Random Thoughts and Musings on the Narrow Road

“What do you mean by that word, ‘choice’”?

2012-01-23T18:49:00.001+08:00

LINK

Hitler Nabuang sa Hindi Pagpasa ng RH Bill Ngayong Taon

2011-12-19T21:47:00.005+08:00

RH Bill won't be passed this year: Hitler goes into a tantrum. LoL.Fact References:1. 350 pesos per hakot -- see Inquirer article: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/103857/no-delay-but-rh-bill-won%E2%80%99t-be-pas... -- The group scheduled the "peak" of its pro-RH rally for September and set aside P1,750,000 to organize a rally of "at least 5,000 people." Each participant was supposed to receive P350.

FOREIGN FUNDING TO PUSH RH BILL: No surprise here

2011-12-05T09:36:00.006+08:00

(Reposted from The Catholic Position on the RH Bill)What we've been saying all along: foreign money funds pro-RH activities A pro-lifer's speculation on what the people in this anti-Catholic protest might actually have been thinking.An article published on December 2 of this year by Philippine Daily Inquirer brought to a wider audience some of the details of a

More on NFP-BOM

2011-11-15T13:19:00.002+08:00

From an upskill NFP-Billings Ovulation Method seminar I attended last Sunday, some bullet points:Correlating the signs and symptoms of fertility-new CYCLE commences-HYPOTHALAMUS produces GnRH, tells PITUITARY to produce FSH-reaching THRESHOLD for a few of the most sensitive FOLLICLES-these follicles begin their RAPID GROWTH PHASE-OESTROGEN is produced-FSH rises to INTERMEDIATE level, follicles

The 2 o'clock duwende

2011-10-27T10:10:00.003+08:00

(A Halloween story)My wife and I were sleeping quite soundly one night and as usual our 2 year-old child Raphael lies sleeping between us on the bed as he used to. All of a sudden my child sits upright from bed, he was screaming in apparent fright. My wife and I were startled and realized Raphael was having a bad dream. He had this terrified look in his eyes. We hug him tight and reassured him

Porta Fidei

2011-10-18T13:42:00.002+08:00

[link]1. The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime. It begins with baptism (cf. Rom 6:4

PNoy on same-sex marriages this time

2011-09-26T08:01:00.010+08:00

Does he understand?If one still has any doubts that the current sitting President, Benigno Aquino III Jr, has firmly decided to alienate himself from his Catholic identity, then his recent pronouncement should leave no more doubts. His defiant attitude towards the Church by his unabashed support of the RH bill is now firmly reinforced by his recent pronouncement in apparent support of same-sex

Family and Life Ministry Articles

2011-09-20T13:32:00.007+08:00

(draft articles for Q4 2011 Family and Life Ministry Newsletter)NFPRenato Manzano (brother Along to his many friends), once gave an NFP seminar on the Standard Days Method (SDM) to Family and Life Ministry coordinators at the Cubao Diocese formation center. Brother Along spiced his NFP lecture with many interesting and humorous anecdotes that made the short seminar entertaining as well as very

The ultimate Pro-RH Bill Combox Guide against Prolifers

2011-09-11T21:44:00.003+08:00

I LOL'ed at Matthew Archbold's post in NCR entitled "The Anti-Catholic's Guide to Catholic Comboxes". It gave me an idea to come up with a Top 10 List to guide Pro-RH Bill advocates in haranguing prolifers in the comboxes. Here goesThe ultimate Pro-RH Bill Combox Guide against Prolifers10. Let the women decide for their own bodies, don't worry we are indoctrinating them.9. What outdated views you

F4L: Akbayan’s tirade vs. Sotto unfair, out of context, narrow-minded

2011-08-25T21:39:00.007+08:00

Maybe Senator Tito Sotto just wants to echo Mark Twain, but that is just my hunch. Anyway... ProLife advocacy group FilipinosForLife reacts (rightly so) by assailing the vitriol directed at Senator Tito Sotto for his interpellation of the sponsors of the RH bill in the Senate. Here goes... / FILIPINOS FOR LIFE OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Akbayan’s tirade vs. Sotto unfair, out of context, narrow-minded

Senators argue inconclusively over when and where life begins

2011-08-23T21:45:00.005+08:00

Senators argue inconclusively over when and where life begins At least the tone has been set in the first session of the Senate interpellation on the RH bill. Senators Sotto, Enrile, Recto amd even Senator Lacson emphasized the primary importance of determining when life begins as a crucial point in the deliberation of the bill. Needless to say, the fate of the RH bill in the Senate rests on

Senator Santiago's "constitutional" follow-up to her "encyclical"

2011-08-18T14:20:00.013+08:00

Miriam's "constitutional" follow-up to her "encyclical" The Reproductive Health Act (Sponsorship speech part 2) The meat of Senator Miriam Santiago's RH Sponsorship speech (Parts 2 and 3) rests in claiming that the enactment of the RH bill will enjoy a presumption of constitutionality. According to her since there is no clear constitutional prohibition, the passage of the bill would amount to a

Complaint vs CCP filed by Ang Kapatiran Party Chair

2011-08-12T09:38:00.009+08:00

Complaint vs CCP filed by Ang Kapatiran Party Chair Manuel Dayrit ...for violation of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, among others... Scribd(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];

Reflection on the Controversial Exhibit by CCP Trustee, Fray Paulo Casurao

2011-08-12T08:44:00.003+08:00

CONGREGATIO S. FRANCESCO PEREGRINORUM (PILGRIM BROTHERS OF ST. FRANCIS) THE MODERATOR GENERAL REFLECTION REGARDING THE CONTROVERSIAL EXHIBIT “KULO”AT THE CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES I am writing this reflection as a response to Dr. Florangel Braid’s observations on the forum which occurred shortly after the CCP Executive Board Meeting on Friday, August 5, 2011, convened by Dr.

"filthy rich Church" ???

2011-08-09T08:23:00.004+08:00

Or is it filthy rich imagination? / More on the myth of the "filthy rich Church" (reposted from The Catholic Position on the RH Bill) Several weeks ago, the blog Adbokasiya published an interesting email thread / discussion regarding Elizabeth Angsioco's notorious screed on the Church's supposed wealth: On the Church of the Poor Issue - further comments on the Church of the poor. The thread

Artists defend controversial exhibition, Palace refuses to comment

2011-08-08T11:24:00.012+08:00

The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) has rallied behind artist Mideo Cruz, whose work Poleteismo has become the subject of criticism by Catholic groups. According to the group the condemnation of art exhibit of Jesus mixed with symbols of pop culture "smacks of religious fascism". “We believe … that this demand to suppress the show smacks of the religious fascism of the friars … and is

Miriam's "encyclical": The primacy of conscience says the RH bill is great and all the Popes were wrong after all

2011-08-02T12:24:00.022+08:00

Senator Miriam Santiago delivers Part 1 of her sponsorship speech of the Senate version of the RH bill.In so many words, Santiago attempts here to justify her dissent of a key teaching of the Catholic Church. Mainly, she cites the primacy of conscience as the primary justification for her support of artificial contraceptives.She hinges her dissent on a "historically conditioned", "liberal

PNOY'S SONA 2011

2011-07-25T18:51:00.006+08:00

State of the Nation Address: President Benigno Aquino III‎(initial reaction to PNoy's SONA)"Naglalatag po tayo ng pagbabago upang mas mapatibay ang pundasyon ng maaliwalas na bukas para sa lahat."I think this statement pervades the whole theme of PNoy's SONA. It is not such a bad idea to stick to such a theme under the circumstances. He stuck with the good points, played those up, and evaded

Requiescat in pace: MANNY AMADOR

2011-07-22T15:14:00.003+08:00

Information Technology pioneer. Writer. Musician. Motorbike enthusiast. Staunch Prolifer. Catholic blogger. A colleague in Filipinos For Life. A humble servant of God.MANNY AMADOR. Requiescat in pace.http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/22/11/pinky-amadors-brother-found-deadhttp://mamador.wordpress.com/http://katoliko.org/http://mannyamador.multiply.com/

The third ticket

2011-07-10T20:20:00.007+08:00

There is this story about a young farmer called Seamus who finds himself in dire trouble.His farm has gone bust and he's in serious financial trouble. He's so desperate that he decides to ask God for help. He goes into the Church and begins to pray… “God, please help me, I've lost my Farm and if I don't get some money, I'm going to lose my house as well, please let me win the lotto”.Lotto

The major cause of maternal deaths, really (Part 2)

2011-06-17T14:09:00.005+08:00

(or why getting pregnant is like getting hit by a car) huh?I came across an article which that annotates the problem with data and illustrations, and it helps understand the issue of maternal health. The article concentrates on showing data as a comparison of maternal deaths with our neighboring countries, and shows the 4 points where the RH bill aims to address the issue.I like the analogy of

Senator Pia Cayetano: REDUNDANT times 5

2011-06-07T21:46:00.016+08:00

Earlier today, Senator Pia Cayetano delivered her sponsorship speech of the Senate version of the RH bill. In essence, she spells out 5 supposedly earth-shaking points up front of what the Senate version of the RH bill is all about. To cut it to the chaste, the 5 points she enumerated are as follows: 1) REDUNDANT; 2) REDUNDANT; 3) REDUNDANT; 4) REDUNDANT; and 5) REDUNDANT. However, she should

Angsioco versus unborn

2011-06-06T10:58:00.024+08:00

With prominent RH bill proponent Elizabeth Angsioco's latest tirade entitled "Unborn versus mother", one is convincingly left without any iota of a doubt as to the main agenda of the RH bill: it is all about Abortion with a capital A. Unless the RH bill proponents disown Angsioco's statements, her astonishing message reveals the strikingly clear motive. The title of her opinionated (and grossly

A response to the latest salvo of Fr Bernas (again)

2011-06-03T15:58:00.010+08:00

A response to the latest salvo of Fr Bernas (again?)"...There are claims, for instance, that there are contraceptive drugs in the market that cause abortion or are carcinogenic. What I would like to see is an authoritative identification of the drugs that are said to be abortifacient or carcinogenic so that they can be withdrawn from the market or their use subjected to medical regulation. So far

The future for female fertility according to the man who created the Pill

2011-06-03T14:22:00.003+08:00

The future for female fertility according to the man who created the Pill..his vision of the future, Professor Djerassi sees egg freezing as a fundamental tool of family planning - empowering women further...‘It is already happening at Stanford, where I teach. Women assistant professors on a tough ten-year career path, working 60 or 80 hours a week, are freezing their eggs for later use.’Whoah!

Christian Anthropology versus the Sexual Revolution

2011-06-02T15:58:00.002+08:00

"Christian Anthropology versus the Sexual Revolution" by Peter Kreeft.-an address to the The Catholic Medical Association's 79th Annual Educational Conference, October 27-30, 2010.(excerpts)To see that the Sexual Revolution has been radical in thought as well as behavior, just look at the revolution in language. When people use the word "morality" today they almost always mean sexual morality.

Yet still more discussions...

2011-05-28T23:21:00.004+08:00

Yet still more discussions...(reposted with the author's permission. originally posted here)The Philippine Daily Inquirer last Thursday came out with a front page story that detailed the life of a poor woman and her husband struggling to raise their eight children in poverty. I'm not linking the article here because I believe it's one of the worst the Inquirer has ever done, and it puts their

DOCTRINAL NOTE on some questions regarding The Participation of Catholics in Political Life (excerpts)

2011-05-27T10:06:00.001+08:00

DOCTRINAL NOTEon some questions regardingThe Participation of Catholics in Political Life(excerpts)/..A kind of cultural relativism exists today, evident in the conceptualization and defence of an ethical pluralism, which sanctions the decadence and disintegration of reason and the principles of the natural moral law. Furthermore, it is not unusual to hear the opinion expressed in the public

Who said Pacquiao lost that match?

2011-05-26T15:17:00.008+08:00

Pacquiao, Lagman spar on RH billPacquiao ‘trying hard’ to spar with Lagman on RHManny Pacquiao clueless on RH billWhen Congressman Manny Pacquiao took the floor last week to interpellate Congressman Lagman on the RH bill, many people tuned to it like a boxing match. From the newspaper accounts, it looks like the neophyte gentleman from Saranggani took a beating from the more seasoned gentleman

A wobbly stand

2011-05-25T11:02:00.007+08:00

My stand on the RH BillBy Fr Joaquin G. Bernas, SJ[read the full article here]Wherein Fr. Bernas says:"Seventh, I hold that there already is abortion any time a fertilized ovum is expelled. The Constitution commands that the life of the unborn be protected “from conception.” For me this means that sacred life begins at fertilization and not at implantation.[...]Tenth, I hold that public money may

Pangangailangan ng mga Kababaihan

2011-05-22T10:46:00.002+08:00

Authored by Prof. Aliza Racelis. Reposting with permission. MORAL na KamalayanAng isinusulong namin sa grupong ito, at sa maraming pro-life groups, ay ang mga kabutihang-asal – tulad ng pagiging TAPAT ng mag-asawa, chastity education, pagtitimpi, pagsasakripisyo, atbp.– sapagka’t ito ang pangmatagalang solusyon sa tinatawag na “unwanted pregnancies” na laging bukang-bibig ng mga pro-R.H.Bill.

Pacquiao KO's Lagman

2011-05-20T16:12:00.003+08:00

Boxing champ Pacquiao uncovers Lagman's misleading claims of amended provisionsh/t I.A.F of FilipinosForLife(addendum)This amendment issue stinks. 1st) it is not in order as the rules stipulate that amendments are taken up only after the interpellations; 2nd) We are not aware of any waiver of rules to this effect; 3rd) If indeed there as a waiver or even granting it was not necessary, then the

EUGENICS: The Philosophy of the RH Bill

2011-05-18T22:24:00.012+08:00

FVR to PacManFVR: “I think the philosophy of RH bill is that we must learn to produce quality people in this world instead of producing people who only end up as, say, beggars on the streets, scavengers, or sellers of cheap or prohibited items. This, I think, is the real valid argument in favor of the RH bill,” he added./What an incredible, appalling admission. EUGENICS in other words. Now

Two interpretations of: "The State shall protect the life of the unborn from conception"

2011-05-18T15:24:00.006+08:00

Two interpretations of: "The State shall protect the life of the unborn from conception"(In other words: we must protect ourselves from twisted interpretations)Chemical contraceptives are known to inhibit implantation of the fertilized ovum (in other words they are abortifacients) and I have never found an OC manufacturer's statement that officially and categorically denies the fact. With this in

On ensoulment and specious arguments

2011-05-11T16:37:00.009+08:00

At the recent RH bill debate aired by ABS CBN/ ANC last May 8, a certain Dr Sylvia Claudio from the pro-RH bill panel curiously argued on the inconsistency of the Catholic Church's teachings on abortion. She claimed that both Thomas Aquinas and Pope Gregory IX actually maintained that ensoulment took place at a later stage of the foetus, and thus abortion is permissible prior to that point as the

A war (?) of religions

2011-05-02T12:18:00.010+08:00

A war of religions(?)[and my comments]A war of religionsBy Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.Philippine Daily InquirerPosted 05/02/2011THE CONTROVERSY over the RH Bill is becoming or has become a war of religions. Pitted against each other are, on the one hand, “good” Catholics, and, on the other, the Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestant denominations, Muslims and “bad” Catholics. By “bad Catholics” I mean the

John Paul II and the Truth About the Human Person

2011-05-01T20:19:00.004+08:00

John Paul II and the Truth about the Human Personby Fr. Joel O. Jason, SThL(On the occasion of Pope John Paul II's Beatification on May 1, 2011, let's get to know a little about the man. This essay is a revised version of the author’s contribution to the John Paul II Commemorative Issue of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC) periodical Info on Human Development, March-May 2005

on the good effects and bad effects of contraceptive pills

2011-04-28T17:29:00.006+08:00

"all medical products have good and side (bad) effects" - ex-DOH chief Cabral(update: here's some more from the wacky guys at FilipinosForLife)

After you, Japan

2011-04-28T11:46:00.000+08:00

China census shows population aging rapidly(philstar.com) Updated April 28, 2011 10:38 AMBEIJING (AP) - China's latest census shows that the world's most populous country is aging rapidly, and half the people now live in cities.Results of the census released Thursday showed that the number of people under the age of 14 accounted for 16.6 percent of the country's 1.34 billion people, down 6.3

The five-point position on responsible parenthood of PNoy

2011-04-25T11:13:00.001+08:00

The five-point position on responsible parenthood of President Benigno S. Aquino III:[and my comments]1. I am against abortion.[This is a thoroughly misused and abused statement. If he is against abortion, then all his statements must be unequivocally consistent with this position. One cannot say he is against abortion yet be in favor of promoting abortifacient contraceptives, under the guise of

HAPPY EASTER !

2011-04-24T16:03:00.003+08:00

HAPPY EASTER !Here's a story originating from the former Soviet Union. It was Easter, but since religious persecution was at its height, the churches were closed and anti-religious propaganda was in full swing. A Soviet officer came to a village and orde...red the entire population to the go to the village center, where he harangued them about the "scientific" proofs that there is no

30 pieces of silver, then and now

2011-04-20T11:45:00.006+08:00

The Gospel today narrates the story about the 30 pieces of silver, as they were about to be handed on to Judas Escariot. (Mat 26:14-25)Many people speculate just how much 30 pieces of silver would cost nowadays. One estimate puts it at about US Dollars ($) 15,000. That would be around Pesos (P) 645,000 in our currency. Seems reasonable, and just about squares with the same amount mentioned

On Faith and Palm Sunday

2011-04-18T00:51:00.007+08:00

Last Friday I attended a recollection which was delivered by a priest. In the course of his talk about the essence of Faith, he related this story - in my own words as I recall it./Once there was a fire at this village. One house was engulfed in flames and an 8 year-old boy was trapped inside. The boy climbed up to the roof to escape the flames. Once up on the roof, he could hear the voice of his

Thoughts of a troubled mother, and the reply of the unborn

2011-04-14T18:19:00.002+08:00

Thoughts of a troubled mother, and the reply of the unborna poem in video by John B. JuatFilipinosForLife

Arrogantly wrong

2011-04-13T12:05:00.000+08:00

The reasoning of the pro-RH crowd, many of them learned people, never fails to astound me.Why do some people turn against the Truth and yet are so arrogant about it? In his essay "Heretics", the prince of paradox has this to say:Nothing more strangely indicates an enormous and silent evil of modern society than the extraordinary use which is made nowadays of the word "orthodox." In former days

Let them eat condoms, (3)

2011-04-12T13:35:00.002+08:00

HEADLINE: Aquino warned of rice crisis The impending rice crisis is a monumental tribute to our country's misdirected economic policy over the years. But what are we doing now?Why oh why have we come to a point where we cannot even produce our own rice when we undoubtedly have untapped resources in labor, land, and expertise. The report says NFA recently ordered from Vietnam 200,000 MT at a cost

On the redundancy of the RH Bill

2011-04-08T16:55:00.004+08:00

A quick run thru of the DOH budget under GAA 2011 shows that there are already budgeted items that are supposed to cater to Maternal and Child Health as well as population development. These programs are already a mandate of the DOH under its Population Commission and Family Health Offices.Some items as follows:New Appropriations: Health Care Assistance: 3,539,809,000Implementation of the Doctors

FAST AND LOOSE, TWIST AND SHOUT

2011-04-07T11:37:00.002+08:00

While I was scouring the net for data on teenage pregnancies, I stumbled across this article in the Likhaan website,http://www.likhaan.org/content/alarming-rise-teenage-pregnancies-notedwhich references a three-year old article by one Marlon Ramos of the Phil Inquirer.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080227-121434/Alarming-rise-in-teenage-pregnancies-notedThe title of the

A short note on today's Gospel (John 5:1-16)

2011-04-05T16:41:00.001+08:00

Jesus has just cured a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years by simply saying:“Rise, take up your mat, and walk.”;whereupon the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.Later on, Jesus says to the man:“Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.”Now what worse can happen to man who has been ill for thirty-eight years?Well, to be ill for another

'When life begins' and the RH Bill

2011-03-30T08:53:00.004+08:00

“...That is not to say that the scientific facts lend equal support to any and all views of when human life begins. While people are free to formulate their opinion on when human life begins in any manner they choose (including belief and politics), not all opinions are equally consistent with factual reality. Those who choose to ignore the facts cannot expect their opinions to garner as much

The First Temptation and being pro-RH Bill

2011-03-17T09:38:00.003+08:00

I was rereading the book "Jesus of Nazareth" and I got to a post last year which quotes the Pope partially, as he writes about the first temptation of Jesus."At the heart of all temptations is the act of pushing God aside because we perceive him as secondary, if not actually superfluous and annoying, in comparison with all the apparently far more urgent matters that fill our lives. Constructing a

Is the Catholic Church's Teaching on Contraception Infallible?

2011-03-16T20:28:00.001+08:00

Is the Catholic Church's Teaching on Contraception Infallible?By Matthew James Bellisario 2009http://catholicchampion.blogspot.com/2009/04/is-catholic-churchs-teaching-on.html(reposted with permission of the author) Introduction.Many people today both inside and outside the Catholic Church view her teachings on human sexuality as being

UNMASKING THE RH BILL

2011-03-15T10:32:00.005+08:00

(posted for the FB group FilipinosForLife)UNMASKING THE RH BILLMonday, March 14 · 4:30pm - 6:30pmLeong Hall Auditorium, Ateneo de Manila UniversityLoyola HeightsQuezon CityI was able to attend this forum today at the Leong auditorium in Ateneo. My son is a 3rd yr Psych major who knew the organizers so I was able to get in :-). The audience were basically PoliSci and Psych majors. Anyway, while

On Fasting and Abstinence

2011-03-10T07:20:00.003+08:00

On Fasting and Abstinence Bishop Fulton Sheen told of his experience one Lenten season while on a plane to a speaking engagement. When the flight attendant offered him his lunch, he excused himself saying, "I'll just have a sandwich, it's Lent.". The woman beside him also settled for just a sandwich. "So you're also Catholic," Bishop Sheen asked. The woman with a surprised look said, "No,

IT'S MY BODY!!!

2011-03-09T10:56:00.001+08:00

IT'S MY BODY!!!5-YEAR OLD: It's my body!Mother: Stop that nonsense. Take a bath!10-YEAR OLD: It's my body!Mother: I'm telling you one last time. Take a bath!15-YEAR OLD: It's my body!Father: Sure, but I still won't give you money to buy 3 nose-rings!20-YEAR OLD: It's my body!Unborn: Sure, but what about me?90-YEAR OLD: It's my body!Grandson: Sure pops. But please take a bath!/

Top 10 reasons why I oppose the RH bill

2011-03-09T10:26:00.004+08:00

Top 10 reasons why I oppose the RH bill(to be taken with a grain of salt)#10. I can't understand, for the life of me, why they call it 'Reproductive Health Bill' in the first place.#9. The 'right' to free contraceptives sounds like a right to hit oneself over the head.#8. The 'It's my own body, my choice' seems like an excuse not to take a bath.#7. The Gabriela folks are making Diego Silang

The major cause of maternal deaths, really

2011-03-02T14:17:00.005+08:00

Group to bishops: Deal maternal deaths issue MANILA, Philippines – A women’s group backing the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill called on the Catholic bishops to deal on the issue of maternal deaths in the wake of their opposition in the hotly-debated bill.In a statement, the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) hit the Catholic bishops for issuing statements protesting

Odds and Ends 3/2/2011

2011-03-02T08:46:00.003+08:00

Singson resigns from Congress...He said he was quitting “not because I am succumbing to the pressure of the noisy few among my honorable colleagues; rather, my resignation is a fulfillment of my promise to my father who had all the right to make the first and loudest protest because it was his name and honor that was mercilessly dragged into the tempest of my own undoing.”He thanked his

Remembering EDSA 1: Have we come a long way?

2011-02-26T09:32:00.002+08:00

Or should I say: are we there yet? 25 years have gone by. Today the Philippine Inquirer has bannered its front page with the momentous replica of its Feb 25,1986 edition: Marcos Flees! A curious thing I noticed however is one tiny but interesting detail. The newspaper costs two pesos at the time, now it is at 18 pesos or an increase of 900 percent. Just where has the "spirit" of EDSA 1 gotten us

say "hi!" and turn the other cheek

2011-02-19T22:55:00.002+08:00

Sunday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary TimeFebruary 20, 2011Many years ago, Nikita Krushchev was reported to have said the following while on a visit to the United States: “I’ll tell you what the difference between Christians and me is, and that is if you slap me on the face, I’ll hit you back so hard your head will fall off.”Indeed.In today's Sunday Gospel Jesus instructs His disciples to "offer

FIDELITY play-dance-skit

2011-02-12T20:42:00.001+08:00

CFC play-dance-skit presentation @Holy Family Parish Kamias QC.Parish Organizations Night Competition. Feb 11, 2011.First Prize Winner! Yey!

Beats me

2011-02-01T21:42:00.003+08:00

Later this year, our manufacturing plant is transferring from its current Metro Manila location to one of the PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) locations in the South. We are building a new and larger facility at the new location.One of the PEZA registration requirements was to get a clearance from the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) which indicates that our company had no

The crisis in Egypt: all about bread?

2011-02-01T11:56:00.002+08:00

Bread Is Life: Food and Protest in Egypt"...Whoever ends up seeing the nation through to its next phase would do well to keep bread high on their list of priorities.In the last few days, soaring food prices have been cited as one of the proverbial straws that led Egyptians to take to the streets in frustration over Murbarak's 30-year rule. It wouldn't be the first time that food has been a

On to the numbers game in the House

2011-02-01T11:13:00.003+08:00

RH bill OK’d at House committee level Choosing Life, Rejecting the RH Bill Bishops call faithful to act together Vs RH BillCBCP may pull out of dialogue with MalacañangSan Pablo Bishop calls for province-wide march in defense of life/The bill has been retitled: "An act providing for a comprehensive policy on responsible parenthood, reproductive health and population development and for other

A new twist in the RH bill saga

2011-01-26T22:28:00.004+08:00

Church, Malacañang agree on family planning agendaTHE Aquino administration has gained the Catholic Church’s support for a “responsible parenthood” bill by agreeing not to set targets for population growth, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Monday.President Benigno Aquino III will certify the new bill to Congress as urgent, but the state will not insist on the use of either natural or

Ask Them What They Mean By ‘Choice’ Blog Day

2011-01-21T16:49:00.002+08:00

h/t Jill Stanek

CFC theme 2011: Put on the Armor of God

2011-01-15T20:04:00.005+08:00

CFC Leader's ConferenceAraneta ColiseumJanuary 15, 2011Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on

Don't judge my Lancer

2011-01-14T11:28:00.003+08:00

Aquino: Don't judge my PorscheMANILA, Philippines - President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is proud of his new toy, but he just does not want to "flaunt" it.In an ambush interview, Aquino dismissed reports this recent purchase will affect his government’s austerity measures. Aquino bought a "third-hand" 2007 Porsche using his own money, according to Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda. He ditched his

God's voice works wonders

2011-01-08T00:47:00.002+08:00

Homeless man with velvety voice becomes star CLEVELAND (AP) – From the streets to the studios.Ted Williams, whose deep, velvety radio voice and touching story prompted an outpouring of sympathy and job offers from across the country, has become an overnight sensation.He's America's hottest — and most improbable — star.On Thursday, Williams, who was living in a tent near a highway in Columbus,

Religious superiors join call to reverse SC decision on Webb acquittal

2011-01-03T16:50:00.002+08:00

Religious superiors join call to reverse SC decision on Webb acquittalMANILA, Philippines—The Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP), through its chairperson Sister John Mananzan, asked the Supreme Court to reverse its decision acquitting Hubert Webb and six others in connection with the Vizconde massacre case.In her petition-in-intervention, she told the high court

Lagman grasping at straws

2011-01-02T19:23:00.006+08:00

Life begins at conception, Lagman insistsMANILA, Philippines—Contrary to the position of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), a staunch advocate of the reproductive health bill in Congress affirmed that life begins at conception, and not during fertilization.Minority Leader and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman said this issue has long been resolved by the Constitution and medical

antediluvian hyperbole...what?

2010-12-29T16:24:00.003+08:00

Back to regular programming...RH Bill advocate hits CBCP for 'church terrorism'In his Christmas message, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines President Nereo Odchimar said “the threat of war, political unrest, and armed conflicts put nations in constant fear…And the most glaring among others is that unpeace in the mother’s womb. With the approval of RH Bill, a woman’s womb can be a

Last minute shopping at Divisoria

2010-12-24T18:49:00.016+08:00

I haven't been to Divisoria since eons ago, but me and the wife just had to go there this morning to buy a PSP imitation which we promised as a Christmas gift to my 5 year old tyke. I had an inkling there would be a crushing crowd, but it was either that or World War 3. So off we went very early in the morning. We took the MRT to Recto.Our target was the 168 shopping mall. I expected the area

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T20:31:00.000+08:00

On the trivilization of sexuality

2010-12-22T09:59:00.003+08:00

Note of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith On the trivilization of sexuality Regarding certain interpretations of "Light of the World" Following the publication of the interview-book Light of the World by Benedict XVI, a number of erroneous interpretations have emerged which have caused confusion concerning the position of the Catholic Church regarding certain questions of sexual

He who laughs last

2010-12-21T10:57:00.009+08:00

Catholic Church, groups call for cuts in Dolphy’s movie The Catholic Church and various church organizations called on the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), on Monday, to delete scenes from Dolphy's comedy flick "Fr. Jejemon" deemed as offensive and disrespectful to the Catholic faith.One of the scenes that sent the Church and other groups fuming was a priest,

Yuri in pre-school Nativity presentation

2010-12-19T10:49:00.003+08:00

Stage play review:In this play acted out by kids at the Sta Rafaela Maria pre-school, most of the little tykes try to act out the part but spend half the time giggling and waving at their parents in the audience. For their part, the audience mostly takes pictures and videos but also spend half the time giggling and waving at their kids on stage. There is Yuri my youngest playing Joseph. LoL. What

The Vizconde Massacre puzzle

2010-12-15T12:29:00.005+08:00

SC acquits Hubert Webb, 6 others in Vizconde massacre case Hubert Webb, 5 others freedMANILA, Philippines – Hubert Webb and five others convicted in the massacre of a family in 1991 walk out of prison after spending 15 years in jail.Aside from Webb, the Supreme Court also acquitted Antonio Lejano II, Michael Gatchalian, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada, Hospicio “Pyke” Fernandez.The sixth was

On the Immaculate Conception

2010-12-08T08:36:00.002+08:00

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception - December 8(repost)Short historyDoctrines are defined formally only when there is a controversy that needs to be cleared up or when by the magisterium the faithful can be helped by particular emphasis being drawn to some already-existing belief. The definition of the Immaculate Conception was prompted by the latter motive; it did not come about because

It ain't separation of Church and State if you agree with them

2010-12-06T20:35:00.002+08:00

Council of Churches pushes passage of RH bill MANILA, Philippines - A group of religious organizations has urged lawmakers to speed up the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill into law.Rev. Rex Reyes Jr., secretary-general of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), said the bill is not just about the use of contraceptives but also the promotion of responsible

Odds and Ends 12/2/10

2010-12-02T00:37:00.002+08:00

Holyfield to fight Denmark's Nielsen in March COPENHAGEN (AP) — Former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has been lined up to fight Denmark's Brian Nielsen in Denmark on March 5, promoters said Wednesday.The bout will feature fighters with a combined age of 93 — Holyfield is 48, Nielsen 45.The winner of the bout will get to challenge former heavyweight champ Smokin Joe Frazier, now 64

The Promises of Christ

2010-11-25T15:43:00.003+08:00

via CatholicFriends:by Bill============"Pray for us, O Holy Mother of GodThat we may be made worthy of the Promises of Christ."How often we have prayed these words! Let us stop and think about what His promises include. What comes to mind? How many are there? Is there a list? Or should we not be too inquisitive about them, and instead fortify our faith that they will be all we could ever

Communications Fail

2010-11-24T11:16:00.003+08:00

Clergy can't be more popish than the Pope - Palace MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang welcomed yesterday the pronouncement of Pope Benedict XVI that condom use may be allowed to prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS, and urged local Church officials to take the same stand because “they cannot be more popish than the Pope.” [what a charitable insult]“That’s a good step. I think our own clergy should be

Liberals pounce on "first step", trips and falls flat

2010-11-22T09:23:00.009+08:00

Vatican Clarification on AIDS and CondomsThe Holy See Press Office has issued a clarification on the Pope’s comments on condoms and AIDS, according to Vatican Radio:The head of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, has issued a statement clarifying passages of the book Light of the World, in which Pope Benedict discusses AIDS and condom use. The statement says Pope Benedict

Odds and Ends 11/19/10

2010-11-19T13:20:00.003+08:00

Lawmakers defend Noy's 'lightweight' Cabinet appointees MANILA, Philippines - Administration lawmakers rushed yesterday to the defense of President Aquino’s “lightweight” Cabinet officials, whose confirmation in the Commission on Appointments (CA) remains uncertain. The House members were reacting to threats from Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, a member of the CA, to “massacre” at least six

Odds and Ends 11/17/10

2010-11-17T23:14:00.002+08:00

Sen. Santiago ‘threatens’ ex-Aquino girlfriend with firecrackerMANILA, Philippines – If Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago had her way, she would throw a firecracker at the former girlfriend of President Benigno Aquino III so that she would become more “animated.”“I like her as a personality but she's so demure,” Santiago said of Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad.“Sometimes, I kid my husband, I

The 'sincere' Congressman

2010-11-15T14:04:00.004+08:00

Bill Clinton, speaking here recently on “the challenge of globalization” makes a comment on the Philippine population, practically saying that more babies are a boon to the Filipinos:“you [Filipinos] have a huge population, which is [something] positive, and you have massive natural resources.”This raised the hackles of main RH-bill sponsor/advocate Congressman Edcel Lagman.Lagman chides Clinton

Everything is because of God - Manny Pacquiao

2010-11-15T10:57:00.007+08:00

Judges score: 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110Pacquiao cements his place among pantheon of all-time boxing greatsFlyweight. Junior featherweight. Featherweight. Junior lightweight. Lightweight. Junior welterweight. Welterweight. And now, super welterweight.A.J. Liebling wrote, "The span between the top limit of one weight class and the next represents the margin that history has proved is almost

"Mary’s Ultrasound"

2010-11-11T10:57:00.004+08:00

Churchads.Net

RH bill: 'Name-calling' repartee

2010-11-09T16:54:00.006+08:00

Cardinal Rosales: "If you (parents) fail (in guiding your children properly in the formation of conscience), you will reap the kind of people that you have now in most of our institutions, including Congress"Speaker Feliciano Belmonte: “Let’s not stoop to name-calling”Iloilo Representative Janette Garin: "Hypocrisy in your institution is pulling you down..we object to the imposition brought about

Obama cherry-picks Gandhi

2010-11-09T09:50:00.004+08:00

Obama credits Gandhi with helping him to presidency NEW DELHI—US President Barack Obama paid fulsome tribute Monday to Mahatma Gandhi and said studying the legacy of India's independence icon had helped propel him to the White House.In an address to the Indian parliament as he wrapped up a three-day visit, Obama described the personal impact of Gandhi's teachings of non-violence and equality

The greatest price, evah

2010-11-05T09:58:00.001+08:00

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." (Mt. 13:45-46)Grand Lotto jackpot reaches P311.9M with no winner yetI wonder what I can do with the P 311.9 Million Grand Lotto prize, assuming I win the grand lottery. Maybe I will give one million each to my close friends and

Blame it on the stupid economy

2010-11-04T09:17:00.000+08:00

Obama blames election rout on economy WASHINGTON—US President Barack Obama would not concede Wednesday that a Republican election rout marked a massive repudiation of his agenda, but did shoulder the blame for deep voter frustration over the economy.Hours after Republicans captured the House of Representatives and slashed the Democratic majority in the Senate, a subdued Obama said in a White

Climbing a sycamore tree

2010-10-30T19:54:00.002+08:00

Sunday Gospel - 10/31Lk 19:1-10...For the Son of Man has come to seekand to save what was lost.Did you hear about the short tax collector? The bills he handed out were longer than himself !The above joke was supposedly often told by Zacchaeus himself, although I suppose the people at the time were far from amused. A chief tax collector was often loathed and it was easy to understand why. They

Offending religious feelings: Not?

2010-10-28T20:54:00.004+08:00

Offending religious feelings: Not?Tourist guide Celdran pleads not guilty to ‘offending religious feelings’MANILA, Philippines -- Tourist guide Carlo Celdran donned his Jose Rizal suit anew for his arraignment on Thursday at the Manila Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of offending religious feelings.Amazing. Caught with his hands in the cookie jar: No, I

RH Bill Talk/Forum: "Why Catholics should oppose HB 96 (RH Bill)"

2010-10-27T16:07:00.002+08:00

Businessmen, are they

2010-10-27T00:24:00.003+08:00

Businessmen back birth control despite Catholic Church protestMANILA, Philippines – The Philippines' main business groups on Tuesday declared their support for President Benigno Aquino III's plan to promote birth control, despite strong opposition from the powerful Catholic Church.The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and four other major business organisations issued a joint statement

24 new cardinals: Cheers!

2010-10-22T09:35:00.002+08:00

24 new cardinalsCongratulations to Archbishop Raymond Burke !!!I can see the Pro-lifers exchanging hi-fives.The new cardinals will be elevated in a consistory set for Nov. 20 in Rome."Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..."

Odds and Ends 10/19/2010

2010-10-19T14:33:00.004+08:00

DepEd suspends classes in Metro Manila MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Education suspended classes in the elementary and high school levels in both public and private schools in Metro Manila starting at noon Tuesday in light of continuing inclement weather following the passage of super-typhoon “Juan” (international codename: Megi).Here we go again, suspending classes starting at noon.

A lesser antidote to the culture of death: A millstone around the neck

2010-10-18T18:43:00.007+08:00

LifesiteNews has highlighted the speech of Archbishop Burke to the Human Life International World Prayer Congress last Saturday. Abp Burke is the Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura. Apart from the Pope himself, who is the supreme ecclesiastical judge, the Apostolic Signatura is the highest Church tribunal. His complete talk in PDF format maybe downloaded here. The message bears emphasizing today