Tatlong Tinapay at Isang Bote ng Softdrinks (Three Pieces of Bread & a Bottle of 7-Up)

I was walking fast on the street of Ilustre going to Gaisano South Mall to do my groceries. An old man who’s looking timid and tired met me on my way and said,

“Day, tagai ko og dos palit nako og tinapay kay gigutom na kaayo ko.” (Please give me two pesos to buy bread because I’m so hungry.)

I looked at him. I was thinking I don’t have any loose change in my purse. I have two one thousand bills and a few hundreds. I darted away from him. But as I was nearing the entrance of the mall, I hurriedly ran back to find the old man. Gratefully, he walks slowly inch by inch so I was still able to get a hold of his arm. I said to him,

“Dali, nong palitan ta ka og tinapay.” (Come with me, sir I will buy you bread.)

I wanted to bring him to Minute Burger in front of where we were standing but I noticed he’s too tired already. Gladly there’s a bakeshop a few steps away. I ushered him inside, made him sit and ordered two big monay, one mammon topped with cheese and a 12oz. bottle of 7-Up. He then began to eat and sipped the cold liquid.

Mashfa: Taga asa diay ka, nong? Asa ka gapuyo? (Where do you live?)

Old Man: Sa Bucana sa may boulevard. (In Bucana near boulevard.)

Mashfa: Unsa imong pangalan? (What’s your name?)

Old Man: Rene. Rene Logroso.

Mashfa: Pila na imong edad? (How old are you?)

Old Man: 72.

Mashfa: Asa man imong mga anak? (Where are your children?)

Old Man: Wala ko’y mga anak. (I don’t have children.)

Mashfa: Asa imong asawa? (Where is your wife?)

Old Man: Wala man koy asawa. Tigulang ko ulitawo. (I don’t have a wife. I’m an old bachelor.)

Mashfa: Kung muuli ka sa inyuha kinsa imo kauban sa inyuhang balay? (Who’s with you at home?)

Old Man: Nakipuyo lang ko sa akuang amigo. (I’m staying at my friend’s house.)

Mashfa: Nag-unsa man ka dinhi sa gawas? Asa man diay ka gikan? (What are you doing here on the streets? Where have you been?)

Old Man: Gikan ko sa Bajada nagbisita sa akong ig-agaw. (I went to Bajada to visit my cousin.)

Mashfa: Naglakaw lang ka? (You walked from Bajada to here?)

Old Man: Oo. Exercise man ni, day. (Yes. It’s a form of my exercise.)

(I felt like smiling but I pinched myself not to).

Mashfa: Wala ka nangayo og plete sa imong ig-agaw pauli? (You didn’t ask money from your cousin for your fare going home?)

Old Man: Wala man to sila’y kwarta. (They don’t have money.)

As he was eating..

Old Man: Dili man nako ni mahurot tanan, day. Iuli nalang ni sa tindera. (I can’t eat all the bread you had bought, might as well return them to the saleslady.)

Mashfa: Sige lang, nong balunon nalang nimo. (It’s ok, sir. I’ll have them wrapped for you.)

When he was good to go, I handed him his bread in a plastic and told him I’ll have him ride the jeep going to where he lives, my last offer was declined and said he’d like to walk home since the sun is not visible during those hours.

“Salamat ani, day ha.” (Thank you for this.) Those were his last words to me before turning his back and started to go on his way.

I was relieved but still felt guilty why I hesitated to help the old man the moment he was asking for only two pesos wherein I could buy four to five loaves of bread in a week just for my afternoon snacks at home. 

I traced my steps back to the entrance of the mall and bought stuff for my ones at home. As I was searching for my wallet to pay the cashier for my purchases, I saw the receipt issued to me by the bakeshop where I bought snack for the old man. It was 48 PhP. I paid the mall 2, 000 PhP.

For the last two weeks of this January, this was my second time to be in a situation like this. Only with the first, I had let it pass. I wasn’t able to help the old man.

Lord, have your way in me. Make me a channel of Your never-ending blessing. I’ll always be of service.

PGCAG Leaders on the Verge

Hear ye! Hear ye! PGCAG won't be this much in number and won't be this big without our very own leaders pursuing through our vision and mission and having them in a big crowd all on their own in a secluded place to meet and gather among themselves and to be recharged again for the 2011's battle with the Lord. Seeing them with big smiles and looking at their photos makes me pray that one day I'll be treating them to a luxurious event they deserve. ^_^ (Help me pray.)


Take a look at their good shots taken at Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort, a 5.2-kilometer away from the highway of Brgy. Ilaya, San Fernando, Cebu last January 25-27, 2011 during the National Leadership Assembly a.k.a LAMI (Leadership and Managemnet Institute).

Big thanks to Rev. Remo for the photos. (Hehe. ",)

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

My Father of All Times

He is the reason why I was born. He is the reason why I'm here. He is the reason why I have a name this long. He is the reason why I know God. He is the reason why I had the courage again to start my life anew. He is the reason why my family is strong and is knitted together. He is the reason why I have this kind of sympathy for others.

My father, my biological father is Rev. Mahro G. Singcol. Born on January 15, 1960 in Carmen, Bohol, the youngest to a brood of five. When his father died, a pastor, her mother remarried, bore their stepfather two offspring but didn't survive life and died young. At an early age, due to his father's death, my Papa as what me and my siblings call him had learned to do hard works in order to eat three times a day and in order for him to go to school. They were living almost below the poverty line. Good thing their deceased father had left them a piece of land to which they planted coconut trees, fruit trees, bananas and crops and turned to be one of their source of income. When Papa finished his high school studies, he studied for a vocational course to have a certificate in sewing. Carpentry and farming also entailed his job when he was single. At the age of twenty something, he began setting his feet inside Mindanao Regional Bible College (formerly AGBIM), learned with the Lord, graduated with an honor, assisted pioneering pastors and later became the one planting churches, became ordained with the Assemblies of God, married, got kids, hosted churches, became one of first youngest District Superintendents of the entire PGCAG and up to now he's irreplaceable in his position. ^_^


I'll never forget the days when  my father will show me his 'tiger-look' whenever I act stupid in front of him. His voice would be like a roaring lion (same as my Mom at home) when he's angry and was there ready to spank me. He's moderately strict but very very stiff.  I feared him because of that. I never saw him cry (visible to us his children) but as  he prays, I heard his wails to God. As I grow up, got to another place to do my studies and work, got married and have kids and lives in a far away place from my childhood home, I miss my father a lot in every single day that passes by. He is more of a father to me. He's my father of faith. He's my friend. He's my counsel. My guide in spiritual aspects. My father at all times.


Believe it or not, I still can run to him whenever I feel sad, lonely & happy (kahit twenty four years old na ako, hehe). And he always welcomes me with loving arms, with his fatherly love that I'll never ever trade for anything in this world. He had thought me so much in life. How to be patient, generous, kind and how to show mercy like what Jesus did for all of us. I remember him saying that his angels are goodness and mercy. Even if he is the head of the Central Mindanao District Council of the Assemblies of God in Bukidnon, even if he finished a Masteral in APTS, even if he has credits with what he did for the glory of God - he remains humble. Our home is welcome to anybody who wants to visit. My parents had thought us to give in everything we can. Our dining table is always ready to serve food: dried fish, ginamos, vegies and if we can, could be chicken or pork. The rooms at the second level of our house are always open to anyone who is tired and needs rest.


Seeing almost all of the days my papa have been through with his pastoral work, I'd say he has a very strong stamina in fighting against the hard fireballs thrown to him. I never saw him backing up, instead, he rises above with dignity knowing that he is just doing his part, his work and what he thinks is right. HINDI SIYA NANGUNGUNSINTI NG TAO. He never delights in the misery of others. Even to those who betrayed him he still makes peace with them. Even to those who grits their teeth on his achievements he would still embrace them.


If given the chance to change my life and have the option to choose whom I'd want to be my father, I'd still choose him, my papa. Life will never be best for me at all without him as my father here on Earth.

The Art of A Servant

Since I was a kid we always have a helper or a student-worker at home who does the laundry, washes the dishes, cleans our house & all household chores a house helper is being expected to do. My mother is really an effective trainer so once a newbie enters our premises, in a week or so the maiden or the boy will at most learn how to do things inside the house in able not to annoy his/her boss (my Mom). Sometimes a bit longer depending on how the house helper would easily catch and digest what my Mom had taught them.

I came to think it was easy to have another mouth to feed at home and paying the person for doing the house chores which I neglect somehow because of my work. My first house helper only stayed with us for  a matter of 2-3 days. On her second day I spotted her crying so badly inside our once-rented room telling me she needs to get home because her hostile husband would bring her son back to Luzon if she'll not return to Bukidnon within that day. The second one still was from my province, a native somewhere. Had stayed with us for 1-2 months. I had voluntarily let her slip away, knowing she got some of my stuff from my closet, some kilos of rice from my big pail storage, some coffee and powdered juice sachets (the 3-in-1 coffee mix! She has a taste!) and some things I didn't bother to audit. The third one, which is now presently with us at home came from my parent's house, worked in there for almost 2 years, transferred to another place to have another employer and environment, went back again to my parents for another few months, stopped to rest from serving homes and is now with us for a year and 3 months and counting.

Since she is a native from the mountains, me and my husband need to constantly teach, remind and instruct her on the proper ways how things must be done at home. At times, I choose not to speak anymore cause I don't want to say words that might hurt her ego whenever she commits tresses I dislike her doing at home or whenever she omits instructions given to her. Well, I too have disregarded duties at work and with my sidelines. I just have to understand and bear in mind that not all people are perfect to get a job well done. Maybe too, my house helper wasn't able to finish her 5th grade due to unstable finances. I remember the day when she was brought by her father to my parents saying, "Bahalag walay sweldo pastor, ma'am basta lang makakaon ako anak" (It doesn't matter if she'll receive salary or not as long as she can eat three times a day.) How hard! Their family was one of the tribal people in Talakag, Bukidnon who were ministered by loving missionaries from Australia several years ago. The father was one of the trained workers of my father and some pastors from the District to work in their small community as exhorter and lay workers in behalf of course of our Heavenly Father. And just last June 2010, me and my husband decided to let our house helper enroll in Sunday classes conducted by the Philippine government to which she gladly responded to. Since the program is for free, I just bought her school materials she'll need, paid her ID card and uniform fees and with her monthly salary at home, I believe she's using it to buy herself stuff which she deserves after all her hard works. I pray my household will be a blessing to her and to all of those who ask our help and assistance like what my parents and my husband's parents did and are still doing with people who are in dire need in terms of finances (as long as we can) and emotional dealings and the main course - in prayers and spiritual company.

My husband and I have our own employers we work for. In our dictionary: employers are bosses, employees are the workers and the servants. Employer to employee relationship and vice versa works if and only there is good communication, harmony, understanding and rules being followed and traits that will strongly support the line. Same as with me and my house helper. I seldom trust people with my belongings, with confidential issues and with my family. So I see to it, whoever I entrust my precious things and precious ones to, he/she must be worth it.

A Song to Share

This is a song performed by Rebecca St. James. I've first heard this six years ago and sure thing, the song speaks of boldness, repentance, acceptance & rising again from falling hard from the mishaps of life..


GO and Sin No More


I've sinned, come on my knees

For I'm not worthy of Your love
How could You die for me
Such grace can only come from God

Oh Lord, You search and You know me
You see me inside out
God, You alone can forgive me
Erase my fear and my doubt
Father, You pick me up
I feel like a child in Your arms
I don't deserve this love,
but I hear Your voice, Lord Jesus

CHORUS: 
Go and sin no more
He said "I will not condemn you,
I'll forgive and I'll forget it all
Go and sin no more
My child, let me remind you it
is I who'll lead and guide you as you go"

You are my purpose - You are the reason that I live
I want to be like You - Help me to love and to forgive
God, let me not be distracted
Lord, help me focus on You
Keep sin from ruling my life, Lord - make me holy and pure
Father, You pick me up - I feel like a child in Your arms
I don't deserve this love but, I hear Your voice Lord, Jesus

CHORUS

Wipe, wipe away
Take, take away
Break, break away
Fill my life, make it right
Father, help me, Father, help me go

CHORUS

He said "I will not condemn you, no 

Go and sin no more
My child let me remind you it is I
who'll lead and guide you as you go"

I've sinned, come on my knees, how could You die for me
You search my heart - know my thoughts
See me inside out and all throughout me
You alone can forgive me
You always pick me up - like a child in Your arms
I could stay with Your forever here.

Amen! Thank You, Lord for the awesome and unconditional love You have for me. You are indeed my ever-loving God.

Utang Ko Ito

Debt is that which is owed; usually referencing assets owed, but the term can also cover moral obligations and other interactions not requiring money (Wikipedia). As far as my mind could grasp & reach, the term debt comes in hand with the word borrowed.

As per The U.S National Debt Clock the outstanding public debt of the U.S Nation as of January 9, 2011 at 8:10:44 AM (GMT) is $14, 022, 105, 385, 979.23 and their National Debt has continued to increase an average of $4.18 billion per day since September 28, 2007!  The U.S as the center of trade & industry, commerce & somewhat all – knowing they have a debt this big, what should I think then about the debt status of my country, the Philippines?

Setting aside the issue of my country and the U.S’ debts, I’d like to reflect on my own debt – yes, I’m talking about my owed things. Thankfully, in my two years of being married to my wonderful husband, we didn't incur much of this word. With an honest heart and tongue, the day we were married by a pastor & also our friend, we didn't receive any gift. The day before our wedding day, I, my husband and his father went to Bukidnon (my hometown) to join my family & relatives, butchered two goats for dinner and went back to the city after sleeping there for one night. The next day, there were only ten heads who witnessed our very simple ceremony. After that, my father gave me 1, 000 PhP and my father-in law handed me 3, 000 PhP. I had 1, 000 Php left in my wallet. And that was all. The following day, I paid our house cashier 5, 500 PhP for our room rent and for our food. I had to withdraw another 500 Php from my ATM card to cover another 500 bucks. We started from ALMOST nothing. Our things were all basic: in the kitchen, for our bed, to our clothes.

But our God is not blind. After I gave birth to our daughter, my father had given me his rights of his bought lot just within the city to whatever use or purpose I see will benefit me and my new family. I passed it on to my husband, Rex to which he then made an action. Within two months from my notice to him, we were then building our first humble dwelling. I was always grumbling and complaining to my husband why he went immediately with his plan of building our first house in such a kind of place! Later, I soon came to realize the advantages of having our house (simple & quiet) and learned how to be grateful. Having this small house costed us 80, 000 – 90, 000 Php. The initial part of this amount came from my husband’s money he earned when he was still single. A sum of 20, 000 PhP was borrowed from my sister-in law Ate Ody and her husband Kuya Reg (thanks to both of you, allowing us to use a part of your means so we could start over). Other parts of the whole amount were being handed, offered and extended to us by our parents, my brother-in law Ralph, Nathan a very close friend of ours, some of Rex’s friends and from our salaries and small earnings. Indeed, God is always at help and of assistance.

Consequences rise anytime without giving warning. But we are always grateful we surpassed them all with arms wide open for God’s pruning of our marriage. I too, myself was and is learning to accept God’s tests on me and in my marriage while giving me blessings on the other side. Such a great and kindhearted God. And there will be more consequences coming we need to get through. 

Borrowing money/things from people, banks, institutions and among others entails obligations & responsibilities and number one is to RETURN what was borrowed, in exact amount, shape, quantity and form or with interests. I was just grateful my credit card (I was an extension of my Aunt Nel’s credit account with a bank) got lost a month before it will expire. So, I wasn’t anymore tempted to ask my aunt to still include mine if ever she’ll renew her credit line. That was the end of that card account. I have two remaining cards but one is a debit and the other one is savings so I don't have anything to swipe whenever my urge of extravagant and unnecessary spending comes to my mind for I can't afford to spend unwisely what I had spared and saved. ^_^

Study shows today that most of the people within the middle class to the higher class go shopping using credit cards. Even the ones who shop online also use the same kind of method. I was taught by my parents to pay cash whenever I want to purchase something. It’s still good to pay in cash. Debt/Credit Experts have this line: Do not buy when you don’t have cash. If you have cards, better leave them at home before going out.

Let’s flip the other side of the coin. How about if we talk about the debt that had cost and took Jesus Christ’s life on the cross? It ain’t Jesus’ debt, it’s my debt.  I wonder if I could ever pay for it. I was meditating on this children’s song a few days ago while munching on some bananas:

He paid a debt He did not owe

I owe a debt I could not pay

I needed someone to wash my sins away

And now I sing a brand new song

Amazing grace

Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could NEVER pay.

True, I could never ever pay the debt which Christ paid on the cross for me. I only had one life, and it was spared because He sacrificed Himself so I will be saved. I can pay the money I owed but I can never do nor redo what Jesus did for me on Calvary.

Painstaking Death

When I went home in Bukidnon to my immediate family with my husband & our daughter to spend our Christmas break from work, I was greeted with the news of the death of my well-known grandfathers, two of them. I remember last year, within the months of August to October some of my close-related relatives (uncles & grandparents) also passed away. Almost eight hours after the signal of the New Year (2011), for another time, another lolo of mine went with the Lord. And when I got back in the city yesterday from my long rest, I received a text from a friend and an office mate that a co-former agent of ours had died and was buried last Friday.

I just can’t believe what I’ve heard about my once co-officemate whom I had previous talks & lots of laughter with. For my uncles & grandparents, some of them have body illness complications & some were already too old, around 90 something of age. As I was inhaling the news, I was also imagining my friend’s face inside his last bed or I’d say his final room on earth. And, I can’t help but to imagine my own self inside a coffin!

Just an hour ago I blurted this question to my husband, “What’s the feeling of being dead?” to which he answered bluntly, “I can’t answer that question of yours.” There were several news on the media tolling about people who came out or woke up from their deaths! I’d sometimes ask my father (who’s a minister) about these. His answer, “Observe & discern if those people were telling lies or if they were telling true stories.” Yes I can but how will I know? I’m not the one in their shoes.

The word death in the Illustrated Thesaurus is related to ruin, extermination, dying and decease. My maternal grandmother (to whom I was very close to) died when I was nine years old from an accident. She fell from the stairs; her head hit the sharp edge of the last flight and hemorrhaged, which caused her sudden death. I was with her that night; we were sleeping on the second floor of their house. That was December 29, 1995. Just two days before 1996 came in. I was fondly called lola’s child for I was sticking with her more than my own mother when my Lola Elena was still alive.

Death. I believe is the end of us humans here on Earth. The Bible says to dust man will return for he is made from dust. Our physical bodies were granted to us so we could breathe & live & were being gifted & given to us so we could do various activities which were also designed for it. Our heads, our hands, our feet were made from dust. The first man was formed from earth (Genesis). To Earth Adam returned. And so for us.

Now, I can imagine myself – dead. But not yet, not now. But, I’ll never know when my time is. What day the Lord will get back this life He had given me. I’ll never know. No one will know. The Bible says, To live is Christ and to die is gain. I believe we’ll gain when we do favors for Him when we are still breathing. I still can’t express thoroughly what I’m feeling & what I have in mind as of this moment. I know I’m grieving. To those people, who were already dead, I’m not sure if you can read this post I made. But, I ask each one of you, wherever you may be, please, pray for us still living on Earth. We don’t have any idea what things are going to happen when we’ll be the ones who’ll be dead.

My prayer is that may the Lord guide me to live according to His words in the next hours of my life, to forgive me from all my mistakes & the likes, to teach me what to do next so I will live like Christ while I’m still alive.