Yesterday, I attended the Sunday service of the Calvary Chapel of Iloilo hoping that I will hear a good preaching about the Book of Revelations. I arrived a little late and I thought the service already started and the people are singing hymns but I was surprised when I approach the gate and heard laughter instead of a song.
I was puzzled. I entered and joined the lively throng of young people sitting around a table laid with food. i was even more puzzled at that and the pastor, Pastor Mark, explained that instead of a Sunday night service, the housing ministry will be celebrating their anniversary. I didn’t know if I should stay or not since I am not really a member and I am shy. In the end, I decided to sit and join them and I am so happy that I chose the right decision. I was so blessed by their testimonies and devotion.
They had just a short program that took about 4 hours due to the testimony part. They entertained themselves and us with their dance and song numbers. They are really talented and fun. I laughed most of the time and I even get to join their games! My team won and each of us got a price, too.
I didn’t get to speak in front like all of them but if I had, I would probably say that i am so thankful to the Lord that he gave me a chance to enjoy and share their company, their stories — their laughter and tears, their friendship and most of all their faith. God really used each of them to change each others’ lives. I was really touched and I realized that it’s one of the opportunities that I will see how marvelous God’s work and His plans are. I am so glad that I was there.
I took a picture, too. I would have taken lots of it if my phone hadn’t run out of battery. I admit it’s not a good shot, too but I really want to post it here.
The Housing Ministry Boys doing their dance and song number.
I just finished watching all 26 episodes of the first season of this anime and I was really captivated by the music, casts, plot and all. La Corda D’ Oro is an Italian phrase for “The Golden String,” which is an important part of the main character’s instrument — violin.
The story revolves around a second year regular student of Seisou Academy (a prestigious music school), who was chosen to join the music competition although she knows nothing about playing musical instruments. Her name is Hino Kahoko, a warm, friendly, very honest and straightforward lady. She met a fairy, Lili, who gave her a magical violin in order to perform at the concours and to share music for the harmony of the people. She was joined by 6 other contestants namely:
- another second year music student who plays the violin. He is a surly, quiet and rather cold violinist who normally behaves contemptuously toward and around everyone.
- also a second year, general education student who joined the concours after it was discovered that he could play the piano very well. He is a gifted musician, aside from a star soccer player. He can also cook.
- he is an energetic third year who plays the trumpet. He is tall and in shape (he runs every morning). He’s very friendly and outgoing. He is also a member of a band.
- also a student in his third year and a flute major, he appears to be a very considerate and kind but sometimes he appears to be a meaner and more intimidating man to Kahoko.
- a first year and is the youngest male competitor. He plays the cello. He is very drowsy all the time and often seems confused or in a daze. He speaks slowly and politely, in a quiet voice, and can be found sleeping anywhere, anytime.
- also a first year music student, who plays the clarinet. She is the only other female competitor. She is known to be the shy type, very hesitant and easily intimidated.
Most of the guy competitors developed special feelings for Kahoko because of her personality and the way she changed them through her music. It is also a popular legend that two of the competitors will fall in love with each other and will result to a “violin romance.” Because of this, I really think that Kahoko and Tsukimori are going to be the couple at the end. I like Len, he is very handsome and excellent in playing violin. Despite his cold personality, I adore his characteristics especially the way he cares for Kahoko.
Aside from Len, I also like Azuma especially when he is mean. He sometimes tease Kahoko and I think he really likes her. For some he may look gay, but for me he is very handsome especially when he ties his hair. Len and Azuma are not my favorite, though. I am really fond of Keiichi. He is very cute even though he is always sleepy. I like the way he speaks, I think i get affected by his manner of speaking and I get drowsy everytime I listen to him speak long phrases. That must mean that the dubber plays his role very well.
I have a very good impression of La Corda but there are also parts of the anime I don’t like. First, it was not announced who won the concours. I just searched the internet for the winners and found out that in the manga, Len Tsukimori won, followed by Azuma, then by Keiichi, Ryoutaro, Hihara, Fuuyumi and Kahoko was last. I expected Kahoko to be last but I was surprised that Ryoutaro only got fourth place. He played very well in the 4th stage of the competition and I thought he would be second to Len. Anyway, all of them deserved to win. It’s just that they have to be ranked.
I heard that there will be a second season for this anime, but I am really not sure. I think there won’t be because I can’t find a site where the manga is uploaded so I have no idea whether the manga is still ongoing or it was finished already. I wish there would be someone so kind to post it on the net so i can read and follow the “violin romance.” I believe there’s more to the “Golden String” than being just a string.
The first song of Big Daddy Weave that I really appreciate is their “Everytime I Breathe”, which was also included in the WOW 2008 collections. Because of that song, I began to really like this Christian rock band and I love their songs. They compose great songs with beautiful lyrics and outstanding music. Their popular songs and also my favorites include: Every Time I Breathe, Audience of One, In Christ, Fields of Grace, and Without You.
This year, they launched their latest album entitled “What Life Would Be Like” with a total of 10 inspiring songs, released on July 22, 2008. I am so touched by these compositions that I really wanted to buy the album one of this days, but maybe I’ll have it on December and then I can share it with the young people in our church.
I also wanted to share the samples of the content of the album for those interested. I hope you will be touched, too and will reflect on how amazing God is.
Here are the lyrics and official music video for “What Life Would Be Like.” Godbless!
I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I’m afraid I’d have to say
That after all I’ve done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be
What if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Who’s much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it’s when I’m at my weakest
I can clearly see
He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
And He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me
What if you could see yourself thru another pair of eyes
What if you could hear the truth
Instead of old familiar lies
What if you could feel inside
The power of the hand that made the universe You’d realize
That He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
And He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me
Yeah, yeah
All our hearts they burn within us
All our lives we’ve longed for more
So let us lay our lives before the one who gave His life for us
He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me
Yeah, yeah
Let Him live through you and me
Yeah, yeah
Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight Series, really made a story that captivated both teens and adults. The four “vampire Books” are really fascinating. Meyer must have put all her efforts and imaginations in writing the novels.
This post will reflect my opinions regarding the series as well as my appreciation to the author. Kudos for the interesting literary piece!
Book 1 - Twilight
Since I was in highschool, I am really fond of vampire stories. The first vampire book I read was Christopher Pike’s “The Last Vampire.” I am really fascinated by vampire abilities, especially their strength, their speed and their extraordinary senses. Of all the vampire books I read, Twilight is different. The main characters, the Cullens, possess abilities that are really unique to vampires. What I really like about the first book is the action part where Bella was abducted by James. I admit I’m not really interested in Bella’s feelings of adoration towards Edward. I am more interested in thrill, suspense and supernatural rather than romance and affection. And so the best part of the Book I for me are: the baseball game of the Cullen family and the hunt for Bella by James.
Book 2 -- New Moon
There’s not much that I like about the second book. Bella experienced too much pain because Edward left her right after her birthday. For me, Bella is overreacting and I think that she is partly insane because she hallucinates, (hears Edwards voice in her head). Her trauma must have been the reason for that. Also, her mind is unpredictable making her so immune to the vampire talents that affect the minds. One of the highlights of the second book is the introduction of the Volturi coven. My impression of them is they are really ruthless and scary, Also, Jacob, Bella’s bestfriend was featured in this book. Just like Stephenie Meyer, Jacob is also my favorite Twilight character.
Book 3 - Eclipse
The third book, for me, is better than the second. I’m already starting to hate Bella here because I think she is so selfish. However, I like the action part here, when the Cullens were attacked by a gang of newborns led by Victoria in her attempt to revenge for her mate, James, who was killed by Edward in Book 1.
Aside from Jacob, I learned to like Jasper in book 3, too. I think he is really brave and strong and wise. There was just a major turn down for me in the last part where the Volturi arrived for nothing and they didn’t even noticed that werewolves have been there in the scene before they arrived.
Book 4 - Breaking Dawn
I wasn’t really happy with the last Book. First, Bella’s marriage was still too early just because she doesn’t want to be more than eighteen before her age stops. Second, she became pregnant with a half-immortal and nearly died delivering the baby. Next, Jacob imprinted on the newborn child (this is a major turn down for me). Renesme name also sounds weird to me. And last but not the list, I was disappointed when all of the Volturi coven came to Forks for nothing.
I wouldn’t say more, Meyer made a lot of compromise in the ending of the series. But somehow, I was entertained and I am still amazed at the vampire talents. If I were to rate the series from 1 -10 as 10 being the highest, I’d give it a 7.
This week, D Gray Man aired the last episode for this season. All in all, the anime now has a total of 103 action-packed episodes. The fans of this anime, including me, are very sad to know that episode 103 is the last. That left the anime with a hanging end and there are still lots of loose ends to tie up.
“As most of you should know by now, people believe the anime is ending, from the information source we have recieved, the anime is basically taking a break for awhile because it was catching up to the manga. The manga will continue to come out and we will of course have the manga added each and every week… Anyway, just to let you all know, D.Gray-Man anime will continue, we just don’t know when right now, if you guys find more information from creditable sources, please PM me and post it on our forums.”
So there, to all D Gray Man fans out there, don’t despair. I’m sure this is not the end of our favorite anime yet.
It must have been hard for the multi-awarded artist, Steven Curtis Chapman, to still sing this wonderful composition during his concert just after a few days when his 5-year-old daughter died in a car accident. Still, I salute this man not only because he is a great singer and composer but also because of the way that he keeps his family closely-knit and for being strong despite the tragic event that could break any father’s heart, which is due to his very firm foundation in Christ.
Any loving parent who will listen to this song, would probably find his/her eyes wet with tears. Cinderella is a very touchy song that explains how a parent feels towards his child and it also tells us to treasure every little time we spend with our children because someday they’ll grow up and leave us. We must highly value our relationship with our kids because our borrowed life here on earth is too short and we must live it fully and well.
The Story
The Song
Lyrics
She spins and she sways to whatever song plays,
Without a care in the world.
And I’m sittin’ here wearin’ the weight of the world on my shoulders.
It’s been a long day and there’s still work to do,
She’s pulling at me saying “Dad I need you!
There’s a ball at the castle and I’ve been invited and I need to practice my dancin’”
“Oh please, daddy, please!”
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
‘Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don’t wanna miss even one song,
Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she’ll be gone
She says he’s a nice guy and I’d be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says “Dad, the prom is just one week away,
And I need to practice my dancin’”
“Oh please, daddy, please!”
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
‘Cause I know something the prince never knew
Ohh-oh ohh-oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don’t wanna miss even one song,
Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she’ll be gone
She will be gone.
Well, she came home today
With a ring on her hand
Just glowin’ and tellin’ us all they had planned
She says “Dad, the wedding’s still six months away
but I need to practice my dancin’”
“Oh please, daddy please!”
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
‘Cause I know something the prince never knew
Ohh-oh ohh-oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don’t wanna miss even one song,
(even one song)
Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she’ll be gone
I’ve been using the same phone model for almost 8 months now and I have no intention to change it yet until I saw this phone while browsing in GSMArena. I fell for it immediately.
Sony Ericsson W902i
What I like most about this phone is the camera and music features. It’s really awesome because of the 5 MP camera, the 2.2 inches screen and 8GB memory card that is included with the purchase. It’s really tempting, however, I’m still not planning to buy it. Maybe I’ll start saving for it first. Hahahaha!
Another one of the famous Casting Crowns’ hits captured my heart from the first time I have heard of it. This heart-warming song greatly reminds us that Jesus knows everything that we are going through and how heavy our burden is. This song also encourages us to continue our race in faith and to never give up even if the pressures of this world are catching up with us. Just as Jesus never fails us and even took our place up on that tree, we should never give Him less than all our life and praise.
Listen, be inspired and sing along with Casting Crowns as they perform their brilliant composition, the 2008 Dove Awards Song of the Year, EAST TO WEST, from the album “The Altar and The Door”.
Here I am, Lord, and I’m drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don’t want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You’ve cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I’ve never sinned
But today I feel like I’m just one mistake away from You leaving me this way.
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
’cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
’cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I’m in
Today I feel like I’m just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
I know You’ve washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can’t live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I’m not holding on to You, but You’re holding on to me
You’re holding on to me
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don’t have to see the man I’ve been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
’cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other
Zombie Loan is a Japanese manga series created by Peach-Pit; Banri Sendo and Shibuko Ebara. An anime adaptation was announced and started broadcast on the Japanese network on July 3, 2007. It contained a total of eleven episodes, with the final broadcast on September 11, 2007.
Chika, Shito and Michiru
When I first stumbled upon this anime, I was very intrigued of the title and I also thought that maybe the story is nice because the illustrations of the characters are very good. (I love beautifully illustrated cartoons/anime.) So I watched all the 11 episodes and marveled at Chika and Shito, the series’ main characters. These two are working at the Z-Loan office and are hired and paid for eliminating zombies. They work for different reasons and circumstances, which are not that clear to me up to now. That maybe because the last time I saw this was September last year and I kind of forgotten the whole story already.
I actually have never read any part of the manga, but I am as equally thrilled with this anime as I was with Fushigi Yuugi during its era. Its not that I am not interested in reading, I just don’t have the time. And so, a few days ago, my friend who is also a fan of this anime informed me that there are two new episodes for Zombie Loan. After a few research, it is confirmed. There are indeed episodes 12-13, which were released last April.
Zomibe Loan
The two new episodes are entitled “Wheel of Destiny” and “We Want to Protect”, respectively. The DVD copies are already available at your favorite anime stores, so what are you waiting for? Grab one now and enjoy the show.
The all-time favorite anime series and manga, Dragon Ball Z, will have a movie with real actors to play the roles. Yes, you read it right, it is not animated. The story will center around the adventures of the lead character, Goku.
DragonBall Poster - Goku
I stumbled upon this great news while looking for some movie updates and I am really happy to know that it will be released soon. I’m so excited about this and I can’t help but think what the story will be about.
The casts of this upcoming blockbuster are the following:
* Justin Chatwin as Goku
* James Marsters as Lord Piccolo
* Jamie Chung as Chi Chi
* Emmy Rossum as Bulma
* Chow Yun-Fat as Master Roshi
* Joon Park as Yamcha
* Randall Duk Kim as Grandpa Gohan.
* Christopher Sabat as Shenron
The film is directed by James Wong and produced by Stephen Chow. It is scheduled for release on April 3, 2009. I really hope that this film will become one of the top grosser for next year.
