Jesus Needs Help!

Are you willing to help? Are you generous enough to give everything to Jesus? Are you ready to share your blessings to Him this time? Are you serious prioritizing Jesus and give Him all the help He needs right now? Are you already prepared and decided what gift to give Him on His birthday?

I am quite sure that many of us have already bought our gifts for our family, friends, and godchildren. It is indeed a very benevolent gesture of thinking and preparing something special for the people dear to us. Jesus is truly happy for all our acts of generosity and thoughtfulness because we never fail to remember Jesus’s birthday through others.

This time JESUS NEEDS HELP!

More than the gifts we usually give during His birthday Jesus is appealing to us to extend our help to our suffering brothers and sisters in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and other affected areas in Mindanao due to the great havoc brought about by typhoon Sendong. All of us may have read, heard, watched, or witnessed the very depressing situation of our fellow Filipinos who are right now suffering from great hunger, thirst, obnoxious smell, missing family members, lost of properties, and death of a loved one. What have we done so far?

Every time I watch the news on television, I can’t help but feel very sad and at the same time guilty because much as I would want to help I am not doing anything at all. More than pity and prayers which anyone of us can do, they need all the help they can get from us. As Jesus said, “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren, you do it unto me.” Jesus needs help this time. He is begging us to share our blessings to our suffering and dying brothers and sisters in Mindanao. Jesus never fails to help us and He never gets tired of listening and granting our prayers every time we asked help from Him. This time Jesus needs our help.

It is never too late to send all the support that we can give and be an instrument of hope, love, and compassion to those who need it. I believe that Jesus never expects anything from us on His birthday but if we really love Him more than anything else, let us help Jesus now through our suffering and dying sisters and brothers in Mindanao.

Jesus needs help! Do you care enough to help Him?

Christmas Won't Be The Same Without You

Christmas won’t be the same without you

Christmas won’t be the same if you go

All I need to see standing by my Christmas tree…. is Christ

Christmas won’t be the same without you

They say that Christmas is only for children. Others would say that Christmas is for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Many say that Christmas is the longest and most expensive season of the year. In the Philippines, Christmas season starts at the very first day of the so called, “ber months”.

For the past years of my life, I will never forget all the delicious food, new bills, brand new clothes, toys, hugs, and kisses I received from my parents, god parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. They have made my Christmas truly exciting and memorable. When I was young, Christmas is all about receiving and using everything that I got to make me feel good and proud as a child.

For many men and women whether young or old who are in love or broken hearted, Christmas won’t be the same without the person they truly loved so much. In fact, a good number of people have tried to commit suicide or ended up their life because of losing the person they love for menial or grave reasons. Obviously, their life and love was focused on one person only. Is that really the ultimate reason for this season?

What happened to the true reason why we celebrate Christmas? Why do we view it differently? Why do we celebrate it in a manner that seems to be full of materialism and earthly desires? If we say that Christmas is the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, how do you think He really wants us to celebrate His birthday?

When there is a birthday celebration, we expect to have a euphoric party full of fun and frolic. We wear our favorite, posh, and branded attire that we have. We bring the most impressive gifts that we can give to the birthday celebrant and we partake in the most delectable food that can be served for everyone. Now I wonder, do we think, feel, and do the same way during Christmas day? Have we truly asked ourselves what we can do best for this day? Have we thought of doing what we can really do to make our birthday celebrant feel very much loved and happy?

As the song goes, Christmas won’t be the same without you….. Seemingly, Christmas is deemed as a selfish way of thinking about oneself and one person only. It can never be that meaningful without the person you desire to be with everyday of your life.

I hope by this time, we have all learned our lessons very well. Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is the one and only reason why we celebrate this season. He is what I long to see standing by that Christmas tree and no one else. I can only hope that all of us would be able to transcend our thoughts, feelings, and actions toward the true meaning of this holy event in our life as Christians.

Christmas won’t be the same without you

Christmas won’t be the same if you go

All I need to see standing by my Christmas tree…. is Christ

Christmas won’t be the same without you

TEAM AZKALS

The word “Azkals” was an improved version of the word “Askal” which means street dog in the Philippines. Of all animals, a dog is described to be brave, loyal, feisty, protector, and most especially a best friend to everyone. Thus, I believe this is the best choice and most fitting name given to the Philippine football team.

I have never been a fan of the sports because I find it boring, very hard and long to score, and at the same time anti-climactic. I would even ignore it every time I see it on television. But when it started to become popular in my country, it rings a bell to my ears but never had a chance to watch nor follow their matches until the Philippine Azkals Team came to Indonesia for the 26th SEA Games 2011.

Game 1 – Philippine vs. Vietnam (November 3, 2011)

My strong desire to watch their 1st game was honestly brought about by my innate love and loyalty to my country. However, I was not able to watch the game because I have work. Sadly, I heard that they loss their first match against Vietnam. I felt a bit sad because I know that the team carries with them a lot of energy and motivation to win and bring home the honor and glory for the country.

Game 2 – Philippines vs. Timor Leste (Novembe 7, 2011)

I was so excited to watch their 2nd game against Timor Leste, a small and autonomous country which used to be part of Indonesia. When I saw our players, I felt half-hearted because most of them do not look like Filipinos. They are half Filipino and half German, British, Spaniard, and other nationalities there is. I have doubts in my mind and in my heart that they will play as if they are fighting for the country.

Nonetheless, my love and loyalty to my country prevailed and I still showed my love and support to the players by shouting at the top of my lungs and leading my fellow Filipino teachers in cheering and boosting the morale of our players. After all the cheering, yelling, shouting, and praying the whole time our team loss against Timor Leste by two points.

After the game, I felt the excitement of my friends to meet the players. It was my very first time to see the very popular Azkaleros. They are all good looking and charismatic young men which makes them the most popular and sought after team by many especially the ladies and gays as well. Hahahahaha!

I felt their goodness and sincerity when they were apologizing to us because they loss the game. Honestly, I felt quite sad but I tried my best to make them feel good by cheering them up and saying words of encouragement to them despite their defeat.

Game 3 - Philippines vs. Laos (November 11, 2011)

This is a game that I will never ever forget. Our team is already down by a point and only few minutes remaining. Actually, I was already singing the song “There can be miracles when you believe," in a joking manner. To my surprise, I didn’t realize that miracle just happened. The Azkaleros made two points with few minutes left in the clock. It was indeed a miracle from God coupled with the fighting spirit and commitment of the players to the sports. The Filipino fans mainly composed of teachers working in Jakarta went berserk shouting and jumping for joy. I shouted up to the last voice I ever have. It was a tremendous and heavenly feeling that lifted me up so high.

We were all eager and very much excited to meet all the players to express our congratulations. This time, I had a chance to have pictures with most of them. We met Ginie who is the sister of OJ Clarino one of the players of the Azkals. Thus, we were privilege to meet all the players up close and personal in the hotel. We had a chance to talk with them and had more picture taking this time. It was indeed a rare moment to be with these celebrity players. Carlos de Murga, half Filipino–half Spaniard was a very cool guy. He was full of life and very friendly. He started to talk to me in Spanish and asked if I can speak the language. Roland Mueller, half Filipino-half German, the tall, fair, and handsome dude was very congenial. He has the charisma and zest of a person which everyone would enjoy talking with. I can say that he has the best personality among all the Azkaleros I have met and talk with. Well, it seems that we do not want to leave the hotel and spend the night getting to know more of them as we enjoy every single minute of their winning.

Finally, we have to say goodbye and we wished them all the good luck and blessings for their next match.

Game 4 – Philippines vs. Myanmar (November 13, 2011)

I arrived late in the stadium because I attended the anniversary of the Genesis Catholic community here in Jakarta. The game started at four in the afternoon and I left the place past three. It was raining hard and I was hoping and praying that I could make it so I can cheer for our team. I already missed the first half of the game and the second half has already started. Nonetheless, the most important thing was that I was able to make it. The score was 5 – 0 and this time I was literally laying my hands on our players together with my friends with the hope that they can reduce the margin and eventually lead and win.

Unfortunately, it was another day of defeat and disappointment. It was a very short and fast encounter with them. I felt their sadness and frustration and I did not bother to be with them and have the usual talk and picture taking. It was time for the exhausted and down hearted players to go back to the hotel and recharge as I went back home to rest as well.

Game 5 – Philippines vs. Brunei (November 15, 2011)

Final game, last hurrah!

We know that this is a non-bearing game. Win or lose our team is already out of the standing. It did not stop us from watching them play for the last time and show our love and support which they badly needed. The Azkaleros made the first point. We all jumped for joy, yelled, and cheered for them. As the game progresses, the opponent made their first, second, and third point. I never give up leading the pack cheering and boosting the morale of the players. However, I heard someone saying nasty words out of frustration which I find mean and inane. I told that person to stop saying such grotty and sardonic words because it will not help at all.

I was taken aghast to see the face of Jason DeJong full of blood. He never mind it, instead, he just crushed a pack of ice and put it on his face to stop the bleeding. After few minutes, I saw him run, kick, and chase the ball again. He has plaster on his face and a bruise on his right thigh but despite of it he was still fighting it out to win for the country. I felt the true spirit of a real player in him. Because of it, I have become to admire more the person and the sports because of what he has exemplified during the game. Jason DeJong is indeed a true man with a heart of a great player.

After awhile, Roland Mueller, the goal keeper had his share of bruise and pain. He was down on the ground and was moving in pain. We all shouted his name and cheered for him. Thank God, he got up on his feet and immediately showed his gratitude and appreciation by smiling and waving at us. What a kind gesture of a true player and gentleman.

Time is up! The team loss their final game! The players look all weak and devastated. I saw Jason DeJong crying like a child. I just can imagine the pain and frustration his feeling inside. He must love the sports so much as if he lost someone very dear to him. I felt sad and sorry for them because I know they wanted to win and make us all feel proud.

I bought some stuff which I intend to give to some of them as my expression of gratitude and appreciation for their kindness and for representing the country with goodness and kindness. How I wish I have more means to share something to each and every one of them as an expression of my love and support to the team. I shared a box of chocolates to Jason, Roland, OJ, Jeffrey, and Carlos for giving their heart out which I witnessed and sincerely felt.

It was sad seeing them loss the game while leaving the place in pain and sorrow. I could have followed them to the hotel with the rest of my friends but I decided not to go. I just prayed for them that they may all feel good and well. I waited for their bus to leave while I was holding a big cartolina with the word “Go Azkals! We Believe!”

Team Azkals, thank you very much for making me a fan of the sports which I find boring. Thank you for representing our country with all your power and might. Thank you too for the short but memorable time watching you play which gave joy and happiness to me and everyone else. Most especially, thank you for the chance and the opportunity to enjoy your company as well.

Till we meet again Azkaleros!

The Psychology of Prayer

I have always believed that ‘prayer’ is a form of therapy. I am more inclined to believe as well that it is one of the best therapies out there. More importantly,  it is for free. Hence, while I try to be scientific in my counseling by adhering to my counseling  paradigm, I always conclude the session with my client, provided h/she is a believer, by telling her to pray. Why? What do we get from praying?

There are basically 2 reasons why we should pray, one  reason falling within  the scientific realm and the other in the spiritual realm.  Doctors have observed that when we pray, we activate the  chemical serotonin in our brain, and once it is activated, it relays signal to the hypothalamus in the form of neurotransmitters.  Serotonin is known as the ‘happy chemical’, it is responsible in influencing directly and indirectly  approximately the 40 million brain cells in human, i.e., brain cells related to mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behaviors.  This suggests that a balanced level  of serotonin would influence mood in a manner that leads to happiness. Logically, an imbalanced level would produce the opposite outcome.  As the hypothalamus is  the ‘seat of all human emotions’, these neurotransmitters activate  the emotion of happiness in the hypothalamus, making it possible for us to experience this positive emotion. Hence, just this notion or belief of getting connected or reconnected to God through prayer stimulates this kind of physiological reaction in our body that produces positive psychological effects.

In the spiritual realm, when we pray, we make ourselves an open vessel for the Grace of God, especially if we do it via the four ways: contrition, adoration, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS).

In that connection, to pray is to seek a ‘win-win approach’!

Quo Vadis

People seem to be so consumed and preoccupied with work, vanity, sex, money, investments, relationships, and all other self serving desires and caprices available around us. Sometimes I wonder if they have thought that all of these things will go into past. These are just transient and that one day it will all end whether we like it or not. When that time comes, what will happen next?

When I was a child, I thought that life is about eating, playing, praying, sleeping, eating, playing, praying, sleeping, and eating, playing, praying, and sleeping again. Wow! Isn’t that exciting because everything is provided for you and you are free from all stresses and anxieties of life? It was like a never ending fun and frolic experience that I wish has never ended. I remember Inang (mother) would carry me at her back from our stairs just to bring me to our dining table so I can enjoy my meal with my siblings. Also, I vividly recall the time that Amang (father) would sleep beside me and make sure that I am having a good rest because he believes that I will grow faster if I sleep in the afternoon. Who doesn’t want to have this kind of life? It was indeed one of the most unforgettable experiences I will always cherish and treasure forever. If time machine is real, I wish that I can go back to those years of my life.

In life, I have met and talked with people who were confused about their course choice, career plans, gender identity, and spiritual beliefs. From my interaction with them, I have discovered that they just all needed to be cleared of what they really wanted in life, direction. It is definitely not an easy process but they have tried their very best to go to that path of life.

As I grow older and wiser, I have realized that life is not all about eating, playing, praying, and sleeping. I think that life is about finding meaning in everything that you do, otherwise, you are like in a trip to neverland and you don’t know where you are headed. Finding neverland will surely be an esoteric experience one would not want to travel. But where do I really want to go with all of this quest for meaning and pursuit for happiness which I always desire and long for? Honestly, I can intellectualize and spiritualize my answers to this simple but intricate question. Where do I really want to go from here?

Now that I continue to live my life, I need to be clear of what I want to do and where I really want to go. After all, I am the captain of my soul and the angel of my heart. I just hope and pray that at the end of my journey, I hope I was able to go and take the path that will lead me to the direction where I have to be.

Quo vadis! Where do you go from here?

Ako'y Isang Pinoy.........

Ako’y isang Pinoy sa puso’t diwa

Pinoy na isinilang sa ating bansa

Ako’y hindi sana’y sa wikang mga banyaga

Ako’y Pinoy na mayroong sariling wika……

Bata pa ako ng una kong marinig ang awitin na ito. Masarap pakinggan at sambitin ang bawat salita sa awiting ito sabay sa saliw ng himig na para bang ikaw lamang ay naglalaro. Dahil bata pa ako noon, di ko lubos na tanto ang tunay at malalim na kahulugan ng awiting ito.

Ngayon, batid ko sa aking puso at isip ang tunay na kahulugan at diwa ng pagiging isang Pinoy. Ako’y isang Pinoy sa puso’t diwa. Pinoy na isinilang sa ating bansa. Ako’y hindi sana’y sa wikang mga banyaga. Ako’y Pinoy na mayroong sariling wika. Totoo pa ba ngayon ang nilalaman ng awiting ito sa ating buhay? Naalala ko noong ako’y nag-aaral pa, pilit kong sinasanay ang aking sarili sa wikang banyaga. Sa katunayan, Ingles ang paborito kong pag-aralan sa klase. Sa bahay nagpipilit kami ng aking mga kapatid na gamitin ang wikang banyagang ito. Kasi naniniwala kami na balang-araw makakatulong ito sa amin.

Bakit nga kaya ganoon ang aking naging mentalidad? Sa paaralan puro wikang Ingles ang gamit dahil batid nating ito ay impluwensya ng pagsakop ng mga Amerikano sa ating bansa. Kapag naghanap ka ng trabaho at ikaw ay kakausapin para kilalanin ng mabuti, wikang Ingles ang gamit. Kadalasan isip ng maraming Pinoy na ito’y sukatan ng talino at galing. Kapag mahina ka dito, nakakahiyang malaman at minsan ay masabihan ka pa na wala kang pinag-aralan.

Ang mas nakakahiyang realidad ay kapag magaling at mahusay ka sa wikang banyaga, ikaw ay sosyal, mayaman, konyo, matalino, mahusay, at higit sa lahat ay kahanga-hanga. Napakapayak at nakakahiyang marinig ang mga bagay na ito para sa isang Pinoy na tulad ko. Sinikap ko mang maging maalam sa wikang banyaga pero ni kailanman ay di ko kakalimutan o ipagpapalit ang aking sariling Wika.

Maraming bansa sa buong mundo ang umunlad na gamit ang kanilang sariling wika. Pero tayong mga Pinoy, patuloy nating inaakap ang isang wika na di naman naglalarawan ng ating pagiging isang tunay at tapat na Pilipino. Sabi mo Pinoy ka? Bakit ang Lupang Hinirang kapag inaawit sa sinehan o kung saan pa man di mo man lang maawit ng may buong puso at kalooban. Sabi mo Pinoy ka? Bakit palagi na lang mas gusto mong tangkilikin at gamitin ang mga bagay o gamit na gawa ng mga banyaga. Sabi mo Pinoy ka? Bakit nga ba patuloy kang nagpapaka-sosyal sa paggamit ng wikang di naman sa atin nagmula. Sabi mo Pinoy ka? Bakit ang iyong mga anak natutuwa kang marinig na gamit ang wikang banyaga.

Hindi ko itatanggi ang katotohanan na malaki ang naitutulong sa paggamit ng wikang banyaga sa maraming Pilipino lalo na sa tulad kong naghahanap buhay sa ibang bansa. Pero maraming pagkakataon na nakakapagod gamitin ito dahil hindi ito ang wikang aking pinagmulan na dumadaloy sa bawat ugat ng aking buong pagkatao. Pilipino ako at Mahal ko ang bayan ko. Mamahalin kong buong-buo ang pagka-Pilipino ko. Kasama na rito ang paggamit ng aking sariling Wika.

Saan man ako mapunta o dalhin ng tadhana patuloy ko pa rin isasabuhay ng buong katapatan ang aking pagiging isang Pilipino. Dahil, “Ako’y isang Pinoy sa puso’t diwa, Pinoy na isinilang sa ating bansa. Ako’y hindi sana’y sa wikang mga banyaga. Ako’y Pinoy na mayroong, sariling Wika.”

Counseling: A Misunderstood Profession

My career as a Counselor started way back 1997, when my professor in the graduate school invited me to apply as a University Counselor in one of the biggest universities in Manila. At that time, I just wanted to study because I felt bored working as an office employee. I never thought that I would end up working as a School Counselor for 14 years now.

I was motivated to make a blog about my career as a Counselor which I consider my ministry because of the sad and unacceptable reality I experience in my professional practice. I never expect that I have to go through a very tough and tumultuous moments in my counseling life which put me in an extremely difficult situation. I have to educate people for them to understand and appreciate counseling. Sadly, not everyone believed and respected the way it must be practiced.

My employment contract abroad was not renewed where I worked as a Counselor / Teacher. I was doing counseling and teaching at the same time. Needless to say, a counselor cannot enter into a dual relationship whereby he is the counselor and teacher of the students. Why? As a teacher, how can I tell my students to see their Counselor who happens to be me? Being the lone counselor, that really puts me in a big conundrum. Seemingly, not many people know that part of my job is to keep sensitive information of students with utmost confidentiality. At the start of the school year, I was advised by my principal that I can already look for a new job. Reason? Guess what? I know a lot of information about the school and they were afraid that I might divulge it. Honestly, I was not renewed because the school owner was afraid that I might tell others about my counseling sessions with their daughter. Part of my ethical training and practice is to keep confidential information of my counselee unless there is an imminent threat or danger in the life of my counselee and the people involved in his/her issues, thus, that’s the only time I can break confidentiality.

Just the same, I was not offered a new employment contract in the next school where I worked as a Counselor / Teacher again. The school owner wanted me to make a detailed report of my counseling sessions with a student. They were not satisfied with my general report. The top officers of the school individually talked to me and convinced me to come up with a comprehensive report of my counseling sessions with the student. I consulted my mentors and senior colleagues in the profession regarding this. They all said that I have to protect my counselee by all means. Apparently, they do not understand why I can only give as much information necessary. That story was full of drama and intrigue like a telenovela but I don’t want to end up a villain betraying the person who trusted me so much.

Also, I will never forget the time when I joined my students in Singapore for a school immersion; I was excited because I will have a chance to talk with the School Counselors hoping that I would learn a lot from them. Unfortunately, they don’t have even one Counselor considering that they are a huge school with more than 2,000 students. Obviously, they don’t see the need and importance of having School Counselors and to have a guidance and counseling program for their students.

Now, it seems that I am reliving the same experience as I continue my work here abroad. God has brought me back to this place for a noble reason. I put my faith and trust in Him as I continue my ministry in this beautiful country. I know where I stand and I know what I must do. I may be earning better from working abroad but I will never do something that will put me and my counselees in great jeopardy. At the end of the day, people I work with may misunderstood, reject, or terminate me from my job but this will never seize me from doing what is right, proper, and ethical in my practice as a Counselor.

Ultimately, I am accountable to my Great Counselor above, whom I strongly believe has given me this ministry and the gift to touch people’s lives to help them become a person that God wanted them to be.