I remember watching a Christian video about Oprah ten years ago. In that video, she had a concern regarding a verse in the old Testament where God says “I am a jealouse God” and “I punish the sons and daughters for their Fathers sins up to the tenth generation.” Oprah responded that she cannot accept a God who can be so jealous, petty and bitter.
From that moment on, I judged Oprah as unbiblical and “labelled” her as heretic. All I cared about was if she aligned with “my” Christian doctrine. It didn’t matter to me that she experienced injustice and pain as a child, and trying to make sense of her past.
12 Steps in Manifesting your Ideal Reality Part 01
I am embarking on a new journey. I believe that the architecture of my mind is not enough to take me where I want to go. I would have to change.
Change is hard. I have to be the improved version of me. This is such a cliché because everyone uses the term. But it fits perfectly with what I am trying to convey. I struggle with my environment. I struggle with my software. I struggle with the program of me.
Going back to this series, One Tree Hill. I guess I am loving the life lessons from it. Watching Episode 1 Season 3, I hear this quote from E. E. Cummins
To be nobody but yourself in a world that is just doing night and day to make you everybody else. It means to fight the hardest battle; which any human being can fight – to never stop fighting.
A page from the book, The Briarpatch Gospel: Fearlessly Following Jesus into Thorny Places by Shayne Wheeler.
An excerpt from the book tells a story of modern day churches as it reaches out to non-church people. Enjoy.
Within hours, my high flying dream of evangelistic stardom had begun to stall as, one after another, the disinterested denizens of Brighton Beach accepted one of our tracts, gave it a quick glance and dropped it without even breaking stride. The discarded leaflets began to pile up in the trash cans and blow like forsaken tumbleweeds on the streets of this bustling city. “Rather than capturing a city for Christ, we were creating more work for the New York City sanitation workers. By the end of the day, my evangelistic fervor was in a steep death spiral
Welcome to earth, Shayne. I hope you enjoyed your flight.
By the third day, embarrassment had given way to a growing cynicism. We decided to move our team our to the famous boardwalk, where folks would presumably be more jovial, friendly, and open to our efforts.
This was not a good move.
The unrepentant littering continued. One member of our team approached two men who may have been members of the Russian mafia. After treating him to a litany of profanity and threats, on of the men pulled bakc his jacket to reveal a holstered handgun, not so politely inviting our teenager to walk away and not return.
Things were not going as planned.
Disillusioned, I stopped near a bench overlooking the ocean, where an elderly gentleman in a well word fedora sat watching the waves, wooden cane hooked on the backrest. Judging him unlikely to be hiding a gun under his faded green summer jacket, I at down to lick my wounds.
The team that only “doesn’t want to lose” is gonna be pitiful.
You always play to win.
Playing to win means dominating in every pass, every dribble and every shoot.
In life, playing not to lose is like becoming a better person. Just not losing, not going to hell.
Holiness is good and pleases God. But sinning less so that you can have smaller debt to God is crazy. Do you know Jesus didn’t pay exact price for you? He paid way exorbitant fees so that you can be sure that He paid in full. He even gave a receipt – He defeated death.
He paid way over and told devil, “Keep the change, this guys mine now.” He did it for 3 reasons, because He wants you to know:
1. How valuable you are.
2. That its useless to pay for additional fees which devil has the freedom to embezzle you for
3. That you also have to do the same: dont try for passing grade to heaven but totally dominate and be the most powerful you, there has ever been.
Playing Life to Win – Dominating every aspect of your Game
Its time to go and Dominate your Life, champ. There’s no one else that can play life for you!
I was a mortal. You were a God.
But you have loved me from everlasting to everlasting.
Before I was born, you knew me.
I was your beloved son. You were the Father.
So you sent Him from the Golden streets of Heaven and came to earth.
Everyone talks about it. We have different expectations on how it should be. Sometimes we have disappointments because what we thought it should look like doesn’t feel that way. I feel you.
Coming from a very analytical background really closed my mind. I am also a perfectionist (I learned it is actually pride to never admit mistakes, make it a habit and there you go, perfectionism, even for areas you want to be “normal”) But nothing is too great for God to break through. He gave me friends who were open enough to see the goodness of God in my life and spoke enough to convince me I was prophetic. Continue reading →
As I sit in the airport, the voice box notify me that my flight is 1 hour delayed. Four years ago, I would easily have made a fuss. As I adjust to the new schedule, I reflect on the many things going well in my life. The friends I have, my work and my experience with God.
Sometimes chosing to be thankful feels like a distraction. It feels cowardly, running away from asserting how reality should be. It feels like tolerating incompetence and other people’s failure.
Born from a Christian family has its advantages and disadvantages. For one, there are many non-evangelical thinking I don’t have to worry about. On the other hand, there are also many things I take for granted. I was talking to a friend once who see Jesus in visions and constantly sees angels and demons with her own physical eyes open. (I haven’t seen any with eyes open and am extremely envious, only see them with eyes closed but can sense them) I asked her why she still chose to stay out of church. Her answer? “You kind of get used to it and and everyone else of my friends experience the same. But I haven’t been out of the church before and I felt stuck and need to get out.”
This shows that difference people experience life differently. I am blind to what I experience eveeyday. In my case every sunday. I think its ussually the common good things we take for granted that keeps us feeling stuck.
Before I share how Buddha can help you stop Sin, I would like to answer a question that is a little closer to home: Why do we even need Buddha to solve Sin issues that
After much thought and anticipation, I would like to post a video I made back in 2009. The video might look amateur but its my best effort back then.
One and Only You by Ian Jay Bantilan
10 Years Ago
Imagine yourself 10 years ago. Could you think back on your understanding of love? Ten years ago, I didn’t know a lot about love, but I thought I did. At this time I believed:
Being right was more important than loving other people.
I did not know how to receive love.
Romance was transactional and more about getting.
I have polarized black and white/ good or bad thinking
Caring (in hindsight) looked like for others to see.
But because I was an ok, working in one of the richest cities in the world in an architect job, not only did these not matter. I wasn’t aware I had them. Continue reading →
Since I learned of the bible, the prophetic books have been my favorite. I think it’s the objective poetry like Isaiah and Jeremiah. But not so the Psalms, I guess that makes me less of a song writer. 😦 For many years I could not understand what to do with the gloom and destruction verses. I don’t know if I am to see them in my own life?, to help me be sensitive to others in pain? or to raise protection for the victim?. Today I’ve come to see them in a different light.
Imagine yourself as Superman, unstoppable, a son of Jor-el. Your dad, the brightest scientist in Krypton encased you in an alien ship and in part 1 you grew up to be powerful.
Then in part 2, 3 Kryptonians broke free from their prison and come to planet earth. They decide that their goal is to find the most painful ways to torture you and give you a hard time.
For many of us this is a real story except that in real life, the 3 super villains are invisible.
Superman Man of Steel
Enter the Game of Life “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6
I thought this passage was really for slave owners and cruel bosses. It still is but after 200 years of human rights and labor laws, there are very few slaves, count with them child abuse, battered women and abused helpers in the middle east. The abuses today are minute compared to the slaves eaten by lions and burn alive in the old days.
I saw myself with a small pail, the one we typically use in bath here in the Philippines. This morning as I listen to worship, I see so many failings in my life. As I approached the Thrown with my pail, I only desired “a little water, Lord”. As a calmed and waited, the sky ripped open. Floods or rains washed over my world. I never saw so much water in my life.
So I threw my pail as the formerly dry ground around my valley soaked up the rain. As the ground became so wet, spontaneous shouts of joy and celebration fill in with people from all over earth. They were dacing and partying like crazy. Some playing in the presence of the Father. I saw some blacks and caucasians running around. It felt like an infinitely huge swimming pool.
The water speaks of the love of God – mercy goodness and kindness flowing from the heart of God. Head knowledge of God’s goodness never did me good. I never knew that deep in my heart I still believed good is just nice. He can’t be this loving awesome.
Soon the whole wide region flooded with God’s goodness. As I looked farther away, some patches of dry ground remain. And there was this huge dam that stops the flow to many areas. This dam is legalism and religion. It deprives the land and community of God’s love. Jesus said that “The Kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21. Jesus opened the doorway to that dimension. Jesus is our key.
Then as I saw this huge dam, it got filled in and started to overflow. The love of God got through and those who felt far away were touched and transformed by the Love of God.
I open my laptop’s media player to hear some bad-ass tunes. Then the music played
Oh thinkin’ about all our younger years There was only you and me We were young and wild and free
Now nothin’ can take you away from me We’ve been down that road before But that’s over now You keep me comin’ back for more
Baby, you’re all that I want When you’re lyin’ here in my arms I’m findin’ it hard to believe We’re in heaven . . .
I listened.
Suddenly it brought me to another world. I felt a whole love story unveil again.
One that was there all along.
I didn’t know where the story came. It passed my mind as my “podcast mentors” visualize what they want in their life. The story of Pygmalion.
Pygmalion
In summary, Pygmalion was a talented Greek sculptor from Cyprus. He was frustrated by women so he dedicated himself to his work. He endeavored to create the perfect woman of his dreams. He named the beautiful work Galatea. Continue reading →
When I was 12 years old, I had this rival in my territory (basically a 446 sq.m. house and lot). I could rule my mom and dad’s land except. . .
except. . .
Rooster attacks a little kid
. . . at the far end of the garden (of dirt, banana and ipil ipil trees) lived “The Great Rooster”. Many times my nannies thanked him because he strikes fear so ‘I do not go out and play at my friend’s house. The Rooster would flex its chest over my own territory. When I reclaim my place, he would power-peck and flying-scratch everyone who challenges him, especially me. This rooster also had some “chicks” and would lay very large eggs – double and sometimes triple yolk. Those would be our breakfast. I would hold aluminum “swords” – scraps from broken windows to challenge his authority. Continue reading →
“I am the Lord, there is no other. I say to the mountains be thrown to the sea. I calm the storms and cause lightning to flash the skies. I am your Creator, the Ancient of Days. I created you in your mother’s womb.
Once upon a time a man lived in a cramped apartment. He had a wife and 2 kids and a 2000 square foot property. It is pretty big considering that that it was a 3 bedroom house with a wide lawn. Unfortunately, it didn’t feel so because the signs of the accumulated 30 years of living, was cramped all over the living area, dining and even the bedrooms. Items that he and his wife have collected lined up the front yard. Unfinished projects he hoped to finish lined his storage and stood at the master bedroom floor.
Clutter of our Lives
One day, a childhood friend from the Philippines called to ask a favor. He and his sister was going to stay over for a two-week vacation and use their place to crash. It wasn’t very comfortable but because of the friendship it was hard to say no.
The Gift of Fruitfulness – Overflowing in Blessing
Today I feast on avocadoes.
Having fruit for breakfast isn’t only healthy – it overflows with gratefulness. You see, this fruit came from home but it was not harvested from our “land”. It didn’t come from here.
There are no avocado trees in our lot.
Avocados and Gratefulness
As I eat this breakfast I am reminded of Joshua’s condition at the end of his life:
12 “I sent the Hornet ahead of you. It drove out the two Amorite kings—did your work for you. You didn’t have to do a thing, not so much as raise a finger. 13 “I handed you a land for which you did not work, towns you did not build. And here you are now living in them and eating from vineyards and olive groves you did not plant 14 “So now: Fear God. Worship him in total commitment.
As a child I used to see that things come easy my way. As the eldest with all the Aunt’s and Uncle’s gifts arrived abundantly.
Performing for Acceptance
Then school. I learned that value came from being intelligent and performing; winning at competitions. The message was you deserve the grade you get. And we only grade for intelligence and sports.
Then God shows up. You kind of get it that He loves me in spite of my imperfection. In practice, I cannot fully comprehend this. I ussually continue to pursue that grade.
Isn’t amazing that when the Israelites received their land, it was farmed and ready to produce? They received cattle from the Canaanites.
Then it hits you. It’s like Jesus. Someone who loves me and gave me all I need to live my life the way God perfectly intended me to.
Just like the avocadoes from the other lot, that blooms and throws its fruit on your lot, gently falling on you as blessings. God is really like that! He is thrilled to bless you, just rest. ☺
“Hey you can mess up your life as bad as you want. That will not intimidate me from loving you. I am God, I am the master of the most impossible turn around. I enjoy working on especially hard circumstances while you rest on my lap. You are a champion, kiddo!”
Flow of Freshness in your life
“Because no matter how bad you think you’ve become, you will always be my son, and I will be proud of who you are what the steps you are making to be better. I know the great plans I have for you. Plans of a delightful future and an indescribably beautiful. Who do you think gave the ideas to Walt on all the happily ever after Disney endings. You haven’t seen the best yet, my son so you relax and trust me. I will bring you there. Rest in My presence.”
Any traveler going to Dubai will be considered by the Philippine Government as a potential expense as many Filipinos plan to find work and get deported by the Philippine government. As great as the OFW’s are to the economy, they are not paying a penny for their government to send them home. It’s the taxpayers back home paying for their repatriation.
Bacolod/ Iloilo Portrait Services: Step by Step Colored Portrait
“With courage and joy, I pursue my life with celebration and creativity.”
This above Declaration wouldn’t be made possible without God’s guidance in my year of 2017 Jubilee and this girl’s timely intro into my life. 🙂 She and God just released so much grace and celebration into my life.
This is my second colored portrait. The first one is a pastel and colored pencil on felt. It is a self portrait back in 1996. There’s so much heaviness in making art so much that this is the next one and so much grace flows I easily finished it! I believe God has really provided so much healing and restoration in my heart. Of course wht made it easier is I’m ❤ inspired ❤ hehehe.
How to Hurt Less after a Loss (of Love) or Why my first loss didn’t hurt as it should
She came back and saw me. Small talk. Then she dropped the nuclear. It came with fire. It explodes! I squinted through the smoke.
After a few seconds, I check for damage. I was unhurt. But how?
It’s not me like me. I remember once during 2008 recession when my company let me go. That was a rejection bomb. By the way, the stronghold spirits operating in my life is the Spirit of Rejection and Spirit of Fear. They have full control. So when my boss spoke the word, it felt like the whole sky turned black and dark all of a sudden. A heaviness fell over my heart and a dagger plunged deep into my soul. Ouch!! As much as I want to look casual and fine, I can’t. I looked broken and hurt. That is the power of a stronghold.
The Bomb of Rejection
But this was a major bomb. It was a nuclear. And it was my first hopeful relationship. But why was I unscathed? I may be wrong, but this is why I didn’t hurt as much as I should from this loss.
Disclaimer: This is not reality as I may still be in denial. But this is as honest as I could on what my perspective looks like.
I was worshiping here in Bacolod and just allow God to speak.
God poured out His heart for me and assured me of His presence in my life. He was saying “this ride looks crazy as it is Ian. And you haven’t even started yet. I have to show you many things. I have a lot in store for you.” I just felt so blessed, to be chosen of God. The word in Psalms 23 kept running back in my mind: “surely goodness and mercy will keep running after you all the days of your life and I will thrive and never leave the presence of God every day of my life.” I can feel that it isn’t the place that will prosper me. Even Dubai, the US or Australia which are prosperous nations are nothing to compare with how I bless you. Imagine it, God will bless you just because you step onto their place – it is you who command the blessing to them. In Jesus, the blessings of Abraham are in YOU!
Angelic Demons Spiritual Form (Sorry I can’t find something more closer to how they look)
While I was a teen, I read a Satanist-turned-Christian write about her experience how she was set free by Jesus. She describe these spirits physically as she saw them, including the big man himself! While she was sincere about how she experienced demonic oppression, it was not helpful for me because one of my weakness is the spirit of fear. She describe demons as angelic beings who were handsome, 12 foot human like creatures who have thick dark black scales as armor and wings. They were skilled in their chosen field of expertise like the demon of Lust, demon of Alcohol, demon of Drugs, demon of Cancer, etc. I was pretty much paranoid as I imagined demons in everything that goes wrong in my life. The spirit of fear, drowned the oftentimes soft voice of God in my life. Continue reading →
For many times in my life, I don’t want to go through the process. I just want the results. I want the intimacy, not the spending time. I want the faith, I don’t want the desperation. I want healthy boundaries; I don’t want the mistakes to find it. I want the hope, not the falling and standing up. I want the girl, not the challenge. Well, life is about taking the journey to get to your destination. 😀
A little child of faith on a long impossible journey
For some reason the journey gets heavier because of “culture” and “Christian tradition”. At other times, we put it on ourselves. I am a perfectionist, and though I talk about the Grace and Love of God, in practice I am blind and continue to work for God to accept me. There are some practices that hurt our journey by putting heavy rocks onto our already heavy load. Then we burden Continue reading →
This morning, now my 6th day in my room, as I was looking for my Oil Pastel set (still looking for it) I found these.
the Gift of nice shoes
Looks like a nice new pair of shoes. But nothing unusual you would say. But in fact what’s unusual is it’s been there beside my bed since December when I received it. Sorry Tita Leny. Sounds like my experience with God.
I have been too familiar with my life, but He’s always ‘game’ for a puzzle of hide n’ seekall the time. There are promises waiting for us in the background screaming in my face, yet all I could see is my sin, my job, my stuff, my business, my ministry. Have you taken time to smell the flowers lately?
I woke up today to the sound of “My Love will See You Through”. I felt like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Though I don’t intend to offend fans of older music, it was just depressing for me. . . Being serious in life has its down time. Ten years ago, I thought that being at the top and getting all the honors in university is everything that matters. I’ve had times where people admired me for being young and getting my license.
Feels good.
But as I focus on what else will bring you to the top, the trying gets exhausting. Only to find that when you get at the top, it is a far lonely place. Especially if you didn’t bring the people that mattered. I learned that what was actually important is friends, family and people you have shared your life with. Continue reading →
Yesterday, while I was visiting a Christian bookstore, I saw this guy, probably a pastor, dressed well, ask for a King James Bible. But more than asking, he was babbling that Christians have been dabbling and changing the verses. That would have been okay but the message was, you mister bible sales guy have to agree with me. He was probably a conservative.
For most of my life, I have tried to change the world according to my world view. So when God reveals His plan for all mankind, Star Wars – Return of the Jedi style, I couldn’t help but imagine that when I share the gospel with people, they all look at me with eyes glazing and say “that’s awesome.” Continue reading →
As I sat comfortably on my trip going back to Bacolod. I put on my worship music.
Once I started to listed. I could literally feel God translated me to a deeper dimension.
He was saying “All this concerns you have. Have no fear. I can take care of you. You are no longer an orphan. I am your real Father. I can provide you all you need and all your desires too.”
God then walked me back to when I was 4 years old. I could sense the emptiness and the void in my heart. All throughout we went until we saw me in high school. I could again sense the shame and brokenness.
Alone time in Prayer
“Do you know know I was there all along. I purposed you with these weakness because I had a beautiful plan in your life.” Continue reading →
As I was worshiping, a thick presence of the Lord fell upon me and His love surrounded like a cloud. And then the voice started.
“I know you since you were born, I knit you together in your mothers womb.” Then all my concerns came back to me as the declaration of the worship song flooded my mind. “I am no longer a slave to fear.” Then God reminded me of so many situations that fear is overpowering in my life.
At this 3rd decade, I’m still learning to get dates. I’ve learned to appreciate my seasons. Here’s a few messages to give the girl on your mind on this month of love.
Romantic Attraction Quotes and Pickup Lines
You were amazing last night. Imagine what it would be like if it wasn’t just in my dreams.
I really like our friendship but do you want to make it more?
Can I see what’s in your pockets; I think you’ve stolen my heart.
You’re already on my mind and I’ve just woken up.
Do you have a to-do list? If yes, put me on it.
Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?
I’m a bit like a Rubik’s cube, I get harder the more you play with me.
I understand you don’t want any more children, but is there any change we could practice tonight?
The best thing about a keyboard is that U and I are together.
Don’t tire yourself out at work. You’ll need some energy for later.
At night time I sleep dreaming of you, and in the daytime I dream sleeping with you.
I’m trying my best to fall asleep, but I just can’t stop thinking about you.
You looked so beautiful the last time I saw you I forgot my pickup line.
Every time you enter the room, you enter my heart.
Send me a picture, so I can give Santa my wish list.
Here’s hoping your day consist of . . . . and the quickest route to bring you straight into my arms.
On a beautiful day like this, the only thing that could improve is having you by my side.
A hundred miles away and you’re still right here in my heart.
I wish I was your mirror so that I could look at you every morning.
You’re so hot I get a tan every time I look at you.
Sweet dreams. I hope I was in them. 😉
Don’t listen to your friends, listen to your heart!!
The next time you see your parents, send them my sincerest gratitude.
Can you send me a picture; my friends don’t believe that angels exist.
God created the world in six days, rested on the 7th but it took Him thousands of years to produce someone as beautiful as you.
This email is a group message to 10/10 girls in the area. Currently you are the only recipient.
I’m tired at work because I’m a perfectionist in most things I do. That’s why I like you so much.
You look a lot like my next girlfriend!
Do you know any good heart doctor, because my heart skips a beat looking in your eyes.
Of all the stars in the sky, there is not as beautiful as you.
Warning: Don’t try this on strangers. The author holds no responsibility if any slaps are given or police called when you try this on strangers. 🙂
I’ve never really lived in community. I was the outcast trying to fit i, in high school or college. By college, I had some clout attending Victory and studying in one of Asia’s premier university and got some status man of God, desirable, intelligent. So much for a guy who based his identity on how popular he is, not on how many women he slept with, how many drunken parties he’s been to and how much money he had. Hint: the last three – none.
So when I was isolated working in a far off Arab country, the things that you didn’t pursue as a college boy begin to haunt you. Especially one fact that I still didn’t have a girlfriend. So when the opportunity to vicariously live this life I desired to have, keeps dangling in a series, I was entranced! It can’t get anything better than this!
For most my life I trust only what I can see. But often we only see part of what God is doing. I try to peice but it is not mine to figure out.
This is the window of view where most of the times, God sovereignly covers our view with blur. But the reality of His purpose is the one below. Continue reading →
10 Things I learned from Drei: What a Future Dad Wants to Know
Would you believe that in high school, I only wanted to marry a girl but never want to have children?
Yes.
Younger Carefree Me – cant find any hilarious me pic. Sorry Ghe, haha!
I dread having to wash soiled laundry, wake at every hour in the morning, keep all 2 hands occupied (not being able to defend myself for any ninja or terrorist attack) and eat half-consumed food – a simple glimpse of a sanitized, single and carefree me. But as I grew older, I matured and learned to see differently.
I was looking to re-watch the films that made an impression on me this year. I could remember that “Edge of Tomorrow” was one of them. The films stars Tom Cruise and the beautiful Emily Blunt. The story is about an alien invasion of earth. Continue reading →
As I write this journal of today, I feel a new excitement that grips me. There is a warmth and thrill of facing the coming new year. Intentions are powerful as they convey the meaning of our purpose. Here are the things I am eager about.
On January of 2018,
I see myself a better brother to Jerry.
I am going to love my sister a little bit more.
I am going to love friends differently.
Most of my life it feels is about measuring up and being ahead of everyone else. The problem isn’t that I’m not brilliant but that its hard to be the most promising entrepreneur, the budding architect-designer and the successful man-in-relationship.
I just heard from a podcast that life just happens. Our best laid plans fire away. It is easy to be tough on yourself and beat yourself up for not succeeding this time.
As I take this long walk home at 12:30am, I discover that there is so much love along the way. This new home away from home. I have cared about things and achievements for far too long. I’ve passed this site where once stood a very frustrated, angry and lost man. I saw my first day of work and all the insecurities of trying to look good and Continue reading →
Iloilo-Bacolod Fastcraft and Ship Travel Schedule 2017
Guimaras Adventure on the Highest Seas
The cit1y of Iloilo has become one of the must-visit places in the country. With the growth of its Business Process Outsourcing (BPO – Call Center industry) and the blossoming of its coastal river paradise, it has become a magnetic attractor of tourist. I have seen it grow from my arrival here at 2014, with over 20 couples from Manila and all over the country relocating here. All for good reason.
A stone’s throw away from Iloilo is Bacolod City, an equally majestic city with a
One day, while I was riding the public transport, I happen to sit beside this beautiful blond 3 year old sitting on the lap of her nanny. I saw that all the passengers were charmed by her cuteness and I too fell in love. How can an English speaking toddler not find her way into your heart. Two young ladies took an special interest in the girl Continue reading →
When I was in college I was a hopeless romantic, clueless in real relationships. After countless religious youth meetings and fired up motivational speeches in finding the ideal woman, I finally put down my non-negotiables in an ideal lady-to-marry.
Here’s the final four:
A. Raised like a queen (confident)
B. Motherly (personifies kindness and compassion)
C. Passionate about Jesus
D. Intelligent
Fast forward to 10 years, working and eternally single, a lot has changed in my expectations. (Most to blame is all the Disney movies that mess up my expectations) 🙂 Hehe!Continue reading →
Last Sunday, I met our fun loving new American bulldog Buddee. He was very charming. I heard from my brother that we just got him that morning. He was a very spirited dog, an overexcited little mutt. As I walked him around the lawn, his hurried sniffing antics and careless running about hit me. Suddenly I was endeared to him.
(Sorry Ill have a proper picture next time. Guardian of the Bantilan estate, Buddee G. Bantilan.Continue reading →
I usually save 15% of salary. That is here in the Philippines. That goes negative from December to January. When IU worked aborad I reached 45%.
I have never met anyone except for some Chinese friends who are really extreme. But tonight, I was surprised to find someone who save so much. And I thought I was already thrifty.
Some spoilers:
She’s single.
She walks home.
She has provincial allowance (Manila hired to work here)
And she has a considerable amount in stocks.
But I have never seen her in fancy clothes.
Very low profile indeed!
1. Anything is possible. It is common that budget adjust with salary. It doesn’t have to. 2. We have to live in our own reality. You-me-different. 3. It’s important to know what you want and attack it with passion. No one will force you to do what you don’t want.
Now, I’m asking, how much are you saving monthly? (as a percentage of your income)
Arki Thesis blues: the Difference between Concept and Philosophy?
During my student years, concepts and philosophy never got explained clearly. It’s one of those things you read from the Project brief and your kind of catch from comparing notes with what your best friend did in Architecture School.
One of the challenge during school was that in UST, it always rained. And the guys who top the board exams are simply brilliant, hard researching dudes with monster drawing skills. Back to Architecture – here’s the Question: What is a concept?
A design concept is a statement that expresses your approach to the design problem. The concept speaks to a specific problem/project but is still in line with your Design Philosophy. It creates a connection between the design problem and the design solution. The concept is consistent throughout the design itself. Your concept should relate
Filipinos are a breed of sentimental people. They seldom like goodbyes. But there was one goodbye from this place a thousand years ago that was equally heavy emotionally: Moses who has fought and prayed and fasted to reach the Promise Land is a few kilometers of his goal but God says, this is as far as you can go. From the thick air which blurs out the whole valley, we could see miles and miles of endless sand, glimmering in the morning sun while cool breeze blow through my face.
This is Mount Nebo in Jordan.
How we ended there? is a long story. This how its happened.
Walking through my hectare of acidic and non productive field, got me thinking. And thinking again.
Most farmers know the big three in plants: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. I wonder what is missing in my land. This of me into this list of plants, focusing on the first necessary element on the list: Nitrogen.
These are the list of Nitrogen-fixing trees in the Philippines. Please add more if you know any in the comment below. Most of these are native to the Philippines or Southeast Asia, or spread around the tropics of the wold.
And if you know of other lesser known nitrogen fixing trees you want added contact me too.
Narra Nitrogen Fixin Trees in the Philippines
Narra (Pterocarpus Indicus)
Some people call Narra the “King tree” for reforestation or lumber plantations. It grows very fast, is resistant to strong typhoon winds, and has an excellent termite resistant wood. It’s also known as Philippine mahogany and declared national tree of the Philippines. The leaves also contain anti-oxidant compounds. It’s grows in the Southeast Asian rainforests and its nitrogen fixation helps keep soils more fertile.
Katuray Tree a Nitrogen Fixin Trees in the Philippines
Katuray (Sesbania grandiflora)
Another fast growing tree. The flowers are usually eaten as a vegetable, but some also eat the leaves and young seed pods too. The tree has a softwood so its not that good. But the tree can be easily coppiced for making sticks.
Alibangbang Nitrogen Fixing Trees in the Philippines
Alibangbang (Phanera purpurea)
A small tree with beautiful flowers that look like orchids. Another name of the tree is “Orchid tree”. The leaves and flowers are edible and used in cooking. The tree also has medicinal properties.
Akleng Parang Nitrogen Fixing Trees in the Philippines
Akleng Parang (Albizia procera)
All species of Albizia are nitrogen fixing, but as far as I know Albizia procera is definitely native to the Philippines. It grows fast and tall and may become invasive. It can grow practically anywhere and is a good tree for restoring damaged soils.
Philippine Acacia Tree a Nitrogen Fixing Tree
Philippine Acacia (Acacia confusa)
The Acacia is well known, but Acacia confusa is the only acacia that is native to the Philippines. Acacia confusa is often confused with Akasya (Samanea/Albizia saman) which is a completely different tree that also has nitrogen fixation.
Acacia Confusa is a small to medium sized tree with beautiful yellow flowers. It can grow in many soils. The roots penetrate deep into the soil and go straight down. The bark and leaves of the tree can be used as a medicine for diarrhea. The tree is also harvested for the hallucinogenic DMT.
Tindalo Tree a Nitrogen Fixing Trees in the Philippines
Tindalo (Afzelia rhomboidea)
Not much is known about this tree, because it is nearly extinct from deforestation. It grows in the rainforest and its timber is quite expensive.
Ipil Ipil Nitrogen Fixing Trees in the Philippines
Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala)
A very fast growing tree with leaves that look like Mimosa. It considered in the top 100 of most invasive species, because it abundantly produces seeds. Even tho it is invasive, it is a very useful tree. It is grown for paper, for fertilizer(green manure), and for firewood, and the young seed pods are edible.
Kupang (Parkia javanica)
A tree from the mimosoid clade. All parts of the tree have anti-bacterial properties and used to treat infections. The patterns of the leaves are really pretty and perfectly symmetrical.
Batino (Alstonia macrophylla)
Like most nitrogen fixing trees it is fast growing and grows in a wide range of soils. The wood is used for support beams for housing, because it is resistant to insect attack. The tree has been used for reforestation in disturbed rainforests.
Bani (Millettia pinnata)
This tree can handle mild cold to extreme heat and many types of environments and soils. It can even grow in salty soils; survive long droughts; and intense flooding! Because of this resilient tree it is a perfect pioneer species of restoring and greening deserts and controlling soil erosion. Unlike the roots of Acacia that grow straight down, the roots of Millettia grow horizontally and spread out. The tree is also used for bio-oil production.
Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa)
A beautiful tree with bright pink flowers. The leaves are used a tea and herbal medicine. Lagerstroemia is often encountered as ornamental tree in resorts, in streets, or gardens. Like most other nitrogen fixing trees it used for reforestation in damaged soils. The wood of the tree is sometimes also harvested.
Kakawate tree Nitrogen Fixing Trees in the Philippines
Kakawate or Madre de Cacao (Gliricidia sepium)
A tree with many practical uses.. Historically this tree has been used to give shade to cacao trees, as cacao trees do not tolerate full sun. Hence its name “Mother of Cacao”. It also been used to shade coffee trees. The trees are planted as live fences around fruit tree orchards. It can be inter cropped to reduce fertilizers. And is used in reforestation. The tree is also used as a rodenticide and pesticide.
13. Agoho del monte or Ahogo pine (Casuarina equisetifolia)
Also known as Ironwood or Australian pine. Unlike most other nitrogen fixing trees that are from the bean family the Ahogo is actually not from the bean family at all. This pretty tree is mainly used for ornamental purposes and bonsai, but it also produces and excellent firewood.
Akasya Nitrogen Fixing Trees in the Philippines
14. Akasya (Samanea saman)
At first I did not include this one in the list, because this tree is more well known throughout the world, but on popular request it has been added.
As I have said before it is often mistaken with Acacia Confusa which is a totally different tree. Akasya is a large tree that is used for shading people, streets, and crops. The wood is used for construction, often support beams. The leaves and seed pods are medicinal.
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