MikeLigalig.com

Quote from: Franklin on August 24, 2007, 03:41:02 PM
As you know I am an ignorant foreignor, but, please tell me how Abu Sayef can evade capture on either Jolo or Basilan? When I look on the map(having never been there), Both places are much smaller than Bohol, they look on the map about the size of Camiguin.
How can they hide?

I totally agree with you Franklin, I truly believe in my heart that the Philippine government should allow the United States military to cooperate with the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Philippines in active/live military operations against these rebel terrorists. I say bomb them to hell and back to the stone ages--theres no way in dealing with these people--and Malacanang should completely cease dialogue with Malaysia in this so called 'peace process' BS! We all know that Malaysia hides the Jeemah Islamiyah--and that the Abu Sayaff and MILF groups are funded by radical supporters in Malaysia and Indonesia.

God Bless USA for always being there when we need them.

Quotemy friend who's from zambo city said, normal rana nila....

Action must be done to weed separatists like this so that this rampant violence will cease. It is rather unfortunate that the people in Mindanao--specially Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga, and Surigao regions have to live in such conditions.

What the hell is this man doing with such explosives? The military doesnt even need to investigate this man--possession is 9/10ths of the law, this man deserves the firing squad. Ferdinand Marcos style....putang ina yung abu sayaff at yung lahat islamofascist terrorists.

Quote from: lumine on August 24, 2007, 10:17:00 PM
nice kaau inyo mga cars. amo kay multicab ra man tawn,

Sexy bitaw no? This is the car that my sister wants so badly





The Porsche Carrera GT/Cabriolet--this thing is deliciously sexy diba?? My mouth waters when I look at it--we saw this same model when we were buying our Porsche Cayenne--couldnt help myself as it was glued to the Carrera GT...

It starts at around~ $120,000 USD...but if you want it 'pimped out and loaded' it could get up to around the upper $250,000 USD.

Oh yaa the beatle is still sexy imo, specially the convertible ones 
I think Bumblebee was a yellow 2007/2008 Chevy Camaro. Hotness, if you ask me--a chic magnet.

To clear up any misconceptions:

First Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church, held in 325 on the occasion of the heresy of Arius (Arianism). As early as 320 or 321 St. Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria, convoked a council at Alexandria at which more than one hundred bishops from Egypt and Libya anathematized Arius. The latter continued to officiate in his church and to recruit followers. Being finally driven out, he went to Palestine and from there to Nicomedia. During this time St. Alexander published his "Epistola encyclica", to which Arius replied; but henceforth it was evident that the quarrel had gone beyond the possibility of human control. Sozomen even speaks of a Council of Bithynia which addressed an encyclical to all the bishops asking them to receive the Arians into the communion of the Church. This discord, and the war which soon broke out between Constantine and Licinius, added to the disorder and partly explains the progress of the religious conflict during the years 322-3. Finally Constantine, having conquered Licinius and become sole emperor, concerned himself with the re-establishment of religious peace as well as of civil order. He addressed letters to St. Alexander and to Arius deprecating these heated controversies regarding questions of no
practical importance, and advising the adversaries to agree without delay. It was evident that the emperor did not then grasp the significance of the Arian controversy. Hosius of Cordova, his counsellor in religious matters, bore the imperial letter to Alexandria, but failed in his conciliatory mission. Seeing this, the emperor, perhaps advised by Hosius, judged no remedy more apt to restore peace in the Church than the convocation of an ecumenical council.

The emperor himself, in very respectful letters, begged the bishops of every country to come promptly to Nicaea. Several bishops from outside the Roman Empire (e.g., from Persia) came to the Council. It is not historically known whether the emperor in convoking the Council acted solely in his own name or in concert with the pope; however, it is probable that Constantine and Sylvester came to an agreement (see POPE ST. SYLVESTER I). In order to expedite the assembling of the Council, the emperor placed at the disposal of the bishops the public conveyances and posts of the empire; moreover, while the Council lasted he provided abundantly for the maintenance of the members. The choice of Nicaea was favourable to the assembling of a large number of bishops. It was easily accessible to the bishops of nearly all the provinces, but especially to those of Asia, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Greece, and Thrace. The sessions were held in the principal church, and in the central hall of the imperial palace. A large place was indeed necessary to receive such an assembly, though the exact number is not known with certainty. Eusebius speaks of more than 250 bishops, and later Arabic manuscripts raise the figure to 2000 - an evident exaggeration in which, however, it is impossible to discover the approximate total number of bishops, as well as of the priests, deacons, and acolytes, of whom it is said that a great number were also present. St. Athanasius, a member of the council speaks of 300, and in his letter "Ad Afros" he says explicitly 318. This figure is almost universally adopted, and there seems to be no good reason for rejecting it. Most of the bishops present were Greeks; among the Latins we know only Hosius of Cordova, Cecilian of Carthage, Mark of Calabria, Nicasius of Dijon, Donnus of Stridon in Pannonia, and the two Roman priests, Victor and Vincentius, representing the pope. The assembly numbered among its most famous members St. Alexander of Alexandria, Eustathius of Antioch, Macarius of Jerusalem, Eusebius of Nicomedia, Eusebius of Caesarea, and Nicholas of Myra. Some had suffered during the last persecution; others were poorly enough acquainted with Christian theology. Among the members was a young deacon, Athanasius of Alexandria, for whom this Council was to be the prelude to a life of conflict and of glory (see ST. ATHANASIUS).

The year 325 is accepted without hesitation as that of the First Council of Nicaea. There is less agreement among our early authorities as to the month and day of the opening. In order to reconcile the indications furnished by Socrates and by the Acts of the Council of Chalcedon, this date may, perhaps, be taken as 20 May, and that of the drawing up of the symbol as 19 June. It may be assumed without too great hardihood that the synod, having been convoked for 20 May, in the absence of the emperor held meetings of a less solemn character until 14 June, when after the emperor's arrival, the sessions properly so called began, the symbol being formulated on 19 June, after which various matters - the paschal controversy, etc. - were dealt with, and the sessions came to an end 25 August. The Council was opened by Constantine with the greatest solemnity. The emperor waited until all the bishops had taken their seats before making his entry. He was clad in gold and covered with precious stones in the fashion of an Oriental sovereign. A chair of gold had been made ready for him, and when he had taken his place the bishops seated themselves. After he had been addressed in a hurried allocution, the emperor made an address in Latin, expressing his will that religious peace should be re-established. He had opened the session as honorary president, and he had assisted at the subsequent sessions, but the direction of the theological discussions was abandoned, as was fitting, to the ecclesiastical leaders of the council. The actual president seems to have been Hosius of Cordova, assisted by the pope's legates, Victor and Vincentius.

The emperor began by making the bishops understand that they had a greater and better business in hand than personal quarrels and interminable recriminations. Nevertheless, he had to submit to the infliction of hearing the last words of debates which had been going on previous to his arrival. Eusebius of Caesarea and his two abbreviators, Socrates and Sozomen, as well as Rufinus and Gelasius of Cyzicus, report no details of the theological discussions. Rufinus tells us only that daily sessions were held and that Arius was often summoned before the assembly; his opinions were seriously discussed and the opposing arguments attentively considered. The majority, especially those who were confessors of the Faith, energetically declared themselves against the impious doctrines of Arius. (For the part played by the Eusebian third party, see EUSEBIUS OF NICOMEDIA. For the Creed of Eusebius, see EUSEBIUS OF CAESAREA.) St. Athanasius assures us that the activities of the Council were nowise hampered by Constantine's presence. The emperor had by this time escaped from the influence of Eusebius of Nicomedia, and was under that of Hosius, to whom, as well as to St. Athanasius, may be attributed a preponderant influence in the formulation of the symbol of the First Ecumenical Council, of which the following is a literal translation:


We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, that is, of the substance [ek tes ousias] of the Father, God of God, light of light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of the same substance with the Father [homoousion to patri], through whom all things were made both in heaven and on earth; who for us men and our salvation descended, was incarnate, and was made man, suffered and rose again the third day, ascended into heaven and cometh to judge the living and the dead. And in the Holy Ghost. Those who say: There was a time when He was not, and He was not before He was begotten; and that He was made our of nothing (ex ouk onton); or who maintain that He is of another hypostasis or another substance [than the Father], or that the Son of God is created, or mutable, or subject to change, [them] the Catholic Church anathematizes.
The adhesion was general and enthusiastic. All the bishops save five declared themselves ready to subscribe to this formula, convince that it contained the ancient faith of the Apostolic Church. The opponents were soon reduced to two, Theonas of Marmarica and Secundus of Ptolemais, who were exiled and anathematized. Arius and his writings were also branded with anathema, his books were cast into the fire, and he was exiled to Illyria. The lists of the signers have reached us in a mutilated condition, disfigured by faults of the copyists. Nevertheless, these lists may be regarded as authentic. Their study is a problem which has been repeatedly dealt with in modern times, in Germany and England, in the critical editions of H. Gelzer, H. Hilgenfeld, and O. Contz on the one hand, and C. H. Turner on the other. The lists thus constructed give respectively 220 and 218 names. With information derived from one source or another, a list of 232 or 237 fathers known to have been present may be constructed.

Other matters dealt with by this council were the controversy as to the time of celebrating Easter and the Meletian schism. The former of these two will be found treated under EASTER CONTROVERSY; the latter under MELETIUS OF LYCOPOLIS.

Of all the Acts of this Council, which, it has been maintained, were numerous, only three fragments have reached us: the creed, or symbol, given above (see also NICENE CREED); the canons; the synodal decree. In reality there never were any official acts besides these. But the accounts of Eusebius, Socrates, Sozomen, Theodoret, and Rufinus may be considered as very important sources of historical information, as well as some data preserved by St. Athanasius, and a history of the Council of Nicaea written in Greek in the fifth century by Gelasius of Cyzicus. There has long existed a dispute as to the number of the canons of First Nicaea. All the collections of canons, whether in Latin or Greek, composed in the fourth and fifth centuries agree in attributing to this Council only the twenty canons, which we possess today. Of these the following is a brief résumé:

Canon 1: On the admission, or support, or expulsion of clerics mutilated by choice or by violence.
Canon 2: Rules to be observed for ordination, the avoidance of undue haste, the deposition of those guilty of a grave fault.
Canon 3: All members of the clergy are forbidden to dwell with any woman, except a mother, sister, or aunt.
Canon 4: Concerning episcopal elections.
Canon 5: Concerning the excommunicate.
Canon 6: Concerning patriarchs and their jurisdiction.
Canon 7: confirms the right of the bishops of Jerusalem to enjoy certain honours.
Canon 8: concerns the Novatians.
Canon 9: Certain sins known after ordination involve invalidation.
Canon 10: Lapsi who have been ordained knowingly or surreptitiously must be excluded as soon as their irregularity is known.
Canon 11: Penance to be imposed on apostates of the persecution of Licinius.
Canon 12: Penance to be imposed on those who upheld Licinius in his war on the Christians.
Canon 13: Indulgence to be granted to excommunicated persons in danger of death.
Canon 14: Penance to be imposed on catechumens who had weakened under persecution.
Canon 15: Bishops, priests, and deacons are not to pass from one church to another.
Canon 16: All clerics are forbidden to leave their church. Formal prohibition for bishops to ordain for their diocese a cleric belonging to another diocese.
Canon 17: Clerics are forbidden to lend at interest.
Canon 18: recalls to deacons their subordinate position with regard to priests.
Canon 19: Rules to be observed with regard to adherents of Paul of Samosata who wished to return to the Church.
Canon 20: On Sundays and during the Paschal season prayers should be said standing.
The business of the Council having been finished Constantine celebrated the twentieth anniversary of his accession to the empire, and invited the bishops to a splendid repast, at the end of which each of them received rich presents. Several days later the emperor commanded that a final session should be held, at which he assisted in order to exhort the bishops to work for the maintenance of peace; he commended himself to their prayers, and authorized the fathers to return to their dioceses. The greater number hastened to take advantage of this and to bring the resolutions of the council to the knowledge of their provinces.

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THE DECREE OF THE HOLY, GREAT, ECUMENICAL SYNOD, THE SECOND OF NICEA
. (Found in Labbe and Cossart, Concilia. Tom. VII., col. 552.)
The holy, great, and Ecumenical Synod which by the grace of God and the will of the pious and Christ-loving Emperors, Constantine and Irene, his mother, was gathered together for the second time at Nice, the illustrious metropolis of Bithynia, in the holy church of God which is named Sophia, having followed the tradition of the Catholic Church, hath defined as follows:

Christ our Lord, who hath bestowed upon us the light of the knowledge of himself, and hath redeemed us from the darkness of idolatrous madness, having espoused to himself the Holy Catholic Church without spot or defect, promised that he would so preserve her: and gave his word to this effect to his holy disciples when he said: "Lo ! I am with you always, even unto the end of the world," which promise he made, not only to them, but to us also who should believe in his name through their word. But some, not considering of this gift, and having become fickle through the temptation of the wily enemy, have fallen from the right faith; for, withdrawing from the traditions of the Catholic Church, they have erred from the truth and as the proverb saith: "The husbandmen have gone astray in their own husbandry and have gathered in their hands nothingness," because certain priests, priests in name only, not in fact, had dared to speak against the God-approved ornament of the sacred monuments, of whom God cries aloud through the prophet, "Many pastors have corrupted my vineyard, they have polluted my portion."

And, forsooth, following profane men, led astray by their carnal sense, they have calumniated the Church of Christ our God, which he hath espoused to himself, and have failed to distinguish between holy and profane, styling the images of our Lord and of his Saints by the same name as the statues of diabolical idols. Seeing which things, our Lord God (not willing to behold his people corrupted by such manner of plague) hath of his good pleasure called us together, the chief of his priests, from every quarter, moved with a divine zeal and brought hither by the will of our princes, Constantine and Irene, to the end that the traditions of the Catholic Church may receive stability by our common decree. Therefore, with all diligence, making a thorough examination and analysis, and following the trend of the truth, we diminish nought, we add nought, but we preserve unchanged all things which pertain to the Catholic Church, and following the Six Ecumenical Synods, especially that which met in this illustrious metropolis of Nice, as also that which was afterwards gathered together in the God-protected Royal City.

We believe ...life of the world to come. Amen.[The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]

We detest and anathematize Arius and all the sharers of his absurd opinion; also Macedonius and those who following him are well styled "Foes of the Spirit" (Pneumatomachi). We confess that our Lady, St. Mary, is properly and truly the Mother of God, because she was the Mother after the flesh of One Person of the Holy Trinity, to wit, Christ our God, as the Council of Ephesus has already defined when it cast out of the Church the impious Nestorius with his colleagues, because he taught that there were two Persons [in Christ]. With the Fathers of this synod we confess that he who was incarnate of the immaculate Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary has two natures, recognizing him as perfect God and perfect man, as also the Council of Chalcedon hath promulgated, expelling from the divine Atrium [aulhs] as blasphemers, Eutyches and Dioscorus; and placing in the same category Severus, Peter and a number of others, blaspheming in divers fashions. Moreover, with these we anathematize the fables of Origen, Evagrius, and

550

Didymus, in accordance with the decision of the Fifth Council held at Constantinople. We affirm that in Christ there be two wills and two operations according to the reality of each nature, as also the Sixth Synod, held at Constantinople, taught, casting out Sergius, Honorius, Cyrus, Pyrrhus, Macarius, and those who agree with them, and all those who are unwilling to be reverent.

To make our confession short, we keep unchanged all the ecclesiastical traditions handed down to us, whether in writing or verbally, one of which is the making of pictorial representations, agreeable to the history of the preaching of the Gospel, a tradition useful in many respects, but especially in this, that so the incarnation of the Word of God is shown forth as real and not merely phantastic, for these have mutual indications and without doubt have also mutual significations.

We, therefore, following the royal pathway and the divinely inspired authority of our Holy Fathers and the traditions of the Catholic Church (for, as we all know, the Holy Spirit indwells her), define with all certitude and accuracy that just as the figure of the precious and life-giving Cross, so also the venerable and holy images, as well in painting and mosaic as of other fit materials, should be set forth in the holy churches of God, and on the sacred vessels and on the vestments and on hangings and in pictures both in houses and by the wayside, to wit, the figure of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, of our spotless Lady, the Mother of God, of the honourable Angels, of all Saints and of all pious people. For by so much more frequently as they are seen in artistic representation, by so much more readily are men lifted up to the memory of their prototypes, and to a longing after them; and to these should be given due salutation and honourable reverence (aspasmon kai timhtikhn proskunh-sin), not indeed that true worship of faith (latreian>) which pertains alone to the divine nature; but to these, as to the figure of the precious and life-giving Cross and to the Book of the Gospels and to the other holy objects, incense and lights may be offered according to ancient pious custom. For the honour which is paid to the image passes on to that which the image represents, and he who reveres the image reveres in it the subject represented. For thus the teaching of our holy Fathers, that is the tradition of the Catholic Church, which from one end of the earth to the other hath received the Gospel, is strengthened. Thus we follow Paul, who spake in Christ, and the whole divine Apostolic company and the holy Fathers, holding fast the traditions which we have received. So we sing prophetically the triumphal hymns of the Church, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem. Rejoice and be glad with all thy heart. The Lord hath taken away from thee the oppression of thy adversaries; thou art redeemed from the hand of thine enemies. The Lord is a King in the midst of thee; thou shalt not see evil any more, and peace be unto thee forever."

Those, therefore who dare to think or teach otherwise, or as wicked heretics to spurn the traditions of the Church and to invent some novelty, or else to reject some of those things which the Church hath received (e.g., the Book of the Gospels, or the image of the cross, or the pictorial icons, or the holy reliques of a martyr), or evilly and sharply to devise anything subversive of the lawful traditions of the Catholic Church or to turn to common uses the sacred vessels or the venerable monasteries,[1] if they be Bishops or Clerics, we command that they be deposed; if religious or laics, that they be cut off from communion.

[After all had signed, the acclamations began (col. 576).]

The holy Synod cried out: So we all believe, we all are so minded, we all give our consent and have signed. This is the faith of the Apostles, this is the faith of the orthodox, this is the faith which hath made firm the whole world. Believing in one God, to be celebrated in Trinity, we salute the honourable images ! Those who do not so hold, let them be anathema. Those who do not thus think, let them be driven far away from the Church. For we follow the most ancient legislation of the Catholic Church. We keep the laws of the Fathers. We anathematize those who add anything to or take anything away from the Catholic

551

Church. We anathematize the introduced novelty of the revilers of Christians. We salute the venerable images. We place under anathema those who do not do this. Anathema to them who presume to apply to the venerable images the things said in Holy Scripture about. idols. Anathema to those who do not salute the holy and venerable images. Anathema to those who call the sacred images idols. Anathema to those who say that Christians resort to the sacred images as to gods. Anathema to those who say that any other delivered us from idols except Christ our God. Anathema to those who dare to say that at any time the Catholic Church received idols.

Many years to the Emperors, etc., etc.

References: Holy Roman Catholic Church/ Catholic Encyclopedia.

Blessed are the faithful and followers of Christ. Blessed are those who revere and follow the teachings of St. Peter and his blessed heir; the Vicar of Jesus Christ. Amen

I say they should be forgiven if they truly wish to cooperate in society and abide the laws.

Quote from: lina on August 24, 2007, 03:09:01 AM
from guindulman born and raised went to tagbilaran for college now lived in texas usa
its very hot in texas now.

What part of Texas Lina? Are you by any chance around the Houston area?

Please call me Bran la nang, ikaw naa ka nick name? You know I would love to visit Belgium someday--ive heard so many good things about it--is it like being in germany and france at the same time??. How are the people over there towards us fellow Filipinos diay? Accepting ba sila? Any good tourist destinations in Belgium, pinaybay?

Ako, im currently in my parent's house in New Jersey, USA. But will be leaving in 3 days to finish my last year in college =P

I do agree with you beb, it is getting cold here too. Fall season is coming up---make sure you get proper winter clothings lol!

PS. How long have you been in Belgium??

Hey pinaybayan! Hows Belgium treating you?

I'm a big science fiction and fantasy fiction reader. Any of you guys into Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings? Or the Halo series and 40,000 Warhammer series?

Quote from: Happy on August 23, 2007, 09:51:11 PM
grabe napud nag gitulis sa atubangan sa daghang tawo, walay nitabang? pila man diay kabuok tulisan? nya babae pa jud ang gitulis.

Bitaw no? Ngano man wala ni tabang sa ang victima? Grabe pood na wala man ni tabag--wa man pood tung tao-hana ug pistol diba? Luuy lang pood si dra. I hope she is in good health and that the suspect gets caught.

I believe Malaysia, and Indonesia uses these fighters in their air force. I know that Malaysia and Singapore both have the F/A-18 Superhornett as well as the F-16 C/ADF fighters. The Sukhoi Su-30 is excellent in offensive capability--and great for air-to-ground targets, its a tactical offensive fighter that relies primarily on speed and firepower. A great tactic, IMO. The F-18 and the F-16s are built to address the Sukhoi's weakness--as the F-classes are agile, quicker and carry formidable defense and offensive capabilities--which have given American fighters a slighter edge over Russian counterparts.

This was one reason why the F-5 Tiger I/II outperforms the famous Russian Mig-21 fighter.

I do admit that a combination of Sukhoi Su-30 Mkk and F-16s as well as F-18s and attack craft such as the Bronco and the Harrier would be perfect in creating an 'All-around air force': thereby addressing not only offensive capabilities, but defensive and tactical abilities.

Definately something the PAF should model after.
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In my oppinion, the best air fighters Russia has made would have to be the formidable Su-27 Flanker and the Mig-29. These fighters are currently used by the PLAA (People's Liberation Army Airforce), the Indian Air Force, the Vietnamese Air Force, North Korean Air Force, and Indonesian Air force--and have performed well against the F-16, F-15 in air games. Beautiful birds, IMO


Su-27 Flanker. Beautiful...


Mig-29 Fulcrum. This is Russia's answer to America's F-16 standard fighter.

Quote from: junayag on August 23, 2007, 11:26:26 PM

mao bitaw Mohandis nga i-multiply nato ang good side, so the good ones, the good things will prevail all throughout....

True that, bro.

Sexy picture..IMO.

It looks interesting--it looks like a merge between the Eurofighter, F-16 ADF and the SU-29 all in one.

PGMA calls on Filipino people to rally behind troops, vows to pursue military action vs. terrorists

Palace aborts KL talks with MILF

PGMA orders "humanitarian offensive" in Basilan, Sulu
By Lilybeth G. Ison

MANILA

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the conduct a "humanitarian offensive" in Basilan and Sulu provinces and other areas in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In the Administrative Order no. 192, the President stressed that despite the recent hostilities in the area, the police and military operations in the two provinces shall be "balanced with full-scale development offensive, a humanitarian invasion, so to speak."

Under the AO, President Arroyo directed Health Secretary Francisco Duque and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral to ensure the care and comfort of those who might be displaced due to the ongoing military offensive against terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group and other Muslim extremists.

She said all government initiatives shall be packaged under a Health, Education, Livelihood Progress (HELP) program for Basilan and Sulu provinces.

However, the President vowed to pursue offensives against the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group, saying that the extremist group should be punished for the death of the soldiers.

"Hindi tayo aatras sa pakikibaka upang mabigyan ng katarungan ang ating mga Marines, at upang mabigyan ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran ang bayan (We are not going to back out in the fight so that we can give justice to our Marines and to bring peace and progress to our country)," said President Arroyo in her opening statement Tuesday at the meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) in Malacanang.

"While we understand calls to stop the military offensives, we should also understand that our country won’t have security if we will not be able to give justice to our soldiers who died fighting for the Republic. Instead, the terrorists will be emboldened if they will not be made to pay for their criminal act against our heroic soldiers,” she added.

The President said with the victory of the troops and police against terrorists in Basilan and Sulu, "it is not farfetched for them to attempt to sow terror in other parts of the country."

"That is why, I have ordered our national police and armed forces to coordinate with local governments and the people to safeguard our cities and communities against any terrorist plot," she added.

Government forces on Sunday bombarded Muslim rebel strongholds with artillery in Basilan, a day after 14 Marines and one pilot and 40 extremists were killed in a fierce clash.

The Marines were killed when their unit attacked a jungle hideout of the Abu Sayyaf near Basilan's remote Ungkaya Pukan town, sparking a day-long firefight during which an air force pilot also died when his helicopter crashed at sea, the military said.

The military claimed that about 40 Abu Sayyaf insurgents were killed, including two commanders who allegedly took part in last month's beheadings of 10 Marines in Basilan.

In nearby Jolo, Sulu, government troops raided a suspected Abu Sayyaf safe house in Indanan town early Sunday and took into custody 19 men, women and children, said army Major General Ruben Rafael said.

After their interrogation, he said, some 14 were released and investigators were trying to determine if the other five were Abu Sayyaf gunmen.

Meanwhile, the President appealed to the public not to be swayed by propaganda seeking to divide the Armed Forces and to promote "selfish politicking."

“In our fight against enemies who threaten our peace and progress, it is important that we unite and not be swayed by those who seek to divide our Armed Forces and country through deceitful and false propaganda,” she said.

“Our only country is facing chaos. Let us not surrender her to our enemies who seek only to destroy and promote selfish interests,” she added.

President Arroyo also rallied the people to support the soldiers, who are putting their lives on the line to defend democracy and to pave the way for economic development in the region.

"Ongoing operations against rearguard actions of a despised and defeated group are meant to clear the path for these provinces' journey to peace and progress, which terror has delayed for so long," she said.

The President, on the other hand, said peace efforts with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would be pursued although this Wednesday’s talks in Malaysia have been cancelled.

According to chief government negotiator Rodolfo Garcia, he sought the postponement to give him more time to consolidate data and the government's position.

President Arroyo said she expected talks to resume next month.

She also announced the holding of a peace and security assembly to be held on August 23 and 24 in Bohol Province as an initiative of the local government to secure peace in the region. (PNA)

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Quote from: Bohol on August 23, 2007, 08:33:13 PM
Onic, the U.S. economy is highly dependent on making and selling weapons of mass destruction.

You're right Mike...whatever the US makes...everyone tries to buy--its like a never ending system no?

Man that would be soooo cool if USAF gave the AFP just 1 F/A-22. My god...no one in Asia--not even China would touch our islands. Hahaha we would practically be 'invincible' in the air. Oh i wish..we could get an F-22.

^ Glad to know that Jun.

Bohol is definately known for our glorious and beautiful Chocolate Hills. When most Americans are asked about the Philippines--and what comes to mind--they usually call out 'those chocolate hills' or 'Leyte Gulf War'.

Chocolate Hills is definately top 10 tourist attraction for the Phils.

Holy shoot! Are you serious? I already heard about the USN building a 5th generation air craft carrier that can submerge itself--now im reading about the FB-22?

7 billion dollars of tax payer money...i wish the US government can solve some problems in the education sector and social welfare isntead of putting total primacy over our already enormous military spending policy and defense sector. Right now there are almost 40 million Americans who are not covered by health insurance because of the cost of insurance coverance--and are left to fend for themselves. Luuy lang pood sila--mostly bata or tiguwang raba na sila--I just hope that US congress tries to address this issue while maintaining its spending habit.

^ Insnt that insane? The USAF already ordered over 250 more for the upcoming years--I think that the F-22 will be provided only to the United States and close allies of the US per se (UK, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Turkey and Israel) and that peripheral allies will be given the JSF-35, which is basically an upgraded version of the
F-16 ADF and should be awarded to air forces that can afford them (S. Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany etc)


Heres how the JSF-35 looks like:




The JSF-35 is priced at around $150 million US per plane, whereas the F/A-22 is priced at around $1-2 Billion US per plane.

I gotta check this out....


edited********

I just found the link to the said article. Thanks for telling me about that, Mike.

Heres the link guys:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/06/AR2007080601369.html

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFNEWS) -- The first overseas operational deployment of the Air Force's newest fighter is underway as 12 F-22 Raptors landed here Feb. 7 en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan.

The aircraft and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va., are supporting the U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Package in the Western Pacific.

Thirteenth Air Force is responsible for F-22 operations while they are in theater. Lt. Gen. Loyd S. Utterback, the 13th Air Force commander, stressed that the deployment is not in response to any specific situation in the region."The United States routinely evaluates its readiness and repositions forces throughout the Western Pacific to meet its security obligations. The F-22 deployment is the latest example of the flexibility that U.S. forces have to meet ongoing commitments within the region," he said.

In addition to the F-22, other Air Force aircraft have also temporarily deployed to the Pacific including B-1 Lancers, B-2 Spirits, B-52 Stratofortreses, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-117 Nighthawks.

"Versatile mission platforms give Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines the ability to operate in today's constantly changing threat environments," General Utterback said.
"Forward-basing aircraft such as the F-22 and other air assets gives commanders the capability to respond to any contingency, anywhere in the theater in minimal time."

As the Air Force works to transform its air, space and cyberspace operations across the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations, the upcoming deployment of the F-22 into the theater and eventual permanent beddown of the Air Force's newest fighter in Alaska and Hawaii are the latest examples of the United States' continuing commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

"The F-22 will lead and enable the joint force to operate at will without interference from an opposing force in the Pacific and throughout the rest of the world for years to come," General Utterback said.

The 27th Fighter Squadron, the Air Force's first frontline F-22 fighter squadron, reached initial operational capability in December 2005. Although this is the first overseas deployment for the aircraft, it is not the squadron's first deployment from Langley AFB.

In October 2005, the squadron deployed to Hill AFB, Utah, where F-22 pilots practiced their unique flight tactics and dropped inert Joint Directed Attack Munitions.

The squadron deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, in May and participated in joint training during Northern Edge 2006.

"We had phenomenal successes during these deployments and exercises," said Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander. "We've taken the lessons we've learned and applied them back here, and we've continued to develop the weapons system every day."

While deployed to Kadena AB, members of the 27th FS will showcase the capabilities of the F-22 as they train with Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps units.

"We're eager to assist U.S. Pacific Command, helping to ensure an environment of security and stability to support and foster freedom and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific Region," General Field said. "This is what we train for, and we're ready."

A transformational combat aircraft, the F-22 is effectively invisible to threats, cruises at supersonic speeds, is highly maneuverable and provides an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.

(1st Lt. Rachel Sherburne of the 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office contributed to this story)

Source: USAF

+++++++++







Terrorists beware...

Wow...its almost insane that the Ruskies would send those bombers to the air towards UK space---its sending a 2nd generation long range bomber against a 4th-5th generation air superiority fighter...lol.

Britain should've shot that bomber down.

Stricter immigration policies by the US, as a result to the unfathomable illegal immigration in the mainland USA. This in turn dictates the visa policy and immigration policies.

Great read.

**tips hat** Kammusta ka dinhi pre!

^ hahaha palamuta pood ka GEC! Nice song btw man!!

Quote from: Ginger on August 22, 2007, 04:17:36 AM
bitaw no, ang mga puti di kamao mangagda! ug wa ta maanad, maka pungot..hahaha labi na gutom!

Thats not always true, Ginger, I mean there are some white Americans who are like that--but the ones who are exposed to your culture and endorsed in it--and generally respect your customs--will show respect. Take into example my friends who know me and have been to my house during birthday parties or just for Filipino gatherings--they know the 'mano po' system etc--as they have been explained about it by myself and from relatives.

I also have an uncle who is Irish-American and he married my auntie and have a child together--I'll tell you that my uncle though he is 'puti' is very Filipino. He's closer to our side of the family than his own--and he even knows how to speak limited visaya--though he understands it almost perfectly.

There are Americans who are religious and show christian ethic and morality--then there are Americans who are very liberal minded and don't really take into consideration of christian ethic--it really depends on the individual. Hope that helps, beb.

Id like to meet former Gov. Chatto.

Outrageous pood ni oi--aha man ang pulis??? Bu anga pood ning kriminal oi--lami ipa-hatag sa terroristo sa jolo.

Life is a gift from God, Bless him everyday in our lives for the gift and wonder of Life. The ultimate gift--Life.

Quote from: Bambi on August 23, 2007, 12:29:57 AM
Hello Onic and M.B:!

Guys...guys.... i think you are both in a wrong choice of professions?  The God the Father, Spirit and the Son might need u b4 as the l3th and l4th Apostles...Peace be both with you.!...both of you has right to present his own definition. I respected both your side and opinions. I remain God is God and we are only a passing scene and all Bol-anons! MABUHAY!

I welcome your post--Bambi--and God Bless you for your faith! I do respect other's opinions, pre, it is just that I've witnessed many people attack the Holy Roman Catholic Church--and as a humble Catholic--who loves and fears my God--I am pose to defend the Church. I merely wanted to share my views--and the views of the billions in this world who are part of the Holy Roman Catholic Family--with full communion with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--through the Guidance and shepparding of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI--Heir of St. Peter here on Earth.

I pray for all of you and that your faith never wanes. And for our Bohol island.

Great article, pre. I'm glad to know that overall--our bayan is doing good. Lets pray that it continues this trend. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Quote from: buenavista on August 22, 2007, 03:38:47 PM
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.” (Jeremiah 1:5, NLT)



Dear one, you were started as an idea in the mind of God! Wow! You exist because the God of the universe thought you up.


The God who spoke the world into existence, the God who hung the moon and the stars, the God who set the sun in the sky â€" this creative Creator thought about you, was pleased by his thoughts and so he spoke you into your mother’s womb in the same way that he spoke the world into existence.


As my friend, Rick Warren, says in “The Purpose Driven Life,” you are not an accident. You were created by God at just the right time, in just the right place, with just the right SHAPE to serve God in this moment (“… For such a time is this …” Esther 4:14, NIV).

You are NOT a product of God’s assembly line; rather you are a unique creation, like a priceless painting from a grand master: “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

Amen!

Teaching? A noble profession, pre. Are you teaching in BKK?

I think we all know who is responsible for this...

Forgive the article, pecious, because it just relies mostly on general stereotypes. Given, after reading the article, I noticed that there tends to be some truths and some false statements on part of the Filipino and the American. It really is due to the fact that both peoples are in different societies whose cultures are foreign from one another. In one side, you have the Filipinos who practice a form of filial piety--a general obeisance and respect for the elder--such is observed in Filipino social etiquette of the 'Mano Po'--which is when the Filipino child or younger person takes the hand of the elder and touches it to his/her forehead--thereby showing filial piety and respect. This is rather universal in most parts of East and South East Asia--you observe this in Japan and South Korea where the younger generation bow before the elder in showing respect. The same is seen in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand--where the younger generation will give a 'wai' when they clasp their hands together and bow before the elder--either a relative etc. For Indians, I've noticed my friends who touch their foreheands on the foot of their grandparents, uncles, aunts etc to show filial piety.

However, for western societies such as  the United States, Canada, UK etc---there seems to be a prevalent discourse in the form of 'indivualism' and the concept of 'imuha imuha--akoha-ako'. The United States is a progressive country with multi ethnic customs--and tends to have more of a general acceptance of different cultures--considering the demographics of the country: 65% of Americans are European-Americans, 16% are Latin-Americans, 15% are African Americans and 5% being Asian-Americans and the rest being mixed races. It is without doubt that the United States tends to be rather heterogenous, whereas the Philippines is almost completely homgenous--most of the population are part of the Malay Race (the same with Malaysians, Indonesians, Bruneians, and Southern Thais) with over 95% Filipinos being Malay and a minor 3% having some kind of Spanish or European blood and another 2% having some kind of foreign Asian blood (Chinese, Japanese, etc). So of course one will observe a stronger unified Filipino culture compared to the United States--which really has a mixed culture due the 'salad bowl/ melting pot' phenomenon of the nation state.

I would like to say that not all Filipinos behave accordingly to the said article, as is the same for not all Americans behave accordingly to the said stereotype. Though such stereotypes are flawed because as Filipinos assimilate to American society--they too pick up and adopt 'American' traits--the same can be said for Americans who live and assimilate within the Philippines. The point is made.

Just dont take it too personally, guys. Take it lightly and laugh..


God Bless all of you!!

Pareng Bambi, any good places to hang out over there?

@ Mike,

Sawat dee kap! Are you schooling in Thailand, Mike or are you there permanently? Is it just like in our blessed Philippines?

Ako: Born in Cebu City, raised in Tagbilaran City and Valencia, Bohol.
Immigrated to the US when I was 5 y/o and lived in NYC for 4 years--then moved with family to southern New Jersey--been here since 1995.

200% Pinoy in heart.

Quote from: Bohol on August 22, 2007, 12:44:29 PM
What will happen?

The world would have been denied the right to know and see the wondrous Chocolate Hills and the beautiful beaches of Panglao.

For me--I'm in love with the Porsche Cayenne--so smooth leather interior and powerful engine thrust. Expensive, yes--but classy and sexy....






My mom's white Porsche Cayenne S.....sexy diba? 

hahaha

hahaha levi jeans ra? Ako galing..ang bajit tour guide--ning offer siya mo sleep with me for 'extra payment kono'..hadloka lol. Luuy lang pood sila kai wala man good opportunity sa ilaha..daghan ka sa tanan bajit didto--mo adto sila sa western europa to work as gogo dancers/ prostitute na lang---so they can send money back to Ukraine for their family.

Pare, hahaha daghan diay ka amigo from all over europe eh? Hahaha

Quote from: Bambi on August 21, 2007, 11:02:49 PM
Hi folks!

God is God! And we are all the same one creature. Religion is a theme just like the Environmental problems which is actually centered in Media discussions. Religion- it depends upon its personal interpretation. Please..... let Religion remains holy and sacred but let it not be ended into a "HOLY WAR". God bless us all!

That is true, Bambi, however, we must keep into consideration that in times of strif and in the current--so strong is the powers of the most unclean, the liar of the world, the great deciever, the great protester--Lucifer. The one that was cast down--with his lot--by the Arch angel of the Lord, Michael and the hosts of heaven.

There are multitudes of rising 'evangelical' , 'protestant', 'new' churches all over the world--that claim to preach the teachings of Christ--but in turn and in reality are making blasphemic rhetoric. Woe unto those who are wolves in sheeps clothing--woe unto those who do not recognize the trueness and righteousness of the Holy Roman Catholic Church---the Lord himself saideth it to St. Peter--the First Pope of Rome--nay..he declared it.

There is only one Church--and outside of the Catholic Church--there is neither salvation or redemption. The Lord himself declared it to Peter that the road to salvation is but narrow--and only few will be saved. The catholic church is over 2000 years old--and has seen the rise and fall of empires, kings, emperors, teachings and wars. The audacity of new evangelicals to attack the church--from which they sprang forth--and from whose teachings they claim yet twist in their own transfiguration. I agree with my local pastor in this--radical evangelicalism is nothing but heresy, an example of false prophetry. Woe to them--for they have neither salvation nor redemption in the eyes of the Lord.

Quote from: Mohandis Ban-alam on August 21, 2007, 10:41:02 PM
Onic...Are you a roman catholic? Do you have any idea about the "Council of Nicaea"?

I would humbly state that I am a faithful Roman Catholic, and I know of the Council of Nicea.

Quote from: Barbaro on August 13, 2007, 08:27:24 PM
It's obvious that jesus travelled and studied many ways of life and different religious teachings; incorporating all of it into his thinking. His ideals were beautiful.

What I don't like is how his teachings have been twisted by power/money hungry people for their own benefit.

What I dont really like are the rising and extremist evangelicals here in the United States. Its also ironic how they themselves preach the teachings of Christ--yet at the same time horde millions of dollars from followers and supporters--then again there are extremist christian protestants such as the Westboro Baptist Church--here in the United States--who actually have the audacity and disgust to protest the deaths of American soldiers in Iraq as 'punishment' from God. These groups claim that 911 is a gift from God and that God is punishing America for the homosexual acceptance in our society and in other societies that promote or accept it. It is almost disgusting that these people preach such hatred. These so called 'evangelicals' claim that those who are Catholic are followers of the 'anti-christ' and declare that catholics do not read proper scripture. All of this disgusts me--and I've had multiple encounters with evangelical protestants that have attacked my faith and the Holy Roman Catholic church.

When I talked to a fellow priest about this--he mentioned to me about what the cardinal said about teachings of 'new' evangelical preachers who so call themselves the 'true' followers of christ. Indeed--they are wolves in sheeps clothing. They are the examples and epitomes of the thousands of heresies and blasphemies committed everyday in the name of Jesus Christ and his flock--so twisted are they in their translation of the bible--that they even forget the decree of Jesus Christ to St. Peter.

"You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18).

"The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it. And to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven . . . ’ [Matt. 16:18â€"19]. On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. . . . If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?" (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).

"There is one God and one Christ, and one Church, and one chair founded on Peter by the word of the Lord. It is not possible to set up another altar or for there to be another priesthood besides that one altar and that one priesthood. Whoever has gathered elsewhere is scattering" (Letters 43[40]:5 [A.D. 253]).


"There [John 6:68â€"69] speaks Peter, upon whom the Church would be built, teaching in the name of the Church and showing that even if a stubborn and proud multitude withdraws because it does not wish to obey, yet the Church does not withdraw from Christ. The people joined to the priest and the flock clinging to their shepherd are the Church. You ought to know, then, that the bishop is in the Church and the Church in the bishop, and if someone is not with the bishop, he is not in the Church. They vainly flatter themselves who creep up, not having peace with the priests of God, believing that they are
secretly [i.e., invisibly] in communion with certain individuals. For the Church, which is one and Catholic, is not split nor divided, but it is indeed united and joined by the cement of priests who adhere one to another" (ibid., 66[69]:.
++++

Ephraim the Syrian



"[Jesus said:] ‘Simon, my follower, I have made you the foundation of the holy Church. I betimes called you Peter, because you will support all its buildings. You are the inspector of those who will build on earth a Church for me. If they should wish to build what is false, you, the foundation, will condemn them. You are the head of the fountain from which my teaching flows; you are the chief of my disciples’" (Homilies 4:1 [A.D. 351]).

 
Optatus



"You cannot deny that you are aware that in the city of Rome the episcopal chair was given first to Peter; the chair in which Peter sat, the same who was headâ€"that is why he is also called Cephas [‘Rock’]â€"of all the apostles; the one chair in which unity is maintained by all" (The Schism of the Donatists 2:2 [A.D. 367]).

 
Ambrose of Milan



"[Christ] made answer: ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock will I build my Church. . . . ’ Could he not, then, strengthen the faith of the man to whom, acting on his own authority, he gave the kingdom, whom he called the rock, thereby declaring him to be the foundation of the Church [Matt. 16:18]?" (The Faith 4:5 [A.D. 379]).

"It is to Peter that he says: ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church’ [Matt. 16:18]. Where Peter is, there is the Church. And where the Church is, no death is there, but life eternal" (Commentary on Twelve Psalms of David 40:30 [A.D. 389]).

what are people's thoughts on this? moreover, what are peoples thoughts on the entire phenomena that is the Philippine Diaspora? my parents immigrated here to the us in the 80's and are both physicians (feu grads), and i have always struggled with this idea.

why as filipinos must we always sacrifice? to have to put necessity over opportunity or doing what is necessary in order to provide opportunity for future generations? is it truly in the hearts of all filipinos to return home; and as succeeding generations are born abroad, is this love being lost?

i hope that filams, filipinos internationally, and filipinos in the philippines could comment and provide some insight on this. there is no right or wrong answers, and hopefully this dialogue would provide a better understanding for all of us who are connected in the struggle.
+++++

(note that this is taken from a medical site)

***my views****

I feel for you and I do recognize the situation that is affecting the Philippine Medical System. This so called 'Brain Drain' is a rather Philippine-centric phenomenon--thousands upon thousands of recently graduated Filipino nurses flee the country to look for lucrative work abroad and significant instances of Filipino doctors going back to nursing school for a chance to practice nursing abroad.

However, when one looks at this national discourse, one can't help but see two sides of this spectrum.

The negative side of this phenomenon is that the best of the best in the Philippine medical work force are leaving the country for better pay, better job security and life style, while the rest of the country is left with the 'left-overs', pardon my French. The same can also be seen about Filipino teachers, where a growing number of teachers from the Philippines are being 'imported' to the United States to address the educational problem in the states.

I truly understand the situation and the substantial effects this so called 'Brain Drain' has had on the Republic. My sister and I are citizens in the United States only because my parents came here in the early 90s. My father, who worked as a Civil Engineer in Saudi Arabia and my mum as a nurse in the Philippines were immediately changed as soon as we arrived to the 'states. Immediately, my dad took up nursing classes considering the lack of engineering positions in NYC (where we first moved to) and the fact that a nurse's salary doubled if not trippled an engineer's. This is personal example of the discourse that has shaped the lives of millions of Filipinos that come abroad for opportunity's sake.

Yet this is also a positive factor, which leads me to my second point. The so called 'Brain Drain' can also be seen as a positive light in that it has resulted in over 10 million Filipinos living and working abroad. Literally there are 90 million Filipinos in the Philippines but over 10 million Filipinos or people of Filipino ancestry are living abroad. This in its own right is a positive factor for the Philippines because it leads to annual remmittance of over $10 billion to the Philippine economy. Fil-Ams or Canadian-Ams are sending dollars back to the Philippines everytime they buy filipino goods, movies, cds, everytime they go back to the philippines or establish homes in the country. Economically speaking, has led to a global 'Filipno' awareness so to say because in the United States, Filipinos are renowned as a significant factor and contributor to the American health system. Whereever you go in the states you will see Fillipino doctors, nurses, pharmacists, nurse's aid, diagnostician, clinician etc. The birth and creation of a Filipino-American Manifesto has been achieved here in the states (i dont know about other western states) but I know that because of the brain drain to the states, the Filipinos succeed greatly here and which in turn transcends to the general impression of the 'Filipno-American'.

Im sure its rather similar for other Asian ethnics that are living in the states and giving back to their home states, such as the vietnamese, chinese, indians etc.


I personally think that the situation is not as bad as what others think of it. I have relatives and family members who are in Philippine politics and when asked about the status of the so called 'Philippine Brain Drain' they say that it is only a matter of time before the situation stabilizes itself. Sure some thousands of Filipino physicians, nurses, PAs, PTs etc go abroad to work, who doesnt want that? The main point of professionals is to provide health care and show the expertise one has to a host population, this is so when it comes to the Filipino medical professional (doctor, nurse, etc) when he/she provides much needed medical care in the undermanned US medical system, Canadian system, EU systems and in the Middle East.

Why do you think Filipino medical professionals are leaving the country in the first place? The lack of jobs is prevalent in our country. Ive heard stories from my father and uncles of post-collegiates with no jobs in the Philippines due to the massive competition in the engineering, medical, fields. The country is already over populated as it is, with over 90 million people and with numerous professional schools, the Philippines is graduating thousands upon thousands of doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, Physical therapists etc; more than what our country can accomodate. Do you think the Philippines can employ all of our possible graduates year after year after year? Of course not. Its all on the basis of the market economy. There is no demand in the PHilippines because the country is saturated with professionals, however there is such an EXTENSIVE demand of well educated and brilliant Filipino professionals abroad. Why here in the United States, most hospitals are saturated with Filipino nurses, physicians, pharmacists and many American medical professionals recognize the expertise of Filipino medical workers. I know in the OR/ICU where my mom works as a nurse anesthesist, the physicians and Director of Nursing demand 'Filipino professionals' because of the level of care they give to the patients as compared to American medical professionals, who lack the 'extra touch' training Philippine traning gives.

I like to think of the situation of this so called 'B-Drain' in a good way. Thousands of Filipinos go abroad to find well paying jobs and as a response to this give back thousands of dollars to the Philippines annually and provides a steady and profitable remittance to the country. This year, the Philippine economy has been recognized by ASEAN and economic partners in the EU, US, Japan and China as one of the "ASEAN 5" ( The Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are the region's fastest growing economies). The Philippine economy has flourished at a rate of an impressive 5.6% GDP growth this year and our foreign exports are rising at a rate of 10% a year, which indicates the level of industrialization and infrastructure growth/infrastructure stability under the current administration. Positive growth factors indicated by the IMF and foreign banking systems have indicated a growth in the service economy, growing manufacturing arm and a booming agricultural economy. Added to this, the Philippine 'Diaspora' has played an important role in our economic progress, as over $10 billion have been given back to the Philippines this year due to the OFWs. The more we send professionals abroad, the more they will give back to the Philippines, which will trickle down itself to the domestic development of the country in terms of economics, education, government and overall national stability. Plus, one has to be realistic naman. The country has over 90 million people within a land area of 300,000 km^2; and as our populaiton grows at over 1.5% a year how can we accomdate? Immigration provides a breathing space for the country and better chances of a more effective human development index.

++++++++++++++++

Opposing Views

have a lot of classmates in the US now working as nurses and they were at the top of our class, were Chief Residents in their respective fields of residency but still opted to go abroad because it is so hard to start a practice here and still be able to put food on the table.

Based on my husband's experience (he's a surgeon, I finished 4 yrs surgery training), it is so frustrating when you are expecting to be paid for a certain procedure (alloted to pay tuition, or other bills) and the patient wants you to lower the PF because they can not pay or they were discharged from the hospital with the hospital bill fully paid and the doctor is left a promissory note then the patient is never heard from again. How can you save money for your family's future with these kinds of situations?

Even working for an HMO (hubby works for 2 HMOs) is hard work with very low pay. Most HMOs pay their doctors Php100 plus per hour (around 2-3 hours twice a week) only even if you get to see 5-10 pxs for that hour. It would have been worth it to be paid per patient but that is not the case.

So that is one of the reasons doctors here prefer to work as nurses abroad.

///////////

Yeah, it can be hard to put into words, but it's worth trying.

I think a lot of the frustration arises when we suddenly realize that despite all or hard work and good intentions, that we actually have very little ability to effect change in others.

The problems in the PI (political, economic...etc) you discuss are not going away and "sacrificing" your life/career whether for two months or a decade won't really change anything, although hopefully it gives you good feelings.

You can try to help people, and it's nice to help people but ultimately only the people or the "masa" can help themselves.

A trike driver is destined to remain a trike driver despite any work or intentions on my part. It's only when I see a trike driver reading a book trying to learn something in between his trips that I will feel real hope for the nation's problems. Unfortunately most trike drivers seem to spend their down times sitting on their ass smoking.

//////////////


Why does it sound to me that a doctor going to nursing is a very degrading job?

Gusto ko pong mag doktor- first love ko po sigurong masasabi

Dichotomous to poverty, the search for greener pasteur is indeed one of the major problems facing not just nurses but physicians as well here in the Philippines. I hope that one day, I become a physician probably with hopes to integrate that immense knowledge with the title MD and greatly, to heal or care for my patient in the most hollistic way I can- iba na rin yung power na nakakapagpahaba ka siguro ng buhay ng ibang tao.However, the issue of poverty is already passe. Kung US naman ang gusto nating matumbok sometime in our future, poverty itself would not view the difference between a physician turned nurse or either way- so to hell with frustration over that.

I am looking at this as a future nurse and a future MD. Bagaman gusto kong maging doktor, I came to love nursing as nursing itself and not just a premed course- formality na lang siguro iyon. Nagiging insulting pa nga sa mga nurses at times pag sinasabing pre nursing course ang medicine (believe me my inuedno dito). The thing is- so what kung mag nurse ang doktor- what' s with the inuendo. Hindi lang insulto primero at superficial sampal yun dun sa doktor pero insulto din yun sa nurse. Being the nurse that I am, naniniwala ako that both professions are respective in their own fields and are equal in the say about the care of their patients. Yung doctor ang responsible sa out of the bedside treatment of the disease (disease side) while the nurse deals with the patient's response to the illness (patient side). Kung wala yung isa, walang mangyayari sa pasyente. This is one reason why I opted to take both course dahil mas buo ang pag care ko sa pasyente- walang mas mataas dun sa isa. Hindi madali para sa nurse ang tagal ng taon ng pinag aralan ng doktor in terms of the pathology of the illness pero hindi rin naman madali para sa doktor ang tamang paglinis sa sensitibo at pinakatatagong parte ng katawan ng pasyente (and believe me, this is the reason why some doctors who take the NLE fail) at pagkelaman pa ang dami ng itinae at pinagreglahan nila. Anecdotally, hindi ba, pag ang mga consultants o residents ininstructan ang intern na mag wound care sa isang fresh surgical wound or mag insert ng line or heplock at walang kahit na anong gamit yung pasyente ni betadine o bulak na panlanggas, di ba ang management ng nurse ang naghahanap ng mga kailanganin nila? Sana dito na natin tinitingnan ang issue ng MD to RN. If ever man siguro akong maging doktor muna ako, kahit wala ang issue at paradigm natin ng poverty, bakit hindi ako mag nunurse samantalang kagalang galang naman yung profession na yon?

So what part of the states are you settling in? Is this for nursing/ health related reasons?

Happy, where are you located at?

I have significantly lost respect for the MILF/MNLF--these organizations should be effectively grouped as terrorist organizations and reported to the United Nations and to Washington. Manila should let loose the American Eagle in Basilan and in Jolo--and allow them to purify the south of these--islamofascist terrorists.

Theres no way that peace can be achieved with them---since Spanish times the Moros have always been at war with Christian Philippines--to the Philippine-American War and now to the present.

I have lost any hope in ever reconciling with extremist Muslim-Filipinos. And the notion of a 'Bangsa Moro' is utterly disgusting, that they would wish the dissintegration of the integrity of our precious Republic--for which so many years of fighting and innocent blood has flown to achieve...

May the Philippine Eagle soar high and proud in the south.

Thats true Mike, and reading things like this disgusts me, knowing full well of the already frictitious relationship Israel has with Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt etc--giving them weapons sales and 'financial' support--is rather dubious. Supporting both sides--and in the end destabilizing the region--so that in the long run---it is the United States who continues to reign supreme. One way I am in awe how America just easily treats nations as if they were mere 'objects' and as  a tool for personal/nationalistic goals. Then again, I am also sickened to how America fails to give billions to countries like the Philippines--which has always supported the United States and has been an unwavering military ally in the Orient.

Dili pood fair...

History Channel's 'Human Weapon'.  Did you guys see the episode about Eskrima and Arnis?

Heres a link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfJpRv-gp9c

I totally and absolutely agree with the opinion of Mr. Joe Espiritu. The AFP must continue its campaign against these lawless insurgents and it is up to the AFP to establish the mandate of the Philippines--and to reinsitute the dominance of Philippine Law into the south.

Mabuhay ang Isang Bansa! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

By STEVEN ERLANGER
Published: August 17, 2007
JERUSALEM, Aug. 16 â€" Israel and the United States signed a deal on Thursday to give Israel $30 billion in military aid over the next decade in what officials called a long-term investment in peace.

The officials insisted that the deal was not dependent on a simultaneous American plan for $20 billion in sales of sophisticated arms to its Arab allies, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia. But Israeli officials acknowledged that the aid to Israel would make it easier for the Bush administration to win Congressional approval of the arms sales to Arab countries.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel has not objected to those arms sales, saying that he understands the United States’ need to support moderate Sunni Arab states that, like Israel, are opposed to Shiite Iran’s reach for regional supremacy and nuclear weapons.

The American under secretary of state for political affairs, R. Nicholas Burns, speaking at the signing ceremony here, said, “There is no question that, from an American point of view, the Middle East is a more dangerous region now even than it was 10 or 20 years ago and that Israel is facing a growing threat” from Iran and its ally, Syria.

The threat, he said, is “immediate and it’s also long term,” and he cited Iran’s support for organizations that the United States classified as terrorist and that were opposed to peace and stability in the region, like Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Palestinian territories and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

The new aid to Israel will average $3 billion a year on a sliding scale, an increase of about 25 percent from current figures, to begin in October 2008. That year, American economic aid to Israel, which has a vibrant, growing economy, is scheduled to end. Uniquely, officials said, the new deal allows Israel to spend 26.3 percent of the aid on arms from Israel’s domestic military industry; the rest of the money must be spent on American equipment.

The Israelis have some specific reservations about what equipment might be sold to Saudi Arabia, however, despite American promises that Israel will keep its “qualitative edge” regionally in military technology.

Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the House majority leader, said in an interview on Thursday that “Congress will be supportive of the aid to Israel, but with respect to Saudi Arabia I think we will look at that more closely.” He said there were “specific concerns on guided missile technology that could be used defensively against Israel and that would be problematic.”

Some Israeli politicians have also discussed trying to limit Saudi deployment of new weapons systems to the east of the country, closer to Iran, keeping them away from Israel.

Mr. Burns and the Israeli team, led by the governor of the Bank of Israel, Stanley Fischer, who holds both American and Israeli citizenship, would not comment on the specifics of the arms deal.

Mr. Fischer said that Israel was grateful for the help, since it had one of the highest defense burdens “in what used to be called the free world,” amounting to 10 percent of gross domestic product.

Mr. Burns said, “This $30 billion in assistance to Israel is to be an investment in peace, in long-term peace â€" peace cannot be made without strength.”

In Gaza, Hamas, the Islamic group that has taken control there, briefly detained the Palestinian attorney general, Ahmed Mughami, who is allied with Fatah, after he returned to the Gaza Strip to try to prevent Hamas from altering the area’s judicial system. Fatah has ordered the police and other civil servants, including judges, not to work for Hamas in Gaza, and Hamas then said it would set up Islamic courts. Hamas forced Mr. Mughami out of his office at gunpoint in Gaza City. He refused to resign and was released.

Quote from: Bohol on May 02, 2007, 03:38:55 PM

photo by erick photomurals of flickr.com

God, that thing is so cute! I'd love to get one as a gift for my baby brother...

So yea, in light of techs and gadgets, and myself being a lover of automobiles--and I know that many of you guys out there are too, I decided to open a little thread about just that. So basically, what kind of cars, suvs, vans, trucks, motorcycles, etc are you interested in? Currently what make and model do you have in mind--or own.

C'mon guys lets make this an active place, hahaha.

Remember---boys will always love their toys. 

Quote from: ligiah on August 20, 2007, 04:10:06 AM
na shock ko kay si kuya terence man jud akong nakit an... hehehe! iregards lang ko ni kuya terence... how i miss bohol na... i wish my nanay would send me a cd copy of the oracles... i´d love to show it to my fellow boholanos here... i´ve never missed the sandugo shows when i was still home. nalipay ra pud ko kay nakakita ra jud ko sa sandugo 2007 bahala ug naa na lang sa pictures... thanks so much for sharing...

Ligiah, I love your signature quote, btw. =P

Wow! Beautiful pictures guys!! I'll definately be there next year for Sandugo 2008!!

Kuyawa ka sa tanan ang Sandugo Festival oi, colorful kasatanan! Nalipay ko nakakita sa pictures, its almost like being there in spirit! Salamat Ryan for posting and sharing with us bro!

^ Thanks for posting this, Bai. Really appreciate it.

Buenos Dias Ligiah!

Welcome to Tubag Bohol and hope to have fruitful conversations with you! Cheers!!

Tu amigo,

Good morning, darling,

Hope everything goes well for you on your arrival here stateside. Best of luck, health, and God speed.

Amen!!

^ Mao bitaw.

Quote from: Ginger on August 19, 2007, 03:33:14 AM

Onic, Jun was talking about the Tubag Bohol members (abbreviated as TB) living in Eastern Part and Scandinavian countries, though your clarifications with regards to your visit in Ukraine is still appreciated. It's sad to know that children as young as 5 are already suffering cancer.

Thanks for the correction, ginger. I totally thought Jun was asking about tuberculosis, yea it is sad about the children.

Quote from: EL MUNDO on August 17, 2007, 12:50:38 PM
i read about a review that trojan is the best condom.

but in pinas, thrust ..frenzy man gud ang sikat. so far, wala ko kakita og trojan. naay mga conom nga hinatag sa US for population control program. baga man...

Yea Trojan is really reliable, bro, the one my gf likes to get me is the mint-flavored ones. Kinky stuff, lol but safe at the same time, ya know? Never heard of thrust before, Leo. Btw, how much do packages cost over there?

...the more experienced...the fiestier...haha. Gotta love that'!

Amantium irae, amoris integratio est : The quarrels of lovers are the renewal of love

Sine amore, nihil est vita : Without love, life is pointless

Vive mente , corde ama : Live rationally, but love passionately  **my favorite

I'm speechless...

Quote from: Varga on August 17, 2007, 04:27:40 PM


'Doy Onic,

Akong pagdayeg sa inyo diha sa USA nga duna moy Filipino American Association nga nangindahay
nga mabawi pa ang Sabah gikan sa mga Malaysians.

Kami intawon diri sa atoa sa Bohol nga nag-antus pa sa kanihit sa panginabuhi, dili na mi mag-apilapil
sa mga butang nga halayo ra sa among inadlaw nga panginahanglan.

Matters in the realm of geopolitics are not of our immediate concern. Circumstances even in our own
province do not bode well for a forthcoming improvements in our social and economic wellbeing.
What with the class of leaders we have and the neo-cacique system prevailing in our present society.

On the national scene, I venture to say that it is even advantageous for us Bol-anons that the national
gov't opts to give a chance that our brother Moros have their cake (and eat it too) by giving them
all for themselves the areas they are claiming (Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao, & Lanao del Sur) comprosing
of the ARRM provinces. With that, our national gov't would be saving billions of subsidy to ARRM without
transparency in how the funds are disbursed (its like pouring water to a sinkhole). The funds save would
be better off for social services (education, health, paying off the cost in constructing the virtual Talibon
Dam and the prospective inutile Bayongan Dam, etc.) in the non-Muslim areas and the benefits derived
would impinge and trickle to the betterment of the ordinary Bol-anons.

Ngani, diri lang sa ato, ang among panglantaw nagtutok lamang sa mga isyu sa palibut sa mga kalungsuran.
Pananglit, unsaon pag-usab sa pangobyerno sa Anda (hamiling lungsod ni Mike) nga mismo siya, si Engr.
Tinio, ug uban pa nga nagpakabana didto wala pa gyud maka tagamtam ug kalampusan.

In fine, what I beg to pursue is that... we wish to address things that we can pine to accomplish in our
own small sphere of influence!

Good afternoon Varga,

Thank you for your response and what you point out are credible and are indeed areas in which the government should focus on, however there are some things that you said that I firmly am against. First, on the issue of 'giving' the Moros the areas they are claiming for, particularly Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao, & Lanao del Sur is absurd as this would compromise the gains the Philippines has had in the region--and this action would illustrate the Philippines as a weak country to our neighbours in ASEAN, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. As a patriotic Filipino-American who has so much pride and love for his Filipino people and the future of my beloved Philippine fatherland, I dare not accept such pessimistic views.

The Philippines is a large country, with almost 100 million people, of course it will take some time to address the finance and standard of living in the Philippines and in our beloved Bohol, but as our economy surges at an unbelievable 7% gdp growth rate, increasing export rates, decreased national debt and increased foreign investments, foreign states such as the United States, Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, France, Japan, S. Korea, Taiwan, China, Singapore etc are increasing their investments in our country. As we speak, our telecommunication industry is growing and is behind only India, there are other areas that our country can work on, however, the Philippines in general is growing.

As we assert our problems in the south and work cooperatively with the United States, we are seen by regional neighbours and by the United States as an active member in the war against terrorism. You know, as an active member in my college's political debate organization, we've discussed the issue within the Philippines---and from the statements of fellow collegians who are political science majors: theyve addressed the impressive role the Philippines has taken up in Asia. It is widely known that the Philippines is America's number 1 ally in Asia--and has always been--there is a great respect among Americans for the unconquerable spirit of the Filipino, and the resiliency of the Philippines.

Nay, good sir, I know in my heart that within 4-5 decades, the Philippines will become a regional power in Asia--and God willing, the south will be assimilated.

Mahal na mahal kita, Pilipinas.

^

Quote from: arlaine cecile on August 17, 2007, 08:13:19 PM
we, Filipino mediamen are not just concerned on bread and butter per se. we also have honor and that is our bread and butter that you foreigners do not understand as of now.

Well said, arlaine. Beautiful statment and I totally agree.

I totally support it, guys. We should like have a donation section where we can donate some bit of funds to help send students in Bohol to school.

Quote from: junayag on August 17, 2007, 10:16:12 PM

onic,

my being organized who is keen in every details has been misunderstood for being strict; in every undertaking, I emphasized adherence and/or compliance to set standards and its operating procedures.  i don't sacrifice quality for mediocrisity.

sticking to what you believe is right regardless of the consequences will keep your integrity / credibility intact.

Reading your post made me smile, Jun, as I too am very much like that. I have been told by my Biology professors that whenever I'm set on a particular research technique or preparing a sample for electrophoresis or titration, its a personal priority until finished. You being in the finance field, I totally understand that projects and schedules be finished on time and within the particular specs; imperative. I will admit that I've clashed heads with other student researchers due to their inadequacy, in my personal view, in doing something--while assisting me--and I tend to be very blunt/direct. If I have a problem about someone's titration techniques or their speed in preparing microscope slides etc--I will tell them.

I guess thats one of my weaknesses--is that I tend to be overbearing with co-workers if they mess up or take too much time on something. I've been told by my mom and my gf to 'relax it a bit'. I'll have to work on that..IMO.

Jun, I salute you for your work ethic and your dedication to what you do. Cheers, mi amigo. 

Quote from: junayag on August 18, 2007, 12:58:07 AM

daghan bang TB members residing in Scandinavian countries and neighboring parts of Eastern Europe?

No TB isn't a major concern, from doing medical research there, the pervailing medical problem that is affecting Eastern Europe is HIV/AIDs, as well as oncological problems as a result of the fallout of Chernobyl. In the Chernobyl Oblast region of Ukraine for example, it is common to hear children within the ages 5-15  suffering from cancer.

With a resilient economy though, and increased investment from the west, these regions should prosper and feel the effects of 'Europization' within 1-2 decades time. We have to keep in mind that its only been 15/16 years since the fall of the Soviet Union--diba?

Quote from: Mohandis Ban-alam on August 17, 2007, 11:45:01 AM
the women in Ukrain are so dammed beautiful!

Hahaha I know, bro. Their country may not be as developed as per se Germany, France, Spain, the UK etc, but their women are excessively beautiful. The women in general are very accepting of foreign men.

But yea it wasn't really that bad in Ukraine, I'd compare it to a developing country such as Portugal, Hungary, Argentina, Russia, etc--their currency is the Hryvnia and its worth 5 to 1 US dollar. The cost of living there is rather cheap; actually its quite similar to the Philippines in that the people in the rural areas live on about ~100 US dollars a month, but life in the cities tend to be more pricey.

^ Haha yea ive tasted it before--just never heard of the term 'bayabas'..thanks guys!

Virginity is somewhat important for me because it speaks about a person's sexuality--and conservativeness.

Quote from: i-volunteer on July 20, 2007, 11:09:04 AM
Lisod na diay padak-on ang gagmay - luoy pud noh?

Luuy bitaw sila. Invitro fertilization na lang...

^ Hhaha if you want to experience 'good feeling' and safe at the same time, pare, you need to try out Trojan's "Thin and stretchy

^ Thanks Del.

The country in Europe that I totally enjoyed was Ukraine, I had the chance to participate in an abroad summer semester there with 14 other college students in my college--where we studied post soviet Ukraine, the biological/ecological effects of Chernobyl in the surrounding landscapes.

The culture of Eastern Europe was superb--and the university that hosted us, Kiev Mohyla Academy of Law and Graduate Studies was above par.

There were so many things that I enjoyed whilst staying in Ukraine:
1. The college students
2. Ukrainian/Russian culture-ethnic roots
3. Religion: Orthodoxy and Catholicism
4. Military history
5. Beautiful villages

Here are some pictures--

The view of Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine


The Ukranian Assembly--this used to be the seat of the Communist government during USSR epoch.


Soviet-era statues in dedication of the 'Great War' aka WWII



15th century castle ruins in western Ukraine: the castle and keep were destroyed by the Ottoman Turks



We were inside the Chernobyll nuclear plant--where we toured the damages.


My Ukranian hosts--Ivana and Radislava


On our way to a kievan club. She really should concentrate on driving than on me taking pics, LOL

Quick question...what is a bejaba? Some kind of fruit?

Quote from: willmerit on August 14, 2007, 08:59:26 AM
komusta sa tanan nga mga bol-anon!  hope that everybody is ok.

Hey willmerit! Pleased to meet you!

Quote from: Ginger on August 17, 2007, 01:03:35 AM
In general, I am independent and outspoken but sensitive. I'm the kind of person who sees things objectively, there aren't many things I dislike in the world, when I do I try to understand. I can be moody sometimes where I can go from serious to playful. I'm also a worrier...

As a daughter, I am generous though I don't really spoil my parents.

As a sibling, I am fair and very protective.

As a friend, I am thoughtful and sincere but I can be choosy and don't trust easily. Some people misjudged me as "the maldita" , it's because of the way I stare...but trust me, once you get to know me...our world of friendship will rock! 

Your personality sounds beautiful, Ginger.

Quote from: junayag on August 17, 2007, 12:33:24 AM

nice to have a brod like u onic, the thing is am the only son.  for friends, am very loyal, thoughtful, lenient and caring.

for those who don't know me yet, am judged and misinterpreted as mahirap lapitan because of my look at masyadong formal.




medyo halos pareho kami ni lumine na stricto...yet lovable....

Dont be too strict, jun. Are you the conservative type? lol

Thanks man..i do try to be a good and responsible kuya when im back home with the family. Its pretty wierd because there is such a large age gap between myself and my younger siblings. First i'm 22 y/o and my sister is 20, my younger brother is 14 and my baby brother is 8 y/o. Sometimes--i feel like a father-figure to my younger brothers. And I do admit--that i treat them as if they were my own children. I can only hope and pray, through the grace of God, that I will have children as well behaved and caring as my younger brothers.

Jun, mi amigo, how do you like being an only child?

^ Yea but its safe and responsible. God forbid you contact any form of STDs.

As a son, I'm very sensitive to the remarks of my father--who I've been compared to as a 'carbon copy' time and time again--by my own mother, sister, brothers, uncles, even friends. I am loyal to my parents--though I dont show excessive emotion--as I've been brought up to maintain a sense of Machismo.

As a brother, I am liberal towards my  younger brothers--and protect them to the best of my ability--and help them either it be driving them to karate class, driving them to their friend's house to hang out, taking them to the Mall--and just 'hanging out'. To my sister--I am a conservative 'Kuya'--though I support her in most of her issues--i try to disaude her from dating and focus on studies and academic priorities. I feel as if I am a second father to my y ounger siblings--and my duty to guide them, protect them, and correct them when my parents are working.

As a student, I'm a lover of biological science and an avid researcher,and yet have a secret passion for History and social sciences/humanities. The health of society--particularly gastroenterology and internal medicine is an area whic I have a strong calling to.

As a friend, I am very picky on who I choose to hang around. But loyal to those who I associate myself with.

From reading this and the recent events in Bohol and parts of Luzon--now I know that what Pres. Marcos did in his hayday was necessary...

Quote from: Happy on August 13, 2007, 11:52:42 PM
Kay wala paman ko kaadto, nyha gusto manko mokatkat sa Eifel tower 

The city of all cities gud kuno na 

Hahaha tinuud ba? Dili diay ka ma hadlok ma hambog ka simbako ? Ako--naa jud ko fear of massive heights. Id have to have someone hold my hand when going up the Eifel Tower..oi. Taas ra jud na!

Thats so disgusting...he should be castrated. IMO.

Okay, I have a sincere question regarding non-christians. The reason why I'm asking is because I'm interested in knowing what your opinion is on what happens to those who do not accept and recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Saviour of the World. I have friends who practice a different religion--particularly a good friend of mine, Moin, who's Indonesian and is Muslim. We've had conversations concerning the fate of those who do not believe in God--and he says that in Islam, those who believe in Allah shall be judged accordingly and that Allah shows compassion for the "People of the Book"--regarding the Jews and the Christians. However, in christianity--the Lord said it himself "No one can come to the father but me". Unless one believes in the father, the son, and the holy spirit--he or she cannot enter the kingdom of God.

So what does mean on the fate of Muslims, Jews--who both do believe in GOD--by the fact that all three faiths are Abrahamic--and trace their line back to the talmud and the old testimony. Yet in Judaism--Jesus isn't even considered a prophet or a holy man--and in Islam--he is considered a prophet, not a Son of God--and do not recognize the Holy Trinity.

What about those who are born to and practice Hinduism? Buddhism? Shintoism? Animism? I understand that the bible states this about the non-christians:
"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you ... Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die." -- Dt.13:6-10

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord." -- 2 Cor.6:14-17

Does this mean that those who were born in a different region--and born to a different faith--shall perish in the lake of fire? Despite the fact that they were kind, loving, compassionate and religious in their own faith in their respective lives?

What do catholics believe in this situation? When I researched the writings of the catholic church--His Holiness Pope Boniface VIII, who wrote "Unam Sanctum" and promulgated the Papal Bull even stated:
"Urged by faith, we are obliged to believe and to maintain that the Church is one, holy, catholic, and also apostolic. We believe in her firmly and we confess with simplicity that outside of her there is neither salvation nor the remission of sins...In her then is one Lord, one faith, one baptism [Ephesians 4:5]. There had been at the time of the deluge only one ark of Noah, prefiguring the one Church, which ark, having been finished to a single cubit, had only one pilot and guide, i.e., Noah, and we read that, outside of this ark, all that subsisted on the earth was destroyed....Furthermore, we declare, we proclaim, we define that it is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff."

Sometimes I do feel confused--and wonder what your views are on this?

Enjoy your trip back to the Philippines, Lumine! Keep safe and take pictures and post it here---for people like myself who haven't been back in almost 10 years---looking at pictures is almost as being home again

Tell us about your stay in bohol, etc!! And God Bless!

are you serious? i thought joke lang..lol! well thats cool yo!

Quote from: Bohol on August 13, 2007, 05:27:52 PM
It is very clear that the motive of the crime is money.

Luuy lang pood ang tao sa atu-hang bangsa oi. Ning rob sila usang hospital sa last week--now gi patay pa jud ang tao for petty cash. Ma--luuy man jood ko sa tao dinha kai difficult man ka sa tanan ug walay kuarta. Kanang news like this always brings me to tears---kai daghang sa daghang bata sa pilipinas walang kan-anon ug walang kuarta para sa eskuela ug collegio-- Ma feel guilty pood ko oi.

Fiel Angeli--i read your post and you have my prayer. I just hope that the standard of living increases in bohol and sa pilipinas. Luuy lang pood ang tao na walay kuarta/ walay trabaho.

Quote from: udtohan on August 13, 2007, 05:40:40 PM
Onicul85, tinuod na sa roses indirectly or directly. countless miracles of st. therese and padre pio. naa pud diay debosyon nako nga santos ug santos nga sangay si sta. catalina (giremoved ni s alistahan s amga santos) pero grabe kapowerful ni siya. sa weather ni siya.

si san antonio ug san vicente..pero i don't have direct miracles from them.

I'm so glad for you man that you recieved miracles from St. Therese. I'll try to do a novena for her--

^ A fellow chess player eh? hahaha. You know I have a deep fond respect for people who engage in chess, not many do: and the ones that do usually have very interesting personalities. "Chess is for those with great minds"..as the old proverb say..haha.

Oh im currently a 4th year student of Allegheny College, which is in Pennsylvania. Its a small private liberal arts college--founded in 1815 and our student body is around ~2000 students. There really isnt that much diversity in campus as 96% of the student body is caucasian-Americans and the rest of the 4% are composed of Asian Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans. I'm a double major in both Biology and History--and will graduate in May 2008. I'll be attending medical school from 2008-2012---so 5 more years for me, sir.

I'll be 'tiguwang sa kasatanan' by the time i'm done, lol. 

Mike, we should play chess sometime man. When I go back to bohol next year--we should have coffee and chess. Sounds good, mi amigo?

"I must be content with the light of true faith, and walk therin till the day of eternal brightness breaks forth, and the shades of figures pass away."

I hear that there are still miraculous roses that appear to those who pray for the intercession of St. Therese.

My patron saint is St. Gabriel the Archangel, one of the great angelic beings who stand before the the Lord God. In the Talmud, Gabriel appears as the destroyer of the hosts of Sennacherib in Sanhedrin 95b, armed "with a sharpened scythe which has been ready since Creation." The archangel is also attributed as the one who showed Joseph the way, the one who prevented Queen Vashti from appearing naked before King Ahasverus and his guests, and as one of the angels who buried Moses.
Gabriel is also, according to Judaism, the voice that told Noah to gather the animals before the great flood; the invisible force that prevented Abraham from slaying Isaac; the invisible force that wrestled with Jacob; and the voice of the burning bush.

In the New Testament, Gabriel is the angel who reveals to Zechariah that John the Baptist will be born to Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-20), and who visits Mary to reveal that she will give birth to Jesus. Gabriel's visit to Mary in the Gospel of Luke is often called "The Annunciation" (Luke 1:26-38), an event that is celebrated on March 25 in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. It is also commemorated as the "First Joyful Mystery" of the rosary.

Gabriel may also be the angel that visited Joseph. After learning about Mary's pregnancy, Joseph considered calling off the marriage, but "an angel of the Lord" appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that the conception was caused by the Holy Spirit. (Matt 1:18-25)

According to later legend, he is also the unidentified angel in the Book of Revelation (the Apocalypse of John) who blows the horn announcing the Judgment Day.
++++

The Arabic name for Gabriel is Jibril, Jibr?l, Jibreel, Jabrilæ or Djibril Muslims believe Gabriel to have been the angel who revealed the Qur'an to the prophet Muhammad.

Gabriel's physical appearance is described in the Hadith (4:54:455):

Narrated By Abu Ishaq-Ash-Shaibani: I asked Zir bin Hubaish regarding the Statement of God: "And was at a distance Of but two bow-lengths Or (even) nearer; So did (God) convey The Inspiration to His slave (Gabriel) and then he (Gabriel) Conveyed (that to Muhammad). ([Qur'an 53:9]) On that, Zir said, "Ibn Mas'ud informed us that the Prophet had seen Gabriel having 600 wings."

Gabriel is regarded with the same respect by Muslims as all the Prophets, and upon saying his name or referring to him a Muslim repeats: " upon him be peace". Gabriel's primary tasks are to bring messages from God to His messengers. As in Christianity, Gabriel is said to be the angel that informed Mary (Arabic Maryam) of how she would conceive Jesus (Isa):

She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibrael (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (God) from you, if you do fear God." (The angel) said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son." She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: 'That is easy for Me (God): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (God), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by God).' "
(Quran, [Qur'an 19:17])

Gabriel is also believed to be one of the favored angels of God. Once, it is said, God gave him the horse Haizum. Haizum is said to only respond to Gabriel and be able to travel anywhere on any plane. Gabriel is also said to be able to speak in all languages and is at his best on Shabbat.

Muslims believe Gabriel to have accompanied Muhammad in his ascension to the heavens, where Muhammad is said to have met previous messengers of God, and was informed about the Islamic prayer (Bukhari 1:8:345). Muslims also believe that Gabriel descends to Earth on the night of Laylat al-Qadr ("The Night of Destiny"), a night in the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar.

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In all three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Catholicism/Christianity and Islam--he is mentioned. Blessed be the Arch Angel of the Lord. May he who we venerate on earth be our advocate in Heaven--and present our please and prayers to the Throne of the Divine Mercy....
Angel Gabriel for me has always been there for me when I was in need (spiritual or physical). Through his constant intercession, my worries over my mother, my father, my lolo, my lola, my brothers, my sister, my friends were comforted. The difficult and trying times of my life---I would sit and pray for his guidance to the path of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teachings of the church. Not once have I been abandoned--nor has there been a time where my prayers been unanswered. He has answered them--either through dreams, friendship, a loving family, good grades, and good health. I hope there  is someone out ther who is guided by Angel Gabriel's loving and ethereal touch.
-Amen




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Tell us about your patron saint--and any personal experiences?

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen

PATER NOSTER, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

Blessed be the name of the LORD, Blessed be he for he is GREAT. Il Diu et Alpha et Omega. Amen.

Bravo! Well said, YH.