at the foot of the tallest building

Burj Dubai (Dubai Tower), which is still under construction and is expected to be completed by 2008 is now the world's tallest building in terms of height and number of floors.

On December 19, 2007, my family and I are privileged enough to have come near this historic icon of Dubai. Our friend bro. Patrick and sis. Shonie toured us around the downtown Dubai, where this tower is located.

image of Burj Dubai taken at approximately 300-400 meters away

While taking photos at about 300 to 400 meters away from the Burj Dubai, wanting an ultra wide angle lens just popped up my mind. I have to make do with my 24-70 mm lens.

Daddy Jun, Sis. Shonie & Bro. Kicks posing for a souvenir shot

my wife and kids souvenir pose...

How I wish santa claus would send me that 10-20 mm lens this christmas so that the next time I would be in downtown Dubai, clicking my camera for a full image of the Burj Dubai would be so easy.

I hope and pray that the moment Burj Dubai is completed, I already have my ultra wide angle lens.

holiday seasons + parties + foods = 3 kg

Holiday season has just started. Parties here and there are being held. When we speak of parties, foods abound--high calorie foods for that matter.

The foregoing facts made the study in the US of America reveals that after the holiday seasons most of the Americans gain at least 3 kilograms (approximately 7 lbs.).

healthy green salad with unhealthy high calorie dressing

I am not so sure if we Filipinos gain more or less kilograms after the holiday season than the Americans. Filipinos love to eat all year round.

bro. kicks & sis. shonie's treated us with a sumptuous dinner at moulin dior in dubai

I have listed below some points on how to avoid gaining extra kilos due to partying all throughout the holiday season:

1. Enjoy the fellowship with friends and new found friends at parties more than the food. Keep your food intake in moderation.

2. Drink more water. Research shows that water is one of the major catalyst for losing weight.

3. Keep a healthy sleeping habit.

4. Share your party spare foods to the less fortunate than bringing it home.

5. Exercise. If you have started this habit, keep it even on this holiday season. If you have not started to exercise, it is advisable that you join with friends and set a regular schedule to exercise.

6. Gift yourself with exercise equipment or apparel. These items must keep you safe while making you look and feel good while exercising.

7. Maintain a stress free life by keeping your daily devotional time with the Lord. Keep the word of God your everyday desserts. Please keep note that "STRESSED" spelled backwards is "DESSERTS".

Hope you enjoy the holiday season and stay fit.

Mercure Grand Hotel, Al Ain

In my 3.5-year stay in the United Arab Emirates, it was my first time to get inside the Mercure Grand Hotel in Al Ain City, UAE on December 15, 2007. Our friend, Bro. Patrick & Sister Shonie invited us to go to Mercure hotel and tour around its amenities. My wife and our eldest daughter is not available that time, so it was only me and my two other daughters who were able to heed the couple's invitation.

Annia, Bro. Kicks, Sis. Shonie, & Khloe at the Henna tent of Mercure Hotel

The place is beautiful and view from its panoramic deck is breathtaking. It has a two high-powered binoculars strategically located on both sides of the deck where you have a good view of Oman on one side and the City of Al Ain on the other.


At the deck, the pool and recreation area is visible. Here is what I mean...

View from the panoramic deck of the hotel overlooking the pool & Al Ain city

After an hour of touring the hotel and its amenities, we had lunch at the hotel's restaurant.
We feasted ourselves with the sumptuous food prepared at the buffet table.

Khloe & Annia could wait any longer the inviting waters of the swimming pool. Just right after they finished their food, they asked their tito kicks and tita Shonie the promise of letting them enjoy swimming. And so they did...

This Eid holidays, which starts on December 18 to 22, 2007 the hotel is 100% occupied. Well, every long holidays, people from other Emirates will come and enjoy the scenic places of the garden city of Al Ain.

early christmas present

"Nanay" is a term of endearment my kids call their aunt, the younger sister of my wife. Her name is Rowena Saavedra Laure.

She was so generous enough to give us as Christmas present a 32" LCD TV and a home theater.

It now hangs beautifully on the wall of our living room.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this present.

where is homer?

I am referring to the Cebuano sportswriter based in Chicago and chronicling for a spot of the sports section of Sunstar Daily in Cebu, Philippines. He is one of the best sportswriter that I admire. I am one of the millions reading his sports column.

Although away from my home country the Philippines, I am checking daily www.sunstar.com.ph. One of my favorites there is Mr. Homer's sports column, "Second Overtime."

According to his last column, which I first thought was a joke as he has done that many times before, he will be on sabbatical from sports writing. For several months now, I missed his column. I bet the millions of followers felt the same way I am feeling.

My longing for Mr. Sayson's column was aggravated by the Mayweather-Hatton fight. He could have covered the events from the pre-fight happening few days before the d-day until the post-fight. His coverage diary made me feel as if I was actually present before, during and after the fight.

Now I know. Homer's sports writing is the missing ingredient why I felt that my sports IQ, specially in NBA and boxing dropped to below average. I missed the genius in Homer.

I hope and pray that he would soon get back to share his genius in sports by ending his sabbatical.

God bless you Homer and your family.

cherished moments

The image shown above is one of my cherished moments. I could not describe my feelings seeing my family wearing their smiles on their faces. They are not just smiling because they are in front of the camera, but because we we are all together as one family dining out celebrating the special day of my second daughter, Khloe. The photo was taken at the Golden Gate restaurant in Al Ain City on November 24, 2007, Khloe's 11th birthday.

I know this is a bit of a late entry to this blog. Yet, I am still posting this one since occasions like this sticks to my memory. I cherished every bit of moment when I am with my family. I grew up without experiencing these moments as I came from a broken family.

This is to show the world how I love my family--my wife Rose Marie and my three children Sophia, Katryna, and Adrianna.

recharged when almost drained

Office workload has eaten me up physically. A lot of things have to be done in such a short time. Most of the items on my desk the last couple of weeks are to be finished immediately...as if the deadline was yesterday.

Because of these office pressures, I started to sense that my body's strength is on the brink of being drained. As my body started to feel weakened and tired, so as my spiritual walk.

As I flipped my folio folder yesterday, a piece of paper dropped from it. In no time I found my self reading the prints of the paper as soon as I picked it up.

This piece of paper was handed to me by a fellow believer after our Worship service on November 30, 2007. Brother Frederico, who hails from India, has been in Al Ain City, UAE for the last 16 years. I have known him for the last couple of years as He was so active in our church fellowship activities. During our Church's family day on December 2, 2007, I learned that it was the last day of my Brother Frederico to have fellowship with us as he will be flying back to his hometown in India for good.

I will never forget this brother. He is used by God to inspire people. He has inspired me with this piece of paper that I was reading. At the right time when I was almost drained, this piece of paper which my brother handed me has recharged my battery. Physically and spiritually I was like gaining new strength.

I am now so excited to share the content of this paper, and here it is:

“WHO AM I IN CHRIST?”

I am born again, I am the child of God, God’s life is flowing in me.
I am a new creation in Christ Jesus all old is gone and I am made new. (2 Cor 5:17)
I have been rooted out from satan’s kingdom and planted in God’s Kingdom. (Col 1:13)
I am the salt of this earth and light of this world. (Mt 5:13-14)
I am the ambassador of Christ (Acts 1:8, 2Cor 5:20) and witness to the ends of the earth.
I am a victor and more than conqueror in Christ Jesus. (Rm 8:37)
I am born of God; sickness, diseases, failure, lack and death has no power over me.
I am sanctified, holey and incorruptible seed. I am divine as God is divine.
I am righteous of God in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:21). Ia m bold as a lion (Prov 28:1).
I am a miracle creation, highly favored; wherever I go I see His victory.
I am a living testimony and a living epistle. (2 Cor 3:2)
I am the glory of God (Jn 17:22) that is why I can not be defeated nor destroyed.
I am beautifully made in the image of God, I am His perfect masterpiece. (Gen 1:27)
I am not ordinary, I am chosen from a million, His special treasure on this earth.
I am a most priced possession, most cherished and celebrated of all His creations.
I am first and the best, born to rule and reign.
I am a champion and a master over all life circumstances.
I am made king to reign over spiritual forces and I am master over demons, sickness, diseases, poverty, failure, death and the grave.
I am valuable and precious in His sight, an apple of His eyes.
I am a king and a priest to Him, to bring spiritual sacrifices.
I am His temple, His dwelling place, His residence, His living tabernacle, His living headquarters, his operating center, His deity.
I am an answer for every problem; I am His outstretched arm of help, healing deliverance, and salvation. He looks through my eyes and walks with my legs,
I am His carrying vessel.
I am a channel of God’s blessing to this generation.
I am God’s agent of salvation to the lost and dying world.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!!

dubai: luxury and height

Burj Al Arab (the tower of the Arabs) is said to be the only hotel in the world categorized 7-star. Currently, it is the tallest building utilized solely as hotel. In due time, another hotel building, also in Dubai, will soon surpass Burj Al Arab in this category and not the rating.

Completed in 1999 and it became an iconic building where one can see images of it, it is identified to be Dubai. Just like the Eiffel tower of Paris.

The design resembles a sail of a dhow, which is a type of an Arab vessel.

Staying or even dining out in the hotel would cost one a fortune. Room rates started from AED7500 ($2100) a night. Dining in their restaurant? Expect to be robbed by at least AED350 ($100).



About a year from now, the Burj Dubai (Dubai Tower) will be completed. Upon completion, this will surpass the record as the tallest structure ever built by man. A couple of months back, it has now become the tallest standing building in the world.

Picture below was taken on November 29, 2007 while inside my car on red signal near the Al Wasl hospital.

the serial rebel

Not too long ago, July 2003 to be precise, a group called Magdalo with leader Antonio Trillanes stormed the ritzy Oakwood hotel and the nearby mall in Makati City. They planted bombs in the surrounding area while raising a banner for change in the government system.

The group was not successful and succumbed to authorities. They are now facing charges before the court of justice.

As the trial of the case is rolling by, Antonio Trillanes manage to earn a seat in the Senate. He is currently a Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. Wow. Famous?

Famous indeed. He should thank the media for that. The media, be it print or broadcast, does the most part of the campaigning for him. You know what I mean...he is always on the news during the election period.

Just very recently, November 29, 2007, while Trillanes and several other military officers are attending a coup d'etat trial (in relation to their Oakwood uprising) managed to sneak out of the court and took over the luxurious Peninsula hotel. They were joined by some well known opposition personalities like Teofisto Guingona and two other Roman Catholic priests. Their cry is for President Gloria Arroyo to step down from office.

I think we now have a serial rebel in the making. Like a serial killer who committed the crime of killing people in two or more separate events over a period of time and motivated by either power or sexual compulsion. In this case, Trillanes has committed the crime of rebellion against the government in two separate occasions and motivated by power.

He has taken arms against the government and using a posh establishment, a hotel for that matter, as a shield or a hideout whatever you may call it. He has done it twice in the last 4 years. Was it not a surprise that the venue of all this uprising is in a posh place, like hotel?

Hotel management must now start to keep its eyes on this serial rebel.

n.b. as of this writing, it has already been reported that Mr. Trillanes and company have already been under the custody of the authorities.

a colorful sunrise experience

For the last couple of months now, I have been longing to experience sunrise on top of Jebel (mount) Hafeet.

Jebel Hafeet is the highest peak of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi specifically situated in Al Ain City. It is one of the most visited places in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During weekends and holidays, before enjoying the beauty of the place one should undergo a long queue on the road.

On November 16, 2007, at approximately 5:30 am, I braved the freezing temperature by driving my way up to Jebel Hafeet. 10 minutes later, I found myself on top of the mountain setting up my camera on a tripod to record the beautiful colors of the sunrise.

Here is my first shot of the horizon from my vantage point on the mountain.

After some scripture reading and a few minutes of prayer, the sun finally showed up. Without losing any chances, I locked my eyes on the viewfinder of my cam with my finger pressing on the shutter speed and recorded this...

....this...

...and this...

...and a lot more images.

I enjoyed the richness of the colors and pondered upon how beautiful God's creation is.

I could only imagine on that day of creation when God ordered "let there be light..." and there was light. Like the first light of day that I just experienced, it created great colors of the sky. Beautiful indeed. All things that is of God are beautiful.

God bless.

almost zero visibility

Al Ain to Dubai is approximately a 140 Km long drive. This is my routine from Sunday to Thursday, the normal work week in most of the companies in the United Arab Emirates, as I live in Al Ain and work in Dubai.

On November 15, 2005 the road was so foggy. Approximately 50 Kms after leaving our house at 6:30 early morning, visibility became almost nil as the road had been heavily covered with fog. The almost zero visibility of the road spanned to about 30 kms.

Here is a photo i manage to take on the road:

The road then improved a bit after that 30 Km stretch, and it now looked like this:

Like in the last 3 winter seasons that I had experienced, early morning drive along the Al Ain-Dubai road would be as foggy as this. Road visibility is almost zero.

Shock, Pity, and Being a Child

Shock

It was reported that on November 2, 2007 a 12 year old girl strangled herself to death using a nylon rope a day after she was denied of by her father the 100 peso she needed for a school project. The father had nothing to give as he was out of job for days. His job as a construction worker is not a permanent as it is dependent on a per project basis.

Further investigation from different news media outfits revealed that the girl, Mariannet Amper is a very diligent and intelligent grade 6 pupil of Maa, Davao City Public Elementary School. Discovered from her personal things is a diary containing entries that expressed her miseries in life, she belonging to a very poor family. Specifically, she narrated how she grieved those times when she and her younger brother could not go to school as their parents would not let them for lack of money paying for their transportation.

A letter addressed to "wish ko lang", a television program that grants wishes of letter senders whose letter is picked by show organizers, was penned by Mariannet, but not mailed. Her simple wishes then is to have a pair of shoes, a bicycle, and a living for her father.

What shocked me most is the survey by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) stating that of the one billion global population, 11 million are Filipinos including Mariannet's family are living on less that $1 a day. This $1 a day is a threshold defined as "extreme poverty" by the United Nations.

Are you shocked too?

Pity

This last few days, Mariannet's story has been the famous subject of blogs, discussion forums, and editorial sections of newspapers.

Varied emotions and finger-pointing are being raised upon by authors and commentators. Some blamed the government, the society or the world being cruel, the parents, and even the child herself.

Personally, I have pity on those authors and commentators. In my opinion, they could have been barking at the wrong tree.

Who then to bark at?

In the Holy Bible, I learned that since the fall of Adam and Eve, humankind had been separated brom God and the paradise. Man has long been trapped in this evil, dirty, and cursed world. No matter how much man exerted his own strength to experience paradise on earth, it is but only an exercise in futility.

Why an exercise in futility? It is also expressly stated in the Bible that it is not by man's strength he could be saved from the curse, but by God's grace. This grace had been manifested by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He paid the price for all mankind. That whoever believes in Him and confess that He is the Lord and Savior will have eternal life and experience the joy and peace that passeth all understanding.

I can attest to this claim as I have personally experience the peace and joy myself when I received the Lord Jesus christ as my Lord and Savior on April 21, 2004. Since then, I derive all my strength from the grace of God and my life has never been that peaceful and joyful.

I pity those who are yet to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Being a Child

Mt. 18: 3 provides "...I tell you the truth, unless you change and become little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven."

Keep a child-like attitude and you will enter heaven, Jesus in his word stated.

What about Mariannet? She was just a child, but acted like a mature adult. Taking so seriously their lack of material things. I do wonder what prompted this child to think the way she did?

What happened to children now a days? Was this an isolated case? I do not know. I am puzzled.

If children now a days are thinking like adults how can adults become childlike?

I will ponder upon this in the next few days and pray for revelations about the children around us.

Blessed with 'Tres Marias'

Everyday, me and my wife thank the Lord our God for blessing us with three beautiful, smart, and God-fearing daughters, or I fondly called them the 'Tres Marias'. They are such a priceless possession. They are our all. We love them so much.

As a proud father, I would like to introduce them here.

Our eldest. Sophia Louise. She loves to sing and has learned to play the guitar last summer. She for the past months, her guitar skills has improved so much that she now learns to do plucking.

Next to Sophia is my Katryna Lois. She joined Sophia in the guitar lessons last summer. Together with their friends, David, Jezreel, Kevin, and Venice, they play song numbers at our weekly praise and worship services with Word International Ministries - Al Ain.

Katryna is very organized. Among her siblings, she always won the neatest and most arranged closet.

The youngest and sweetest of the three, Adrianna Renee. She is so bubbly and dances so gracefully. She learns to read at a very young age at 4 years old. At 5 she reads magazines and newspaper.

Adrianna is now the only baby we have got. Sophia and Katryna has already turned to become a fine young lady.

Our 'Tres Marias' are indeed God's blessing to us. Thank God for them.

'til Death Do We Part

…and still in this break in period, let me talk a little more backgrounder of my self, particularly my marriage.

I got married at an early age of 21, few months after graduation and about 3 months before taking the CPA licensure examinations in the Philippines. I know full well you are now speculating that this decision to marry is brought about by the fact that my girlfriend got pregnant. Your speculation is correct.

I do love her. I got her pregnant outside of marriage. We had practiced pre-marital sex. We know full well it should not have been done.

That was past. We know we committed wrong. We repented for it. Most importantly, with Jesus at the center of our relationship, we are ready to keep our marriage vows.

We are now so confident that no one can separate us until our last breath.

"Break In"

When you acquired a brand new car, they say you need to break it in.

I am new to blogging and this is my brand new entry, hence consider this my breaking in period to the world of blogging.

When I finally decided to start a blog some few days back, I was thinking real hard as to what to write. I find it so difficult. After three days of uncertainty on how to start my blog, it came to my mind that the better way to break into this blogging world is to give a little backgrounder of my life.

In a nutshell, the first 31 years and 10 months of my life was lived without Jesus Christ dwelling in my heart. Although I grew up obeying the traditional practices of a traditional church and doing some good works like giving to charities and sharing blessings to the less fortunate, I still felt emptiness more often.

In early 2004, a terrible thing happened to our lives. We practically lost our finances, which we considered our wealth and ticket to a stable and bright future for our children. As it happened, I told my wife on that same day we learned of what happened to our finances that God allowed this to happen and He has something in store for us.

Indeed, that utterance coupled with belief in my heart come into fruition when God sent us the couple Patrick & Shonie into our lives. This couple is very instrumental in bringing in to our lives the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On April 21, 2004, me and my wife accepted the Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Since then, we felt that we were given a new life, a new hope, and a great reward so long as we keep up the good fight for our faith.

And on that hot summer night of April 21, 2004 at the heart of Al Ain City, we (me and my wife) undergone a break in experience into a new life. With our "born again" experience we were given a new life which we vowed to offer for service to the Lord and His kingdom, of course with the help of the Holy Spirit.

On that same night, the bible study group organized to meet weekly at the apartment of Patrick & Shonie met for the first time. A break in for the group.

Now we are proud to say that what we lost then is nothing compared to what we have received, e.i. salvation. And this we believe is the true and ultimate inheritance that we could hand down to our children.

Glory to God.