Resurgence 2.5

We're all devastated by the sight of people who died and was affected by the recent typhoon that hit Northern Mindanao. While I've seen really kind hearted people using the internet for good, most just use it as venue to criticize.

All the finger pointing won't help at this point. Let's stop criticizing the President or PAGASA for what happened in Mindanao. Let's just stop talking and grab our wallets and help Sendong's victims.

Choose your agency: Redcross, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, GMA Kapuso, TV5 Kapatid Foundation, Operation Blessing (our family's choice NGO http://www.obphil.com/v2/page/p/mindanao-needs-you -- it has a credit card facility, if you have the capability, you don't have any reason not to help). Whatever it is, let's just act. 

What's saddens me more is that tragedies like this reflect our character as a nation. Last night was the worst: we even knit picked on an actress' innocent tweet to have a chance to criticize the President? What are we now, a bunch of radio commentators? I don't know what to say. 

First of all, let me just say that that we're so proud of the 4th place finish of the current Philippine National Basketball team, Smart-Gilas at the recently concluded FIBA-Asia Championships. It's been a long time since we accomplished this much in Asian basketball. According to basketball historians, the best finish we had at FIBA in recent years was in 1987. With the help of a foreign coach, the basketball program has definitely achieved something great today!

But having said that, I'd like to remind everyone -- especially those who've been saying that foreign coaches are better than Filipinos -- that back in 1990, the All-Filipino (no naturalized) PBA dream team composed of Chito Loyzaga,  Mon Fernandez, Alvin Patrimonio, Samboy Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, Benjie Paras, Franz Pumaren, Hector Calma, Yves Dignadice, Paul Alvarez, Allan Caidic and Jerry Codinera and a coaching staff headed by the Living Legend himself, Robert Jaworski -- finished 2nd place in the Asian Games. We made it to the top and played against  China. It's not FIBA, but hey, the opponents are the same.

So, people, let's stop the Pinoy vs. non-Pinoy coaching debate-non-sense. Let's celebrate our current achievements, as well as the past.

As a sports addict back in my childhood days, I can still remember the excitement those times have created. Here's a clip -- the best that I can find at YouTube -- of that great days of Philippine basketball. This is mostly of Samboy Lim. Enjoy, nonetheless.

At the recent Miss Universe 2011 question and answer round, Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup was asked: Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person that you love? She said: "I would not... The first person that I love is my God. The person who loves me should love my God, too."

If you grew up in an Adventist community in the 90s, you know the Tulios -- and some of you probably know Atty. John Tulio. He's become a mentor to a lot of Adventists, including myself, in terms of revisiting our belief system and focusing on God's grace. He has written several materials, which includes "Basic 10", a group study guide on the basics of the gospel and grace. Just recently, he finished and released "Tipping Points of Grace: Age old dogmas re-exammined."