A Rejuvenated JTLG Team Fell Short at the End Game

A REJUVENATED JTLG TEAM FELL SHORT AT THE END GAME
by Leo C. Diarios (PBL Official Sports Writer)

Fresh from their win against UR2, the CLSF was looking forward to another victory against the struggling JTLG.

As the bell sounded, the game was controlled surprisingly by the Blue Archers. The CLSF was playing a catch-up game all throughout the 1st half. The JTLG was playing a very inspired game that night in spite of the towering presence of Santos from the other team. They were even out-rebounding the big men of the Golden Arrows, mostly snatching balls from the hands of their opposing rebounders. The score was close but the CLSF could not break the plays of the Blue Archers. While Playing-coach Leo Bungay had the luxury of playing an 11-man rotation against the undermanned team of JTLG, yet they could not take the initiative from their more determined opponents. It was Articona who scored the 1st six points for CLSF and the score was 10 – 8 after 6 minutes of play. After a timeout by JTLG, the Blue Archers went wild throwing baskets after baskets, 22 – 14, 3:39 left. That 8 point lead was the highest lead in that game. The 1st half ended with JTLG up, 24 – 20. The CLSF could not see what hit them.

The 2nd half was a thrilling match between the two teams. The Blue Archers maintained their lead and had a lucky 3-point shot from Dela Cruz when the time was expiring. Cuesta of the Golden Arrows countered with his own surprised 3-point release and from there, the CLSF slowly inched closer to JTLG, 32 -35, with 6:40 left, until they finally took their 1st lead of the game at 39 – 38, time at 5:02 remaining. The JTLG was rattled in that stage and could not set their plays well. They were now playing the catch-up game and they knew that time was not on their side. The CLSF continued to distance themselves from JTLG but to no more than 5 points, the last at 44 – 39, 3:50. Both teams entered the penalty zone but not too many shooters were brought to the free throw line. In the last 3:00 of play, Santos blocked the shot of Enriquez underneath the basket to foil the rally of the Blue Archers. Maintaining their poise this time, the Golden Arrows simply sailed thru the finish line, hanging on to their biggest lead of 6 points at the final buzzer. Only few scored for both teams, CLSF had 6 players in the scoreboard while JTLG had only 5 players registering at the scoresheet.

It was a tight battle for both teams with JTLG showing a more cohesive team compared to their lost 1st game against the JUSL. The Blue Archers are set to face the UR2 in their next game to complete the 1st half of the elimination phase of the PBL Season 4.

Kuya Robert Punzalan did a good job in the Committee Table during the 2 scheduled games, temporarily taking over the rein from kuya Lito Manuyag who was on vacation. Kudos to kuya Odie for the sumptuous meal he cooked and delivered at the court for the PBL officials to share.

The score:

CLSF (51) – Reyes (15), Articona (11), Santos (10), Balucan (6), Cuesta (5), Peralta (4)

JTLG (45) – Lagro (12), Enriquez (12), Dela Cruz (11), Hermosura (6), Seno (4)

Best Player: Reyes (CLSF)
Best Crowd Support / Morale Booster: Barangay JTLG
Hero of the Game: PBL Commissioner (for going out of his way to share some food)

OCF Outfoxed CCWIM

OCF OUTFOXED CCWIM
by Leo C. Diarios (PBL official Sports Writer)

Before the game started, CCWIM playing-coach Layman pointed out that their lost against UR1 last week was primarily due to so many errors and missing out on their plays. He was hopeful that they would be able to control their errors and impose their plays against OCF this time.

The game between OCF and CCWIM started minutes beyond their schedule because the referees came in late. Both teams flexed their muscles well during their warm-ups so when the tip-off began, everyone was all ready to rumble in the court. The ball possession went to CCWIM but the 1st basket was delivered by OCF courtesy of Venus. There were exchanges of baskets from both sides but OCF seized the initiative at 17 – 11 in the first 8 minutes of play. A 3-point bomb by Paclipan brought the score to 20 – 11, time down to 6:28. The CCWIM reorganized themselves and closed the gap at 22 – 19 with 1:42 remaining. The 1st half ended with OCF leading by 5 points courtesy of a buzzer-beater by Estrada, 24 – 19. Layman was happy that his team was able to apply their plays and contained their errors.

However, at the start of the 2nd half, the OCF players immediately applied their pressure defense, resulting in several fast breaks and quick points, courtesy of their spitfire, Palicpan, and lanky center in Gagui. Of the 37 – 21 spurts, 5 were contributed by Palicpan and 6 by Gagui alone. A lone technical was slapped against OCF for the wrong inbound. Even then, CCWIM missed both their free throws. Early in the game, OCF entered the penalty but CCWIM followed not too long after. Paclipan was a show of strength in that stretch where he intercepted a ball with big steps running down their court for a beautiful basket. CCWIM called for time-out and regrouped, but OCF brought up further their lead to 19 points with 7:04 remaining. CCWIM called for another timeout and this time, they were successful in bringing down the lead to 13 points, 44 – 31. At the end of the buzzer, OCF came out victorious with the score of 56 – 47. Both teams displayed good sportsmanship.

When asked what would be their preparation when OCF will meet UR1 in their next meeting, playing-coach Noli Policarpio simply said that they will not divert from their usual plays but will try their best against UR1. The OCF coach was chosen as the Hero of the Game for outfoxing his counterpart playing-coach Layman. Pajarillo and Dagangon, who were been effective against UR1, were limited to a dismal 6 points between them..

The Score:
OCF (56) – Paclipan (19), Gagui (11), Lagasca V (4), Lagasca J (4), Gatdula (4), Estrada (4), Policarpio (4), Venus (2), Domingue (2), Boracay (2)

CCWIM (47) – Layman (22), Mercado (5), Pajarillo (4), Manuel (4), Conejos (4), Dismas (2), Mondido (2), Dagangon (2), Brazil (2)

Best Player: Palicpan (OCF)
Best Crowd Support/Morale Booster: CCWIM
Hero of the Game: OCF Coach

Ang Mangkok - Isang Pagbubulay-bulay

Ang Mangkok

Isang nakatutuwang anecdote ang aking narinig na ibinahagi ng isang kapatiran sa aming Panambahan nung Friday. Isang kuwento na mapapangiti ka at mapag-iisip dahil ito’y sadyang nagaganap sa aktuwal na buhay at may kurot sa puso.

Ganito ang kuwento (ang pangalan ng mga karakter ay idinagdag ko na lamang) -

Magkapitbahay si Pokwang at si Pooh. Araw-araw ay dinadalhan ni Pooh ng kanyang nilutong-ulam si Pokwang, na labis namang ikinatutuwa ng huli. Feel na feel niya ang pagmamahal na ipinapakita ni Pooh sa pamamagitan ng mga masasarap na lutong-bahay na natatanggap niya rito araw-araw.

Kaya’t nakasanayan na ni Pokwang na hintayin ang ibibigay ni Pooh na ulam kapag pananghalian na o kaya’y maghahapunan na. Ganito ang naging routine ni Pokwang at ni Pooh araw-araw.

Subalit one day, isang araw, walang Pooh na sumulpot sa tarangkahan ni Pokwang para mag-abot ng ulam. Ang isang araw ay naging dalawa, tatlo, hanggang naging isang Linggo. Ang isang Linggo’y naging dalawa, tatlo, hanggang naging isang buwan.

Labis na nalungkot si Pokwang at nag-alala. “Anu na kaya ang nangyari sa ulam ko?” ang tanong niya.. “Ba’t wala ng ulam na dumarating sa akin?” “Nagalit kaya si Pooh sa akin?” “May nagawa kaya aku na di niya nagustuhan?” Ito ang mga sunud-sunod na tanong ni Pokwang sa sarili.

Kaya’t nang di na matiis na wala siyang ulam sa tanghalian at hapunan, sinadya niya na puntahan na ang kapitbahay na si Pooh. Habang binabaybay niya ang daan patungo sa bahay ni Pooh, magkahalong kaba at pananabik ang nararamdaman niya. Kaya’t nang nasa may tarangkahan na siya agad pinindot ang doorbell. “dingdong... dingdong… dingdong…” ang malakas na tunog nito sa sunod-sunod na pindot niya na di na namalayan sa labis na pananabik..

Bumukas ang pinto at tumambad sa kaniya ang abot-taingang ngiti ni Pooh. “Bakit” ang tanong niya kay Pokwang. “Ah eh… wala lang.” ang nahihiyang sagot naman nito. Subalit agad inihabol ang “actually, naparito ako dahil wala na kasi akong natatanggap na ulam mula sa’yo. Nagtatampo ka ba sa akin?”

“Magtigil ka nga riyan” ang agad na sagot ni Pooh. “Eh paano po kasi, na syo na lahat ng mangkok ko. Hindi mo ibinabalik kaya wala na akong mapaglagyan tuloy ng ulam. Yun lang yon” ang taas-kilay na paliwanag ni Pooh habang nakapameywang.

“Ah ganun ba? Yun lang pala eh. Eh di ibabalik ko na ulet syo ang mga mangkok mo para naman may matatanggap ulet ako na ulam mula syo” ang kagyat na sagot ni Pokwang at sabay yakap kay Pooh ng pagkahigpit-higpit.

And they live happily ever after. The End.

Yan po ang kwento. Eh anu naman ang kinalaman nito sa atin? Ano ang mapagbubulay-bulayan natin sa kwentong ito? Ano ang aplikasyon nito sa ating buhay-espirituwal?

Na ang sukatan pala ng ating matatanggap ay kung ano ang ibinabalik natin para mapaglagyan ulet ng bagong tatanggapin. Gayundin sa biyaya at pagpapala ng Diyos. Kung wala tayong ibinabalik para mapaglagyan, ano ang hihintayin nating pagpapalang matatanggap?

Ang sabi ng Salita Niya sa Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Tayo raw ay matutong magbigay upang tayo’y bigyan din. Pagpapalang siksik, liglig at nag-uumapaw. Pagka’t kung ano raw ang takalang ating ginamit ay siya ring gagamiting takalan ng pagpapalang ating tatanggapin.

Kung may mangkok tayong ibabalik sa Panginoon, tiyak na may gagamitin Siyang paglalagyan ng pagpapalang Kanyang ibibigay sa atin. Pag maliit na mangkok, maliit din na pagpapala. Pag malaking mangkok, malaking pagpapala. Kung ga-bariles na mangkok, ga-bariles din na pagpapala. Kung ga-tansan na mangkok, ga-tansan din na pagpapala ang matatanggap natin.

Subalit kung walang mangkok tayong ibabalik dahil nanghihinayang tayo sa ibibigay natin sa Panginoon, o kaya’y labis na nag-aalala sa darating na bukas, tiyak na wala ring mangkok na gagamitin ang Panginoon para ikaw ay pagpalain.

Kung kaya’t kung nakararanas tayo ng pagdarahop at di mawari kung bakit, ating alalahanin at pakinggan ang tinuran ng Panginoon, “Magbigay, at ikaw ay bibigyan. Pagpapalang siksik, liglig at umaapaw. Pagkat kung ano ang sukatang iyong ginamit ay siya ring sukatang gagamitin syo.”

Ibinalik mo na ba ang iyong mangkok? O itinatago-tago mo pa at ipinagkakait? Alalahanin ang aral mula sa mangkok.

Ang mangkok. Bow.

Isang Pagbubulay-bulay.

Isa Na Lang Ang Kulang

Isa Na Lang Ang Kulang

Tiningnan Siya ni Hesus ng may pagmamamahal at winika, “Isang bagay pa ang kulang syo. Humayo ka, ipagbili mo ang iyong ari-arian at ipamigay sa mga dukha (ang pinagbilhan) at magkakaroon ka ng kayamanan sa langit. Pagkatapos, bumalik ka at sumunod sa akin.” (Mark 10:21)

Ito ang tinuran ng Panginoong Hesus sa mayamang lalaki na noo’y lumapit sa Kaniya at nagtanong kung papaano magkakaroon ng buhay na walang-hanggan.

Sa pamantayan ng tao, masasabing “fulfilled” na ang lalaking ito. Siya’y napakayaman. (Mark 10:22) At dahil mayaman, siya’y tanyag din at makapangyarihan. Anu man ang naisin niya’y kaya niyang kamtin at gawin.

Sa buhay-espirituwal, siya rin nama’y tapat na sumusunod sa utos ng Diyos. Nang siya’y tanungin ng Panginoon kung nasunod niya na ang lahat ng pinag-uutos, “wag kang pumatay, wag kang mangalunya, wag kang magnakaw, wag kang magsisinungaling, wag kang mandaraya, igalang mo ang iyong mga magulang,” ang sagot niya’y “opo, nasunod ko ng lahat ang iyan mula pa ng aking pagkabata”. Ang lalaking ito’y lumaki sa isang relihiyosong pamilya.

Subalit bagamat nasa kanya na lahat ang maaaring ibigin at hanapin sa isang tao, ang lalaking ito’y nakadama ng kakulangan. May kung anong bagay siyang hinahanap. May hungkag ang kanyang puso.

At ito’y nakita’t batid ng Diyos. Kung kaya’t winika ng Panginoon sa kanya, “isa na lang ang kulang.”

“Humayo ka, ipagbili mo ang iyong ari-arian at ipamigay sa mga dukha at magkakaroon ka ng kayamanan sa langit. Pagkatapos, bumalik ka at sumunod sa akin.”

Nang marinig ito, namanglaw ang lalaki at malungkot na umalis.

Malungkot pagka’t siya’y napakayaman. Hindi niya kayang i-give up, iwanan o ibigay ang mga bagay na ito na kanyang niyayakap at labis na minamahal.

Hindi marahil ganito ang ipapayo ng Panginoon sa lalaking ito o maging sa sinuman, pagka’t di naman nais ng Diyos na tayo’y maghirap, bagkus ang hangad Niya’y buhay na masagana sa bawat isa – hindi lamang sa espirituwal kungdi higit sa lahat, sa materyal. Subalit nakita ng Diyos na labis ang pagyakap ng lalaking ito sa mga bagay na nabanggit kung kaya’t di niya makita kung ano ang sa kanya ay kulang, kung anu ang kanyang hinahanap.

Sayang. Kung sumunod lamang siya sa iniutos ng Panginoon, mapagtatanto niya kung ano ang kulang at hinahanap ng kanyang puso. Na ang kapunuan at kasagutan sa lahat ng bagay ay matatagpuan sa Panginoon lamang. Hindi sa materyal, hindi sa kapangyarihan, hindi sa katanyagan, hindi sa pagiging relihiyoso at pagsisikap na makasunod sa lahat ng batas ng Diyos at tao.

Ito ang katotohanang nabatid ng Psalmist nang kanyang winika, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.” (Psalms 23:1)

Ikaw ba’y may nadaramang kakulangan? May hinahanap ka ba na di mo mawari kung anu at saan matatagpuan? May lungkot ka pa rin bang nadarama kahiman nasa iyo na ang lahat.

Pakinggan mo ang wika ng Panginoon, “Isa na lang ang kulang”.

Pakawalan mo ang sarili sa labis na pagmamahal sa salapi, sa kayamanan, sa katanyagan, sa kapangyarihan. Siya ang iyong unahin. Siya ang iyong ibigin ng buo mong puso, isip, lakas at kaluluwa. Siya ay iyong tanggapin at papasukin sa iyong puso bilang Panginoon mo't Tagapagligtas. At iyong mababatid kung ano ang kulang at kung ano ang tunay mong kailangan.

Isang pagbubulay-bulay.

Amazing Ran by the Golden Arrows

AMAZING RAN BY THE GOLDEN ARROWS

by Leo C. Diarios (official PBL Sports Writer)

This early of the season, the CLSF team has been very serious in its attempt to go beyond the quarterfinal round in the PBL. They sent only one team in this tournament compared to 3 teams last season. This present selection looks formidable as a team with their twin towers in the persons of Edwin Santos and Ferdie Bautista manning the middle. They may not be as young as the other players of the opposing teams but their good basketball skills and knowledge earned in their early years somehow could not be taken lightly.

In Friday night’s main event, the CLSF Goldies was fitted against the former Champions (2007) UR2 Reds. The tap was won by UR2 but there was no conversion made to their basket. The CLSF was all business that night and they zoomed right away from the start of the 1st half, leading by 12 at the score of 22 - 10 with 3:22 left. Their point guard did well in protecting their ball and conducting their set plays. Seven of their players fielded in already scored for the team in the first 12 minutes and a half. Santos and Bautista were a good combination to watch playing alongside each other. Coach Leo Bungay was all-smile because his players responded well when called in to play. It was Cuesta who did the most damage on the side of the UR2, mostly breaking the plays of the Reds. Celiz and Barrientos were awesome from the side of UR2, converting 8 points among themselves of the total 13 points production in the 1st half of play. The Reds never tired in playing defense all night with Respicio displaying a rare block shot on the driving Molina. That one was the Best Play of the game. Time down to 6:17 and the Reds failed to convert a basket. Articona collared the rebound and threw a baseball pass to the streaking Cuesta on the other court. There were three Goldies running down the lane and the passes were quick and precise. Molina was driving at the basket and looked for a second from behind. Respicio was there, about 5 to 6 feet away, so Molina decided to lay in the ball. From out of nowhere, the ball was swatted away by the high-flying Respicio and the opportunity to score on a fastbreak was broken. Thus, how intense and exciting were the actions between the CLSF and UR2 that night. The 1st half ended with the Goldies still ahead by 12 points, 25 – 13.

At the start of the 2nd half, the actions never failed to thrill the crowds. Both sides were running and both were so hungry going after the ball. It was only the big men of CLSF that kept the Reds at bay. Bautista was always a recipient of beautiful passes from the perimeter and inside the basket. His points were mostly produced beneath the goal. Celiz, on the other hand, was a tiresome machine of UR2. He bravely challenged the defense of the Goldies and made his conversions from short stabs inside but converted only 1 point from the free throw line. Missing on the part of the Reds were their other two big men who used to play strong both inside and outside. Would they be playing in the coming games of UR2? While that matter remains to be seen, the other Reds players were not patsy. They were young, quick and athletic. They could even make life difficult for the former GMC team of last year had all their players play in this tournament. Only, the CLSF showed them a big splash in the 1st half and the Reds could not recover from there. Celiz, Jose and Amora continued to excite the crowd with their splendid shots as they tried to match point by point with the Golden Arrows. The coaches from both sides exhibited not only their wide knowledge of the game but also their marvelous attitude towards it. Larry Vargas was an able assistant to Coach Leo with Ronnie Lazares and Ed Salvador as Team managers. The two coaches were the heroes of the game, worthy of emulating, so humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

The score ended at 53 – 36 but the warm attitudes of the competing players among themselves after the ballgame made the night even more meaningful to everyone. Iba nga naman talaga kung napapangalagaan ng butihing ama ang mga tupa. Only in Pag-asa Baskeball League (PBL) can we see this beautiful scene so far.

The score:
CLSF (53) – Bautista (17), Balucan (9), Cuesta (6), Reyes (6), Peralta (4), Factura (4), Santos (4), Articona (2), Tibay (1)
UR2 (36) – Celiz (8), Amora (8), Barrientos (5), Jose (4), Blangket (4), Ballesteros (3), Ducay (2), Santuelle (2)

Best Player: Bautista (CLSF)

Best Crowd Support / Morale booster: UR2 crowd

Heroes of the Game: Coach Leo & Coach Jun

A Hatchet Job for the Bulldozer

A HATCHET JOB FOR THE BULLDOZER
by Leo C. Diarios, PBL Oficial Sports Writer

Always a perennial contender, the UR1 exhibited their deadly duo in the person of De Rama and Venias. The score was very low, 9 – 7, with only 7:3 to go. As the amiable announcer said, the UR1 was like a diesel engine. Once it gets started, it would go all the way thru. And true to his word, the tandem of De Rama and Venias got their bearing and there was no turning back from there.

This partnership, in spite of the walled-like defense applied by CCWIM, simply put their team a higher notch above the rest. They were so competitive and knew exactly the moves of each one. They were like the Mutt & Jeff in a comic strip, in the mold of Stockton-Malone of the Utah Jazz, the Parker – Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs. These two are so very strong and very effective. It is but fitting for me to give them tribute for their outstanding partnership. They are an awesome team when playing together. A joy to watch when they play but a terror to them who play against them. De Rama – Venias, what a terrific partnership, indeed.

De Rama set the tone for UR1 with plenty of conversion underneath the basket by bulldozing his way in. He was awarded 7 free-throws in the 1st half alone and converted all but one, 3 of which resulting from a 3-point play. He also released a lone 3-point shot and made it. The 1st half was all De Rama show, making 19 big points of the 35-point production of UR1. The 1st half ended with the score of 35 – 24, in favor of UR1.

The 2nd half started with Venias in the line-up. De Rama was temporarily given a breather in preparation for the last minutes of play. Venias did not let down his coach and teammates, and his own legion of fans as well, by taking the bludgeon from his long-time friend.

Regardless of the score, CCWIM never bogged down in their defense, thus, resulting in their early penalty. The same went well with UR1, in spite of their comfortable lead, they never gave their opponents easy looks at their basket. They, too, went into penalty at an early stage of the 2nd half. It was a battle of free-throw shots where UR1 converted 29 points and CCWIM making 16 conversion of their own. It was a battle of nerves and the final score was 76 – 57, UR1 winning their 1st game.

The score:
UR1 (76) – De Rama (34), Venias (21), Ranoa (8), Lorzano (6), Peratel (4), Umbao (3)
CCWIM (57) – Layman (25), Dagangon (10), Pajarillo (8), Mercado (6), Conejos (4), Golpeo (2), Manuel (2),

Best Player: De Rama (UR1)

Best Crowd Support / Morale Booster: CCWIM

Hero of the game: Scorer from JCLORIM

A Stroll in the Hardcourt

A STROLL IN THE HARDCOURT
by Leo C. Diarios, PBL Official Sports Writer

The 3rd game of the day was held in a breezy afternoon. Families were present around the court and children were having fun all around. No wonder, it was family day after all.

Everyone was busy at the table committee. They came early and, surprisingly, a Saudi visitor, claiming to be a representative of Al Rajhi Bank, came to see the on-going tournament and talked with our Pag-asa officials. Friends from the S & L covered the game with a video and they lent their TV monitor to our Table officials for viewing. Wow, these were signs of good things coming the Pag-asa way in days ahead.

The bell sounded and the toss-up was made at the center-court. The 1st possession went to JCLORIM, wearing bright Purple uniforms. They converted the 1st basket of the game and from there, a series of turnover followed because of defense applied by both teams. 2 – 0 was the score after 2:16. The Whiteners, symbolic of salt & light, could only convert a lone free throw after 4:41 against the 6-point produced by JCLORIM.

Shooting a basket was a rarity that afternoon. The score was a low 6 – 3 after 6:15 of play, JLORIM maintaining their slim margin. Quick 3 baskets, 2 from Sayson, doubled the production of JCLORIM, 12 – 3 with 7:24 remaining in the 1st half. Both teams entered the penalty early on the game. Fegarino of the S&L converted a long 3-point shot that brought the house down from the side of the S&L crowd. But this was quickly answered by a 3-point bomb of Purple Lights courtesy of Polo. From there, it was all business for JCLORIM where they asserted their might underneath the goals. Suddenly, their 9-point lead ballooned to a 20-point advantage at the end of the 1st half, 35 – 15 was the score. As hard as they tried, the Whiteners could not bring the ball inside their basket in their many attempts. Te wind seemed to be blowing against them.

At the sound of the buzzer signaling the start of the 2nd half, the ball went to S & L but there was nothing new the S&L could do to increase their production. On the other hand, the dribblers of JCLORIM were simply strolling in the hard-court, even padding their lead to 26 big points, 43 – 17 with still plenty of time remaining, 11:16. Their basket conversions were trickling like little rain during summertime. But their crowd never gave up. They would always rejoice for every point counted for S&L.

Entering the last 2:00 of the game, JCLORIM had saved already 30-point margin, 63 – 33. Even at the last 0:40 seconds, Laganson made a graceful baby hook for JCLORIM. Everyone played strong in Purple Lights, making them a big contender and a team to watch. The final score ended at 72 -33 for the jubilant JCLORIM.

The score:
JCLORIM (72) – Obeynis (16), Sayson (15), Magcalas (10), Arco (9), Polo (5), Parales (5), Dayag (4), Laganson (4), Agustino (4)
S & L (33) – Mallari (11), Soriano (8), Fegarino (7), Esmalde (3), Iquindo (2), Deslate (2)

Best Player: Obeynis (JCLORIM)

Best Crowd Support / Morale Booster: S & L supporters H

Hero of the game: S & L brethren

An Uphill Battle Till the End

AN UPHILL BATTLE TILL THE END

by Leo C. Diarios - PBL Official Sports Writer

It was the turn of DBD and OCF to show off their wares after the game of JUSL & JTLG. But by then, the morning heat started to scorch everyone in the court so most of the ladies and children watched the game from inside the building. However, most brethren stayed on the outside to watch the game that looked to them so exciting. They just knew they would be seeing a fair match-up ahead. They just simply would not want to miss it.

The 1st ball possession was won by DBD but it resulted in an early turnover. Indeed the game showed some remarkable excitement. Both teams displayed stiff defense and every shot of an opponent was challenged. More than 5 minutes had gone and the score was still at 5 – 2, in favor of DBD. The crowd was roaring at every ball possession that was challenged. Until, Gagui of OCF gave a beautiful assist to Estrada which he converted unmolested underneath, bringing the score at 12 – 11, and their 1st taste of the lead. From there, the OCF Greenies padded their lead to 9 points with 2:00 remaining in the 1st half of play, 22 – 13 was the score.

Unfortunately, a 2nd foul by Gagui brought him back to the bench. Sensing blood, the DBD Yellows wasted no time attacking the baskets. Slowly, they tried to bring back their bearings and they started to make creative shots, one after another, the last one being a buzzer-beater by Fuentes. The 1st canto ended with a 1-point advantage to OCF, 22 – 21.

The 2nd half of the game was so closed. There were many lead-changes approaching the last 5 minutes of the game. OCF could not pull away from DBD Yellows. Two converted free-throws and 2 successful baskets by Pabilonia and a triple by Fuentes drew them closer to OCF. The score was 42 – 39, OCF leading, with 3:13 time left. However, the lack of experience playing in the tournament had finally caught up with the Yellow Boys. They started to commit errors after another and Paclipan converted 9 points in that short span of time, 5 of which came from the free-throw area, 50 – 41 was the score with time down to 1:12. Fuentes made his last 3-point shot of the game and Abeltonar hit his own 3 points to close the gap at 55 – 49, OCF finally winning their first ballgame.

The score:
OCF (55) – Paclipan (19), Estrada (12), Gagui (12), Lagasca (4), Boracay (4), Dominguez (2), Venus (2)
DBD (49) – Fuentes (20), Pabilonia (14), Abeltonar (6), Castillo (6), Mabulay (2), Dodyco (1)

Best Player: Paclipan (OCF)

Best Crowd Support / Morale Booster: DBD fans

Heroes of the game: Table Officials

Early Risers Take the Baskets

EARLY RISERS TAKE THE BASKETS

by Leo C. Diarios (PBL Official Sports Writer)

It was the 1st match-up between JUSL Whites and the JTLG Blues. The game started at past 7am and the sun was already up and shining. Everyone was so tense at the bench of the JTLG. It would be their first game and they were up against last season’s finalist.

The early part of the game was very close where no team led by more than 3 points. The score was 9 – 8 in favor of JUSL with time remaining at 8min & 5sec (8:5) in the 1st half. Suddenly, the JUSL unleashed a flurry of shots that hit their targets while JTLG failed to convert in most of their tries.

Bayona carried the cudgels for the JUSL and Hermosura held his own at JTLG side, scoring 16 and 11 big points, respectively, in the 1st half alone. Both players converted their 3-point attempts with Bayona hitting twice against the lonesome of Hermosura. The 1st half ended with the score of 27 – 19, with JUSL enjoying a precarious 8-point lead.

With JUSL finding their range, the Whites ran away with the baskets in the 1st 3:30 of the 2nd half, scoring 8 points against 2 of JTLG, 35 – 21 was the score. Almost all the players fielded in by JUSL displayed good ball handling and quickness. Bayona did not have to score more than 2 points in that period but successfully controlled the tempo of the game where it was clear already that JUSL would win it at the turn of last 4 minutes. Hermosura could not get the much needed lift from his teammates in the closing minutes and so they had given up their 1st game of the season with the score of 58 – 37, JUSL winning by a big margin.

The score:
JUSL (58) – Bayona (18), Boadilla (16), Jumao-as (6), Ngitnit (4), Sulit (4), Gozum (4), Lotero (2), Fernandez (2), Abad (2)

JTLG (37) – Hermosura (15), Enriquez (8), Ancheta (6), Lagro (4), Seno (2), Rodriguez (2)

Best Player: Bayona (JUSL)

Best Crowd Support/Morale-booster: JUSL sympathizers

Heroes of the Game: Referees

Aanhin pa ang Damo?

Kasabihang-Pinoy #2 at ang Kanyang Salita

“Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo?”

Eh di ipakain sa kalabaw, o sa baka o sa kambing, o kaya’y sa kamelyo – ang pabirong wika na aking narinig. “Uu nga” ang tugon ko naman, kaysa naman masayang at malanta nang di mapapakinabangan.

Minsan ganito rin ang nagaganap sa buhay ng tao. Maraming mga bagay ang nasasayang dahil sa labis na kapabayaan. Maraming mga oportunidad at panahon ang lumalampas na di napapakinabangan dahil sa pagwawalang-bahala rito. Maraming mga relasyon ang nasira at nawasak dahil di pinag-ingatan at di isinasaalang-alang ang damdamin ng minamahal.

Sabi ng Kanyang Salita sa Psalms 90:12, “teach us to number our days aright”. Dapat matutunan natin na mapahalagahan ang bawat araw na dumaratal sa ating buhay, pagkat ito’y pagkakataong ibinibigay Niya upang maging kapaki-pakinabang at di masasayang lamang.

Ang bawat araw ay pagkakataong ating mapagyaman ang relasyon sa bawat isa – sa magulang, sa asawa, sa mga anak, kaibigan, ka-trabaho at maging sa mga kapatiran. Ito’y pagkakataong maipadama sa kanila ang ating pagmamahal, maipakita at masabi ng ating bibig.

Pagka’t kaylan pa sasambitin ang katagang “mahal kita”? Kaylan pa maririnig mula sa ating bibig ang “pinatatawad na kita”? Kung sila ba’y nag-aagaw buhay na, nakaratay at may karamdaman, o wala na at lumisan sa malayong lugar?

Kaylan pa? “Aanhin pa ang damo…” Nasayang lamang.

Ang bawat araw ay pagkakataon ding maibahagi sa mga mahal sa buhay at kaibigan ang kaligtasang handog ng Panginoon. Maikli lamang ang buhay ng tao. Ito’y tulad ng isang aso (o vapor or mist) – sandaling lumilitaw at pagkadaka’y nawawala agad. (James 4:14)

Aanhin pa ang kayamanan, kapangyarihan at katanyagan, kung ang kaluluwa nama’y napariwara. “What does it profits a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his very own soul?” (Matthew 16:26) Nothing. “Aanhin pa ang damo…” Sayang lamang.

Gayundin, ang bawat araw ay pagkakataong malasap at maranasan ang mga magaganda’t mabuting kaloob ng Diyos sa atin. “Ako’y naparito upang kayo’y bigyan ng buhay, ng buhay na masagana” – ang wika ng ating Panginoon. (John 10:10)

Pagka’t aanhin pa ang masasarap na lutuin kung wala ng panlasa o ito’y di na natin makakain? Kaylan pagmamasdan ang ganda ng tanawin, dadamhin ang himas ng hangin at magliliwaliw sa tubig sa batis? Kung tayo ba’y uugod-ugod na, may arthritis at may rayuma na? Sayang naman.

Wika ni Solomon sa Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven".

2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Atin nawang pagyamanin ang bawat araw na kaloob ng Diyos. Tulad ng sinasabi sa Kanyang salitang ating pinagbubulay-bulayan, “Teach us to number our days aright.”

Let us not just count the days aright, but let every day that comes counts.

Upang di sasasambitin kinalaunan ang katagang “Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo?”

Isang Pagbubulay-bulay Araw-Araw.

Kawangis Niya - Ganito Tayo Noon, Paano Kaya Ngayon?

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:29)

Ang ating pagbubulay-bulay sa araw na ito ay karugtong ng Romans 8:28 na ating tinalakay kahapon.

Sa nasabing talata, binabanggit na may mabuting layunin ang Diyos sa lahat ng nagaganap sa ating buhay – ito man ay maganda o hindi. Pagkat kaya ng Diyos na gawing mabuti at kapaki-pakinabang ang mga di kaaya-ayang karanasang ating pinagdaanan, pinagdaraanan at pagdaraanan pa.

God can turn unpleasant experiences into something good and beautiful. Ito’y sa dahilang ibig ng Diyos na maganap ang Kanyang dakilang layunin sa atin na Kanyang ipinahayag sa Romans 8:29 – ang tayo’y maging wangis ni Kristo.

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.”

Ang katotohanang ito’y ipinahayag na bago pa man likhain ng Diyos ang tao. Sa Genesis 1:26, ating mababasa ang ganito "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…”

Gayundin sa Genesis 5:1, “When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.” Nang gawin ng Diyos ang tao, nilikha Niya sila sa Kanyang wangis.

Ganito tayo noon. Tayo’y kawangis Niya hindi sa pisikal o panlabas na anyo because God is a Spirit. (John 4:24), kungdi sa espirituwal na kaanyuhan.

Tayo’y kawangis ng Diyos sa Kanyang kabanalan, kabutihan, katuwiran at pagmamahal. Ang kabanalan ng Diyos ay nasasaatin. Kung gaano Siya kabuti, matuwid, magmahal at magpatawad ay ganun din tayo.

Ganito tayo noon. Subalit dahil sa kasalanan na bumalot sa buong sangkatauhan, ang wangis ng Diyos sa atin ay napawi.

Paano kaya tayo ngayon?

Salamat na lamang pagkat sa pamamagitan ni Kristo Hesus na ating Tagapagligtas, muling naibalik ang wangis ng Diyos sa atin, at araw-araw ito'y tumitingkad habang tayo'y Kanyang tinutuwid hanggang ito'y maging ganap sa araw na tayo'y haharap na sa Kaniya.

Kung kaya nga’t ang lahat ng bagay sa ating buhay ay pinagtatagni-tagni Niya upang matupad ang Kanyang mabuting kalooban – ang tayo’y maging kawangis Niya.

Ikaw ba’y kawangis na ni Kristo?

Ganito tayo noon. Paano kaya tayo ngayon?

Isang Pagbubulay-bulay Araw-Araw.

"Kaya Pala!" (God's Good Purpose In Us)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

“Kaya pala!” ang iyong naibulalas ng may pagkamangha nang mamalas at mapagtanto mo ang buting idinulot ng isang mapait na pangyayaring naranasan.

“Tunay na napakabuti ng Diyos” ang dagdag mo pa.

Bilang Kanyang mga lingkod, tayo ay di exempted na dumanas ng mga kahirapan, pighati, kalungkutan, karamdaman at iba’t ibang di magandang pangyayari sa buhay. Andiyang tayo ay magkaroon ng malubhang karamdaman o ang ating mahal sa buhay, mawalan ng trabaho, masalanta ng bagyo, manakawan, iwanan ng minamahal, mabigo sa negosyo, ma-1-2-3, at marami pa.

In fact, kailangan tayong dumaan sa mga mabibigat na pagsubok upang higit pang dumalisay at maging matibay ang pananampalatayang ating taglay. Maging ang Kanyang mga tapat na lingkod ay dumaan sa ganito tulad ni Job, ni Joseph (the dreamer), ni Daniel at ang kanyang tatlong kaibigang si Shadrach, Meshach at Abednego, at maging si apostle Paul. Kung kaya’t tayo man din ay di exempted, kahiman batid nating tapat tayong naglilingkod sa Kaniya.

At tulad ng sinasaad ng Kanyang Salita na ating pinagbubulay-bulayan sa Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

May kadahilanan ang mga pangyayaring ito sa ating buhay. May dakilang layunin ang Diyos, at ito’y mabuti. God has a good purpose in us.

Nagkakatagni-tagni ang lahat ng bagay at pangyayari sa ating buhay upang matupad ang mabuting kalooban ng Diyos sa Kanyang mga lingkod na iniibig at tinawag. At kahiman di mabago ang sitwasyon at manatili itong mahirap sa ating pakiwari at paningin, nakakatiyak pa rin tayong ito’y magdudulot ng magandang katuruan para sa atin.

Kung kaya’t sa halip na malumbay, manghinawa, magtaka o magtanong, tayo’y dapat pa ngang magpasalamat pagkat batid nating sa pamamagitan nito, tayo’y tumatatag sa ating pananampalataya at mananagumpay sa buhay Kristiyano. Subalit yan ay kung hahayaan nating makakilos ang Diyos sa ating buhay sa pamamagitan ng ating pagsunod at pagtitiwala sa Kanya anu man ang ating kalagayan at nararanasan.

Get excited. Pagka’t may mabuting ibibigay ang Panginoon kung ang pagsubok ay ating malalagpasan at mapagtatagumpayan. Ang araw ay muling sisikat pagkatapos ng isang makulimlim na panahon. Anu man haba ng isang lagusan (o tunnel), ito’y may hangganan pa rin na ating malalabasan.

Sa panahong nakararanas tayo ng ulan, bagyo at unos sa ating buhay, alalahanin natin ang sinasabi ng Kanyang Salita sa Isaiah 43:2 -

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Ito’y titik rin ng isa sa ating inaawit, “Dumaan man ako sa ilog, di ako malulunod. Dumaan man ako sa apoy, di ako masusunog” - pagkat kasama natin ang Diyos.

May mabuting kalooban ang Diyos sa atin sa gitna ng pagdarahop, sakit at karamdaman, unos at bagyo sa ating buhay. At pag ito’y ating napagtanto, ating masasambit na lamang ay “kaya pala!”

Isang Pagbubulay-bulay Araw-Araw.

Congratulations - DBD Agape Basketball Team

For winning the "Best in Uniform" in the recently concluded PBL Seasons 4 Opening Ceremony held last Friday, 13 March 2009.

Keep up the good start.

Pasasalamat sa Tagumpay ng PBL Season4 Opening

Papuri sa ating Diyos sa tagumpay ng pagbubukas ng PBL Season 4 na ginanap nung Friday, 13 March 2009, sa Al Gosaibi Sports Complex.

Salamat sa mga kapatiran na nakibahagi sa nasabing okasyon mula sa labing-dalawang koponang lumahok at sa mga ibang sentro na naroroon upang saksihan ang buong programa na inihanda ng araw na iyon tulad ng parade ng 12 participating teams at ang pagbibigay ng awards para sa Best Muse, Most Organized Team at Best in Uniform.

Congratulations kay Ms. Janice Magsino (ng CLSF) na siyang tinanghal ng Muse of PBL Season 4. Gayundin sa UR Divine Desert University na tinanghal na Most Organized Team at sa DBD-Agape Basketball Team na nagwagi ng Best in Uniform.

Nais din naming magpasalamat sa mga tatay/lolo na kabahagi sa CWW sa kanilang paglalaan ng oras na makadalo, at kay kChito (ng DBD at Sumphonia Head) sa pagpapaunlak na maging instant host ng PBL Season 4.

Salamat din sa mga judges ng tatlong awards na ipinamahagi – kay Ate Norma ng OCF, kButch ng JCLORIM at kRoger ng JUSL.

Salamat sa mga nagdala ng pagkain na siyang pinagsalu-saluhan ng mga kapatiran para sa isang Family Snacks/Dinner fellowship na ginawa pagkatapos ng programa at bago simulan ang unang laro ng PBL Season 4 sa pagitan ng GMC at JCPP.

Sa mga Sports Coordinators mula sa iba’t ibang sentro, maraming salamat din sa inyo. Higit sa lahat sa masipag nating Sports Head Committee na si kLito Manuyag ng CLSF.

Ang nasabing okasyon ay isang makabuluhang gawain ng kabuuan ng CWW kung saan ang tema ay “Sama-samang Nagkakaisa sa Pagpapatotoo at Pagpapalakasan”. Inaasahan na ang palarong ito’y magdudulot ng bagong pag-asa upang lalo pang pag-igtingin ang pagsasama-sama at pagkakaisa ng mga lingkod Niya na kabahagi sa CWW.

Papuri ay sa Kanya lamang!

A Feast Day at the Hardcourt

A Feast Day at the Hardcourt

Leo C. Diarios - PBL Sports Writer

It was Friday, the 13th, and the sun was up at its best but the GOOD LORD sent forth fresh cool air to the vicinity of Al Gosaibi Sports Club for protection as HIS people were all busy preparing to dedicate an important collective activity to our GOD. Yes, the PAG-ASA BASKETBALL LEAGUE (PBL) opened its 4th Season with a heavenly assurance that all will be well for the twelve (12) basketball teams competing from Day 1 up to the last playing date of this PBL season.

The ceremony was attended by more than 300 brethren from different cells headed by the mighty duo-some of the PBL Commissioner Max Bringula and the Head of PBL Sports Committee for this year, the amiable Kuya Lito Manuyag.

Each participating team displayed their official banner, uniforms, players, officials and muses with much gusto. There were smiling faces all over the place, each one showing the excitement the event was bringing. The program began at 4pm with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Kuya Tim (JCILSA & Pag-asa/Sumphonia). The Invocation was done by Kuya Tony Gloria and followed by the Welcome Remarks of Kuya Max. Kuya Marlon Kahler of GMC led the Sportsmanship Oath. Kuya Nick Plando, head of CWWA & UR, delivered the Inspiration Remarks. Kuya Chito of Symphonia and DBD center did the emceeing during the Program.

Three awards were distributed before the tip-off with the beautiful and petite Ate Janice Magsino of CLSF copping the Best Muse. The Most Organized Team went to UR-Divine Desert University and the DBD Basketball Team garnered the Best in Uniform, all hands-down. After which, the food was served on the side of the basketball court while teams were taking pictures one after another at the center-court for their souvenirs. Kuya Jumel Chua, the youthful and handsome official Photographer of the PBL, was all around the court taking beautiful acrobatic shots on any thing his eyes would catch interesting, careful of not missing a single moment that would provide lasting memory to the beholder.

After the warm ceremony, the 1st game of the season was contested by GMC, the depending champion, and the rookie team of JCPP. From the start of the tip-off, it was all GMC show. The dribblers of JCPP could not find their range after so many tries at the basket while the Thunders were zooming from both ends of the court fighting for every ball possession and easy conversion. The score was 12 – 0 in favor of GMC after only 2 minutes of play. The 1st basket of JCPP came after 2 and ½ minutes courtesy of their big man, Rico Ambuyao. But their 2nd basket came only with 4 minutes remaining in the first half where the score was 26 – 4. The defense of GMC was evident at the game where they committed 4 quick team-fouls. GMC center Coro was feasting on swatting every attempt from the JCPP shooters. However, the 1st 3-point conversion of the game was produced by JCPP courtesy of Jersey No. 5, Roque, in the last 2 minutes. Another basket by Alejandre of JCPP after the short stab of Rotugal of GMC ended the first half of play with GMC leading the score at 31 – 9.

The start of the 2nd half gave the JCPP the chance to narrow down the lead to 18 at the score of 33 – 15. The committee called for a timeout to give way for the official referees to call the game after arriving late. The resumption of play gave back the momentum to GMC where they scored consecutive baskets resulting from numerous interceptions. Oreta scored an unmolested twinner under the basket from a beautiful assist of Byron Kahler, GMC leading at 45 – 19, with 7 minutes remaining. Marlon Kahler converted the only 3-point shot of GMC with 3 minutes and 24 seconds remaining in the ballgame. It is worthy to note the flashy moves of Biazon in the waning seconds of the game. He was not part of the 1st five of GMC but he sure is a force to reckon with in the coming games of the Thunders.

The 1st game of the season ended with GMC stamping their class over the JCPP with a whooping 39-point difference, the score at 64 – 25. It was an awesome display of balanced-attack of GMC where ten of the players they fielded in scored a basket or more.

The 1st Best Player of the game went to Biazon of GMC but Bacani of JCPP almost stole the limelight from him for playing courageously despite of a bloodied nose. He is my choice of 1st Hero of the Game for this season while I handover the 1st Morale Boosters Squad to the GMC bleachers.

The Scores:
GMC (64) – Biazon (11), Ybarle (10), Oreta (10), B. Kahler (8), M. Kahler (7), Rotugal (6), Coro (4), Dimaculangan (4), Duenas (2), Taiza (2)
JCPP (25) – Alejandre (8), Roque (7), Ambuyao (4), Valdez (2), Cunano (2), Payot (2)

Schedule of Games (March 20/Friday):

Morning: 7:00–8:30 (JTLG vs. JUSL) / 8:30–10:00 (OCF vs. DBD)
Afternoon: 4:30–6:00 (JCLORIM vs. S & L) / 6:00–7:30 (UR1 vs. CCWIM) / 7:30–9:30 (CLSF vs. UR2)

Group A - OCF / DBD / UR 1 / CCWIM

Group B - JTLG / UR 2 / JUSL / CLSF

Group C - GMC / JCLORIM / S&L / JCPP

Ang Naglalakad ng Matulin

Kasabihang Pinoy #1 at ang Kanyang Salita

"Ang naglalakad ng mabagal, kung matinik ay mababaw. Ang naglalakad ng matulin, kung matinik ay malalim."

Ano ba ang kahulugan ng kasabihang ito na pamana ng ating salinlahi kung ihahambing sa sinasaad ng Kanyang Salita?

May napakagandang aral na itinuturo ito – na ang pagplaplano at tamang paghahanda sa anu mang gagawin ay mainam at nagdudulot ng tiyak na tagumpay, at makapag-iiwas sa atin sa anu mang kabiguan.

Kung tayo’y may desisyong gagawin, ito’y paka-isipin ng lubos (maka-sampu o maka-isandaang beses sabi nga ng iba) upang maiwasan ang kalugihan, pagkatalo, at kabiguan. At kung may aberyang mang magaganap kung saka-sakali, ay di labis na malaki o masakit ang hapdi na mararanasan.

Ganito rin ang turo sa atin sa Kanyang Salita. Sa Proverbs 3:5-6, ito ang sinasaaad -

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy path."

Mainam na ilapit sa Kanya ang anu mang gagawin. Ipagkatiwala sa Diyos na Siyang may batid ng lahat ang ating mga plano at hangarin. Sa lahat ng bagay, angkinin at kilalanin ang Kanyang patnubay, at tayo'y bibigyan Niya ng higit na tagumpay.

Gayundin naman, ang kasabihang nabanggit ay tumutukoy din sa padalos-dalos na gawi ng karamihan sa atin. Yun bang laging nagmamadali at ang nais ay mabilisan. Sabi nga ni ate Gee (dbd-KSA) sa kanyang panulat -

Sabi ng marami, sa panahon ngayon, di kailangan ang babagal-bagal. Kailangan daw na sabayan ang panahon kung saan lahat ay “fast” tulad na lamang ng mga fastfood at mga instant food na kinakain natin at mga gadgets tulad ng cellphone and digicams na sadyang napakabilis na magpalit ng modelo. Kasabay ng pagbilis ng lahat ng bagay sa paligid, maging ang hangarin ng mga tao ay sumusunod na rin. Tulad ng lamang ng mabilisang pag-yaman, promosyon sa trabaho, pagpapapayat, pagpapaganda, atbp.

Kadalasan sa paghangad ng marami na mapabilis ang lahat, nakakagawa ang mga tao, maging ang mga Kristyano ng mga bagay na hindi na ayon sa kagustuhan ng Panginoon dahil ‘short cut’ ang nais (sa halip na ang panahon ng Diyos ang hintayin).

Kung gayon, upang di mapahamak at manghinawa , sikaping makapag-laan ng oras at panahon sa piling ng Panginoon. Pagbulay-bulayan ang Kanyang mga Salita at ito’y tupdin upang tagumpay ay matiyak at di matinik ng malalim, pagkat -

"Ang naglalakad ng mabagal, kung matinik ay mababaw. Ang naglalakad ng matulin, kung matinik ay malalim."

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy path."

Yan ang dapat pagkatandaan.

Isang Pagbubulay-bulay.

Kasabihang-Pinoy at Ang Kanyang Salita

“Ang lumalakad ng matulin, kung matinik ay malalim.” Ito’y kasabihang madalas kung naririnig kay lolo’t kay lola. Isang kasabihang may katotohanang taglay lalo na’t kung gagamitin sa pang-araw-araw na buhay.

Yun nga lamang sa halip na tupdin, ito’y nabibigyan ng ibang anyo’t kulay. Ang tunay na kahulugan tuloy nito’y nawawaglit sa paglipas ng araw.

Sa halip, ang maririnig mo ay “ang lumalakad ng matulin, late na sa tipanan” o kaya’y “ang lumalakad ng matulin ay may utang” (ayaw marahil na maabutan o makita ng pinagkakautangan kung kaya’t simbilis ng ipo-ipo ang bawat paghakbang).

Marami tayong mga kasabihang-Pinoy na mula pa sa mayamang kaisipan ng ating mga ninuno o mga sina-unang lahi na ngayo’y iba na ang maririnig mo, tulad na lang ng -

“Ang di marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay may stiff neck.”

“Ang anak na pinalaki sa layaw, pag lumaki’y jeproks.”

“Aanhin pa ang damo kung may shabu na.”

At kung anu-ano pa na ang tanging layunin ay magpatawa. "Hahahaha…. Hehehehe….joc…joc.. bulate lang po" ang pangangatwiran maririnig mo.

Subalit di katawa-tawa. Pagka’t ninanakaw natin ang gintong aral na hatid ng mga kasabihang ito.

Gayundin naman sa Kanyang mga Salita. Tulad ng mga kasabihang-Pinoy, ito’y dapat nating paka-ingatan na di mababago o makalimutan sa pagdatal ng panahon. Ito ang pinakadiin-diinan ni Moses patungkol sa Salita ng Diyos na ganito ang sabi -

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers. (Deut. 11:18-21)

Ang Salita ng Diyos ay dapat nating ingatan at pakatandaan pagka’t dulo’t nito sa atin ay buhay. Ito’y ating gawin at tupdin pagkat hatid nito’y patnubay at tagumpay. Isa-puso. Isa-isip. Gawin at di lamang dinggin.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8)

Kanyang mga Salita'y ating pagbulay-bulayan.

Nag-iisang Hari

“Pasasalamat sa Nag-iisang Hari!”

Yan ang tema ng Unang Taong Anibersaryo ng Day by Day Christian Ministries – Bahrain kung saan ang inyong lingkod kasama ng Local Pastor ng dbd-Kanlungan, kErwinL at ang masipag nating diyakono ng dbd-Kanlungan, kBonn, ay dumalo sa natatanging gawaing ito para makipag-isa sa mga kapatiran sa Day by Day – Bahrain sa kanilang selebrasyon.

Tagumpay ang nasabing Gawain. Super to the max ang kanilang preparasyong ginawa. Ang ambience ay talaga namang fitting to the King of kings. Para sa mga Hari ng mga hari, dapat “the best” talaga ang ibinibigay. For this, I congratulate ang mga kaps natin sa dbd-Bahrain for a well job done, especially sa kanilang butihing tagapanguna, Pstr. EdB. Ang mensahe ng araw na iyong ay dinala ni Pstr. HermieM.

Salamat sa hospitality ng mag-asawang kuya RichardS at ate Malou at sa mag-asawang kuya RichardM at ate Tess, na nagpatuloy sa amin sa kanilang tahanan instead of us getting a hotel or a lodging.

I pasted here some photo shoots of the said event. I will post separately yung mga sidelights ng aming trip to Bahrain, plus other pics.

Kahit Bilang ng Buhok Mo’y Alam Niya

May isang nakatutuwang bagay ang mababasa natin sa Luke 12:7 na winika ng ating Panginoon na ang sabi'y ganito “Maging ang buhok ninyo’y bilang na lahat. Kaya, huwag kayong matakot, higit kayong mahalaga kaysa mga maya.”

Ganoon pala!

Makapal man ang buhok mo o ala na, alam Niya pa rin ang bilang niyon. Alam Niya kung ilan ang nalaglag o nalagas kamakalawa, at ilan ang malalaglag pa sa darating na bukas. Batid din Niya kung ilan na ang nabawas, at ilan pa ang natitira. Hanggang sa kaisa-isang hibla na lamang ng ating buhok ang matira ay alam pa rin Niya.

Sadya nga, pagkat ang ating Diyos na pinaglilingkuran ay isang Diyos na nakababatid ng lahat. He is an Omniscient God. Walang maililihim at walang maitatago sa Kanyang paningin. Kahiman tayo’y magpakatago-tago sa dilim, kita pa rin Niya tayo. There is no place on earth that we can hide from the Living God.

Sabi ng Psalmist, “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths (of the sea), you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalms 139:8-10)

Kung ganun, ano raw ang dapat nating ipangamba, ikatakot o ikabahala? Kung ang lahat ng bagay sa mundo at sa buhay natin ay alam Niya - ang naganap at magaganap pa. Kung kahit bilang ng buhok nati’y binibigyan Niya ng ganung kahalaga ng higit pa kaysa sa mga maya, kung kalagayan ng ating puso ay tanto Niya, wala nga tayong dapat ikabahala, ikatakot at ikapangamba.

Anu man ang nagaganap sa ating kapaligiran – tumaas man ang presyo ng langis o bumaba ang dolyar, may krisis man, bagyo o kalamidad – nakatitiyak tayong di Niya pababayaan. ‘Alam kong ako’y iyong tutulungan at pangungunahan” ang wika ng Psalmist sa verse 10 (Psalms 139).

Kung kaya’t ipanatag ang kalooban, ihimlay ang isipan at ipahinga ang pagal na katawan sa bisig ng Amang nagmamahal sa atin. Wag mangamba, wag matakot, wag mabalisa.

“Higit kayong mahalaga kaysa sa mga maya” ang wika Niya. Buhok mo nga’y bilang Niya, anu pa’t ang mga kailangan at hinahangad ng puso mo’y ang hindi Niya ibibigay?

Manalig at magtiwala lamang tayo sa Kaniya.

The next time around na tayo’y makadama ng takot at pangamba, haplusin lamang natin ang hibla ng ating buhok (meron man tayong mahaplos o wala na) at alalahanin ang katotohanang “kahit bilang ng buhok mo’y alam Niya”.

Isang Pagbubulay-bulay Araw-Araw.