Yusuf Islam

Last night I watched a concert of Yusuf Islam. The DVD is aptly titled Yusuf's cafe Sessions and was captured live in the Porchester Hall in London. Songs such as Father and Son and Peace Train touched my soul that every lyrics haunted my inner being.
Yusuf Islam is Cat Stevens. Those who are familiar with Cat Stevens, he is a famous singer during the tumultous late '6os and the fiery early '70s. His hit songs such as Moonshadows, Peace Train and Father and Son were the national anthem of the youth of '70s. He abandoned his career in 1978 and converted to islam.
In our present times wherein Islam is portrayed as nest of terrosrist, Yusuf is the answer on the correct meaning of Islam. Moderate, peace loving and family oriented.
Hear his songs or better buy his DVD "Yusuf Cafe Session" and experience the true meaning that songs should be intended to love one another and praise God.
Cheers!

Amazing Grace

I am a person who is not afraid of taking risk even at the expense of being hurt badly. This recklessness of mine caused me and my loved ones a lot of heartaches. From the failures that I experienced those who gave the most deepest pain were the one who made me stronger. The tears gave me the decisiveness to say goodbye to the past, thank the present and hope for the future.
During my college days it is very common that I go to the university with money enough only to pay the jeepney fare. Merienda was as rare as ligthning. The person who saved from the agony was my girlfriend who lovingly pay for my jeepney fare, provide lunch and dinner when I have none. The challenge for me then was to graduate and lift myself and my family out of poverty. It was an amazing grace that I graduated and found a job right after graduation.
I have been working for the past 20 years and it is clear to me that in order for us to have a food in the table and a regular job we need to be a blessing to everyone we meet. I have been lucky to meet persons who gave me graces that up to now I still thank them in my prayers. Yes..... it is an amazing grace.
Everytime that I hear the song of John Newton, it touches me because it said a lot about me. The lyrics are :

Amazing Grace Lyrics

John Newton (1725-1807)


Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Marianette Amper

Sa bayan ng Maa, Davao may isang batang gumawa ng isang bagay na nagpaiyak sa akin. Si Marianette, anak ng isang karpintero, ay nagpakamatay dahil sa lubhang kahirapan.
Sa kanyang mga sulat hiningi nya sa Diyos na tulungan siya at kanyang pamilya na maiahon sila sa kahirapan. Sinabi din niya na hindi siya makapasok dahil wala silang laging pera para pambili ng pagkain at pamasahe.

Simple lang ang hiling niya, sapatos, damit, bag at bisikleta para makapasok sa eskwelahan.

Sa pangyayaring ito, si Marianette ay nagbigay sa atin ng isang matinding pahayag: ang matinding gutom at kahirapan ay nasa ating bansa. Anumang pagtatakip na gawin ng pamahalaan sa pagsasabing bumababa na ang bilang ng mga mahihirap ay kabaligtaran ang nagyayari sa tunay na buhay.

Kapag ang gobyerno ay walang kahihiyan sa pagsangayon sa pamimigay ng pera sa mga congressman habang maraming pamilyang Pilipino ang walang makain. Panahon na para dumalangin tayo na bigyan tayo ng sapat na lakas ng loob upang harapin ang dilim ng pangaapi.