Let’s Talk It Over: Saint Theresa’s College High School Graduation 2012
A week ago, Saint Theresa’s College was unknown to many. But right now, the school becomes popular in the whole Philippines, perhaps the whole wide world.
How it became popular?
The school apparently banned their students from attending graduation rites after they posted sexy bikini photos of themselves on their Facebook profile. Saint Theresa’s College in the central city of Cebu said the 16-year-old had broken a rule which bans posting Internet pictures that show “ample body exposure”, and barred the student from her graduation ceremony. (Source: ABS-CBNnews.com Cebu girl sues school over Facebook bikini photo punishment) That news was posted last March 28, 2012.
It caused sleepless nights over their children. The parents of course sued the school. Having this issue reviewed carefully, the court allowed these students to graduate. (Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/03/29/12/court-allows-bikini-clad-girl-fb-graduate)
Two days later… 29… 30… Yes, March 30. Graduation came. I read a headline Six students barred from attending graduation rites despite court order
Now this makes the school more popular.
Playing slipper game along the white beach of Panglao Island
Just today (January 6, 2012), Department of Tourism (DOT) launched their campaign with the new slogan “It’s more fun in the PHILIPPINES”. This event is now trending in Twitter. Filipinos shared their own opinions by tweeting criticisms, praises and sarcastic remarks aimed at the DOT. Having read a lot of comments, I still choose to support this campaign. It’s more fun in the Philippines! I can testify why I support this campaign.
On the first day of 2012, my church mates went to Panglao Island. Many would go to Panglao Island to swim in the beaches. But us, we went there not just to swim but to play slipper game. More fun! One of my churchmates has a relative who tends an undeveloped beach located in between the famous and luxurious Bohol Beach Club and Eskaya Resort. Thus, our accommodation was free! The place is quiet and you can truly appreciate the beauty of nature!
The whole cast
At first glance, it is a white sand beach!
Others who did not play, they collected sea shells.
Simala, Sibonga, Cebu: A Religious Tour
Yesterday, we went to Simala, Sibonga, Cebu. The place is known for the miraculous Virgin Mary where people usually prays for the success of their career. I am no big Religious man but I am strong believer of Christ.
It was Ryan’s birthday (my officemate) and he decided to go to Simala for a birthday prayer. He asked me if I can go with him. It was my rest day and I immediately said yes. I did not go there to pray but I went there just to see the place. You know, the place is famous.
So together with Ryan and Leizel, we left at around 11am from Cebu South Bus Terminal going to Simala. It is a 2 hour drive and PhP 50.00 if you ride in a public bus.
The buses of Cebu South Bus Terminal. This is where it all started. (N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City)
INSIDE THE BUS. Ryan, Leizel and me. To tell you, it is extremely hot (100 degree Celcius, lol) inside the bus.
The trip is like going from Tagbilaran to Jagna in Bohol. You will be engrossed with the surroundings while the bus is running towards Simala. Let me give you a short look.
Gaisano Fiesta Mall in Talisay. The color is very bright and yellowish orange? It will force you to notice it.
Is this Carcar City\’s version of Fuente Osmeña Circle? Well, whatever it is Carcar City has this interesting park.
Definitely not Cebu City but in Carcar City. What you see is what you think. lol
Carabaos for sale? I saw this in Carcar City. Not much of a city life.
Upon arriving in Sibonga, habal-habal and tricycle drivers would hop in the bus to negotiate a ride to passengers going to Simala which is few kilometers away from the highway. Junjun, a habal-habal driver was quite expert in his sales talk and he made us convinced. He was lucky enough to have us three. From Sibonga highway to the Simala’s famous landmark would cost another PhP 20.00 fare and would take around 15 minutes.
My first impression of the place was “Is this in Vatican City?”. LOL This landmark is actually a church. It was 12:30pm when we arrived there. We were hungry and decided to eat first. There is a mini market outside the church where most people sells Olive Oil which I do not have any idea what it is for. There are of course souvenir shirts, handkerchief etc for sale… Since it was hot, I bought a handkerchief for only PhP 20.00, I immediately used it to wipe all the sweats on my face.
This was what I saw the moment we took off from Mang Junjun\’s habal-habal.
Ryan and Leizel before entering the place. Good thing Leizel brought an umbrella.
The architecture is comparable to that in Vatican City, Rome. What do you think? Ryan is leading the way.
Even without the paint, the architecture is already interesting to look at.
You can see a lot of sculptures inside the monastery or church. In this picture is an angel, holding the sign board SACRED PLACE. Please respect. Yes, I am not Catholic but I give respect. Thank you for letting me visit the place.
Another very interesting part of the building is the terrace where it is overlooking the peaceful town of Sibonga. Notice the pointed pillars of the terrace. I wonder what would it look like during night time.
I am sorry for the dark picture. I am shy to activate the flash of the camera. But yeah these are people falling in line just to kiss, touch or pray in front the sacred statue of Virgin Mary.
This time, it is not a statue but a picture of Mary. The two persons wore a veil which I do not have any idea why. People would still fall in one just to be near this sacred illustration of Mary
The shiny floor of the monastery. Another sculpture of a Spanish/Portuguese looking guard displays in the receiving area. It is quite interesting.
A lot of paintings would be seen at the roof. If you are reading all the contents of the Bible, perhaps the illustration may looks familiar.
The guard told us to take the picture at the back. So this is way not too far at the back. Ryan is praying. Please do not disturb.
It was time for Leizel to open her heart to Mama Mary. She said to me before that she had lots of prayers to do. Surely, this was her perfect time to vent out her prayers.
The Virgin Mary as sculpted and as dressed in white gown. This is just one of the many sacred statues of Virgin Mary.
The pink and blue angels. For sure, they are not male and female as angels are sexless.
This is one of the sculptures that are enclosed in a transparent cabinet. I took this picture because many of them were unfamiliar and this was the only one that I recognized. This is the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Am I correct?
I do not know the stories of each people visiting the place. All I know is that they needed help. They all cried out for Mama Mary’s help. They all want to talk about their life with Mama Mary. This is a closer look of people praying in front of Mary\’s statue..
Inside the place are cabinets of letters, medals, nurse\’s cap etc.. I read one of the letters and mostly are a message of gratitude. Mary answers prayers.
There were also lots of candles being lit and unlit. Usual things you see in a Catholic church. I would prefer to pray in front of the candles, you would feel the heat.
It is not yet painted as you can see but it is already good. I wonder how a beauty queen would take down the stair case. It would be a major major dramatic exit.
I kinda like the cross being at the top of the pillar. This makes the architecture of the monastery quite unique.
The roof is filled with paintings. The sacred altar. The people who are praying. Typical Catholic church.
This is the altar of the church. Very sacred.
So that was the tour of Simala’s landmark, MONASTERY OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST – Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu.
I appreciate the way the people goes just to show their devotion to Mama Mary. The temple is creative. God would be happy to know that His people build a church like this to maximize His Kingdom. Though God does not require the church to be this creative, I think this is helpful for most believers… it gives the appetite to come back and view the place.
I like the place. I like the sculptures, it always brings out the creativity of the people. However, the truth always prevails. Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life. God is only one – God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. So brothers and sisters, keep the true faith.
my home church: Foursquare Tagbilaran, Bohol
Just to let you know, my home church is Jesus is Still the Answer Foursquare Church in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. I became a Christian last November 2005 (19 years old) and it was my friend from college who introduced me this lifestyle. I was never been a deep follower of Christ before. I just knew that Jesus died on the cross to save sinners… just that and there was no personal encounter with the Lord. And with the help of prayers and with the works of the Holy Spirit, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and Lord.
I used to be in a worship music ministry before. I was a back up a singer and at the same time I was a worship leader. Things changed when College days was over and I had to find a work that would help me and my family financially. I got a job here in Cebu City. For over a year now, I am back to a regular Sunday worshiper. But I am not back sliding. lol Life is different when you have a ministry to work with. I miss worship leading… I miss chatting with my church mates… I miss my home church. So just last Sunday (August 29), I got home and was able to be reunited with them.
Just for FYI, Foursquare Church Tagbilaran is located at Brunil Drive, Dao District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol 6300. So if you are visiting Bohol and looking for a Foursquare Church, you know now the place. So I definitely post pictures.
Youth Fellowship in Jagna, Bohol
The reason why I got a 3 day leave from work was because I attended a Youth Fellowship. Just like I said, I miss my church mates. The event had a theme “Refuel”. I remember Ptr. Ralph said, refuel is the same as refill. I understand of the idea that Christian walk is not perfect at all times… there will be times when you feel weary and it is always a part of growing up, refilling oneself with His Presence is a great way to strengthen one’s Christian faith. No man is an island, one example of refueling is by having a fellowship with co-believers. I am glad that I was able to attend this event.
In the early church, we can see the example in Acts 2:42-47 “42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (© Bible Gateway)
It was just a 1 night and 1 day event and I learned. It was worth of my time.
Hey, I like our new T-SHIRT.
Just for EYECANDY, you can watch the Lord You are Good Dance Presentation by my church mates… I think this is cool. I hope you are entertained. lol
God bless you guys! Thanks for reading.
Thoughts about Philippine National Election 2010
Hi guys! How are you? I hope you are fine. Thank you for reading. 
So who among you guys are concerned about this coming May 10 2010 Philippine National Election? Count me in.
I don’t like to talk about who should be the winning president. That could be unhelpful and thought provoking and I don’t want to argue with your opinion as you are entitled to it. I just want share some insights what I think is good and is helpful for the coming election.
I am 23 single and young and I believe that I could do something to help my fellow Filipinos out. You for one could help.
I AM A STRONG BELIEVER of GOD. We exist because He exists and He wants us to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. I do believe that as Christians we have to play an important role during this event.
The world is already complicated. It is always complicated. In the world of democracy, politicians campaign with their nice platforms just to persuade us to vote for them because they can help us solve the world’s complications and its problems.
I have visited some (specifically NOYNOY, GIBO and EDDIE) of the candidates’ website and I found all their platforms good. They are all good.
Now what do we do as Christians?
FACT: Nowhere in the Bible that says God is sanctioning DEMOCRACY.
God appoints leaders. He is always right. If He chose someone to be the appointed leader who you didn’t like, you had no right to argue. You don’t argue the decision of our great God my friend? So going back, when God appointed Samuel to be the leader, many people thought that God did not love them because they didn’t like him. The Bible teaches that God sets up as leaders whomever He wants (Dan 4:17).
Jesus said that His disciples were to be in the world, but not of it (John 17:16). The world may fight for who is to be in the position but as Christian we do not need to fight.
We don’t need to fight for each others opinion. One of the many problems of electing is that no human thinks the way God does.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways’, says the LORD (Is 55:8).
My friend, there is no point arguing about who should win for the presidential title. All of the candidates are loved by God. All of these candidates are human. They are all not perfect.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Tim 2:1-3).
We… as “Christians” (quoted)… our role is to pray for worldly leaders and those that have authority over us so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life. We are also to pray for our spiritual leaders. Not only corruption will happen in the government but also in the church. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2).”
I am sad because my friends are arguing this matter. Christians love. Christians forgive. Christians build things that are already destructed.
God is present. He is always present.
My whole point is… Let there be fair election. If injustice comes, the fight is for the Lord to do. Revenge is for the Lord to make. Let us not start a heated argument with our friends to who the next president will be. Whoever wins this May 10, my prayers for you will be done. Philippines, my beloved country, is always part of my prayers. And so you do.
God bless to all the running candidates. My prayers to all who are running for Presidential title – Noynoy, Gibo, Villar, Erap, Madrigal, Villanueva and Gordon!
Thy will be done!
My Balicasag and Puntod Island experience!
Bohol. It is the province where I live in. For this, I am so proud of. Though I live here, there are certain places in Bohol which I am not familiar of. So when my church mates planned to go to Balicasag Island and Puntod Island which I haven’t tried in my life , I did not give any doubt to go. Wow! This should be fun, I thought to myself.
Balicasag Island can be reach by riding on a pump boat from Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol. We rented two pump boats with maximum of 15 persons each and a fee of PhP 1,500 each. When we were bound to Balicasag, I don’t have any idea what we were going to do first. I just thought going directly to the island. Instead, we spent about 40 minutes of dolphin watching. This could be tiresome if the weather is sunny because the dolphins won’t appear. That time the weather is really sunny. I was bored a bit. Not until I saw the dolphins, I got my energy back. Well, dolphin watching according to our pump boat driver is good if the sun does not appear yet. I see now why dolphin watching is an early activity.
Enough about the dolphin watching. We headed to Balicasag Island. I saw the tower of the island in a distance. I don’t know if the structure is during the Spanish occupation but it was kind of intriguing when we went nearer. The sea waters are clear and I was excited to go for a swim.
When we arrived, I thought of spending our lunch in the island. I did not really know the whole plans of the group. The plan was to roam around the island. Okay. Roam? I saw the island how small it was so I thought to myself that it was okay. The roaming activity was quite exercising, I did not know if I lose some fats for doing so. I was sure I did. It was a strenous activity because it made me thirsty. After doing the roaming activity, we then set to going to Puntod Island or commonly known as the Virgin Island by the locals.
As we got nearer to Puntod Island, I was amazed how the white sand bars connected beautifully to island. God’s creation! I was craving to swim that time. We spent our lunch in Puntod Island. It was a paradise. I enjoyed swimming. I did not care how the heat of the sun burned my skin. Yes, I got sun burns because I forgot to bring a sunscreen. After all, I enjoyed. I told you it was fun.
So that was it. I thanked the Lord for the safe adventure we had and for His wonderful creation. He is really good. Hope you could also try to go there so you can experience what we had experienced. Maybe you can dive or snorkel whatever trip you have.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Balicasag Island has a total land area of 25 has., 1.5 has., of which has been developed into a resort. This ” Special Interest Resort” has been operational since October, 1989. PTA together with the Philippine Navy promote underwater sports and protects a marine life sanctuary showcasing a model for marine environmental conservation, ecological preservation and tourism. (read more from source: Balicasag Island Dive Resort).
