Of loving unconditionally

Reading Pacman’s REBUTTAL of  Obama’s support for gay marriage makes me wanna wish his downfall from the boxing realm in exchange of my soul. Well, alright, my soul will worth more than a million Pacmans combined (I’m that pretty, hah!) BUT you see this guy – reads the bible a couple of times, and now he thinks he knows a lot of things! Well, I have three words for you boxing champion – Christian wannabe – Christ loves unconditionally. And if you believe gay people does not deserve the same freedom you are enjoying, then think twice if you love like Christ.

I’ll speak no more. I bid you to read what I attached below. It’s a perfect story and I wish the world can see how perfect it can be with people loving each other and enjoying their own freedom.

And you can suck that, Manny Pacquiao! To hell with you and your one-sided, bible-scholar-wannabe mindset. Whoever discipled you hasn’t discipled you enough.

Finally. FUCK YOU PO.  I am offended on how you view us, Mr. Pacquiao. Yes, I am Christian – I believe in Christ, but I don’t believe in most Christians.

* Edit: Less hate: Read it all here.

***

This is an amazing photo that captured the moment a gay man hugged a member of a Christiangroup, that came to Gay Pride to apologize for the way the church has treated homosexuals. It’s nice to see people of faith have common sense enough to know that hate and prejudice is wrong. A step in the right direction towards equality and something everyone should learn from. THIS is the kind of compassion that religion teaches, but far too often doesn’t follow. Well done.

Since seeing this photo, a friend of mine had introduced me to more of the story. A man, by the name of Nathan, is the one you see above hugging the gay guy in his underwear, or Tristan rather. Well, Nathan wrote a blog about this day and this moment and what his and his fellow church-goers had done. Here is what he had to say:

I hugged a man in his underwear. I think Jesus would have too.

I spent the day at Chicago’s Pride Parade. Some friends and I, with The Marin Foundation, wore shirts with “I’m Sorry” written on it. We had signs that said, “I’m sorry that Christians judge you,” “I’m sorry the way churches have treated you,” “I used to be a bible-banging homophobe, sorry.” We wanted to be an alternative Christian voice from the protestors that were there speaking hate into megaphones. 

What I loved most about the day is when people “got it.” I loved watching people’s faces as they saw our shirts, read the signs, and looked back at us. Responses were incredible. Some people blew us kisses, some hugged us, some screamed thank you. A couple ladies walked up and said we were the best thing they had seen all day. I wish I had counted how many people hugged me. One guy in particular softly said, “Well, I forgive you.” 

Watching people recognize our apology brought me to tears many times. It was reconciliation personified. 

My favorite though was a gentleman who was dancing on a float. He was dressed solely in white underwear and had a pack of abs like no one else. As he was dancing on the float, he noticed us and jokingly yelled, “What are you sorry for? It’s pride!” I pointed to our signs and watched him read them. 

Then it clicked. 

Then he got it. 

He stopped dancing. He looked at all of us standing there. A look of utter seriousness came across his face. And as the float passed us he jumped off of it and ran towards us. In all his sweaty beautiful abs of steal, he hugged me and whispered, “thank you.” 

Before I had even let go, another guy ran up to me, kissed me on the cheek, and gave me the biggest bear hug ever. I almost had the wind knocked out of me; it was one of those hugs. 

This is why I do what I do. This is why I will continue to do what I do. Reconciliation was personified. 

I think a lot of people would stop at the whole “man in his underwear dancing” part. That seems to be the most controversial. It’s what makes the evening news. It’s the stereotype most people have in their minds about Pride.

Sadly, most Christians want to run from such a sight rather than engage it. Most Christian won’t even learn if that person dancing in his underwear has a name. Well, he does. His name is Tristan. 

However, I think Jesus would have hugged him too. It’s exactly what I read throughout scripture: Jesus hanging out with people that religious people would flee from. Correlation between then and now? I think so. 

Acceptance is one thing. Reconciliation is another. Sure at Pride, everyone is accepted (except perhaps the protestors). There are churches that say they accept all. There are business that say the accept everyone. But acceptance isn’t enough. Reconciliation is. 

But there isn’t always reconciliation. And when there isn’t reconciliation, there isn’t full acceptance. Reconciliation is more painful; it’s more difficult. Reconciliation forces one to remember the wrongs committed and relive constant pain. Yet it’s more powerful and transformational because two parties that should not be together and have every right to hate one another come together for the good of one another, for forgiveness, reconciliation, unity.

What I saw and experienced at Pride 2010 was the beginning of reconciliation. It was in the shocked faces of gay men and women who did not ever think Christians would apologize to them.

What I saw and experienced at Pride 2010 was the personification of reconciliation. It was in the hugs and kisses I received, in the “thank you’s” and waves, in the smiles and kisses blown.

I hugged a man in his underwear. I hugged him tightly. And I am proud.

THIS is truly heart-warming. I am crying as I write this because I am proud of this man and his willingness to share what he believes, despite the criticism he may receive. After this, even more came together to keep this story going. Someone had recognized Tristan from the photo, and Tristan got in touch with Nathan. These two shared how this moment meant so much for each of them, and that is what’s remarkable. One person meets another, and for each of them, this was a lasting experience and memory.

To read the interview that nathan did with Tristan, visit Nathan’s blog HERE

All of the photos above were taken by photographer, Michelle, whose work can be seen HERE.

(SOURCE)

Easter Sunday

I spent my Easter Day shooting children at Church at our very cute photo booth, coloring my hair, and meeting up with friends. One of the best Easters ever despite the Holy Week hasn’t been very friendly (i.e. weather, boredom, and again – the weather.)

I love shooting photographs of children. They’re very spontaneous, natural, and most of all – unpredictable! I wish I could stay for the next service, but I really want to have my hair colored and meet up with friends from UP – Jen and Rafael. We met up with Sheng afterwards. Oh it’s so fun having them around again!

Talikogenic!

Was able to finally try Army Navy and got fat again with the burger and the onion rings, and the burrito. Gawd I miss them so much! We should hang out in UP again, Killers!

J

Rediscovered love: Manila

 

Vintage Camera on Hidalgo st., Quiapo, Manila. Pardon the quality of pictures, I just used my phone camera.

Last week was a kind of hell for us. We held a seminar, done plenty of meetings, practices, and lots of paperworks. So Hanna and I decided to go to Hidalgo for some break before our sanity can take a break on us.

 

Lenses are everywhere.

For some of you who are not familiar with, Hidalgo street in the Quiapo district of Manila is a long stretch of photography stores, selling items ranging from original to pre-owned cameras and accessories. Vintage articles can also be found around the area. I took the pleasure to ask for some items for my camera (coming this February) finding myself some cheap finds. I hope they get cheaper in one month’s time though. /kuripot

Why February is so faaar? I want to hold it na, haha.

We were there to find Hanna a handycam lens filter for a friend; one which we didn’t accomplish. (If some of you know a store which has a 0.35mm lens filter, please do advise.) Having the rest of our free day in the middle of bustling Manila, we went to Chinatown.

 

Ongpin street. Parang nakapose lang si Ate. HAHA!

Very authentic Chinese food! This has my seal of approval.

My grandmom used to bring me here as a child to procure items for our now defunct sari-sari store in Bulacan. We always eat at granddad’s favorite restaurant, Ongpin Manosa, which is actually a hole in the wall establishment that serves honest-to-goodness Chinese fare, and where we ate lunch. However, I would really just want to extend that they need to improve some sanitation conditions. Anyway, it was a reel of memory for me and a new one for Hanna. Tummies were well filled and satisfied though. I have been craving for Chinatown-style food!

 

Delicious Maki: seasoned ground meat swimming in semi-sweet glutinous sauce. My grandmom always order this.

Lomi: thick egg noodles in savory sauce topped with vegetables, shrimp meat, and pork

Cantonese style Noodles: Egg noodles sauteed with vegetables and meat

There were a lot of tea and diuresis involved

We really are unprepared, I wish I brought my Tsuper maiden issue to guide us. Tsuper put a really hard work on presenting and eliciting appreciation of old Manila. Manila is indeed loveable with all the history and culture going on. Imagine, the Quiapo district alone houses the very popular Quiapo church, a Mosque with a Muslim community around, and Chinatown. Not to mention the conglomerate of ancestral houses that stood up since the Spanish era. Manila deserves a second chance to shine. Note to the government: if you’re really damn serious about tourism, drop the lousy campaign ads, leave it to those who really knows their craft, and get started with Manila. It is the capital, after all.

So there we were, kind of lost in a middle of a somewhat foreign land. It actually feels alien when you pass through the gates.

This is in the other end of the gate. Let's watch the lion dance on the Chinese new year, yes?

Carriedo Church and usual Manila life

Ongpin st. is named after a civic leader named Roman Ongpin

Given the limited knowledge of Chinatown, we went looking for Eng Bee Tin Hopia Bakery instead. It is popular and Hanna has quite a thing for hopia. Eng Bee Tin has four branches around Chinatown. Why do you need so much hopia in Chinatown, anyway?

 

Binondo Church, which btw has an amazing architecture, is near the first Eng Bee Tin bakery.

The spontaneity didn’t stop at Chinatown when we headed straight to the National Museum, something we should have done in our Humanities class. It’s kinda creepy there na pala. (Following photos were legal and taken with supervision with phone camera.)

1800's photograph

 

Hanna hearts the Spoliarium by Juan Luna

Urban Planning circa 1933. Text reads: Calle Espana. Another note to the government: Please do this.

Nothing is more fitting but to cap the day with our all-time favorite drink – milk tea. We were planning to get Easy Way in Ongpin, but we opted for Happy Fanshu instead.

Can you remember the last time you said you love Manila?

Celdran Legacy

Disclaimer: This is not an Anti-Christian campaign/post. It is in our constitution that the church shall not interfere with the businesses of the government. This post is written to raise and address social issues, especially that of the Reproductive Bill.

Yes also, this is to address pop culture.

***

Carlos Celdran was jailed last September 30 for standing up for the RH Bill.

Celdran behind bars

He explained that his rather “disrespectful” act was to show how the “church” has been the same to this country.

Damaso seemed to be very appropriate. Frailocracy.

You gotta love this man

He was acquitted the morning after, though. Following this icebreaker for the RH Bill – is a cult following… and hate statuses/comments/tweets/blogs (I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT’S WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE. Sheesh.)

This blog features some of the most impossible comments I have ever read. And yes, they lack brain.

I wish the blogger didn't blur the name.

What follows, however, is epic.

[Obviously Tumblr is FOR Celdran.]

Tips to Facebook images are from GMAnews.tv

Pop culture has indeed risen from the bravery and cleverness, that is Carlos Celdran. It stimulated creative juices to produce these artworks, and inspired a whole new culture of standing up for the people by the people. Anyway, gawd some of these memes are so orgasmic (pun intended.)

Moreover, I believe what he did is something of fervent desire to uplift the people’s cause — to eliminate poverty.

Reality is -

1. Natural family planning IS NOT real and effective.
2. The population count is not getting any lower.
3. Hormones will continue to produce offspring.
4. Artificial family planning methods ARE NOT anti-Christian.
5. Jesus would’ve wanted a less-populated, less-poverty-stricken country.

His ways may be harsh, but the ego-crushing that he did was timely and very well-needed. Hats off and two thumbs up to Mr. Carlos Celdran – indeed one Filipino illuminary.

***

Let us love our country, too, as Carlos had done. Let us use brains and not only heart in dealing matters like these. Say no to frailocracy! Let the government not be threatened with excommunication and other propaganda. If God has not excommunicated his persecutors, why should, in all means, man do it to his own kind?

For all you know, God approved of this.

Meantime, I really can’t get over with these memes. Maybe I should make one too. Hmmmm.

POLSCI101 (Note to readers: Please OPEN your minds)

If they can jail one person, they can do it to anyone. Then why not actual SINNERS?!

Okay.

This is just very Rizal-ish. CAN WE JUST HAVE THE GRIPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH A LITTLE BIT — I DON’T KNOW — OFF POLITICAL ISSUES.

There is such a thing as SEPARATION OF THE CHURCH AND THE STATE. Pathetic, I thought priests changed when the Spanish friars left the country for good.

Priests, please. Know your POLSCI101.

Full story here. Facebook protest here. And my rants — here, here, and here.

Perfect — now I have something to talk about in my Final paper.