siete pecados

"Sin creates an inclination to sin. It engenders vice by the repetition of the same acts."

This is not to claim self righteousness, or to purchase a ticket to heaven. Simply, this is just a presentation of the sins that I, too, have committed and once or still developed as a vice. At the same time, it is also upsell the virtues that we often sin against.

PRIDE/VANITY. Defined as an excessive love of self and belief in one's abilities. It is where all the other sins root from. The battery that keeps all evil working. Comes along with Pride, is it's twin sister, Vanity (- it is my favorite sin). They say that pride and vanity will always call for competition. "If someone else's pride bothers you, then you have a lot of pride yourself."

The horse and the color violet are said to be the allies of pride.

ENVY. Defined as desiring what other's have, may it be material or situational. Its is a manifestation of discontentment and a result of desiring more than what you have. Instead of being happy for the achievements of others, we wish for their losses. As Desiderata says, "Do not compare yourself with others because for always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself."

The dog and the color green are said to be the allies of envy.

GLUTTONY. Defined as the consumption of much more than what is required. It is taking much more than what we need. Acquiring more and more properties without considering that others do not even have something to eat. "Take everything in moderation."

The pig and the color orange are said to be the allies of gluttony.

LUST. Defined as the excessive craving for the pleasures of the body. It is wanting more of sex without taking into consideration of the emotions that come in between and the sanctity of its purpose. Thus, it is the id or the most primeval tendencies that controls over the mind and heart. Lust also has a twin named Promiscuity. "To highlight lust and promiscuity can hurt the body, the mind and as well as the soul."

The cow and the color blue are said to be the allies of lust.

ANGER/WRATH. Defined as a state of fury towards someone or something. It is a crippling emotion which will prevent you from doing good to others, especially if you are angry at them. It is a catalyst of revenge and all other wrong doings. "He who angers you, conquers you."

The bear an the color red are said to be the allies of anger.

GREED/AVARICE. Defined as the the sin of covetousness. It is the desire for material wealth. Greed is having so much at the expense of others. It is preventing oneself to grow. It is selfishness. "Materialism is the only form of distraction from true bliss."

The frog and the color yellow are said to be the allies of greed/avarice.

SLOTH. Defined as indolence or the lack of willingness and passion for work, may it be physical or spiritual. It is the lack of effort to make a living and the indulgence in confort and luxury. "Work is love made visible."

The goat and the color light blue are said to be the allies of sloth.

The Bible does not specify a single book or even a chapter on these sins alone, yet they are present from Genesis through Revelation, as they are existent in our daily living and that, we are tempted (more often unconciously) to commit them.

I could not cast the first stone, but let us one by one pick up what sin we have thrown to others and choose to be virtuous for as much as we can.

"Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit."

uplift from gmciusallc yahoo groups

Wed Mar 7, 2007 10:53 am

Character is the most vulnerable victim of assassination. And it is the most defenseless to attack. Yet, it could take in only a littleand most often, the damage is collateral.

If we stain other, people’s character, we do not only destroy what other’s see of him, but at the same time destroy what he sees of himself. And the most hurting of all, is that, we also damage ourselves.

Guilt is more of a killer than gossip. It may not be true the moment after the damage has been done, but in the our days of stagnation and degenerativity, we will come to realize that we wasted a lot of time minding other people’s business.

Not that I have never done that. I, too, had been both a victim and the assassin. For the rest of my life, I have sworn to salvage myself from both the damage and the guilt.

In this business we are in, we encounter a lot of different personalities. Some are nice, some not so nice, and some has lurking evil in their gut. Anytime, gossips from one to the other could roam around. Instead of mending it among the people involved, most of us would strip away confrontation as an option. Some would choose to involve others who are not supposed to be involved luring them to sin.

But let us not ignore that you get whatever you give. The effects of your being mean may not take its toll in the same place or immediately after each circumstance, but sooner than you will ever imagine.

i have left you my right

"No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances."

-Art. 3, Sec. 4 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines

Thus, stated in the Bill of Rights, that every Filipino has the right to peaceably redress their grievances. This in fact, is included amongst the highest law of the land. With this freedom comes great responsibility.

Here is my piece, and I hereby do my responsibility:

Many have read the articles in my blog. It is an extension of oneself. A primer to one's soul. I have friends who keep track of me through my writings, as I keep track of theirs, too. With this, we update each other with our lives without saying much.

Few days ago, I have received a feedback that one of my blog articles bothered some people. In the first place, why be bothered? There is nothing more bothersome than guilt. It killed Judas, right? I didn't even know those people read my blog. Perhaps, they are my friends who would like to keep track of me, too. Of course, I am glad that somehow, I could add them to my growing list of fans.

Until one day, I have received a message saying that I should be cautious about what I write because what I have written could be used against me. I am thankful, for the generous concern. Yet, I could not grant the request of one of my articles be hidden, edited, deleted or disclaimed. For I have none to fear, or the least be cautious about.

Those are my opinions, yes. But no one was specifically identified, neither did I drop any names. I was taught that responsible journalism is safer than latex condoms.

Art. 353 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines pointed that, "the elements of libel are (a) imputation of a discreditable act or condition to another; (b) publication of the imputation; (c) identity of the person defamed; and, (d) existence of malice." Unless all of these elements are present, no crime committed.

"A man's reputation is the estimate in which others hold him in, not the good opinion which he has of himself."

new leaf

Isn't it more of an overthrown flower, instead?

Anyway, I am glad that finally, my site looks shiny and new. It took me a long time to find a three-column template which would suit the title of my blog better. Well, of course, there are still the old ones, but most of it would be something this page couldn't do without.

Happy about the changes. Looking forward to finding more of myself as I blog on.

from france to spain

“I wished I were there with someone who could bring peace to my heart. Someone with whom I could spend a little time without being afraid that I would lose him the next day. With that reassurance, the time would pass more slowly. We could be silent for a while because we'd know we had the rest of our lives together for conversation. I wouldn't have to worry about serious matters, about difficult decisions and hard words.”

-an excerpt from By the River Piedra, I Sat Down and Wept

Time is still and none but the silence of the outside noise awakened me. I tried going back to my day sleep, but none drools me like the night. I wished I could hide away the confusion and cover it with the blanket that I used to cover myself when I am cold.

Yes, that elusive peace that I deserve and the search for it is haunting me again - the peace that I longed to have with someone. I had a glimpse of that few weeks ago. Winding roads, dark and foggy, I have held the hands that secured me and whose heart is as restless and trapped as I am.

I expected to be unpretty. I expected to be jealous. I expected for demands over and under the linens. I expected to be on my own. Never did it cross my mind that I will be wrong. For all along, I was carried over to cross the concrete river. I could only hear the applause of the angels behind us.

I had my introduction to gambling. Yet, I never felt like it was all a risk. I was never a big better so I did just fine having fun with the little tugs and warm encouragements that was banked on me. I will never trade the soft kiss for a slot machine jackpot.

Surely, there are no repeats. There’s always everyday to look forward to, anyway.

mad girl's love song

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead;
I lift my lids and all is born again.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

The stars go waltzing out in blue and red,
And arbitrary blackness gallops in:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

God topples from the sky, hell's fires fade:
Exit seraphim and Satan's men:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I fancied you'd return the way you said,
But I grow old and I forget your name.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

I should have loved a thunderbird instead;
At least when spring comes they roar back again.
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)"

by Sylvia Plath

For Melody, who's mad as ever...but a girl? That's better left in question. Hehehe!Just kidding my dear Melody fair...you are just more man that those substance abusers who couldn't even face their fears. Go girl. Sing the maddest love song, for I know in the end, you will have the loudest laugh.

candyman on the loose

"Nothing stings more than to strain your lungs away to sing to someone who wants to sing your song to someone else."

-a text message fron Tonette, 12:57am, 29th January 2008

(Sharing half of the camera with Tonette)

To those who were fooled
by his sweet talk and caring gestures:

You are not alone.
We are all victims of the truth
that he is such a conqueror.
And we have made ourselves
qualified for seduction...
voluntarily.

Here's the deal fellas:
he would bloat your stomach,
levitate your heart
and creep into your pants.

He will do all these
as fast and furious as he can,
because tomorrow
he will be gone.

just this

Yesterday, i had the worst day and the best cry. It was an extraodinary day, indeed, because it will never happen again. I never felt drowned and floating at the same time. I was just - heartbroken.