Celebrate life

IF you remember, my friend and press colleague Margie Quimpo-Espino of the Phil. Daily Inquirer, suffered a brain aneurysm on Nov. 29, 2008. It's been a year since that happened and Margie is now talking, texting, and baking even! The last time we chatted via Facebook (yes, she's back on it!), she said she was still having difficulty walking. But other than that, she really sounded extremely fine and grateful for everyone's prayers and continuing messages of concern.

On Monday, Dec. 7, a book on about her ordeal and triumph in the face of much suffering, will be launched at the Powerbooks Greenbelt. Entitled "88 Days in India: A pilgrimage of faith, hope and love", the book is authored by Margie's husband, former Inquirer reporter Chet Espino, and is now available at all Powerbooks branches.

Pls. get a copy of this book and be inspired with Margie and Chet's story.

God didn't have anything to do w/ the Ondoy tragedy

THE flooding from Typhoon Ondoy happened, because of poor urban planning and our polluted esteros. There were many victims from the flood, because the gov't was inept, and didn't mount any rescue efforts until it was too late. The typhoon happened, because typhoons are a natural occurence in this part of the world. It's intensity is blamed on Climate Change, again, not God's doing but ours. Our burning of fossil fuels contributes to global pollution and greenhouse gases.

No. The Ondoy tragedy happened not bec. God got mad as there are so many sinners in the Philippines. Our God is no longer of the Old Testament - an angry God - who sends great floods to cleanse the earth of bad people. Or turns sinners into pillars of salt.The God of the New Testament is a loving God. It is His continuing devotion to us - despite our trespasses - that has inspired many of us to help our brothers and sisters who've lost their family, friends, and homes bec. of Ondoy.

It is God who encourages us to be better Christians by loving our fellow men. This tragedy is an opportunity for us all to show Him why we are so deserving of his continuing affection.

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Here's an insightful piece about urban planning from PDI's Lifestyle section:

"If there is anything or anyone to be blamed for the flooding in Metro Manila, these are the inhabitants. Domestic garbage has obviously taken over the drainage system. We must learn to dispose of our garbage properly." (Click Don't blame God for the rest.)

And then...a miracle :)

AFTER being depressed and weepy over my friend's passing, Someone Up There gives me a little nudge as if reminding me that this is all part of His Plan. That without death, there can be no life. And after much grief and mourning, we will rejoice again.

So behold! celebrate another miracle from Him. This is Baby Amira, the few-days old daughter of my friends Kler and Rikki. She was born on July 17 at the Makati Medical Center, weighing in at 5 lbs. Kinda tiny but Kler is a small woman as well.


Isn't she the cutest? Welcome to the world little angel! Get ready to do really great things!

(Thank you Lord for not forgetting me. Thank you for helping me deal with the pain by reminding me of the truly important things in the world. As always, You are there when I need You the most.)