LawReal

My Christmas Fruit

2011-12-23T13:04:00.003+08:00

Amazing! This is how it looks like when you cut the papaya in half HORIZONTALLY. Since there is already a star fruit and star apple, so I call it Christmas fruit because the star is one of the most famous symbols of Christmas.

Have a meaningful CHRISTmas and a healthylicious food!!!

Inspiring Qoute for the 2011 Bar examinees:

2011-07-18T21:34:00.008+08:00

Here is a perfect quote to motivate the 2011 Bar candidates to PASS that arduous exams:

P - pray,

A - aim High and

S - stay Focused.
S - shine for Jesus!

This quote comes from an inspirational story (http://www.godswork.org/encouragement89.htm) which has a bottom-line:

Pray first before you do anything,

Aim and shoot high in your goals, and
Stay focused on God.

Schedule of 2011 Bar Exams

2011-07-11T22:16:00.011+08:00

The 2011 Bar Exams will be using a new format: multiple-choice questions (60% - 75 to 100 questions per subject) that was proposed by the Chairperson Justice Roberto A. Abad.

During the seminars-workshops which were conducted all over the country, Justice Abad gave the bar examinees hopes by saying that it is alright to commit grammatical errors in the essay-type questions (40%) as long as it is not fatal or gross because he himself admittedly sometimes commit the same.

This year’s examination which was moved from September to November 2011 will be held at the University of Santo Tomas.

The Supreme Court has outlined the subjects to be taken up in the 4 Sundays based on the SC En Banc Resolution issued on Feb. 8, 2011.

November 6

8:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. Political Law

10:00a.m. – 12:30p.m. Labor Law

2:00p.m. – 3:30p.m. Taxation Law

November 13

10:00a.m – 12:00p.m. Civil Law

2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. Commercial (Mercantile) Law

November 20

8:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. Remedial Law

10:00a.m. – 12:30p.m. Ethics

2:00p.m. – 3:30p.m. Criminal Law

November 27

8:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. Memo Writing

2:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. Legal Opinion

I’m in Love with My Prince

2011-02-10T18:23:00.013+08:00

Heck, he has such a baby face as pretty as a picture! My eyes are drawn like a magnet to it. His white glowing skin makes him look like an angel whom God has graciously showered with a great blessing. His heavenly tongue, even though it sometimes cracks me up, utters wisdom that serves as garland around my neck. Look at his head: His golden brown, disheveled hair reflects his bright & breezy personality. Oh, how I love thee!

Wohoo! His amusing jest defuses my stress.......and his laughter…oh yes…his laughter…it penetrates into my soul! The look in his eyes can reveal his real deep feelings more than songs can ever express. Awww, the sweetness in his face is like honey dripping down my pharynx.

His name is……Steven Warner. He was 8 years old when he played the role of the Little Prince. The movie I love to watch over and over again. He started out as a child actor, such a very admirable and adorable child actor! I wonder what ever happened to him. It seems he has lost his career….sigh..

RELATED ARTICLE:

My little Prince

Cory Quirino vs. Vicky Belo

2011-01-12T19:21:00.017+08:00

Physical beauty is fleeting says Proverbs 31:30 yet the Book of Solomon teaches that beauty should NOT be considered as unspiritual.

It is just normal to look good. But I have been hesitant to use cosmetic products ever since I became aware of its harmful ingredients like the parabens. So why should I spend too much money on them if I can get plenty of natural ingredients from my very own kitchen that are cost-effective, gentle and safe.

Here are some of my ingredients:

Calamansi – to lighten scars

Milk or Olive Oil – to soften skin

Honey – to diminish freckles

Egg White or Oat Meal – to tighten skin
Cucumber - to moisturize eyes

I am also not a fan of cosmetic surgery. In fact, I have never been to a derma clinic. Something natural is always beautiful for me!

Take notice of physical beauty of Cory Quirino (57) and Vicky Belo (54). See the difference. I have seen Dra. Belo once or twice on T.V. crying. Her face could not express her deep emotions because of the Botox that made it frozen. Cosmetic surgery is definitely NOT the key to maintain our good looks. Only in cases where there are natural deformities or damage to one’s features caused by accidents that cosmetic surgery becomes a necessity, says Ms. Cory Quirino.

Cory Quirino and Vicky Belo

It is ok to go for physical beauty. Just don’t forget to beautify your inside; to develop our inner character. I would like to quote what Dr. Aim said to me. Every girl will definitely be thrilled to hear it especially coming from such an absolutely handsome, bright & breezy Christian doctor :)

di ka naman kelangan magmukhang gorgeous cause you are already naturally gorgeous both inside and out ;) ang panlabas na anyo lumilipas lang yan, balang araw, kukulubot din yan...pero pag gorgeous ka na sa loob-looban, it will just manifest outside...and I mean it...

Dr. Aim

La Tuna Saladier de LoiReel

2010-12-14T15:57:00.005+08:00

I have just invented my own salad recipe that I considered healthy despite the mayonnaise dressing.

Instead of meat, I use the low-cholesterol tuna that adds omega-3 fatty acids to our diet to help lower heart disease risk. I prefer Century Corned Tuna in regular flavor. It is tasty and convenient! – no need to sauté.

I fondly call my kind of salad ‘La Tuna Saladier de Loireel’. In English: The Tuna Salad of LawReal :)

Ingredients:

(6-8 servings)

· 1 can (184g) Century Corned Tuna

· 200g Safoco multi-colored vegetable pasta (can be found at SM supermarket)

· 1small chopped onion

· ½ of 180g Kraft Eden Cheese (shredded cheese)

· ½ cup of minced carrots

· 1 small can of Delmonte pineapple tidbits

· 1/2 kilo mayonnaise

· lettuce

· chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

Cook pasta in boiling water then drain. Mix the salad recipe ingredients except the lettuce. Garnish with chopped parsley.

To serve, place lettuce leaf on plate then wrap the salad like a burrito and enjoy!

Mayor’s Permit Fee is not a Tax

2010-12-04T16:46:00.003+08:00

Securing or renewing of a Business or Mayor’s Permit can be quiet stressful for some entrepreneurs especially if the fee charged is excessive and iniquitous. But the payment of it cannot be dispensed with since it is imposed pursuant to the police power delegated to the Local Government Unit (LGU) under the general welfare clause of Local Government Code (RA 7160).

The fee charged is oftentimes mistaken as tax. It is rather a LICENSE fee for the regulation or legalization of a business or occupation while tax is purely for revenue purposes. Hence, the non-payment of it shall render the business or activity illegal, whereas non-payment of tax shall only give rise to criminal and civil liability under sec. 254 of the National Internal Revenue Code.

It is a kind of non-tax revenue since it partakes of the nature of revenue of an LGU that is not generated from tax. The fee charged is undeniably to cover the expenses for supervision, inspection and control by the government as held in the case of The City of Ozamiz vs. Lumapas and Hon. Marave; G.R. No. L-30727 July 15, 1975.

BJ: Proclaiming The Gospel To Taxi Drivers

2010-11-02T15:43:00.010+08:00

Here is another bachelor lawyer of Advocates Phils. but I am not sure if he is still available :) I happened to read by chance his encouraging testimony below when I stumbled upon Christ’s Commission Fellowship’s (CCF) website (http://ccf.org.ph/testimony-bj/) posted on Sept. 06, 2010.

Atty. Benito Jose Legarda Delos Santos a.k.a. BJ is a high school and college (BS Management) alumnus of Ateneo de Manila University '04 and belongs to the first batch of U.P. Law's Juris Doctor holders (2008). Following in the footsteps of his prominent auntie, Atty. Katrina Legarda, he joined Salumbides Law Firm when he hurdled the 2009 Bar Exams.

Kung si singing CPA lawyer Lorybeth eh hawig ni Donna Cruz (but I like Lorybeth’s soothing voice better than her :) si Atty. Lars si Harlene Bautista, si Atty. Josh si Derek Ramsay (sabi niya) at si Atty. John na pwedeng model ng Close-Up with his killer smile eh BJ looks like TJ Trinidad naman, sound-alike names din sila (o di ba, celebs look-alike ang advocates members :)

By the way, Malabon City Hall of Justice should confer on BJ Most Punctual Award (I am definitely NOT qualified for that award). On our way home from a dinner meeting with the mother of advocates, I heard him telling about his morning court appearance in Malabon for the first time. Thinking Malabon was very far away from his residence in Quezon City, he decided to leave before the sun rises. Alas, it was still dark when he arrived because it only took him 45 minutes to get there and court hearings usually start at 8:30, so he ate almost all the types of bread of a certain bakery and read nearly every newspaper page :)

I hate driving. I don’t like waiting in traffic, looking for parking and worrying about gas prices and maintenance costs. So I started riding taxis. Little did I know the Lord would turn this into my small ministry.

When I became a Christian some nine (9) years ago, I knew I had to take part in the Great Commission. I enjoyed seeing people come to Christ and live out their newfound relationship with Him. However, I disliked talking to strangers and the idea of sharing the Gospel to people terrified me. But the Lord’s words in Matthew 28:18-21 convicted me no end. Each time I hear a message on it, my heart gets wounded. I knew I had to get out of my comfort zone.

My taxi-riding habit provided the perfect setting for this. But the thought scared me! I was at the driver’s mercy. If he wanted to insult or throw me out of the car for “trying to convert him”, I was totally helpless. But Jesus’ words compelled me to take the risk. My first attempts at sharing were uneventful until the Lord allowed me to experience a breakthrough. I was on my way home from Sunday service riding a cab. No, I didn’t feel like sharing the Gospel to the driver but the Lord moved me to do so. The driver was going through a lot that time – financial and family problems. When I told him of Jesus’ great love for Him, dying on the cross to pay for all His sins so that He can be with God in heaven someday, his face lit up. It was an indescribable expression that moved my heart greatly. When he accepted Christ as His Lord and Savior, I struggled to hold back the tears. I got home that day hearing “Thank you” several times over, but I cried that entire afternoon saying “Thank you” to Jesus. From that moment on, I made it a point to share the Gospel each time I rode a taxi.

However, my taxi ministry took a backseat when the Lord led me to law school. The passion to share seemed to wane while my drive to excel and study hard in school increased. But when the Lord allowed me to pass the Bar exams earlier this year, I was ecstatic and responded to this blessing by pursuing hard after Him. I was determined to consume His Word night and day. Eventually, the desire to share the Gospel was rekindled. The overflow of God’s Word resulted in this compulsion to share Jesus’ Cross to the lost. Jeremiah 20:9 spoke to me – “But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

Two Fridays ago, I found myself conversing with a cab driver named Domeng. I didn’t plan on sharing the Gospel initially until I felt this overwhelming need to share Jesus. I then asked Domeng if he knew where he was going when he dies. Before I realized it, I had fully explained to him why he needed Christ in his life in order to be saved. The smile on his face was unforgettable. When I asked him if he wanted to receive Jesus through a prayer, he readily said yes. I advised him, however, to keep his eyes on the road while we prayed lest we end up seeing Jesus rather prematurely that day. Before we parted ways, Domeng did something no other taxi driver previously did – he asked for my phone number. He said that he wanted to go to CCF one Sunday if he’s free and he’ll let me know. I cried in the office that day. The privilege of the experience was simply without equal.

Last Sunday, Pastor Peter asked “What’s so Great About the Great Commission?” He said that the Great Commission is great because the One giving it is the greatest being there is. This encouraged me to share the Gospel even more. This week alone, I was able to share Jesus to twelve taxi drivers – more than I ever did the entire year of 2009. Not everyone accepted but those who prayed to receive Christ made the experience worth it. In fact, one driver got so convicted he told me not to pay the fare anymore, confessing that his taximeter was rigged. I nonetheless paid the amount to illustrate what God’s grace was all about.

Indeed, I discovered that my greatest joy is to see hopeless people come to a relationship with Jesus. The experience of seeing a person realize for the first time how much Jesus loves him is simply wonderful. For me, there can only be one thing that can top that –seeing Jesus Himself face-to-face.

I hate driving… and the Lord miraculously used this to spur me to love and lead to Jesus the needy men behind the taxicab wheel. I am BJ de los Santos, your fellow bondservant in Christ. Thank you and Good morning!

Atty. Lorybeth R. Baldrias-Serrano, CPA & Atty. BJ Legarda Delos Santos

Men Can Now File Rape Case

2010-10-29T17:10:00.017+08:00

R.A. 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) has made essential amendments to the provisions of the Revised Penal Code, to wit:

The crime of Rape is no longer a crime against chastity but is now a crime against persons like Murder, Homicide, Physical Injuries where anybody can initiate the criminal action in behalf of the offended party.

The crime of Rape can now be committed by a male or a female. But when and how???

The said law was incorporated to the Revised Penal Code as Article 266-A & 266-B (homosexual should be aware of this):

1.) An act of sexual assault by inserting his penis into ANOTHER person’s mouth or anal orifice; or

2.) An act of sexual assault by inserting any instrument or object into the genital or anal orifice of ANOTHER person.

under any of the following circumstances:

a) Through force, threat, or intimidation;

b) When the offended party is deprived of reason or otherwise unconscious;

c) By means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority;

RELATED ARTICLE:

Statutory Rape

Sexual Harrasment

a Night of Fun at FEBC compound

2010-10-09T20:23:00.017+08:00

Lars invited me again last night to her D-group (the single ladies of CCF) at FEBC Compound but this time with my church mate, Marvin who happens to be an avid listener of DZAS. He was even tuned in to the program of Pastor Ed Lapiz while driving through Karuhatan.

It was such a meaningful day for Lars. Her prayer to become a part of a Christian law office was faithfully answered by God. She has just been hired as an associate of Salumbides Law Firm. Congratulations Atty. Lars!

Ms. May Garcia, a technical staff of FEBC volunteered to be our tour guide and photographer (thank God for good weather). She asked me if I could be a writer for FEBC website after learning that I am a blogger. Without hesitation, I replied, “Sure ate, it would be a privilege and an honor!”

The bevy of shrubs and enormous trees inside the 7-hectare complex create an oasis of serenity in the bustling city of Valenzuela. I was a little scared when Mr. Frog welcomed us as we stroll into the radio station building. I really cannot stand the sight of amphibians.

I finally got to see its radio studio in person since my recent interview featuring this blog was conducted through a phone patch.

We took the opportunity to drop by Salumbides’ house. Atty. Winnie was not home yet that evening. We were warmly received by Ate Maloi and their cute little angels. We rolled our eyes in astonishment when Marvin uttered the name of Bea’s pet upon seeing it.

Radio Host, LJ Salceda suddenly arrived when we were about halfway through the Bible Study in her Dorm’s dining area. So, for Marvin’s sake, I immediately grabbed my camera to have it ready!

Awe-inspiring Bar Exams Testimony of Atty. Lars

2010-10-06T17:15:00.006+08:00

To those who are waiting for the Bar Exams results – may you be inspired by the remarkable testimony below of our fellow advocate, Atty. Larina DG. San Diego which she rendered during the 2010 Bar Send-off Worship Service .

Lars finished her pre-law degree BA Social Sciences (Area Studies) in the University of the Philippines (U.P.) – Manila and earned her law degree from Arellano University School of Law in 2009. She is currently working in the Legal Office of the City Government of Valenzuela but hopes to work in a Christian law firm like Atty. Salumbides’ ofc.

Lately, I have been enjoying the company of this "single and available", jolly lady. Playing the Mooncake Dice Game with her D-Group at Lj Salceda’s Dorm (FEBC Compound) was so entertaining. We even went to church together last Sunday.

So here’s her testimony of how the 2009 Bar Send-off service has blessed her:

Had I been my stubborn self, I will not be here in front of you, testifying on God’s love and faithfulness.
Before I go further, I have two questions for you:
First, what do you think was the toughest subject of the Bar for me? Taxation? You’ll see.
            Second, how did I become a lawyer? I will give you the tips as I go through my testimony.
As cliché as it may sound, I am just your average law student. But I have learned from church that we should be excellent in everything we do because we are serving an excellent God. I took this matter seriously which is the reason why I’m crying most of the time, either literally or figuratively, but always by myself. I would always feel guilty whenever I can’t make myself sit still and read for one straight hour or more, just like the others.
Then God would give me these two verses every now and then:
Matthew 19:26 “With God, all things are possible.”
Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God.”

I just relied on God’s faithfulness. Gradually, God transformed my heart and with it, the way I pray. My prayer was changed from “Papa, I want to pass the Bar” to “Papa, you know that I want to be a lawyer. I want to pass the Bar on my first take. But if it’s not your will, let your will be done.”   From June 2009 onwards, I felt so much peace during those difficult times. I remember forcing myself to feel nervous in mid-July after speaking to a friend who told me that I’m the only barrister he knew who is not panicky. When I returned to my room to read, I did feel that way. And I can’t understand what I’m reading. Then God lovingly assured me that that is the reason why He is giving me peace. I am going through this at my own pace, in my own style, in my own time and through His grace.
Fast forward to the Bar Month. This is how I survived September 2009. I would wake up at 3:00 am on Sundays. I would do my quiet time with God by reading the Bible and my devotional. As my roommates were in the school’s hotel operations, I am left alone in our room. The Bar literally brought me to my knees. During those Sundays, I cried as much as I want. I poured out to God all my fears and anxiousness and surrendered my insufficiencies. Here, two powerful Bible verses gave me renewed spirit:
2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Then I would be fine. Every time I would leave our dorm on Sundays at 5:30am, each step I made towards La Salle was a courageous one because I have this Bible verse in my heart: “The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still.” Exodus 14:14

Through God’s grace, I hurdled the four (or five) Sundays. Let me read to you some of my entries in my Journal last 26 March 2010, the day the Bar results were released. I was at the Church’s Soularium when I wrote these and these sum up the whole bar and waiting time after the exams:
“I know that the battle of the Bar is already won even before that First Sunday. That’s what I held on to. And maybe that’s one of the reasons why I had so much peace from that time until now. The battle is Papa’s. I only have to be IN it. I did not depend on my own strength. I lasted through the whole battle because of Papa’s grace. And if I pass the Bar today, I know that it is only because of His grace and will, not my efforts and sacrifice, not my intellect and strength.
“I am here at the Soularium not to pray for passing the Bar. That would be too self-serving and unfair to Papa. I’m here to seek peace and be one with Papa. I’m also here to pray that if ever I’ll be a lawyer today, that I will not be lost and continue to courageously live for His glory. If it’s the opposite, I’m praying for peace, strength and wisdom to accept God’s will for me.
“Besides, there will be more battles after this - battles, which require more faith, strength and courage. I remember what Pastor Nixon and Atty. Salumbides shared during our send-off service last year: ‘The Bar is nothing but a tool. After passing the Bar, there you will face the real challenges and battles.’ That increased my courage before the first Sunday. And I kept that in my heart since then.”
I was also at the Supreme Court when the Bar results were released. At first, I didn’t want to go there but God impressed on me that He wanted me to be there. Believe me, the excitement mixed with nervousness was unbelievable but incomparable to seeing your name being flashed on the screen. God made me experience that amazing feeling, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity wherein He delivered the good news to me first hand.
And why did I mention my stubbornness at the beginning of my testimony?
You see, I wasn’t able to do second readings for my review. Truth is, I was still doing my first readings on Rem and Crim during their respective pre-weeks. And in spite of not being able to go back to Labor since I finished it last March, I attended the send-off service last year. I was seated to one of those seats you are occupying now. I was then torn between attending the send-off service and doing some last minute readings. In the end, Papa impressed on my heart that I should attend. And so I did. Honestly, I have no regrets even though I sacrificed a few hours to attend the send-off service instead of reviewing for Labor. The send-off service was such a blessing to me.
            During my Labor Exam, I was fumbling as I struggled to find answers to the questions. I reached the last question of the second set of exam but to no avail. I was already crying inside. I was so lost. To tell you the truth, I almost walked out of the room and give up on the Bar. “I have next year, after all,” I thought to myself. But God gave me peace. He impressed on me that I should finish the battle. That was enough to prevent me from walking out of our room. Believe me, I really don’t know how I was able to go through that but then you see, God delivered His promise. Had I been stubborn and continued my plan to walk out of the room, if I just relied on my own intellect and did not listen to God, I will not be here in front of you testifying on God’s love and faithfulness. Now, that answers my first question. It was Labor which I found most difficult and made me almost quit the Bar.
And what’s my answer to the second question? How did I become a lawyer? It’s simple. I am a lawyer because of God’s grace.
            TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Still Waiting and Losing Hope for a Slow Decision

2010-09-14T19:36:00.010+08:00

Patience is likely to fail when the prayer in the petition seems futile. Losing hope for something we keep waiting for is a genuine dilemma to overcome. It is often a predicament of a ready and waiting person.

The most common prayer of every party is a plea for a speedy disposition of cases as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. This right is intended to encompass all litigants, whether indigent or affluent.

Nevertheless, what the Constitution prohibits are unreasonable, arbitrary and oppressive delays which render rights nugatory. This principle is laid down by the Supreme Court in the case of Caballero vs. Alfonso, Jr. (153, SCRA 153, 162-163, August 21, 1987) and Gonzales vs. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 135889. January 18, 2005). It is not, therefore, the length of time a court takes to render a decision that constitutes delay of judgment.

Also, the lawyers are not alone to blame in the violation of the maxim “justice delayed is justice denied”. Bear in mind that our court dockets are usually clogged with mass lawsuits that require due diligence and ample time.

a blessed Bar Send-off Worship Service

2010-09-07T13:33:00.009+08:00

The Bar Send-off Worship Service that ADVOCATES International – Philippines hosted last Saturday has blessed not only the 2010 Bar Examinees and their loved ones but also those of us who have actively participated to organize it.

        We would like to express our lavish gratitude to Victory Christian Fellowship - Malate Branch for generously providing us the venue, the band and the speaker for the event.

The title for a lawyer or the “Attorney” should not define us as people who love Jesus is the gist of the perfect message that their senior pastor, Rev. Nixon Ng has conveyed on that starry evening.

We have missed the other members specially our President, Atty. Winnie Salumbides who was visiting a client abroad. The consistent support for our group of his wife, ate Maloi of DZAS who came with Blackaby devotional book giveaways for the bar candidates is a very good thing. She is really his better-half indeed! :)

Let us continue to lift up prayers and send love to the 2010 barristers as they combat the exams stress and anxiety.

Erma, me, ate Maloi, Atty. Lars, Atty. Kate, Atty. Josh, VCF pastor & Atty. John

The 2010 Bar Examinees

2010 Bar Send-off Worship Service

2010-09-01T20:54:00.007+08:00

ADVOCATES International – Philippines in cooperation with Victory Christian Fellowship - Malate Branch will once again host a Bar Send-off Worship Service for the purpose of providing spiritual encouragement for 2010 Bar Examinees, their parents and loved ones. We invite you to widely disseminate this announcement.

Event : 2010 Bar Send-off Worship Service
Date : September 04, 2010 (1^st Saturday)

Time : 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Location : VICTORY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - Malate Branch
Kids' Church Room

(Walking distance from Harrizon Plaza and

Century Park Sheraton Hotel)

Speaker : Pastor Nixon Ng

FREE ADMISSION

Wellness101 for the 1st Century

2010-08-29T18:13:00.001+08:00

Event:

Wellness101 for the 1st Century

Time:	August 30, 2010, Tomorrow · 3:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:

Crossroad 77 - Mother Ignacia St., Quezon City

Speaker:

Rev. Butch L. Conde (listen to his 15 years of health studies)

w/ Taichi presentation and cooking demo

For more info pls. call 372-5407

How Do We Respond To Criticism?

2010-08-23T12:54:00.001+08:00

How Do We Respond To Criticism?

by Rev. GINA ATENCIO

(Bread of Life Ministries)

1. Understand first of all that there is God. (Acts 21:10-11)

· When God allows it, He has a plan behind it.

2. Do not allow your emotion to be controlled by your critics. (Acts 24:10)

· “A Christian who loses his temper is simply revealing who he is.

3. Understand that your critics are God’s tool in order to bring fruition.

(Philippians 1:14-18)

4. Review the criticism against you and look at yourself objectively.

(2Corinthians 11:16)

· Welcome an enemy.

· With God accident is not accidental and adversity is not adverse.

5. Understand that critics in fact may be seen as a rest of your being in the truth. (Luke 6:27) – LOVE your enemy.

6. Release your critics to God. (Hebrews 12:15)

· Bitterness causes troubles and defiles many.

7. Trust God for your reputation.

· It really boils down to your faith.

· Biblical faith rests solely on God.

Lord, give me understanding enough to make me kind,

so I may judge all people with my HEART and not my mind.

– Helen Steiner Rice -

El Nido: a breathtaking paradise!

2010-08-07T15:59:00.016+08:00

Though it is rainy season, the hot sun was beating down on me and my big family when we had an El Nido Island Hopping Tour last month. (salamat sa annual bonus :)

The Municipality of El Nido where El Nido Resorts lie is at the northern area of the mainland of my beautiful province Palawan. Any adventurer who wants to explore this sanctuary must be willing to endure the smooth normal 6-hour road trip from Puerto Princesa City passing through my hometown Roxas and Taytay (long trip but worth it!). Otherwise, one may opt to take the following direct flights that are quiet expensive.

Flights:

Manila - El Nido: daily with ITI

Manila - El Nido: Mon, Wed & Sun with Seair

We stayed at El Nido Waterfront Hotel in Brgy. Masagana, El Nido owned by our town mate Mr. Redentor Diokno: 0918-6632771/0905-6446784.

Room Rates:

Standard Room – Php1,500/night for 2 persons only

additional 200/person (maximum of 5 persons)

Beach Front Room - Php2,500/night for 2 persons only

additional 300/person (maximum of 5 persons)

The pump boat we hired for island tour is owned by his brother who happens to be my mother’s former student, so he gave me a fair discount :)

   The most luxurious resorts in the area are Resorts Lagen and Miniloc Island Resort where the cost of accommodation may range between 8k and 17k per person per night.

I was astonished by its clear turquoise water that offers a unique underwater world with hundreds of multi-colored exotic fishes. El Nido is indeed a breathtaking paradise which has a smorgasbord of islands endowed with abundant natural resources and white powder sand beaches. It is actually composed of freswater lakes surrounded by cliffs. The imposing limestone cliffs protect its flourishing ecosystem with a profusion of species of flora and fauna. It is really a perfect refuge to get away from life's stress by swimming, having a picnic, sunbathing, kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving.

Just a little trivia: The nests of a bird specie called swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus or in the native language, balinsasayaw, can be usually found in the caves of El Nido. They are made of the male balinsasayaw's saliva which is the main ingredient of the bird's nest soup or nido soup. It is believed by Chinese herbalists and my folks to be very beneficial to health since it is rich in potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium.

For more info pls. click: http://www.elnidopalawan.com/

Dakilang Pagmamahal

2010-07-16T20:58:00.003+08:00

Dakilang Pagmamahal

(Papuri Singers)

Sa pagmamahal ng Dios sino ang makahihigit,
mayron ka bang nababatid?
Bugtong na Anak hindi Nya ipinagkait,
nanaog sa mundo, nagdusat dumanas ng libong sakit
Oh, purihin Ka sa dakilang pagmamahal Mo,
kahit bayaran Ka,
Hindi sapat ito upang ibalik
ang dugong itiniis ng Iyong Anak para sa kin.

Dakilang Dios, kaybuti Mo
sa isang tulad kong na suwail sa nais Mo
Di man pansin laki ng pagmamahal Mo,
tinanggap pa rin Ako, pinatawad sa mga kasalanan ko.
Oh, purihin Ka sa dakilang pagmamahal Mo,
kahit bayaran Ka,
Hindi sapat ito upang ibalik
ang dugong itiniis ng Iyong Anak para sa kin.

Salamat po, Panginoon dahil sa pag-ibig Mo,
buhay ko ay nabago
Tanging Ikaw lamang papupurihan ko,
purihin ang Ngalan Mo,
O Ama dakila ang pagmamahal Mo
Oh, purihin Ka sa dakilang pagmamahal Mo,
kahit bayaran Ka,
Hindi sapat ito upang ibalik
ang dugong itiniis ng Iyong Anak para sa kin.

Can a fugitive ACCUSED post bail through his lawyer/representative?

2010-06-23T18:08:00.008+08:00

A “fugitive from justice” does not only refer to a fugitive CONVICTED criminal or a person who flees after conviction to avoid punishment. MARQUEZ Decision (SCRA Vol. 243, p. 538) declared that it also includes a fugitive ACCUSED or one who flees after being charged with a crime to avoid prosecution.

The accused is always presumed innocent until proven guilty. Ordinarily, before conviction, he is entitled to provisional release on bail or the right to bail EXCEPT where the charge is a capital offense (punishable by reclusion perpetua/life imprisonment e.g murder, rape, etc.) AND the evidence of guilt is strong.

But this constitutional right only accrues when the accused is arrested or under the legal custody. Granting a bail to one who is actually enjoying his liberty would be incongruous.

Thus, the fugitive accused cannot avail of this right by just sending another in his stead to post his bail without recognizing the jurisdiction of the court by his personal appearance therein and compliance with the requirements therefore.

“Flee from sin but not from its consequences.” - Ms. Law

Legal Capacity: sufficient to get married?

2010-06-05T19:01:00.019+08:00

“The wedding is for the Bride while
the Honeymoon is for the groom.”

My Tagalog Version:

“Ang babae pinapakasalan , hindi dinadala kung saan-saan;
At ang asawang lalaki ang siyang dapat na magwagi sa unang gabi.”

I overheard that cliché with impressive figurative language at 702-DZAS long time ago.

It is Wedding month. Hopeless romantics like me are certainly jealous of the June Bride.

Couples planning to get married are required to secure a valid Marriage License. Obtaining the same requires each party to have a Legal Capacity which is one the essential requisites of a valid marriage. Absence of Legal Capacity will render the marriage VOID ab initio or void from the very beginning. The contracting parties must be:

1. at least 18 years of age;

2. a Male AND a Female; and

3. lack of legal impediment (each party involved should have no other subsisting valid marriage)

Only a foreigner is required to get a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” from his/her embassy in the Philippines since it is his/her national law that will determine his/her capacity to marry.

Legal capacity is necessary but not of course sufficient to say “I do” to a life-long commitment considering the huge responsibilities of being a spouse and a parent. Other significant capacities involved are:

1. Spiritual;

2. Financial;

3. Physical;

4. Emotional; and

5. Psychological capacity.

Contracting parties’ STABILITY of all the above capacities is indispensable to establishing an IDEAL family. Lack or insufficiency of ANY of these will definitely make us become a burden to our would-be partner instead of a helpmate and our future children might just become a burden to society.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Foreign/Mixed Marriage

Concept of Marriage

The Top 5 Cancer-Causing Foods

2010-05-22T15:47:00.002+08:00

I started avoiding these foods AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE when I got this e-mail 2 years ago simply because it is scientifically true:

The top five cancer-causing foods are:

1. Hot dogs

Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.

2. Processed meats and bacon

Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.

3. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.

4. French fries

Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .

5. Chips, crackers, and cookies

All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

RELATED ARTICLE:

Harmful Effects of Fast Food

My Personality Type: ESTJ - Extraverted Thinking with Introverted Sensing

2010-05-20T18:22:00.012+08:00

I just had personality test through keirsey.com. I discovered that I belong to SJ group. I am an ESTJ – "The Guardian" (Extraverted Thinking with Introverted Sensing). It is one of the types of SJ.

The personality of an ESTJ really fits me! I do have all the Strengths and Weaknesses of an ESTJ. http://www.personalitypage.com/ESTJ_rel.html

It suggests that my natural partner is the INTP or the ISTP. Oh yes! I am mostly attracted to a deep thinker shy guy :)

It says, "when two opposites function as a couple, they become a well-rounded, functioning unit." But they also must have a dominant function in their personalities in order to have a healthy and lasting relationship. It added that ESTJ's dominant function of Extraverted Thinking is best matched with the INTP or the ISTP whose dominant function is Introverted Thinking.

Here’s the personality of an ESTJ when it comes to relationship:

ESTJs are very enthusiastic people who are driven to fulfill their obligations and duties, especially those towards their families. Their priorities generally put God first, family second, and friends third. They put forth a tremendous amount of effort to meet their obligations and duties, according to their priorities. They are dedicated and committed to their relationships, which they consider to be lifelong and unalterable. They like to be in charge, and may be very controlling of their mates and children. They have high esteem for traditions and institutions, and expect that their mates and children will support these as well. They have little patience and need for dealing with people who see things very differently from the ESTJ.

ESTJ as lover: (excerpt)

When an ESTJ says "I do", you can bet that they will put forth a tremendous amount of effort and energy into fulfilling their commitment to the relationship. They seek stability and security in their lives, and once they have made a commitment, it is lifelong and unalterable. They bring with them into the relationship a strong and dependable nature, which is oriented in traditions and security. They are highly energetic people, who never seem to lose their energy when performing duties and fulfilling obligations.

Thank you Lord for giving me this kind of personality.

Psalm 139

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My Radio (DZAS) Interview featuring This Blog

2010-05-19T09:31:00.021+08:00

Today, I will be having a radio interview at 11 am for a program Pinoy Espesyal of 702 DZAS (AM Band) hosted by Ms. Lj Salceda and Kuya Lem featuring this blog.

Listen online (just click DZAS):

http://febc.ph/

“Lawyer’s Week” of their program featured us officers of Advocates Philippines. Yesterday it was our Vice-President, Atty. John Pineda, now it is my turn as Secretary General and tomorrow it will be our Treasurer, Atty. Joshua Santiago. Our PRO, Atty. Kate Soto was featured for post Bar interview by our very own President, Atty. Winnie Salumbides.

Thank you DZAS/FEBC for allowing us to promote our advocacy to bear witness of Jesus Christ in the legal profession! (your classical 98.7 DZFE has been my favorite FM radio station)

Advocates Philippines over 702 DZAS

2010-05-18T12:31:00.007+08:00

Last week, I received a message from Ms. LJ Salceda of 702 DZAS (http://neighborlj.blogspot.com/) asking for lawyers who can be featured on their show Pinoy Espesyal. Of course, our fellow advocates came first to my mind (our incumbent President, Atty. Winnie Salumbides also hosts a radio program over DZAS).

So tune in, http://febc.ph/ listen to the radio interview of our incumbent officers, Atty. John Pineda and Atty. Joshua Santiago, both are young and idealistic practicing lawyers from U.P. Their biblical names denote that indeed they are godly men.

Atty. John, a bachelor lawyer, will be interviewed today at 11am. He is a former President of University of the Philippines Student Association. I hope he will not forget to pack his sense of humor! (he might manage to sing Pokerface of Lady Gaga)

While Atty. Joshua Santiago will be featured on Thursday at 11am. This former President of U.P. Law Christian Fellowship and U.P. Law Student Government (UP– LSG) has a close resemblance with Derek Ramsey (sabi niya :)

Thank you, LJ and Kuya Lem for having them in your show.

Ang Ahente ba Employee?

2010-05-15T17:39:00.004+08:00

“Employee” is any person in the employ of an employer as defined by the Labor Code. The Social Security Law (R.A. No. 1161) gives more substantive meaning. The latter defines “Employee” as any person who performs services for an employer in which either or both mental and physical efforts are used and who receives compensation for such services, where there is an employer-employee relationship.

The sales agents, however, may or may not be considered as employees. A company may have two (2) classes of agents.

1) Salaried employees agents; and

2) Commission agents

The agents who belong to the first category, though they are also given a productivity bonus or a commission, are considered employees since they keep definite hours and work under the control and supervision of the company. It has been held that employer-employee relationship exists when there is power to control the employee with respect to the means and methods by which his work is to be accomplished.

While Commission Agents are paid their commission based on a certain percentage of their sales. They do not have to devote their time exclusively or work solely for the company. They work at their own volition. The juridical element of control is absent in this situation. Thus, there exists no employment relationship between the commission agents and the company.

Honoring Parents

2010-05-08T09:59:00.014+08:00

Reading the thought-provoking letter below always makes my eyes shed tears. It is as if these entire things are being unfolded to me by my dear mama (my papa died when I was just a toddler. My heart was awed by the hardships she has gone through in rearing us (9 children) alone when I handed this letter to her 3 years ago.

Giving them cards, notes or gifts is quiet meaningful. But there is nothing more honorable than living a life that protects the reputation and good name of our parents; just the same way we honor our God the Father. Also, to arrive at a level of success in our endeavors always brings glory to them.

Exodus 20:12

"Honor your father and your mother,

so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Sulat ni Nanay at Tatay
by Fr. Ariel F. Robles
CWL Spiritual Director
St. Augustine Parish, Baliuag, Bulacan

Sa aming pagtanda, unawain at pagpasensyahan mo sana kami, anak. . .

Kung makatapon kami ng sabaw sa hapag kainan
O kaya makabasag ng pinggan
'Wag mo naman sana kaming kagagalitan
Dala lang yun ng kalabuan ng mata at ng namamanhid naming mga daliri. . .
Pinagalitan ka man sa mga baso't pinggang iyong nabasag noon bata ka pa,
Iyon ay dahil ayaw naming masugatan ka.

Kung ang mga sinasabi mo'y 'di maintindihan at madinig
'Wag mo naman sana kaming sabihan ng "Bingi!"
Humihina na talaga ang aming pandinig
Pakiulit lang nang malakas-lakas na 'di naman kailangang sigawan
Upang tayo ay magkaunawaan.

Kung mabagal na kaming maglakad at 'di na makasabay sa mabilis mong paglakad
Pakiantay sana at alalayan—mahihina na ang aming mga tuhod
Alalay na tulad sana nung musmuos ka pa at nag-aaral ka pa lang maglakad
Tuwang tuwa ka naming pinagmamasdan.

Kung minsang makulit at paulit ulit ang aming sinabi na parang sirang plaka,
'Wag mo sana kaming pagtawanan o kainisan
Ganyan ka rin kakulit noong bata ka pa at nag-iiyak pa--
Kapag nagpapabili ng kung anu ano’y di kami tinitigilan
Hangggang ang gusto mo'y di naibibigay.

Kung kinatatamaran namin na maligo at nag-aamoy lupa na
'Wag mo naman sanang pandirihan at piliting maligo. . .
Mahina na kasi ang aming katawan pag nalalamigan.
Natatandaan mo ba noong bata ka pa at kahit anung dungis mo
Ay masayang-masaya ka naming hinahalikan
At mat'yagang hinahabol sa ilalim ng kama upang paliguan?

Kung palagi kaming masungit at nagsisisigaw
Dala na siguro ito ng pagkabagot sa bahay
At pagkadismaya na wala nang magawa at wala nang silbi.
Ipadama mo naman sana na may halaga pa rin kami sa mundo mo
Katulad ng pagpapadama namin noon ng pagpapahalaga
At pagtutuwid sa kamalian at katigasan ng iyong ulo.

Kung may konti ka mang panahon mag kwentuhan naman sana tayo. . .
Alam kong abala ka sa hanapbuhay pero sabik na kaming makausap ka.
Gusto kong malaman mo na interesado pa rin kami sa mga kwento mo
Tulad n'ung pagbibida mo sa eskwela noong bata ka pa.
Na kahit pautal utal pa ang salita mo,
Nakikinig kaming masaya tungkol sa iyong mga laruan.

Kung kami man ay maihi o madumi sa higaaan dahil hindi na makabangon
'Wag mo sanang pagagalitan o pandididrihan.
Katulad ng walang reklamo naming paggising nang kahit anong pagod sa gabi
Upang linisin at palitan ang iyong lampin para maginhawa kang makatulog
Hindi na baling kami ang mapuyat.

Kung kami’y maratay sa banig ng karamdaman
'Wag mo sana kaming pagsawaang alagaan
Gaya ng mat'yaga naming pag-aalaga noong musmos ka pa.
Bawat daing mo noon ay hirap na dinadala sa aming kalooban
Pagt'yagaan mo naman sana kaming alagaan sa aming mga huling sandali
Kami naman ay di na rin magtatagal.

AT kapag dumating na ang takdang panahon ng aming pagharap sa Dakilang Lumikha. . .
Ibubulong at hihilingin ko sa Kanya.
Na pagpalain ka dahil naging mapagmahal at maalaga kang anak sa iyong ama’t ina.

Bearing Father’s Surname: How important it is?

2010-04-29T19:53:00.007+08:00

Under the provisions on paternity and filiation of the Civil Code, other classes of illegitimate children were recognized e.g. natural children, spurious children, etc.

But now the Family Code recognizes only 2 classes of children: legitimate and illegitimate children.

A child shall be considered legitimate if he is conceived or born during a VALID marriage. Otherwise, he shall be recognized as illegitimate child.

Bearing father’s surname is one of the rights of a legitimate child. An illegitimate child shall generally use the surname of the mother, unless his filiation has been expressly recognized by the father through the record of birth appearing in the civil register, or when an admission in a public document such as a notarized affidavit or private handwritten instrument as mandated by R.A. 9255, amending Art. 176 of the Family Code. The Law was enacted on February 24, 2004 and has a retroactive effect meaning it applies to all illegitimate children born before or after its effectivity.

Why is the use of father’s surname important?

The giving of father’s surname to a child is more than just a tradition. Bearing the father’s surname is indicative of paternity and filiation. It denotes the father-child relationship. The identification with the father usually has extremely powerful effects on the child since the father plays a crucial role in his intellectual and social development. Moreover, a child shall be entitled to all the benefits of using the father’s surname such as support, inheritance property, good reputation, etc.

Feeling sorry for myself is striking me now. I have never known what it likes to have a Dad. He died of liver cirrhosis when I was 2 years old. Seeing a man who usually comes home drunk at night is the only moment I can remember. Hiding myself under our sofa whenever he walks up to our doorstep still loiters in my thoughts.

Well, knowing I have a great Father in heaven soothes me so. I can rest in His loving arms for I am His adopted child and I bear His awesome. The name I should guard and keep it spotless as I do with my biological father’s surname.

Gusto ko na mag-resign, what shall I do?

2010-04-17T15:57:00.014+08:00

Resignation is a voluntary act of employee which is beyond the control of the employer (People’s Security Inc. vs. NLRC, 226 SCRA 146). It is a right guaranteed by the Philippine Bill of Rights.

Section 18. (2) "No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted."

If the resignation is without just cause, the Labor Code mandates that a written notice must be served on the employer at least one (1) month in advance (Art.285). Otherwise, the employer may hold the employee liable for damages.

The notice requirement may be dispensed with if the employment is terminated for any of the following causes:

1. Serious Insult;
e.g. the transfer of an employee to a lower position

2. Inhuman and unbearable treatment;

3. Commission of a crime or offense by the employer or its representative; and
e.g. slapping the employee

4. Analogous causes
e.g. disapproval of application for an indefinite leave of absence due to illness

The foregoing causes often constitute Forced Resignation/Constructive Dismissal. An aggrieved employee therefore, may file a complaint for illegal dismissal before the National Labor Relations Commission.

Forced Resignation/Constructive dismissal exists when an act of clear discrimination, insensibility or disdain, on the part of an employer has become so unbearable as to leave an employee with no choice but to forego continued employmentSoliman Security Services, Inc. The Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 143215, July 11, 2002).

Ordinarily, when there is constructive dismissal, which is a form of illegal dismissal, the employer is liable for the full amount of backwages, if reinstatement is no longer possible, and separation pay (Siemens Philippines, Inc. vs. Enrico A. Domingo, G.R. No. 150488, July 28, 2008).

Kuripot vs. Matipid

2010-04-14T18:49:00.010+08:00

Being labeled as “kuripot” sometimes stings me. As for me, kuripot (tagalog word) is the equivalent of the word stingy. A kuripot or stingy person gives reluctantly and unwilling to share his possessions e.g. money, service, property, etc. It is synonymous with being selfish. Paul advises us not to have this kind of attitude toward giving:

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Being described as “matipid” is a lot better. Matipid is a compliment; it means thrifty or wisely economical when translated into English. It is the right attitude for a good steward and on money management. Having this character shows how much we value our blessings (money/possessions). This is one of the positive traits I developed gradually when I was working in a law firm while enrolled in law school (both full-time) to cope up my school expenses, boarding house, food, etc.

Can you see the difference now?

So don’t you dare to call me kuripot again :)

Warren Buffet's (and Lorille’s) Advice to Young People

Recognizing Cults or False Church

2010-03-30T18:04:00.019+08:00

It is always been heartbreaking for me when a Christian cannot distinguish a cult or false church from a genuine one. I am by no means a theologian. God has just been very gracious to me to reveal His truth; to lead me in the right path - the mere Christianity.

Satanic ritual alone cannot be the determinative factor in identifying cults. It is mostly the deviation from Biblical Truth. Some cults are:

1. A cultic/false church that is still under the Law.

- Even though its doctrine is very close to the real Christian doctrine, its members are brewed in strict conformity to the Law of Moses/Mosaic Law (from Exodus to Deuterenomy) e.g. health laws that define clean and unclean meats, etc.

BIBLICAL TRUTH:

- Christians are under the Grace of God.

Romans 6:14

¹⁴For sin shall not be your master,

because you are not under law, but under grace.

Galatians 5:18

¹⁸But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

Romans 10:4

⁴Christ is the end of the law

so that there may be righteousness

for everyone who believes.

2. The Cults on Salvation by Works

- Cults attach something to the doctrine of salvation “by Grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ”.

To illustrate the cults’ false doctrine:

FAITH + baptism or good works or obedience to laws = SALVATION

BIBLICAL TRUTH:

- Faith is the only key to salvation.

Ephesians 10:4

⁸For it is by grace you have been saved,

through faith—and this not from yourselves,

it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works,

so that no one can boast.

3. A cult that does not recognize Jesus as God.

- A Cult believes Jesus as human or prophet only.

BIBLICAL TRUTH:

- Jesus is Lord and Savior.

Isaiah 9:6

⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

4. The Cults on Heaven and Hell
-

- Heaven is just a state of mind in cults and hell is nonliteral.

BIBLICAL TRUTH:

- mere Christianity teaches the glory of Heaven as the reward for Christians (John 6:47) and the hell as the eternal damnation and punishment for the non-believers. (Revelations 21:8)

5. Oneness Cult
-

- Cult does not believe in the Trinitarian concept of God instead it holds to a oneness view of God.

BIBLICAL TRUTH:

- Christians believe in the Doctrine of Trinity. God is eternally existing in three distinct persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, yet they are all the one God; co-eternal in being; co-equal in power and glory (Matthew 28:19-20).

2 Corinthians 13:14

¹⁴May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

I also get so concerned when a believer, either man or woman, is engaged in what some call:

evange-LIGAW;
DATE-cipleship;
bible stEdy;
disciple-CHICKS;

It is the practice of sharing the gospel to his/her “special” non-christian boy/girl for personal gain; trying to fix the non-believer and hoping that his/her mind will let go the false doctrines in order to conform to the “do not be yoked together with unbelievers”.

We should realize that we do not become Christian with the mind but with the soul. Salvation depends on the grace of God alone and not on our human efforts. As the song goes:

“Only by grace can we enter.
Only by grace can we stand.
Not by our human endeavor.
But by the blood of the Lamb.”

2009 Bar Passers of Advocates Philippines

2010-03-29T17:49:00.021+08:00

Last Saturday, the day after the 2009 Bar Exams result was released, Advocates Philippines dedicated to God its new layers; encouraging them to continually bear authentic witness of Jesus Christ in the Legal Profession.

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”–
Micah 6:8

Only 4 were able to attend out of 11 bar passers who attended the 2009 Bar Exams send-off service that we have hosted last September. Probably, the absentees have had sleepless nights of waiting for the bar result.

Atty. Lars Sandiego (Arellano University) Lorybeth R. Baldrias-Serrano (U.P. Law), Atty. Kate Soto (U.P. Law) & Atty. Bj delos Santos (U.P. Law)

Advocates Philippines' General Assembly

2010-03-25T16:29:00.005+08:00

Advocates

Philippines

' General Assembly

Theme: Responding to God's Call for Christians in the Legal Profession

Time: Sat Mar 27 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Venue: Room 401 Christ Commission Fellowship(CCF) - St. Francis Square, Ortigas

Guest Speaker: Atty. Raineer Chu (lawyer/Pastor) - founding President of U.P. Law Christian Fellowship

Lawyers & future lawyers who love JESUS
(regardless of religious affiliation)
are welcome to join us!

Do you fear imprisonment for non-payment of Credit Card?

2010-03-18T17:13:00.010+08:00

Thank God I have never had a credit card. Spending with cash motivates me strongly to budget my money wisely and to abide by “No Debt” rule (well of course every rule has an exception).

Two persons asked me this morning if they can be imprisoned for non-payment of their balance in the credit card.

It depends.

The outstanding balance on credit cards is considered debt since the relationship between a credit card provider and its card holders is that of creditor-debtor, with the card company as the creditor extending loans and credit to the card holder, who as debtor is obliged to repay the creditor (Polo S. Pantaleon vs. American Express International, Inc.; G.R. No. 174269). In case of non-payment, the debtor generally incurs only civil liability. Further, every credit card holder is entitled to the provision of Bill of rights that “No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.”

The non-payment however would give rise to criminal liability if there is “deceit with intent to defraud” on the part of the delinquent credit card holder. Consequently, he can be held liable for estafa which carries the penalty of imprisonment. It is stemmed from the provisions of R.A NO. 8484 – Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 (Sec. 14 (f ) par. 2) that:

“A cardholder who abandons or surreptitiously leaves the place of employment, business or residence stated in his application or credit card, without informing the credit card company of the place where he could actually be found, if at the time of such abandonment or surreptitious leaving, the outstanding and unpaid balance is past due for at least ninety (90) days and is more than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00), shall be prima facie presumed to have used his credit card with intent to defraud.”

Non-payment of debt will also establish a bad credit reputation. Chances are, you may find it difficult to acquire a loan that is an absolute necessity such as car loan, housing loan, etc.

So you better pay off your debts to save you from anxieties, harassing phone calls, court litigation and unnecessary inconvenience, stress and expenses.

The way of the superior person is threefold;
VIRTUOUS, they are free from anxieties;
WISE, they are free from perplexities; and
BOLD, they are free from fear’

- Confucius -

Bouncing Checks Law (B.P. 22)

Is Money-Saving tantamount to the love of money?

Excise Tax/"Sin Tax"

2010-03-08T17:48:00.005+08:00

Excise Tax is the tax being imposed on tobacco and alcohol products. It is similar to VAT which partakes the nature of an indirect tax since the burden of payment is ultimately shifted to the consumer.

It is also called “Sin Tax” because the goods being taxed are considered vices. Usually, the tax rate is extremely high to discourage the production and consumption of liquor or cigarettes.

Obviously, the society agrees with the Bible. It is clearly stated in some passages that getting drunk is a sin.

Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Proverbs 23:21

²¹ for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

And so is smoking. It is toxic and detrimental to our body. (I cannot even stand the smell of it.) Honoring God with our body includes achieving good physical health in order to be an efficient servant of God. A sick person normally has a very limited capacity.

1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

GOOD NEWS TO ALL SMOKERS!!!

Harmful Effects of Fast Food

Increasing Members of Bible Study Group

2010-03-04T18:34:00.011+08:00

The increase in the number of members of our Bible Study group in the office amazes me! We were only 7 when we organized the group last December and now we have over 20 members. Our devout catholic Personnel Manager has just allowed us to use the conference room instead of my office and her willingness to join the group is music to my ears!

I only intend to share basic knowledge of salvation, of God and his Word since 80% of the members come from churches that attach baptism and good works to the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.

The members’ apparently unquenchable thirst for God’s Word moves my heart deeply. It reminds me of what Jesus said in Luke 10:2:

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

I hope this will encourage you to also have a Bible Study in your office/school. May I be faithful to this Ministry I have received from God.

How To Control Emotions

2010-03-02T17:31:00.005+08:00

I got this funny e-mail a couple of years ago and this is so true!

HOW TO CONTROL EMOTIONS

This would give you guides on how to control your emotions towards your better-half, friends, officemates and all the people around you, especially your "boss". The rules of practicing "ugaling langit, ugaling kaaya-aya" :

#1 Ang naunang magalit ang may karapatang magalit. Pag naunahan ka na ng galit niya, tumahimik ka na lang muna.

#2 Walang taong nag-aaway mag-isa. Pag hindi kayo sumagot o pumatol, titigil din daw ang taong nakikipag- away sa inyo.

#3 Ang taong galit, 'bingi.' If someone is angry, wala raw pinakikinggan, so, don't try to explain and fight back. Hindi ka niya iintindihin dahil wala siyang naririnig kundi ang sarili nya.

#4 Ang taong galit, 'abnoy.' Ayon sa pastor, Biblical daw ito? because the Lord said when He was crucified, "Father, patawarin mo sila dahil hindi nila alam ang kanilang ginagawa." Modern term for these kinds of people are abnoys, so you better not get angry para huwag kang matawag na abnoy.

You should also know and realize that the persons who make your day bad are jewels, because you need them for you to mature. Hangga't andyan daw sila at kinaiinisan mo, ibig sabihin, immature ka pa. God will not take away those people; it's for you to take away your bad feelings towards them. You'll know na mature ka na pag dumating 'yung time na hindi ka na naiinis sa mga taong ito because you have learned to accept them and to have patience with them.

#5 Finally, the best part of this is to tell yourself na, because of this person, "I will grow mature," and that DAHIL SA CONTRIBUTION NIYA SA MATURITY MO, KUKUNIN DIN SYA NI LORD. Hahaha! joke joke joke! wag naman baka mawalan ka ng trabaho!

In the Garden

2010-02-19T18:31:00.014+08:00

Just like my Mama, gardening is my way to enjoy and beautify the outdoors. In fact, I am trying to maintain a pocket garden in my apartment. But with very limited outdoor space here in Manila, it has always been difficult to grow nutritious fruits and organic vegetables. (sigh)

The garden or patio is indeed my favorite outdoor area. It is a great place to enjoy my solitude. Its soothing sound of gently flowing waterfalls creates a conducive study environment. My eyes just take pleasure in the sight of lovely flowers. The luscious aroma of plants is like a sweet smell of success and the birds singing sounds are like gentle lullabies. Let me share with you the hymn that plays in my heart whenever I’m in the garden:

IN THE GARDEN
(written by C. Austin Miles)

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The son of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet that the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Meet the Mother of Advocates Philippines

2010-02-17T14:45:00.016+08:00

Atty. BJ, Pastor Beliles, Atty. Ben, Elgene, Carrie, me & Atty. Winnie

I had wonderful time last night at Greenbelt. Advocates Philippines hosted a dinner fellowship (courtesy of Atty. Winnie) for an American couple, Atty. Ben & Carrie Beliles w/ their little angels (Faith & Micah) and their father, Pastor Beliles who all love to visit our country.

We consider Carrie or Caroline Marie Vojta-Beliles as the mother of Advocates Philippines. Her internship with International Justice Mission (IJM)-Manila in 2006 gave her the opportunity to introduce the Advocates International http://www.advocatesinternational.org/ to the U.P. Law Christian Fellowship members whom the latter organized its launch in 2007. Truly, God works wonder!

    It was the Advocates International that recommended the Handong International Law School (a Christian law school in Korea) to her where she earned three-year Master of Laws degree that is equivalent to the American Juris Doctor.   She was also named a 2002 Western Illinois University (WIU) Pre-Law Honors Scholar winner. The wifehood and motherhood have been the issues of concern for her in taking the State Bar Exams.

    She has proven to posses God-given beauty & brains (really….she’s beautiful in person) when she became a contestant in Mrs. International 2008 as representative of Guam.   At present, she works as a Court Para Legal/Judicial Intern in Guam Supreme Court.

Falling in love is healthy. Is it???

2010-02-15T18:55:00.016+08:00

"Let women be what God intended, a helpmate for man,

but with totally different duties and vocations."

- Queen Victoria -

Marriage was designed and instituted by God when He intended Eve to be a helpmate for Adam. That is why, “to love and being in love” is just normal and healthy.

But why does a person being intoxicated by love experience or suffer from the following symptoms, not to mention heartaches symptoms (as evidenced by the thousands of popular love songs). Is it really “healthy”???

1. Heart Palpitation (Heart Attack???)

My_Heart_Beats_Like_A_Drum

(by ATC)

Tonight it is right
Stars shine bright
I just really wanna be with you
I celebrate pray for that day
When all my wishes will be coming true

My heart beats like a drum - like a drum
Dam dam dam dam dam dam
And my feet step the beats like a drum
Dam dam dam dam dam dam

2. Sleepless Night (Insomia???)

Constantly

by MYMP

I knew it was there
Though I tried to hide it
The feeling just kept on shining through
Haven’t known you that long
So I try to deny it
But the feeling was much too
Much too strong

Could this be love
Deep down inside
Tearing me apart
I feel it in my heart

Constantly, you’re on my mind
Thinking about you all the time
I can’t sleep no matter what I do
I just keep on thinking ‘bout you

3. Absent mindedness / forgetfulness. (Alzheimer’s Disease???)

Lost In Your Eyes

Debbie Gibson :

I get lost in your eyes
And I feel my spirits rise
And soar like the wind..
Is it love that I am in?

I get weak in a glance
Isn't that what's called romance?
...And now I know
'Cause when I'm lost I can't let go

4. Shivering or trembling of hands/feet. (Parkinson’s Disease????)

5. Blushing (Leukemia????)

6. Constant Smiling (Bell’s Palsy???)

Mr. Dreamboy
By Sheryl Cruz

Ang isip ko'y litong-lito
Di ko alam ang gagawin
Hirap ako sa paghuli ng 'yong pansin
Kapag nasasalubong ka

Dibdib ko'y kakaba-kaba
Pati ang tuhod ko'y nanlalambot na rin.
Hayan na nga't sumulyap na
Ang mapupungay mong mga mata
Kasalanan ko ba ang mapatulala,
ha, ha, ha?

REFRAIN:
Mr. Dreamboy, Mr. Dreamboy
Ano kaya ang nasa isip mo?
Mr. Dreamboy, Mr. Dreamboy
Lagi kang nasa panaginip ko.

Doo'y kinakausap ka
At sweet na sweet kang talaga
Medyo may holding hands pa nga
Parang ayoko nang magising pa.

Pimple and Love: are they really relevant?

Bakit SINGLE and status ko at status mo?

Bakit Dapat Ipa-Notarize Ang Document? (Significance of Notarization)

2010-02-12T16:41:00.003+08:00

In the case of DOLORES L. DELA CRUZ, ET. Al. VERSUS. ATTY. JOSE R. DIMAANO, JR., [A.C. No. 7781, September 12, 2008] the Supreme Court emphasized that:

“Notarization is not a routinary, meaningless act, for notarization converts a private document to a public instrument, making it admissible in evidence without the necessity of preliminary proof of its authenticity and due execution. A notarized document is by law entitled to full credit upon its face and it is for this reason that notaries public must observe the basic requirements in notarizing document.”

Under Section 1 of Public Act No. 2103 or the Notarial Law:

“An instrument or document shall be considered authentic if the acknowledgment is made before a notary public or an officer duly authorized by law of the country to take acknowledgments of instruments or documents in the place where the act is done. The notary public or the officer taking the acknowledgment shall certify that the person acknowledging the instrument or document is known to him and that he is the same person who executed it, and acknowledged that the same is his free act and deed. The certificate shall be made under his official seal, if he is by law required to keep a seal, and if not, his certificate shall so state.”

Warrantless Arrest

2010-02-09T16:59:00.004+08:00

When a crime has just been committed, the accused is usually arrested without warrant. It is called warrantless arrest. If the offense committed has a penalty of at least 4 years, 2 months and 1 day, (e.g. murder, rape, etc.) a complaint or information may be filed by a prosecutor without need of preliminary investigation provided an inquest has been conducted in accordance with existing Rules. (sec. 7, Rules of Court)

An inquest is "a summary inquiry conducted by a prosecutor for the purpose of determining whether the warrantless arrest of a person was based on probable cause."

While a preliminary investigation is a proceeding distinct from an inquest. A preliminary investigation is "an inquiry or proceeding to determine whether there is sufficient ground to engender a well-founded belief that a crime has been committed and the respondent is probably guilty thereof, and should be held for trial." (IMELDA S. ENRIQUEZ vs. JUDGE OLEGARIO R. SARMIENTO, JR. , A.M. No. RTJ-06-2011, August 7, 2006)

Pray for LuzViMinda

2010-02-05T17:31:00.006+08:00

Pray for LuzViminDa...pray for the Philippines....

LuzViminDa prayer recharge station has several booths where you can individually pray for our country. It is located in the heart of Quezon City. Feel free to come. http://www.crossroad77.com/

Crossroad77
77 Mother Ignacia Avenue cor Scout Reyes
Quezon City, Philippines 1103

w/ my BS group..

10 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

2010-02-01T17:03:00.003+08:00

U.S.

made NATURAL health products can be bought at Healthy Options store, hence this is where I buy my multi-vitamins, calcium, etc. During my most recent visit, I was issued a free magazine containing the following article. Now, I am seriously considering going to the gym!

10 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

by Elizabeth Quinn

1. You Will Be Physically Stronger.

……….weight training can increase a woman’s strength by 30 to 50%.

2. You Will Lose Body Fat.

……….average woman who strength trains 2 to 3 times a week for 2 months will gain nearly 2 pounds of muscles and will lose 3.5 pounds. As your lean muscles increases so does your resting metabolism, and you burn more calories all day long.

3. You Will Gain Strength Without Bulk.

……….women typically don’t gain size from strength training, because compared men, women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle hypertrophy.

4. You Decrease Your Risk of Osteoporosis.

……….weight training can increase spinal bone mineral density by 13% in 6 months.

5. You Will Improve Your Athletic Performance.

6. You Will Reduce Your Risk of Injury , Back Pain and Arthritis.

………Strength training not only builds stronger muscles, but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability.

7. You Will Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease.

………weight training can improve cardiovascular health in several ways, including lowering LDL (bad) Cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.

8. You Will Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes.

…….. weight training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23% in 4 months.

9. It’s Never Too Late To Benefit.

…......strength improvements are possible at any age.

10.You Will Improve Your Attitude and Fight Depression.

.........A Harvard study found that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms more successfully than standard counseling did.

Natural Ways to Stay YOUNG, ENERGETIC and SEXY

3 Branches of the Government

2010-01-26T17:38:00.002+08:00

3 Branches of the Government:

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

1. LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

- The Philippines has a bicameral Congress just like the United States since the 1987 Philippine Constitution was patterned after the U.S. Constitution. It consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

POWER: Legislative and non-legislative power. Legislative Power is the power to enact and frame laws.

2. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

- The President of the Philippines is the head of the executive branch of the government.

POWER: Executive power is described as the power to enforce and administer the laws.

3. JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

- The judicial power is vested in one Supreme Court and in lower courts.

POWER: Judicial power is the power to interpret and apply the laws.

Playing with Photo Effects

2010-01-20T17:06:00.013+08:00

I'm amazed by the Photo effects I've just learned from Ms. Ray so I've also applied fancy effects to my own photos. Try it too, it's fun!

Law School Hymn

2010-01-19T13:35:00.003+08:00

Law School Hymn

(to the tune of Sen. Manny Villar’s political ad jingle)

Nakakuha ka na ba ng grado na basura?
Nagsunog ka na ba ng kilay hanggang umaga?
Yan ang tanong namin: 75 nga ba ang passing?

Naisip mo na ba bakit nag-aaral ka pa?
Todo effort tayo, bat walang pagbabago?
At mas mabuti pa kung natutulog tayo!

Sa Law School ay tunay na mahirap!
Sa Law School ay tunay na puro pasakit!
Law School lang may kakayahang malimutan sariling pangalan!
Law School lamang ang magtatapos ng ating kasiyahan!

Bakasyon lamang, ang magtatanggol sa ating kahirapan….

Panalo to! :)

Teach Me Lord, to wait....on my kness

2010-01-16T15:46:00.003+08:00

Teach me Lord, to wait......on my knees

Teach me, Lord to wait
Down on my knees
Till in your own good time
You will answer my please

Teach me not to rely on what others do
But to wait in prayer
For an answer from You

"He has made everything beautiful in His time"-Ecc 3:11

Teach me, Lord to wait
While my heart is all aflame
Let me humble my pride
And call on our name
Keep my faith renewed;
Keep my eyes fixed on You
Let me be on this earth
What You want me to be

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal."-2 Cor 4:18

Those who wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount up with wings like eagles
They shall run and not be weary
They shall walk and not faint
Teach me, Lord to wait

"But He said to me,'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"-2 Cor 12:9

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:4

-Poernomo-

Thanksgiving Celebration of PHILRADS

2010-01-15T13:04:00.007+08:00

Atty. Josh, Atty. Alex and I had the honor of representing the Advocates Philippines in today's Thanksgiving Celebration of Philippine Relief and Development Services (PHILRADS) for the success of the disaster relief operations in 2009. We missed our Atty. Winnie and ate Maloi also Erma who are all participating in the annual Prayer & Fasting of CCF.

PHILRADS is the relief and development arm of Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) to actualize our mandate of serving the poor and the needy in the Philippines; through the local churches.

The Guest of Honor was DSWD Assistant Secretary Ruel G. Lucentales, our brother in Christ. Be joyful always; pray continually and give thanks in all cirmcumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) is the heart of the message conveyed by Bishop Efraim M. Tendero. Calamities or storms (either figuratively and literally) make us stronger persons and crisis gives us great opportunities to help. We should not be a fault finder, we cannot blame God. When we trust God we can rejoice and give thanks even in the midst of calamity, he added.

"Crisis is where Christ is."
- Rev. Butch Conde

praying for DSWD Assistant Secretary Ruel G. Lucentales..

Atty. Josh, Atty. Alex and me..

Humanitarian Outreach of Advocates Philippines

Marriage License: may expiration date nga ba?

2010-01-14T14:56:00.011+08:00

YES. Marriage license as one of the formal requisites of a valid marriage has actually an expiration date. Article 20 of the Family Code states:

“Art. 20. The license shall be valid in any part of the Philippines for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of issue, and shall be deemed automatically canceled at the expiration of the said period if the contracting parties have not made use of it. The expiry date shall be stamped in bold characters on the face of every license issued.”

Any solemnizing officer who solemnizes a marriage as well as the parties thereto knowing that the license has expired may be held criminally liable UNDER Article 350 of The Revised Penal Code.

Marriage license gives the solemnizing officer the authority to solemnize marriage and the absence of it renders the marriage void ab initio or void from the very beginning. EXCEPT in cases of: (Arts. 27,28,29 &34)

1. Marriage in Articulo Mortis (at the point of death);

2. Marriage in Remote Place; and

3. Cohabitation for 5years – provided their act of living together must be characterized by exclusivity & continuity and that they must have had no legal impediment to marry one another.

The recent proposal of the women’s party-list group 1-Ako Babaeng Astig Aasenso (1-ABAA) that marriage license should have a 10-year-validity otherwise the marriage shall be automatically null and void is absolutely irrational.

Because marriage license is not itself marriage. Marriage per se is a special contract. How does it differ from any other ordinary contract?

1. The failure to sign the marriage contract will NOT affect the validity of marriage as held in the case of Loria vs. Felix, 5 O.G. 8114.

2. It has NO duration. It is permanent in nature. The parties cannot simply terminate it without legitimate grounds. Philippine jurisprudence contemplates that any doubt should be resolved in favor of the existence and continuation of the marriage and against its dissolution.

3. It is the law that has the sovereign authority over the marital conflicts and obligations thus, the parties cannot stipulate the terms and conditions except the property relationships e.g. Pre-nuptial Agreement, etc.

4. Husband and Wife are obliged: (Art. 68)

- to live together;

- to observe mutual love, respect and fidelity; and

- to render mutual help and support.

5. The two parties become ONE flesh; One entity.

Genesis 2:24-25:

“²⁴ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. ²⁵ The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.’

According to our Rev. Butch Conde, God has given us the best example of marriage through the marriage of Joseph and Mary. (Luke 1:26-38) Their marriage is:

1. a covenant, a commitment to God’s purpose and plan,

- it is not just a feeling but a commitment to love a spouse eternally;

2. contract to life;

3. respect to parents;

4. commitment to the community; and

5. long-term relationship.

“KAILANGANG MAGING MAPILI, UPANG HINDI MAGKAMALI."

- Ms. Law

(Translation: It is necessary to be picky in order not to commit a great mistake.)

Concept of Marriage

I'm Pursuing Another Profession, M.D. - Matandang Dalaga :)

Our Daily Bread for Fundraising Sales

2010-01-12T17:07:00.004+08:00

My close friend erma, also a fellow advocate, is having a fund-raising for their annual mission trip-YESHUA. You can help through buying from her a copy of the yearly edition of Our Daily Bread (English-Tagalog version) for P50.00 only. My office mate has bought 60 copies as her giveaways. Let me know if you would like to order.

Ridiculous Superstitious Beliefs of Pinoys

2009-12-31T16:45:00.008+08:00

I kept hearing ridiculous superstitious beliefs from our eldest sister when I recently visited them in Malabon. It made me more doubtful of the authenticity of her Christianity. I have never trusted any superstition eversince I was a non-believer.

New Year Celebration here in the Philippines goes with a lot of superstitions and traditions associated with Chinese good luck that oftentimes become disasters. For instance, they believe that the noise of firecrackers can drive out evil spirit but in reality they are the primary cause of injuries, fatalities and fire in the country during New Year season.

Shallow people believe in luck and in circumstances;

Strong people believe in the cause and effect.

-Emerson, Ralph Waldo