Center seat inside bus

As I reminisce about that particular moment, I vividly recall the sense of camaraderie and unity among us, the brethren, as we embarked on a journey together. Seated in the middle of the bus amidst fellow believers, I felt a profound connection to the community of faith to which I belonged. Our shared purpose and dedication to our spiritual journey bound us together, transcending the physical distance between us and reinforcing our sense of belonging.

The bus ride symbolized more than just a mode of transportation; it represented a collective journey towards spiritual growth and enlightenment. As we traversed the roads of Isabela province, our conversations were filled with words of encouragement, shared experiences, and reflections on our faith. Each mile traveled brought us closer not only to our destination but also to a deeper understanding of our shared beliefs and values.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the bus ride, there was a profound sense of peace and serenity that permeated the atmosphere. Surrounded by fellow believers, I felt a profound sense of reassurance and comfort, knowing that I was not alone in my spiritual journey. The fellowship and companionship of my brethren provided solace and strength, making the journey not only bearable but also enriching and fulfilling.

As we embarked on that journey together, I realized the significance of community and fellowship in nurturing and sustaining one's faith. The bus ride served as a metaphor for the collective journey of faith that we undertake as members of a spiritual community. Through shared experiences, mutual support, and a shared commitment to our beliefs, we find strength, encouragement, and inspiration to continue our journey towards spiritual growth and enlightenment.

In retrospect, that bus ride remains etched in my memory as a poignant reminder of the power of community and fellowship in nurturing and strengthening our faith. It was not merely a physical journey from one place to another but a spiritual pilgrimage shared with fellow believers. As we continue our journey of faith, may we always cherish the bonds of fellowship that unite us and draw strength from the collective spirit of our community.

Martsa ng Ilagan (Ilagan March)

Composed by Ingeno Rapadas

(Refrain)
Sulong Na, Sulong Pa, Sige, Abante, Ilagan!
Sulong Na, Sulong Pa, Sige, Abante, Ilagan!
Kilos Na, Kilos Pa, Magguyu Paga Ittam!
Iyoddu Tam, Iyoddu Tam I Dayaw Na Ilagan!

I
Aru Ngana I Kingngua Tam
Sulong, Sulong, Sulong Pa!
Aru Paga I Kuat-Tam
Sige Abante, Ilagan!

II
Arayyu Ngana I Nadde Tam
Sulong, Sulong, Sulong Pa!
Arayyu Paga I Angayat-Tam
Sige Abante, Ilagan!

III
Attannang Ngana I Nagawa Tam
Sulong, Sulong, Sulong Pa!
Ettam Paga Nga Atannangan
Sige, Abante, Ilagan!

 

Bahay kubo and cariñosa

The bahay kubo

In the Philippines, bahay kubo is the national house and it is also considered one of the folk song of the country. So the reason why bahay kubo did not became the national folk dance probably because it was considered as Awiting Bayan rather than a dance.

Instead of Bahay Kubo, Cariñosa became officially the national folk dance of the Philippines. It rooted from one of the colonizers, the Spain. One of the legacy of Spain is most probably the Cariñosa dance. Like a baby, there is always something good trait it can inherit from its mother.

Typical bahay kubo in the Philippines

So let's embrace it rather than accused it or change. Changes will always incur costs specially in our very own identifies. Like changing the national language from Tagalog to Cebuano or something else will require huge amount. It will displace also the Tagalog or Filipino subject teachers as well, and will eventually need trainings for new Cebuano teachers if this will happen in the future.

What changes should be expected rather?

The lyrics

Bahay kubo kahit munti

Mga gulay dito ay sari-sari
Singkamas at talong
Sigarilyas at mani
Sitaw bataw patani

Bahay kubo kahit pawid
Malamig ang simoy sa gitna ng bukid
Masarap humiga
Kahit na sa sahig
Buhay dito'y tahimik

Kubong munti dampang bahay
Maligayang lahi sa nagmamahalan
Kung ikaw at ako'y dito na titira
Buhay ay liligaya
Bahay kubo kahit pawid

Malamig ang simoy sa gitna ng bukid
Masarap humiga
Kahit na sa sahig
Buhay dito'y tahimik
Kubong munti dampang bahay

Maligayang lahi sa nagmamahalan
Kung ikaw at ako'y dito na titira
Buhay ay liligaya

The year that was 2014

A very good year for everyone specially in the northern part of the Philippines. No strong typhoons hit here specially my home city of Ilagan. A lot of good reasons for the year that was 2014 for me to survive and get a life this 2015.

So as long as I can update my very own blog, I will do it with God's help. My 2015 theme is "Let's Get Connected!" Be human guys.

Our teachers, heroes of today

Teachers are often regarded as the backbone of the community, embodying qualities of sacrifice, determination, courage, dedication, selflessness, and perseverance. These attributes are commonly associated with heroes, reflecting the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping the lives of their students and the future of society as a whole.

Amidst the challenges of managing noisy classrooms, adapting to new learning plans, and grading countless test papers, teachers demonstrate remarkable resilience and fortitude. Despite the demanding nature of their work and the long hours they invest, teachers persevere with unwavering commitment, recognizing the profound impact they have on the minds and hearts of their students. They are the unsung heroes of our nation, tirelessly nurturing young minds and fostering the intellectual and emotional growth of the next generation.

On this Teacher's Day, let us express our gratitude and appreciation to all teachers who dedicate themselves to the noble profession of education. Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication deserve recognition and admiration, as they continue to inspire, guide, and empower countless individuals on their journey of learning and self-discovery. Happy Teacher's Day to all educators, who play an indispensable role in shaping a brighter future for us all.

Facebook sharing method in groups

Blogs, posts, photos, tweets, hash tags, videos, links, etc. these are things people do with social nets. And facebook is a perfect place to share these things with friends, colleagues especially loved ones.

You can have maximum of five thousand friends in your facebook account. With that limit, whatever you share is tantamount to be likewse limited also. The target is still significant to reach these in your account.

First of all, I am the group and page admin of all related places in the Philippines. These have unified makings for everybody's easy identification. As time goes by, it will accumulate members and increase likes. These will make easy to reach and target more than the five thousand of a regulsr account eventually.

Atleast half of the Filiino population are on facebook right now. Maybe it is or not, then I will know the figure later. The groups and pages are lucky enough to accumulate these millions of Filipinos under one and same admin. The fame comes naturally by yours truly.

As of this date, 144 city-groups, over 1,400 town-groups, 81 province-groups in 16 region-groups are there on facebook for everyone's attention. Hopefully everyone is joining. See you there!

Contact me via email info@gerryyabes.com.

The west hosts International Thanksgiving

First time for the west to host this 1st Quarter 2014 International Thanksgiving, this event will mean a lot for us members of the Church of God in the bible. Although I was not given the opportunity to go to Brazil, here I was only in one of the monitoring centers in Isabela province, Philippines. Since the event is hosted in Brazil, it doesn't matter the differences in time.

Coinciding the three-day event is Bro. Eli Soriano's 50th anniversary of accepting his holy baptism in the one true church he leads today unto salvation. A golden years of serving God and humanity. No matter what happen, in the years to come, that same man is highly determined to continue what was started in our country to the western part of the globe. Truly, his service is fully utilized in preaching the gospel around the globe.

The first day of the event was the opening of another wisdom in the Bible. Topic is about friends of God in these last days. In this lecture, I learned that being friend with God, every secrets and His plan are revealed. Nothing is secret on being friends. Even from the account of creation was revealed to Moses, including the plan of God's salvation to human race.

On the second day, Bro. Daniel speaks of the seven spirits of God. It's the sign that a true preacher of God in our time. These are the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Preachers of God are the recipients of His secrets even mysteries are manifested. In our time, God reveals these secrets in the person of Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel which was hidden since eternity.

The picture above amazes me so much as Bro. Daniel elaborates the seven spirits. MCGI Photo.

  
The last day of the event was the offering of songs of praises to God from different places in the congregation. Various documentaries were played concerning the progress of the global evangelization of the church. Then follows the climax of the topic by Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon. The three-day event was not sufficient to discuss the whole topic which will be continued on Saturday.

To God be the glory. I can't explain my feelings anymore! It's wonderful and fantastic! Until next time, God willing.