gimmickry.

No Other God

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: FaithWalk
Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 3 Isaiah 45-46

No Other God

Isaiah 45-46, 1 Thessalonians 3
Key Verse: Isaiah 45:22

The God of the Bible is not reticent to say that He alone is God. In the Book of Isaiah Jehovah often claims divine exclusivity: "I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God" (44:6, see also 44:8, 24; and 45:5).

We could dismiss these claims and believe that there are many gods, one for each of us to discover in our own way. But the Bible doesn't give us that option. Jehovah says, "All who make idols are nothing . . . . He bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, 'Save me; you are my god.' . . . A deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself" (44:9, 17, 20).

God will not make room for pretenders to His throne. And nowhere is this more critically important than when it comes to our salvation. Jehovah says, "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other" (45:22).

Make sure you have trusted the right God, the only God who can save you from your sins. You'll know who He is when you meet Him in a personal way. Read John 14:1-6 to know Him personally.

"God, I believe there is but one God, that You have revealed Yourself through Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to be bold in my witness to those who are still searching for a relationship with You."

@ His service & urs,

jhender

What is a Bro. Eddie vote? (First Part of a Series)

..................................................................................................

There may not be enough money in the world to buy enough airtime and advertising to counter the lies and deception that a vote for righteousness is not going to win even for second try. But this is not a reason to quit.

And since those other candidates possess overflowing logistics support and charisma in aid of winning the presidential race, it is not far from happening that some previous supporters of purpose-driven candidacy of Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva may decide to throw away their confidence and rather jump or climb on the bandwagon, joining another camp only because it is popular. Moreover, those who opposed him last 2004 elections may be on the loose again to discredit him.

With this scenario, the battle is not just a replica of David and Goliath but David and Goliaths. There are so many giants to fight against if Bro. Eddie must finally win. The irony is that, harsh opposition also comes from separatist-brothers in the faith.

The resistance from outside of the flock is understandable, yet there might be a sudden change of mind and that will be a big surprise. But this spirit of scorn and contempt coming from churches is saddening. And therefore requires attention.

Why should every genuine Christian and nation-loving Filipino vote and campaign for Bro. Eddie Villanueva? Here is one reason.

A vote for Bro. Eddie is a vote in favour of righteousness.

The Philippines, known as the only Christian nation in the far east of Asia, failed to live up to its name. The people go to church while the nation slowly goes down to its lowest moral state. Today, it is adjudged second most corrupt country in the world. What a negative reverse from being second to Japan in terms of economic prosperity in 1972! Onwards until now, the nation suffered spiral downturn and deterioration because of ingrained graft and corruption and insatiable greed for power, from the highest officials of the land down to the lowest. Its rotten fruits are so sticky they cleave to the branches no matter how strong the wind shakes the whole tree.

This pitiable condition caused millions of Filipinos – professionals, domestic helpers, caregivers and skilled workers alike – to seek jobs abroad – almost being ejected from own country as thousands leave each day. Scattered to different parts of the world, battling homesickness, these kababayans are working hard like slaves to be able to send money and help their families survive at least.

The country is in turmoil; left and right are protest rallies, injustices abound, killings and other horrible crimes became so ordinary, institutional thievery of highest kind is committed without guilt or shame, social unrest is felt in the entire land, poverty level is almost at the bottom, and the list goes on. Evidently, the Philippines is at the brim of corruption awaiting divine judgment because it closed its eyes to the rule of justice, mercy, and faith.

Why is righteousness needed in this sad plight? God’s Word gives profound answers. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2). “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

This 2010 Election offers hope because it has one candidate among several who is not just an alternative, and neither a lesser evil. He fits the need. He courageously responds to the challenge of dark times in the Philippines. He has a clear grasp of what it means “to act justly... to love mercy... to walk humbly with ... God.” (Micah 6:8)

Critics say he should not enter politics because he might be corrupted by the system. But that is too presumptive. Before anybody assumes he will be eaten up by the corrupt system, remember the work of salt or light that preserves and illuminates. This country needs to see the path towards light and be preserved from further judgment. We need a leader who will lead us there.

Civil servants or politicians are in the first place ought to be good citizens of their country, able to raise the moral standard of the people and their living conditions. But many of them presently holding office or aspiring to get into higher one have disappointed people’s hope. Come on, the Filipinos are like orphans badly in need of real guardians. Don’t take chances again just like what was done in the past. Filipinos now have a better candidate right before their very eyes.

And Christians, or those who believe it is a Christian act to genuinely care for the needy and oppressed, for the marginalized in the society, are faced with the decision to vote for and rally behind the cause of righteousness.

The church is still the most powerful transformation agent and that needs to be pointed out. It is never true that church and state are separate. If that were true, this country could have moved forward even long ago.. Have you not known, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12)? But the state had made money its god. It’s time to bring back God in the State through a righteous leader.

..................................................................................................

Rightoues LEADER for Philippines!

i am for a rightoues governance, i am for bro eddie... vote for bro eddie!!!

http://2010presidentiables.wordpress.com/2009/09/15/bro-eddie-villanueva-rockets-to-top-place-in-2010-presidentiables-blog-poll/

A Debate?!?! Better, a no non sense TALK!!!

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Butterfly, Botanist, or Bee?

Contemplating life, a wise teacher gazed at a beautiful garden.

As he breathed in the wonderful fragrances and beheld the beauty of the garden, he saw a butterfly flitting from flower to flower. It spent a few seconds on the edge of a rose, then a daisy, and then a sunflower. The garden was a rainbow of fragrance and color, but the butterfly gained no particular benefit from any of the flowers there.

Next the teacher saw a botanist with a large notebook and an equally large magnifying glass in his hand. As the botanist carefully observed each flower, he filled a great number of pages with his notes. But after hours of meticulous study, most of what he learned was shut up in his notebook and forgotten.

Then the wise teacher observed a small bee. The bee enthusiastically entered a flower, was gone from view for a brief moment, and then emerged laden with pollen. It had left the hive that morning empty, but would return full, and in doing so would share his abundance. With that pollen, sweet honey would be made to sustain, not only himself, but the entire hive for the future.

The wise teacher pondered.

Some people are like butterflies, going from teacher to teacher, seminar to seminar, book to book. They are so very busy, and expend so much energy, but have little to show for their efforts. They remain unchanged in any significant way because they never really delve into things wholeheartedly. They're content to simply flutter around the edges.

Others, like the botanist, may study in great depth but never apply what is learnt to their lives. Content to study, they know much, but receive little benefit. Striving for knowledge alone, they are unaffected by the knowledge they gain.

Our lives would be very different if we could only learn from the bee -- visiting each flower with purpose and passion. To whole-heartedly dive in -- to lose ourselves, to go into every opportunity with an open mind, determined to emerge fuller than when we began, to do more than simply flutter, to do more that simply take notes, but to take action. To joyfully give of our abundance so that others can make something sweeter, something that will sustain not only ourselves, but bless others as well.

How would the wise teacher see your life?
As butterfly, a botanist, or a bee?

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
- James 1:22-25

Copyright 2003 by Ken Sapp
Based on a story by H.P. Barker (Original Source Unknown)

Jokes for today...

***************************************************************
bobo1: Pare, alam mo ba tawag sa paniki na mababa ang lipad?
bobo2: hindi eh! ano ba pare?
bobo1: Lowbat pare! Lowbat!
***************************************************************
Boy: Nay! Muntik na ako maging top one sa klase!
Nanay: Bat mo naman nasabi?
Boy: Ini-announce kasi kanina yung top one sa klase. Ang tinuro ni ma'am
yung katabi ko. Muntik na ako!
***************************************************************
Employee: boss pwede ba ako nalang ang papalit dun pwesto sa manager natin na
kamamatay lang?
Boss: ok lang sa akin na ikaw ang pumalit sa kanya, ewan ko lang kung papayag
ang punerarya :)
***************************************************************
Naglalakad ang mag-ama, nakakita ng eroplano
ANAK: Tay ! Krus! Ang laking krus!
TATAY(Binatukan ang anak): Nakita mo ng krus eh! Lumuhod tayo!"
***************************************************************
Man1: Away kami ni misis, nag-Historical siya
Man2: Pare baka ang ibig mo sabihin ay nag-Hysterical
Man1: Hinde, historical kasi inungkat lahat ng kasalanan ko!"
***************************************************************
REPORTER: Sir, kung wala po kayong evidence, witness or suspect ano na po ang
next step ninyo??
POLICE: DNA na...
REPORTER: Sir, ano po yung DNA ???
POLICE: "Di Namin Alam "
***************************************************************
May bagong kasal:
MRS: Honey malapit na tayong maging 3 dito sa bahay
MR: Talaga honey? Pinasaya mo ako sa balita mo
MRS: Oo dito na titira ang nanay ko!"
***************************************************************
Tanga: kamusta yung exam mo.
Bobo: wala ako nasagutan, blanko yung papel ko. Ikaw?
Tanga: naku, blangko din yung papel ko, baka sabihin ni titser, nagkopyahan
tayo
***************************************************************
PASYENTE: Dok. . . Ninenerbyos po ako! First operation ko po ito. . .
DOK: Alam ko ang nararamdaman mo. . .Kasi ikaw rin ang una kong pasyente
***************************************************************
Pulis at Intsik:
Pulis: boss konting abuloy lang, may namatay na pulis.
Intsik: ako malaki migay amuloy masta alaw-alaw melon pulis paktay oke.."
***************************************************************
TEACHER: Class draw a fish..!
CLASS: Yes ma'am!
TEACHER: Pedro, why is ur drawing very dirty..?
PEDRO: Ma'am, bagoong po yan."
***************************************************************

makabagbag damdamin na Liham
A Touching Letter....lol

Mahal kong Anak,
Medyo mabagal akong magsulat ngayon dahil alam kong mabagal ka ring magbasa. Nandito na kami sa Estados Unidos para bantayan ang bagong biling bahay ng kapatid mo. Pero hindi ko maibigay sa iyo ang address dahil dinala ng dating nakatira ang address para daw hindi na sila magpalit ng address.Maganda ang lugar na ito at malayo sa Manila.Dalawang beses lang umulan sa linggong ito, tatlong araw noong una at apat na araw noong pangalawa.
Nakakainis lang ang mga paninda dito katulad nun nabili ko na shampoo dahil ayaw bumula.Nakasulat kasi "FOR DRY HAIR" kaya hindi ko binabasa ang buhok ko pag ginagamit ko.
Mamaya ay ibabalik ko sa Walmart at magrereklamo ako. Noong isang araw naman ay hindi ako makapasok sa bahay dahil ayaw bumukas ng padlock. Nakasulat kasi ay "YALE" eh aba namalat na ako sa kasisigaw ay hindi pa din bumubukas. Magrereklamo din ako sa nagbenta ng bahay, akala nila hindi ko alam na SIGAW ang tagalog ng "YALE", wise yata ito! Mayroon nga pala akong nabili na magandang jacket at tiyak na magugustuhan mo. Ipinadala ko nasa iyo sa "Federal Express" medyo mahal daw dahil mabigat ang mga butones kaya ang ginawa ko ay tinanggal ko na lang ang mga butones at inilagay ko na lang sa bulsa ng jacket. Ikabit mo na lang pag dating diyan. Nagpadala rin ako ng tseke para sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo, hindi ko na pinirmahan dahil gusto ko na maging anonymous donor. Nakakahiya naman kung ipagkakalat ko pa.Ang kapatid mo palang si Jhun ay may trabaho na dito, mayroon siyang 500 na tao sa ilalim niya. Naggugupit siya ngayon ng damo sa memorial park, okey naman ang kita above minimum ang sahod.Nakapa nganak na rin pala ang ate baby mo, hindi ko pa alam kung babae o lalake kaya hindi ko pa masasabi na kung ikaw ay bagong uncle or auntie.Wala na akong masyadong balita. Sumulat ka na lang ng madalas.

Love,
Mama

p.s. Maglalagay sana ako ng pera, kaya lang ay naisara ko na ang envelope. Next time na lang....

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How to be a Creative Teacher (like JESUS) - Principle #7

We already mentioned six principles from Jesus:
* Principle #1 - Jesus Invited Others to Talk
* Principle #2 - Jesus' Teaching Connected with Life
* Principle #3 - Jesus Engaged His Listeners.
* Principle #4 - Jesus took Advantage of Teachable Moments.
* Principle #5 - Jesus told stories.
* Principle #6 - Jesus Spent Time with his Students

Today we will look at another principle from Jesus:
Principle #7 - Jesus Began at the Level of the Student

To the woman at the well drawing water, Jesus began with thirst and water, then proceeded to compare that water to eternal life, and then explained about the Messiah (John 4:1-26). To a group of fisherman, he spoke of becoming "fishers of men", and of leaving everything behind, including their nets to follow him. Jesus responded to His mother’s worry by explaining why He stayed in the temple (Luke 2:49). Jesus addressed the disciple's fears at his leaving by assuring them He would prepare a place for them (John 14:1-3). At the Last Supper He tempered Peter’s overconfidence by telling him what to do after failure (Luke 22:32). Rather than scolding Thomas for his religious questions, Jesus gave him the evidence he needed to believe (John 20:24-28).

Jesus always met people where they were, but he was never content to leave them there. He coaxed them into deeper levels of understanding. Depending on the person's character, He gently or boldy challenged their beliefs. He showed them additional insights and new ways of looking at things. He led them down paths with questions and on journeys of discovery. He broke down misconceptions. He challenged them to action! Jesus always began with people at the level they were at and then stretched them and gently guided them to deeper spiritual truths and action.

But to begin at the level of the student you need to put yourself in the learner's shoes, just as Jesus took on flesh and became one of us. Jesus could begin at the level of his students because he understood them. He understands our fears and doubts. He understands our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. He understood what it meant to experience hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), weariness (John 4:6), grief (John 11:35, 38) and agony (Mark 14:32-42). He sympathizes with our weaknesses and understands our temptations. (Hebrews 4:15).

In the same way we need to understand the needs of OUR students. We need to add to their basic understanding, the deeper things of God. We need to take whatever spark of faith they possess and fan it into flame. We need to take their simple trust and cultivate a courageous daily walk with God! We need to understand their needs, attitudes, temptations and characteristics. We need to address their fears, answer their doubts, gently correct their misunderstandings, and give them opportunities to discover that God truly can meet ANY need they have.

Yet in all these things we also need to give them time to grow, at their own pace, and in their own directions -- always giving them the support, encouragement and skills they need to stretch and grow -- with arms open wide to catch them when they fall.

Jesus was not concerned with just the content or his words would have been enough. He was actively involved in the life of the learner... dealing with each as an individual, and giving each what they individually needed to help them take that next step in their personal journey of faith. Based on the learner's response and readiness he guided them ever forward in their relationship with the Father.

When we begin at the level of the learner and nurture them and stretch them into a deeper understanding of God and a more committed daily walk with Him, then we are a little closer to Teaching as Jesus Taught.

JOKE AGAIN.... MEMORY TEST NG 3 MATANDA

Three elderly men are at the doctor's office for a memory
test.

The doctor asks the first man, "What is three times three?"

"274, " is his reply.

The doctor rolls his eyes and looks up at the ceiling, and
says to the second man, "It's your turn. What is three
times three?"

"Tuesday, " replies the second man.

The doctor shakes his head sadly, then asks the third man,
"Okay, your turn. What's three times three?"

"Nine, " says the third man.

"That's great!" says the doctor. "How did you get that?"

"Simple, " he says, "just subtract 274 from Tuesday."

A LITTLE MONKEY BUSINESS - Computer geek joke

/***********************************************************/

/*********************** ATTENTION ***********************/

/*** this might not be funny to you if your not a computer geek ***/

/***********************************************************/

A LITTLE MONKEY BUSINESS

A tourist walks into a pet shop in Silicon Valley, and is browsing around the cages on display. While he's there, another customer walks in and says to the shopkeeper, "I'll have a C monkey, please".

The shopkeeper nods, goes over to a cage at the side of the shop and takes out a monkey. He fits a collar and leash and hands it to the customer, saying "That'll be $5, 000". The customer pays and walks out with his monkey.

Startled, the tourist goes over to the shopkeeper and says, "That was a very expensive monkey, most of them are only a few hundred dollars. Why did it cost so much?"

"Oh", says the shopkeeper, "that monkey can program in C with very fast, tight code, no bugs, well worth the money."

The tourist starts to look at the monkeys in the cage. He says to the shop keeper, "That one's even more expensive, $10, 000! What does it do?"

"Oh", says the shopkeeper, "that one's a C++ monkey; it can manage object-oriented programming, Visual C++, even some Java, all the really useful stuff."

The tourist looks round for a little longer and sees a third monkey in a cage on its own. The price tag round its neck says $50, 000.

He gasps to the shop keeper, "That one costs more than all the others put together! What on earth does it do?"

"Well, " says the shopkeeper, "I don't know if it actually does anything, but says it's a Consultant."

/***********************************************************/

/*********************** ATTENTION ***********************/

/*** this might not be funny to you if your not a computer geek ***/

/***********************************************************/

How to be a Creative Teacher (like JESUS) - Principle #6

We already mentioned five principles from Jesus:
* Principle #1 - Jesus Invited Others to Talk
* Principle #2 - Jesus' Teaching Connected with Life
* Principle #3 - Jesus Engaged His Listeners.
* Principle #4 - Jesus took Advantage of Teachable Moments.
* Principle #5 - Jesus told stories.

Today we will look at another principle from Jesus:
Principle #6 - Jesus Spent Time with his Students

Jesus spent time with His students. He called 12 people to be His closest disciples (Mark 1:17-20). He talked with them (Mark 11:20-25), rested with them (Mark 6:30-31), and shared the Last Supper with them (Mark 14:12-26).

His call to his students was very simple - "Follow me." It wasn't a call to "Study God's Word" though that will be foundational. His initial call wasn't to "serve my people" though he would demonstrate a heart of a humble servant in everything he did. His focus was a relationship in which his students would learn by spending time with him. They would Learn God's Word as applied in his life and his words. They would learn to serve as they saw him serve. They would experience not only his teaching, but his heart of compassion for the world!

Jesus instructed His students both in group settings and one-on-one. He taught them by example as well as by precept, and His teaching was incidental rather than formal. He called them to be with him, to follow him. He told them to "come and see." "Jesus made disciples by His life. One does not teach faith and love with words alone. Disciples' hearts cannot be set on fire by theories. Fire kindles fire; iron sharpens iron; faith calls forth faith; life begets life." (Roger Fleming in the book: SIDE BY SIDE - Navpress, 2000, p188) Learning was deeply relational and involved not only instruction, but guidance, counsel, imitation, affirmation, rebuke, correction, encouragement, and even friendship. And all these were in the context of a relationship where he spent time together with his students.

He also spent time teaching others who were interested in Him (Mark 6:34-44). He respected people by taking time for children and by talking with the very people others often chose to ignore (Matthew 19:14; John 4:9). He spent time listening to and understanding people, regardless of their background. He accepted Zacchaeus, the hated tax collector, when no one else would. Rather than judging him, Jesus spent time with him and let God’s love transform Zacchaeus (Luke 19:2-10).

Jesus arranged retreats for special instruction, but the disciples' characters were mainly developed in the highways of life rather than in isolation. They learned from their failures as well as their successes. Their experiences in daily life provided the opportunity for developing spiritual principles and values.

In today's church we do almost everything in group settings. Our spiritual instruction is confined to classrooms, workshops, and videos. Learning about the Christian faith was never intended to be an academic pursuit, disconnected from family and life, taught conceptually and in abstraction to the masses.

Jesus knew that "more is caught than taught". When we spend time with students they learn from our lives and we discover a little bit more about their needs and concerns. Then we are a little closer to Teaching as Jesus Taught.

How to be a Creative Teacher (like JESUS) - Principle #5

We already mentioned four principles from Jesus:
* Principle #1 - Jesus Invited Others to Talk
* Principle #2 - Jesus' Teaching Connected with Life
* Principle #3 - Jesus Engaged His Listeners.
* Principle #4 - Jesus took Advantage of Teachable Moments

Today we will look at another principle from Jesus:

Principle #5 - Jesus told stories.

Read through the Gospels and you cannot help but notice that storytelling was one of the key characteristics of Christ's teaching.

Jesus was able to hold people’s attention with his stories, and through His artful storytelling, profound spiritual truths were brought to light. His stories always had an interesting beginning, were incredibly vivid and gripping, and painted pictures and images that not only fired the imagination, but were easily remembered and passed on to others. They were simple stories that were quickly understood, but held truths of great depth that were not quickly forgotten! They created intense images that burned themselves upon the listener's imagination, giving each something to see in his own mind’s eye.

Why Storytelling?

Our lives are lived and told in story. Stories are, in fact, the oldest form of teaching. In Biblical times it was the Father's responsibility to tell the stories of God's people to his children at every opportunity as much as it was the prophet's responsibility to proclaim God's words to His people. Stories are meaningful for any age student from any culture. Every person, regardless of age, background or situation, has a story. That's what makes stories so powerful!

Stories have a way of weaving their way into our subconscious--both the stories of our own experiences and the stories we hear. Stories can be a source of personal growth and build community not only with those around us, but with those who journeyed in the faith long before us. Stories can bring laughter to our sorrow, healing to our hurts, clarity to our doubts, understanding to our confusion, answers to our questions, and decisiveness to our choices. Listening to a Story is like starting out on a great adventure. We want to know how it ends and what it means.

Stories connect those things, that are commonly known, with spiritual truths. The familiar is used to explain the unfamiliar. The concrete is used to explain the abstract. Abstract principles and concepts are illustrated in practical, real to life actions. Jesus used a story of the birds and lilies to help listeners understand a believer's trust in God. He used the wind to explain the Holy Spirit (which was also a play on words). He used grapes and figs to explain fruitful discipleship. He used salt and light to describe the effect of believers on the world. Jesus deliberately took things that his pupils would understand and applied spiritual truths to them.

Storytelling Methods

Jesus used stories of real events, both historical and current. Luke 13:1-5 refers to then-current events concerning Galileans killed by Pilate and the Tower of Siloam. The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is not presented as a parable, but as a real situation. Stories often hold interest and present abstract concepts more effectively than a simple statement of the point of the story.

Jesus’ most frequent method of storytelling was the parable, often described as an "earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” A parable is a story that uses a parallel between a very familiar situation (like farming) and a less familiar topic (like the Kingdom of Heaven) to shed light and understanding on the latter.

Jesus also used metaphors and similes and other word pictures. Word pictures – words and phrases that create a picture in your mind – are a very effective communication tool. Instead of just saying that it is bad to make children who believe stumble, Jesus painted an effective word picture by saying that it would be better to have a millstone hung around your neck and be cast into the sea than to make one of these little ones who believe to stumble. (Mark 9:42) The latter statement has much more impact. (Luke 17:2,6,24,37) A metaphor is a word picture where something is described by calling it something else. Jesus called Herod “a fox.” A simile is a similar comparison introduced by the words "like" or "as." Jesus described His love for the people of Jerusalem with a simile: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I would have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”

All of these show the place of storytelling in the teaching ministry of Christ. Youth ministry is about hearing the stories of young people, creating experiences that result in stories, and sharing with one another the story of God's work in this world through Jesus Christ. And through exploring these stories, we all move a little further along in our journey with Christ.

When we learn the art of storytelling, lives are changed and we are a little closer to teaching as Jesus taught.

How to be a Creative Teacher (like JESUS) - Principle #4

We already mentioned three principles from Jesus:
* Principle #1 - Jesus Invited Others to Talk
* Principle #2 - Jesus' Teaching Connected with Life
* Principle #3 - Jesus Engaged His Listeners.

Today we will look at another principle from Jesus:

Principle #4 - Jesus took Advantage of Teachable Moments.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once described the teachable moment this way: "A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience."

As Christ walked among us, teachable moments often presented themselves in circumstances, situations, and events that were seemingly unplanned. Sometimes the participants would respond to the events with a question or a simple statement of observation. Then, Jesus had a habit of responding with another question or with a saying that was difficult to understand. As he continued to fan that spark of curiosity or interest, the discussion would leave the person deep in thought and the encounter would be forever branded on the listener's mind.

Ask Nicodemus about his conversation with Christ and he could probably tell you every single word! The same with the woman at the well, the man healed on the sabbath, the paralytic lowered through the roof, the woman in the crowd who touched his garments, and I dare say, every person who had a personal encounter with Christ.

Like the rich young ruler who walked away saddened, some left unable to accept the truth that had been revealed. But for others, that one teachable moment became a life-changing experience! Jesus began with the day to day moments of life, and used those moments to spotlight spiritual truths.

It was characteristic of Jesus to make use of whatever occasion arose. This is one of the reasons his teaching was so alive and exciting! When you see the events of life through heaven's eyes, all of life can become a canvas on which truths of God reveal themselves in a myriad of vivid colors and hues!

* When His disciples were accused of working on the Sabbath and breaking the Sabbath Law by threshing wheat, Jesus used the occasion to instruct the Pharisees on the real intention of the Sabbath Law.

* When the woman anointed Jesus' feet in the house of Simon the Pharisee and Jesus was criticized for permitting such a sinful woman to touch Him, He used the occasion to teach on forgiveness.

Do you make use of occasions as they arise in your classroom to teach your students spiritual truths? Look for them, be aware of them, and make use of them.

In the world today, it's hard to follow your youth through the daily moments of their lives and recognize and fan into flame those teachable moments. Yet, with a carefully chosen icebreaker, game, or learning activity, you can create a controlled experience where teachable moments can spring into existence. As they do, the effective teacher can pick out those little sparkles among the mundane and polish them into life-changing diamonds of truth! Truths that will last an eternity!

How to be a Creative Teacher (like JESUS) - Principle #3

We already mentioned two principles from Jesus:
* Principle #1 - Jesus invited others to talk
* Principle #2 - Jesus' Teaching Connected with Life

Today we will look at another principle from Jesus:

Principle #3 - Jesus engaged his listeners.

How can you "break the ice" with a youth who is a total stranger
and guide the discussion from an awkward silence into a
meaningful conversation?

Jesus often got people talking with his first question
and then was able to guide the discussion so that it
developed into a meaningful conversation
about a life-changing topic!

He met people where they were--whether they were drawing water,
fishing, collecting taxes, watching him from a treetop, or
worshipping God in the Temple in Jerusalem.

But Jesus was never content to leave them where they were.
His objective was always a changed life!

Remember the Woman at the well...
A simple request for a drink led to a meaningful discussion on
"living water" that transformed a village.

Zacheus was simply hoping to get a glimpse of Jesus
but instead got to talk to him at his own dinner table
in a conversation that not only changed his life,
but reached out to the lives of many sinners!

Christ's first words to Nicodemus, a religious scholar,
were a conundrum, a puzzle that left him searching.
And that search seemingly reached its conclusion
when Nicodemus took a bold step of faith,
along with Joseph of Arimathea,
and asked for the body of Christ after the Crucifixion.

The gospels are filled with the stories of people
who encountered Christ and then
their personal stories would be forever changed!

In encounter after encounter... Jesus not only broke the ice,
but he left a lasting impact
on the lives of the people he spoke with!

Sometimes Jesus used questions to break the ice.
But on other occasions he use everyday objects,
shared experiences, stories, and even crises
to break the ice and open up the way
to life changing spiritual discussions.

He asked people to share their opinions,
challenged their assumptions,
and asked them to find solutions.

He constantly invited others to join him in experiences
and used those common experiences
to bring out life changing spiritual truths.

Fresh experiences often served as living parables.

It's easy to relate to the feelings, thoughts, and experiences
when you have just experienced them.
Then it is only a short little jump
to deeper truths and understanding.

The "here and now" becomes a springboard
to the distant future,
to choices and consequences.
A small controlled simulation
becomes a safe crucible
to test the consequences of real life decisions.

In the same way today,
games, challenges, and contrived situations
can generate discussions and expose
the same deep set beliefs, attitudes, and values
as real life situations and events.

How you play the game
is a reflection of who you are
and how you deal with life!

But in all things Jesus always had a purpose.
He broke the ice,
and later his own body would be broken,
so that broken lives could be mended.

Learn how you also can "break the ice"
and make a lasting impact in the lives of youth!

I've specially prepared 52 of my best icebreakers of all time!
(That's a full year of icebreakers - one a week!)
And like Christ's encounters with strangers
they are icebreakers with a purpose.

Each one includes debriefs and meaningful discussion questions
that engage youths to deal with real life issues.

How to be a Creative Teacher (like JESUS) - Principle #2

We already mentioned one principle from Jesus:
* Principle #1 - Jesus invited others to talk

Today we will look at another principle from Jesus:

Principle #2 - Jesus' Teaching Connected with Life

Jesus’ parables, “earthly stories with heavenly meaning,” made spiritual truth clear by relating it to the everyday experiences of life. “The kingdom of God . . . is like a mustard seed” (Luke 13:19). People could relate to the stories because they were drawn from real life. He used a coin to teach about taxes (Mark 12:16-17). He used the stones of magnificent buildings to explain the intensity of the end of the age (Mark 13:1-4).

The greatest engagement is to be actively involved in life. Involve rather than inform. Suppose you had climbed a mountain and wanted to convey to your students the exhilaration of reaching the top and the relief at discovering that the grueling work was really worth the effort. Would it be better to tell them about your climb or take them to the top of the mountain with you? Taking them to the top would take more time than saying: “The results are worth the climb.” But which would impact their lives more deeply? It’s the same with Bible study: the more youth do for themselves, the more meaningful their learning becomes.

Jesus taught by first being an example, and then by encouraging others to follow his example. He served by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-7). He emphasized baptism by being baptized (Mt 3:13-17). He sent the disciples out in pairs to proclaim the kingdom of God. (Lk 10:1-12) He challenged His followers to share His gospel with the world (Mt 28: 18-20).

When spiritual truths connect with real life, lives are changed and we are a little closer to teaching as Jesus taught.

How to be a Creative Teacher (like JESUS) - Principle #1

Let's begin with a look at Jesus - The Most Creative Teacher!

Principle #1 - Jesus invited others to talk

Jesus interacted with his learners. He built relationships with them based upon two-way communication. Interestingly he would sometimes begin discussion by asking the disciples a general question about what other people thought about things and then he would bring it to a more personal level. One example can be found in Matthew 6:13 and the following verses. Jesus invited talking in this situation by moving from GENERAL TO PERSONAL discussion, perhaps because people find it easier to begin talking about other people's opinions.

In Matthew 16:13 Jesus asks: "Who do men say that I am?"
Later he made it much more personal when he asked "Who do you say
I am?" (Matthew 16:15) It was at this point that Peter made one of the greatest confessions of faith - "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."

Jesus often asked questions that invited others to talk. Sometimes Jesus used questions to help people draw conclusions, such as when He spoke with the rich ruler about eternal life (Luke 18:18-29). At other times Jesus used questions to correct faulty thinking, as when He talked with religious leaders about authority (Matthew 21:23-27). Often Jesus did not answer His own questions but used them to lead His listeners toward truth.

WHO IS BROTHER EDDIE C. VILLANUEVA? WHAT DOES HE STAND FOR? "The Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement Platform"

WHO IS BROTHER EDDIE C. VILLANUEVA?

Brother Eddie C. Villanueva is one of the nation’s leading church leaders who has touched the lives of many Filipinos here and abroad as Spiritual Director and President of Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church and Chairman of the nation-wide Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM).

Beyond spiritual commitments

But Bro. Eddie is beyond his spiritual preoccupations.

Apart from being a deeply spiritual man with strong moral convictions and high ethical principles, he is most of all a Filipino who loves his country and his people and a man who is committed to leading the transformation of the Philippines into a prosperous and respectable nation through the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement which he also heads.

Bro. Eddie believes that pursuing nation transformation is a logical extension of his spiritual crusades. He is Chancellor of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation (JILCF), Inc. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of International Bible Society-Philippines. Apart from these, he is the Chairman of the International Christian Solidarity on Religious Freedom, a global coalition of Christian churches fighting for religious equality and freedom for all nations of the world. He is also Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of Christ for Asia (formerly Charismatic Fellowship of Asia, CFA) based in Bangkok, Thailand.

It is clear that Bro. Eddie, while pursuing his spiritual mandate has succeeded in shifting his focus to the affairs of the nation particularly on moral and ethical aspects. He has a national view and perspective.

Multimedia practitioner

Recognizing the value of media to reach out and spread the Word and help transform the nation, Bro. Eddie serves as the President and Chairman of ZOE Broadcasting Network, the franchise holder and licensee to operate VHF Channel 11 and UHF Channel 33. He also hosts the TV show, “Jesus the Healer”, aired over ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7, and “Diyos at Bayan”, also over ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7. He likewise hosts a radio program, “Tinig sa Itaas”, over DZJV 1458 based in Calamba, Laguna.

Bro. Eddie also leverages on the power of the print media. He writes a column for Abante and Abante-Tonite tabloids and for monthly publications in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He is the author of two books, “Find It! Straight From The Word” and “Surest Covenant”, and contributed articles to two books, “Legacy”, published by Church Strengthening Ministries and “This Is My Story”, published by Cityland Foundation, Inc.

Academic achiever

Bro. Eddie’s national involvement extends also to the academe. He is the longest-sitting member of the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Previous to this appointment, he was a faculty member of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Philippine College of Commerce (now PUP) from 1969 to 1972. Therefore he knows the intricacies of the Philippine economy. He also knows the dynamicss of business and trade beyond his academic exposure. He himself also engaged in business. He was General Manager of Agape Trading Company in 1976-1977. He was also Export Manager of Maran Export Industries in 1973-1975.

In recognition of his achievements, Bro. Eddie has been the recipient of various international and local honors and citations. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California (2008). He has also received various honorary degrees: Doctor of Education Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (2003); Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from Bulacan State University (2003); Doctor of Divinity from Christian International (CI) based in Sta. Rosa Beach, Florida (1997); Doctor of Divinity from Vision Christian College in Romana, California (1995); Doctor of Divinity from Thailand Bible Seminary (1994).

Bro. Eddie was voted worldwide as "Pastor of the Year" in 1988 by Dr. George Otis' High Adventure Ministries. He was Ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (1979) by Dr. Michael Mckinney of the Victory in Christ Church and International Ministries based in California.

Recipient of various citations

Aside from these, he was also given the “EDSA People Power Freedom Award" for ZOE TV 11 as the only TV Station consistent in standing for Truth, Justice, and Righteousness during People Power 2 (2001) and the “Gintong Ama” (Golden Father) Award from the Golden Mother and Father Foundation (1996).

Bro. Eddie has also completed various special studies: Integrated Bible Course, Harvestime International Institute (1987-1988); Morris Cerullo School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1984); Special Studies, Rhema Correspondence Bible Training Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, (1983); Basic and Advanced Bible Courses under Dr. E.W. Kenyon (1979-1980); Complete Bible Course, Daoud Correspondence School (1978); 14^th Managers’ Course, University of the Philippines-ISSI (1977); Dr. Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1977); Regular and Advanced Speech Courses, Speech Training Center (1970).

Humble but illustrious beginning

What was the basic educational background of Bro. Eddie? Bro. Eddie completed tertiary education at the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now PUP, where he was a student leader and consistent academic scholar. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Economics and minor in Finance, in 1969. He was adjudged PCC’s “Best Debater of the Year” (SY 1967-1968).

Bro. Eddie was born on October 6, 1946 in Bocaue, Bulacan to parents Joaquin T. Villanueva and Maria Cruz Villanueva, both now deceased. The elder Villanueva was a former Olympic sprinter who represented the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games for four consecutive years in the 1920s.

He was immersed in both student and labor movements in the 1970’s. He joined the progressive segments of society which opposed military dictatorship. He fought local landgrabbers in Bulacan. He was jailed for his political beliefs and participation in various mass actions.

Bro. Eddie is married to Adoracion Jose Villanueva, who holds a Doctorate in Theology from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is currently Executive Director of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide and President/Director of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation, Inc.

The Villanuevas have four children, all achievers in their own right. Eduardo "Jon-Jon" J. Villanueva Jr., 37, the incumbent Mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Governance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, 34, a third-term Member, House of Representatives, Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-list, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA and holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Eleanor "Joni" Villanueva-Tugna, 32, is currently Vice President for Programming of ZOE TV-11 and Director for Administration of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Edelisha "Jovi" J. Villanueva, 26, is a Youth Advocate and Educator and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Major in Social Science, from the Philippine Normal University (PNU).

WHAT DOES BROTHER EDDIE C. VILLANUEVA STAND FOR?

The Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement Platform

Our vision and our hope

We are Filipinos who believe in God and in the Philippines, that it is capable of transforming itself into a productive, prosperous and respectable nation.

We stand for good governance, and good governance can be achieved only when like-minded Filipinos bind themselves together and provide a moral force to bring this about.

We support a Filipino economy that is built on a highly-educated, creative and productive citizenry; one that is driven by sustainable growth for at least 100 years and beyond with optimum investment in infrastructure as well as in modern technology for agriculture, industry and services; one that aims to strengthen and depend on domestic demand while completely taking advantage of what the rest of the world can offer; and one where families can enjoy to the fullest the fruits of their labor right in their own land.

We aspire for a Filipino society that promotes justice for all regardless of their status in life; one where all Filipinos can live in peace and harmony; and one where our integrity and sovereignty as a nation are meaningful because Filipinos are aware and proud of their cultural heritage and they are supported by strong air, land and sea defenses.

Our roadmap to Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino

While attaining our vision for a Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino or New Philippines, New Filipino will be a long road, we shall persevere in definite stages until we all share in the common hope and say the common prayer that we are making and shall continue to make good progress. Succeeding generations of leaders will have to build on those achievements so that there shall be cumulative growth and development as we aspire to catch up with and finally overtake our Asian neighbors in 24 years.

Our priorities and our commitment

The road to Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino is a long, arduous one. There is therefore a need to prioritize if only to show to our people and convince them that we can do it. We have what it takes to be a world-class nation. We need to break the spirit of indifference and skepticism among our people.

In the first six years, we seek to achieve the following goals, the Seven E’s:

To empower the people, we shall first ensure the integrity of the new automated voting system by subjecting it to various third party audit and stress tests. This will convince the people that the election mechanism can serve the interests of the people in achieving change through the electoral system instead of staging new forms of public protests. Second, press freedom and academic freedom shall be more strongly upheld by executive commitment and legislative support through appropriate laws. Third, there shall be dedicated desks in each public agency to immediately address the complaints of the general public. The Presidency shall monitor and ensure quick action on these complaints.

To emancipate the people, first, a quick judicial review shall be conducted of all outstanding cases pending in the regional trial court, appellate court, Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan and the Supreme Court complete with accountability check. There shall be appropriate sanctions against those found to be negligent, corrupt and incompetent. New cases shall be required to be resolved within reasonable period of time. If necessary, dedicated and special courts of law shall be established. High- caliber public lawyers shall continue to be provided to level the legal playing field. This is all about fairness and justice. Second, and in the latter part, there shall be learning campaigns about the country’s rich cultural heritage while efforts shall be undertaken to achieve cultural revival for the full blossoming of Filipino creativity to help the people realize that indeed they can be proud of their heritage then and now, rather than be ashamed of what we have become. This is all about delivering the minds and spirits of the Filipinos.

To educate the people, we shall do a quick multisectoral, multidisciplinary stock-taking to overhaul the existing educational program in the Philippines starting with first, the curriculum in all levels with emphasis on the sciences and engineering, mathematics and computer sciences as well as English and literature. Second, there shall also be a comprehensive review of all textbooks and other school materials to ensure the world-class quality of Philippine education. Third, there shall be quick and across-the-board adjustment of salaries of all teaching personnel to ensure a corps of dedicated, highly skilled and well-paid educators. Fourth, there shall be a quick review of all existing learning centers to ensure that only quality schools and colleges are allowed to operate. Fifth, a feeding program shall be installed immediately starting with depressed communities and provinces to spread throughout the archipelago to ensure the proper frame of mind and body of the students. In the latter part, two projects are in the pipeline: public libraries in all cities and municipalities shall be built and continuing education and training shall also be conducted for the senior citizens and those who are intellectually and physically challenged.

To energize the economy, a comprehensive 24-year program of economic miracle shall be prepared, leveraging on the existing programs and vision of the Government with a great difference: there shall be greater role for Government to direct the priorities of investment and provision of infrastructures to priority areas and sectors to achieve one overriding goal: to see a New Philippines overtaking its neighbors in 24 years or even earlier. First, massive infrastructure projects shall be implemented to ensure more than adequate road facilities, cheaper power, better utilities and communications. We shall build an integrated transportation system that will link air travel and sea travel to railways and road systems for convenience, safety and economy of the riding public. Research and development shall be harnessed to bring about modern and environment-friendly technology to multiply the efficiency and productivity of sunrise segments of agriculture, industry and services and all their ancillary industries. Second, and to ensure resources are available for these massive undertakings, there shall be a rethinking of fiscal policy: regressive taxation shall give way to progressive, simplified taxation to achieve higher tax collection and contribute to income redistribution. If necessary, new taxes shall be passed while existing taxes especially on financial transactions that stifle rather than encourage economic growth shall either be reduced or abolished. Effective tax mapping of all establishments and households shall be conducted to increase the tax base even while the system is being streamlined. Fiscal incentives to industries shall also be rationalized in favor of the provision of better facilities, services and infrastructures. Quality and directed expenditure shall be ensured. Third, we support a truly independent central monetary authority to ensure low and stable prices while the financial system remains safe and sound. The BSP shall be allowed to float its bonds for monetary stabilization. Its capitalization shall be fully paid and if necessary, increased. Sufficient protection shall be afforded by law to central bank staff and officers to safeguard their independence in the performance of their duties. Fourth, given the increasing need for more lands, the current agrarian reform shall be reassessed and recalibrated as necessary to adapt it to modern agriculture. Illegal occupancy of public lands shall give way to important public projects particularly in industrial and commercial zones. Illegal occupants shall be relocated in new communities where employment opportunities shall also be secured. Legal obstructions like right-of-way, temporary restraining orders by the courts, and so on shall be appropriately dealt with to ensure quick resolution of cases and realization of both domestic and foreign investments.

To elevate the living standards of the people, the manifesto of a common man shall be heeded: the State shall promote an environment where job and business opportunities will make it possible for every Filipino to have: (1) decent and affordable housing by rationalizing all government agencies involved in housing, leveraging on the resources of the GSIS and SSS or a new provident fund system with stronger terms of reference; (2) clean and safe water, electric connection and communication facilities by requiring current water, electric and telecom concessionaires to devise a consolidated system to benefit from economies of scale; (3) decent and affordable medical care by overhauling public hospitals and clinics and providing them with sufficient personnel and logistical support; (4) well- built and well-lighted streets, public parks and playgrounds through effective coordination between the local and the national governments especially in the efficient use of the internal revenue allotment; (5) reliable and secure post office facilities by overhauling the current system and increasing the pay scales of post office personnel; (6) regular garbage collection by institutionalizing performance review of all contractors and sub-contractors; and (7) adequate police protection by overhauling the PNP. Within six years, with ample resources from robust tax collection and a conscientisized bureaucracy, we want to improve on the old Philippines where public services worked and were highly-prized and Filipinos would never trade staying in the Philippines with living in other countries. Overseas employment is no longer a necessity but will be reduced to a simple choice.

To eradicate bad governance, we shall, first, encourage a covenant to be signed by the President, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court that they reiterate their oaths of office and their commitment to carry out their respective mandates to achieve good governance, free of corruption in all agencies of Government under their jurisdictions. This is possible because with a robust economy yielding higher public revenues, salaries of all public personnel shall be increased to reduce their vulnerability to corruption. At the same time, performance review shall be institutionalized as basis for higher rewards for good public servants and severe penalties for the inept and the corrupt. And second, we shall establish greater transparency and clear-cut mechanisms for reporting and prosecuting cases of graft and corruption to achieve zero-tolerance for corruption among those in government and even in the private sector.

To establish peace in the land, first, the full force of Government shall be used to bring the Mindanao peace process to a fruitful resolution without compromising the integrity and sovereignty of the Philippine Republic; second, we shall invite the rebel forces to the negotiating table to impress upon them that under a new, prosperous and honest dispensation, all their causes shall be addressed under the umbrella of one Republic of the Philippines; third, while we speak softly, we shall carry a big stick by strengthening our land, air and sea defenses with modern equipment and weaponry as well as by providing high-level training for a leaner but meaner military force; and fourth, we shall strengthen our ties with both regional and global allies to more effectively address issues and concerns that transcend national boundaries and in the process establish the credibility and leadership of the Philippines.

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY... AND AGAIN PRAY.... LET US ALL FAST TO IGNITE THE RESTORATION OF THE NEW PHILIPPINES!

IKAW ANG PAGBABAGO PINOY... PARA SA PAGBABAGO NG PILIPINAS!

BRO. EDDIE VILLANUEVA FOR PRESIDENT!

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!