LOBO, Batangas

We went to visit my Dad's hometown, Lobo, where the family owned Andrea Beach Resort and Scuba Dive is located. I was amazed to see an incredible change since my last visit there in quite a few years. To be honest, I dread the travel because of the rough roads causing the already long trip become even longer. Boy, was I surprised to see that change. It only took a few hours to get there, and that includes several pit stops along the way. Our travel was made pleasant by the scenic route, framed by the beautiful lamposts along the way. The roads are now paved with concrete except for a few miles of dirt road, and guess where?, right in the area of Fortune Cement Company. I don't understand the lack of social responsibility of this company. I pray that God will touch their management to see the irony of this situation. Anyways, I couldn't believe my eyes to see how the long arm of progress and development have finally reached our beloved Lobo. Most amazing more than anything is when I shared the love of Christ to my uncle Manuel and aunt Remy. It was a moving experience that only Jesus can make possible. I pray that Kuya Uwel will find a new and personal relationship with our Lord in the days to come.

Click the title "Lobo, Batangas " to view slideshow of our trip there.

Christmas 2007, Marriott Hotel

Dancing to Psalm 121

Atendido Family attended

King of Cool Bro Paul, with Sis Che

Queen of drums

















Fun and Games for ...fun !
















Bro Paul as Fisher of Men

Sis Betty , Fisher of Men

Sis Cynthia Fisher of Men

You go ! Bro Rico and Sis Malu

Youth Ministry

Sis Zilda sizzles ..

Diop Family - do you know where Ben is??

Bro MD and Bro Ricky - Soul Brothers

Sis Issa, Sis Aerin, Sis Aedreanne ( Destiny Child in the making)









Bro Ian belts it out...


Usherettes Sis Nicole and Sis Adrienne hard at work

Bro Jilan on the runway

Bro Tom, Sis Gerty, Sis Gene and Bro Jess
welcoming guests ( ala ASAP )























record attendance of 120

A night of wonderful fellowship

Sis Bimbim beaming in blue

Psalm 119:161-168 Qualities of a Passionate Believer

“161 Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.”

People who love the word of God are fearless. They are not intimidated by adverse situations and they are not afraid to receive bad news. They know that the word of God will deliver exactly what it says it will do, not only from what the Bible says, but as a result of their personal encounters and experiences with God. Their faith is made perfect by what God has done in their lives. The only fear they have is a kind of reverential fear on what God can do to them when they disobey or ignore God’s commands. They are more afraid when they offend God than man, for they know that when God is not pleased, no one can rescue them. They would rather endure the wrath of man than break the law of God.

“162 I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure”.

Those who love the word of God are happy. They know that they have discovered the true meaning of life, which is to glorify God, and as a result, their lives have purpose and significance. With God, they have everything. It is like finding a rich treasure that has been hidden, for many searches for happiness but could not find it. This treasure is worth more than silver or gold, for these things will fade away, but the word of God is eternal.

“163 I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions.”

People who love the word of God are righteous. They are models of righteousness, but never self-righteous. They detest sin because it is an abomination to God. They fight it, run away from it and do not tolerate it. Their greatest desire is to do good and obey his commands. Even when they fall into sin, they come back immediately to God with humble and repentant hearts.

“164 I will praise you seven times a day, because all your regulations are just.”

Those who love the word of God are grateful. They recognize that God’s plans and purposes are perfect and true. They know that every blessing comes from him, and even when there are trials, they still know that God allows them for a good purpose. This results to an attitude of thankfulness which keeps them aware of God’s presence. It is God’s Spirit working within the believer that creates gratitude and a flow of thanksgiving.

“165 Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.”

Those who love the word of God have peace. Even amidst trials and difficulties, they have a kind of peace that can only be found in the proper relationship with God. It is not found nor is available apart from God. It begins only with God and only God can give peace. Ultimate peace results when they are reconciled to God. As a result, they have security and confidence because of their intimate relationship with God.

“166 I long for your rescue, Lord, so I have obeyed your commands.”

Those who love the word of God are patient. They wait upon the Lord and trusts that he will act at the perfect time. They learn to endure a long wait for they know that God’s answer will surely come. He is never delayed, but always in time. They are not easily shaken by storms in their lives as they wait patiently for the Lord to act.

”167 I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much.168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws, because you know everything I do.”

Those who love the word of God are obedient. They know that this is the key to pleasing God. They learn to submit their will to God and as their faith grows, obedience becomes a cornerstone of their fellowship with God. They learn to conform their will to God’s, and place their hope and trust in the One who created them and love them unconditionally.



As Christians, we must have a passion to know Christ. Over time, as we maintain both a strong desire and a firm commitment to know God, keep Him in first place, and replace our desires with His, our passion for Him will grow. How many of these qualities do we have? Who do you see when you look in your “spiritual” mirror—a passionate believer or a lukewarm one?

Glory to God forever!

Psalm 102 : When Bad Things Happen to Good People

There are moments when we experience dark times in our lives and we become overwhelmed and distressed that all we can do is cry out to God for help. At times, we feel angry, frustrated and bitter because we feel we have been unfairly treated by God especially when we believe we have been faithful to Him all along. What was the psalmist’s protest and frustration here? He is too young to die (V.23-24)!

Even heroes of faith were not exempt from feelings of depression. Jesus suffered emotionally at the Garden to the point of sweating blood, asking the Father to take his cup of suffering away from him. Elijah fled to the desert fearing for his life after an encounter with Jezebel’s prophets. King Saul often had bouts of depression and asked David to soothe him with his music. Ordinary Christians too, must fall into dark times.

How should we respond to dark times in our lives? We should not allow our circumstances to change us, but rather let us change the circumstances around us. Dwell in the Lord’s goodness rather than the world’s pain. How? (1)Realize that God loves and cares for us so much that he wants the best for us. If you love someone, God loves him more. (2) God is true to his promises (Isaiah 55:11, John 17:17). His promises in healing, provision and protection are all true and will be accomplished when we trust him. (3) God wants to be glorified. There is a divine purpose for everything and the end result shall give glory and honor to his name if we allow him to do his will (Romans 8:28).

It is not unusual to go through hard times, but for someone who believes in the power and goodness of God, it is unusual to remain in hard times. It is easy to fall in darkness, but we have a choice to enjoy the light.


Glory to God!

Mark 10:17-22 Rich Young Man

What the rich young man had was not important. That is why Jesus told him to sell (give up) all he has. What is more important is a life with Christ which can truly make us rich.

What makes a person in Christ truly RICH?


R – Reward of eternal life

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Matthew 16:26
“I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have eternal life – you that believe in the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13

I – Intimacy with Christ

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal 2:20
For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. Colossians 1:27
For in union with Christ, you have become rich in all things, including speech and knowledge. The message about Christ has become so firmly established in you that you have not failed to receive a single blessing , as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 1 Corinthians 1:5-7
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7


C – Chosen By God

God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:2
.. for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
It is God himself who set us apart, who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of all that he has in store for us. 2 Corinthians 1:21b-22
You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16

H – Heirs of God

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26
And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:6-7
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…” Romans 8:17

New York City - The Big Apple

" Call to me and I will show you marvelous things you know nothing about." Jeremeiah 33:3

Grand Hyatt Dec 2007