Sign of the End Times

I honestly do not know exactly how to proceed with this, but I know that I definitely have to say something. I do not know how many people actually do read my blog; I think there is none, but nonetheless, I need to get this off my chest.

Ok, so a sister of a celebrity recently said some things in public television, and as everything and everyone is sensitive about religion, she got bashed and there were so much bad comments and untruths that made it hard for me to read further. Anyway, I am in no way saying that everything she said was correct nor am I saying that majority of it were. I simply feel the need to address some of the comments posted thereafter.

Exhibit A: I do not know what kind of "believer" his mom and siblings are, but regardless of what it is that they believe in, (in the context of the topic, it's probably in God) I don't think it's fair for them to call Alex tanga. Second point, on reading the Bible: The Bible is not a crystal ball. It is not something you look into in pieces, out of context. For example, if you are deep in debt and decided to look into the Bible to get enlightenment, and chance upon Judas' story after the betrayal when he hanged himself... is that even logical? No. It's not a toy you shake (magic 8-ball) and expect answers based on your understanding and then depend your life on it. Ultimately, it takes the Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance to understand the Bible. It does not give you doubts, on the contrary, it tells you exactly what your purpose in life is. Doubts arise from not having the patience to learn the context. It is why we have to attend Sunday Service in church. The doubts come from not having the Holy Spirit's guidance and being pilosopo as a result. Also, religion and belief are two different things. Belief is a way of life. Christianity is a way of life. As for the additional comment, it just seems to have come from a very bitter and very angry person.

Exhibit B: As there are mistakes in what Alex has publicly shared, there are also holes in this comment. Let's face it, we are not perfect. Again, religion and belief are not the same. Religion has never been a ticket to salvation, but belief/faith in Jesus Christ is. Claiming to have a god on their side does not necessarily mean it really is God on their side. Isn't it common sense to understand that when these people committed the atrocities, then these people are just probably worshiping a god based on their understanding, which, I repeat, should not be the case. I absolutely agree that "Believing in an imaginary being is not a guarantee that you'll end up a better person", which is why I believe in the Alpha-Omega, and not an imaginary one. Lastly, while religion does not necessarily modify behavior, belief does. For the Nth time, religion and belief are not the same. If you truly believe something is real or a fact, won't that dictate your behavior?

Exhibit C: Actually, all non-believers and all believers are sinners. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Exhibit D: By the way, Alex is not Catholic. (At least from what I gather.) Second, what makes the pope the authority over people who are not Catholic? Also, John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. God & Son (Jesus Christ) = eternal life, the rest = perish.

Exhibit E: If this person was a true believer, he/she wouldn't be "wala akong pakialam sa mga taong iba yung religion or walang religion".
"A believer is ready to serve everybody wherever he can. He cannot but profess the gospel before men, even though he foresees that he can reap nothing but ridicule and scorn for it; yes, he is ready also to give his life for the gospel" - C.F.W. Walthers

Again, I am not actually saying that everything Alex has said is true, nor do I agree with everything she said, but what I am saying is that these comments are not true or have faulty basis as well.

Hay, it's scary how things like this happen more and more frequently lately. Indeed the end times are upon us.

The Perfect Venue for a Perfect Evening

We only had two options shortlisted for our venue. Our preference has always been simple, elegant, and timeless, and we agreed to have this incorporated into everything for our wedding. The color motif, of course, will be green and white. It was then a matter of picturing both venues with the intended spring look.

Marc was actually the one who picked Light of Love, and by the time we went there for the ocular visit, I was more than convinced. The Atrium venue we wanted had an amazing glass ceiling that would show a wonderful sunset hue to a hopefully starry night sky on the night of our wedding. We still went to the other venue just to make sure we had covered all bases. It paled in comparison. So, Light of Love it is.

Aside from the glass ceiling we had fallen in love with, Atrium has the charm and elegance we wanted for a sweet romantic night with family and friends.

photo from lightoflove.com.ph

The reservation and/or booking wasn't that hard either. Ms. Steph, our contact, had a bubbly happy attitude that made us feel like we were talking to a close friend. Being the OC and sigurista person that I am, I kept e-mailing her for everything. From the packages, to the rate adjustments, to the payment terms. I was even texting her for some catering questions. She was really patient, accommodating, and was well-equipped with details, contacts, etc. for their affiliates. She made this task a breeze for us.

One down. Tons more to go.

Venue: Light of Love - Atrium
Reserved/Booked: March 8, 2014

 

The Lancaster Hotel Disappointment

You know how when you work at a hotel or at an establishment where service is the primary thing you're marketing, you're supposed to be nice and courteous, right? ...or at the very least considerate? Well, tonight, my boyfriend has just had an appalling experience from the staff of Lancaster Hotel, Mandaluyong.

He dropped by to place a reservation for my coming birthday. Upon arriving there, a vehicle was parked outside such that it has taken up more than the space allotted for one. He was instructed to park inside instead. After booking the date, on the way out, he was asked to pay for parking. Now, even malls have this rule that if you don't spend more than 15 minutes in the parking area, they'd waive the fee. He asked for a little consideration since he didn't stay more than 10 minutes in there and yet they insisted on making him pay for parking. They refused to validate his ticket, saying that the validations were for guests who have checked in only. Do they mean that he was not a customer just because he hasn't checked in? He booked a reservation, for crying out loud! How inconsiderate.

I don't think this is a petty case, and since this is not our first time with the hotel, I would've expected some courtesy. Of course I don't expect them to remember us, but I do believe they owe everyone the same consideration, regardless of how many times they've stayed, but all the more for those who have actually booked with them.

This is so very disappointing. There won't be any more next times for us... nor for our families... and I'd really tell my friends about this, lest they get taken advantage of. If this scheduled stay wasn't already paid for and non-refundable, we would've chosen some other hotel instead.