“Kinsa man daw Ginoo sa mga Muslim beh?” I remember my high school friend asked me that. I kept quite and just smiled. Then he said, “Ah wala ka kabalo…ala-una, alas-dos, alas-tres, hangtod alas-dose pa na ilaha (laughs).” Well, this conversation is supposed to be humorous when heard, but it really sounds offensive to Moslems.
There are people, including me, still puzzling their minds off about God’s existence. The rise of different religions brought us this confusion. Some of us wonder what to believe and follow. Some even did not bother to care about it. Religions, indeed, is always a complex portion of man’s existence. It’s a topic preferred by some people to get rid off. Chaos rattles the human cranium when different beliefs and principles about God meet.
In the documentary film “The Story of God”, Professor Winston presents a definitive three-part documentary series on the history of mankind's quest to understand the nature of God. Prof. Winston also shares us the thought that the three great religions in our world today share one common belief, “there is one true God.” However, it didn’t catch my attention too much. What I expect on that movie is the answer to “why in every religion, there’s always competition?” I mean, why every religion says something bad about the other. It’s very ironic to the statement agreed by many that “we are all brothers and sisters.”
For me, what the film had shown us is just information about the three great religions today, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The discussion talks about its basic history, practices, beliefs, etc. It only touches the surface. Too bad I did expect lots of arguments. But I get Prof. Winston’s point of course. We, as humans, have belief that there’s this higher being who created everything around us – a human conviction about life, is life itself. Most of the time, we tend to put this higher being as a center of our life. He points out that even if every religion has their own way of defining their God, we all have the same God – there’s no God but God.
I have read some parts of Sophie’s world about God’s existence. It says, even on ancient times, people tried to explain every misfortune and luck that comes to them. These occurrences open man’s ideas to create stories about different gods and goddesses, e.g. gods of hunting, gods of farming, gods of war and gods of sea and sky and etc.
Also, Prof. Winston opens some ideas about God’s existence. He said that the answer lies in the human desire to be united with something bigger than ourselves. You see, it always depends on every individual’s choice. I think this means about respecting and accepting each and everyone’s chosen religion. It’s not about being who the best worshipers of God are. It’s about our faith. Believing God’s existence is not a competition or a matter popularity. It only involves you and your relationship with God. Whether monotheistic or polytheistic, or whatever, they have God.
The movie is quite uninteresting because we’ve already discuss about those three religions days before we’ve watched the movie. What I am interested more is on the arguments if God really exists. I know it is somewhat connected to atheism. Nay…I just find it interesting.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
MISERY
I'm tired of dreaming
Of pursuing something I am suppose to give in
I'm fed up of pain
And I want to scream
Things are never like before
It is never same as yesterday
Most of the time I'm at play
In a game of pride and tenderness.
It's so hard to leave memoirs behind
But it's impoverish to keep them fresh and alive
I do want to slow down
Until I can finally let the pain vanished
Reasons taught me to stand still
Being alone instruct my heart to find courage
I'm at deep sorrow
For that love I lost, the damage it launched
Of pursuing something I am suppose to give in
I'm fed up of pain
And I want to scream
Things are never like before
It is never same as yesterday
Most of the time I'm at play
In a game of pride and tenderness.
It's so hard to leave memoirs behind
But it's impoverish to keep them fresh and alive
I do want to slow down
Until I can finally let the pain vanished
Reasons taught me to stand still
Being alone instruct my heart to find courage
I'm at deep sorrow
For that love I lost, the damage it launched
Friday, July 25, 2008
SMOKING BAN IN UP MIN
“Smoking Ban??? Grabeh pud...Asa na man ang freedom sa UP?”
This statement was written by a UP Min Student in a manila paper posted on the freedom wall last First Semester of 2007. This was one of their comments to the implementation of PERR Administrative Order No. 07-070 or The Strict Enforcement of the Smoking Ban as well as Prohibiting the sale and Advertising of Tobacco within the UP System last September 15, 2007.
I am not against with Smoking Ban in our campus. Not for the reason that I don't smoke or I don't enjoy watching people puffing cigarettes. But because I know it is harmful to one's health and to the environment.
Based on my interview to the Anti-Smoking Ban students in school. One of them said that the Smoking Ban defeats the purposes of freedom of expression given to the students of this university. According to him, the more the students are repressed by this prohibited order, the more the students go against it. As a result, some students tend to go to stores near the campus to purchase and have their cigarettes.
The other student suggested that there should be specific smoking area where students, teachers and other smokers can light their cigarettes instead of completely disallowing them to smoke. He insisted that smoking is part of his system. It's too hard to resist the addiction because it serves as his “anti-depressant” and “time killer”. He added, “The cloudy smoke I inhale calms my nerves when I am expose to tension. When I get bored waiting for my next class, smoking seems to be my last option”.
Looking at its positive side, the Smoking Ban is intended to guide the students' freedom. Their freedom to smoke contradicts to the freedom of other students to breathe fresh air. According from a UP MIN professor, “your freedom ends when the freedom of other people begins.” Cigarettes contain harmful substance that can cause health defects not only to people who smoke but also to people who are expose to second-hand smoking.
A suggestion for a specific area for smoking contradicts to the purpose to the Smoking Ban. One of my basis is the first general statement found in Smoking Ban Order at the OSA Bulletin Board. “UP Min, as one of the state universities in our country, is oblige to protect and promote the right to health of the people and to instill health consciousness among their selves.”
The reason why a Smoking Ban is being implemented is because smoking cigarettes is harmful to anyone's health, but it is still their choice. It is also a form of air pollution which contributes to the thickening of ozone layer. Smoking Ban does not overthrow the students freedom of expression, but it guides each of us to use our freedom fairly.
When I read the article entitled Hidden Meanings Beyond “Why Smoke” and “Why Quit”? of Mr. Fred Kelley, I found out a number of reasons why smokers have to stop smoking. Some of which are: save money, improve your health, cut your risk of heart disease, lung cancer and other diseases, smell better, look younger, clean teeth, live longer, etc.
I know it is hard for a smoker to give up smoking. I understand their situations because my father is a smoker. Though he tried to free himself from that addiction, it took him years before he completely gave it up. Some of my friends in school are also smokers. They told me how it hurts as they suffer torment from the withdrawal syndromes.
However, it is not impossible for an individual to relax himself in his own way and to face his depression all by his own without the bad influence of smoking. It is also not impossible for an individual avoid or quit smoking. If there's a will, there's a always a way. As what Fred Kelley says in his article, “To quit, you must take back control of your life from cigarette. Take responsibility for your own health and happiness. It is you who puts the cigarettes in your mouth, and it is you who can take them out.” The choice is in their hands.
Smoking Ban is not an overthrow to the UP Mindanao students. But rather a guide on how to use our freedom. I would consider and understand the side of the smokers, but I believe that the positive effects of the Strict Enforcement of the Smoking Ban accounts for the benefit of the majority. Support the Smoking Ban for sake of your health, for the sake of other people who suffer from second-hand smoking, and for the sake of our environment.
This statement was written by a UP Min Student in a manila paper posted on the freedom wall last First Semester of 2007. This was one of their comments to the implementation of PERR Administrative Order No. 07-070 or The Strict Enforcement of the Smoking Ban as well as Prohibiting the sale and Advertising of Tobacco within the UP System last September 15, 2007.
I am not against with Smoking Ban in our campus. Not for the reason that I don't smoke or I don't enjoy watching people puffing cigarettes. But because I know it is harmful to one's health and to the environment.
Based on my interview to the Anti-Smoking Ban students in school. One of them said that the Smoking Ban defeats the purposes of freedom of expression given to the students of this university. According to him, the more the students are repressed by this prohibited order, the more the students go against it. As a result, some students tend to go to stores near the campus to purchase and have their cigarettes.
The other student suggested that there should be specific smoking area where students, teachers and other smokers can light their cigarettes instead of completely disallowing them to smoke. He insisted that smoking is part of his system. It's too hard to resist the addiction because it serves as his “anti-depressant” and “time killer”. He added, “The cloudy smoke I inhale calms my nerves when I am expose to tension. When I get bored waiting for my next class, smoking seems to be my last option”.
Looking at its positive side, the Smoking Ban is intended to guide the students' freedom. Their freedom to smoke contradicts to the freedom of other students to breathe fresh air. According from a UP MIN professor, “your freedom ends when the freedom of other people begins.” Cigarettes contain harmful substance that can cause health defects not only to people who smoke but also to people who are expose to second-hand smoking.
A suggestion for a specific area for smoking contradicts to the purpose to the Smoking Ban. One of my basis is the first general statement found in Smoking Ban Order at the OSA Bulletin Board. “UP Min, as one of the state universities in our country, is oblige to protect and promote the right to health of the people and to instill health consciousness among their selves.”
The reason why a Smoking Ban is being implemented is because smoking cigarettes is harmful to anyone's health, but it is still their choice. It is also a form of air pollution which contributes to the thickening of ozone layer. Smoking Ban does not overthrow the students freedom of expression, but it guides each of us to use our freedom fairly.
When I read the article entitled Hidden Meanings Beyond “Why Smoke” and “Why Quit”? of Mr. Fred Kelley, I found out a number of reasons why smokers have to stop smoking. Some of which are: save money, improve your health, cut your risk of heart disease, lung cancer and other diseases, smell better, look younger, clean teeth, live longer, etc.
I know it is hard for a smoker to give up smoking. I understand their situations because my father is a smoker. Though he tried to free himself from that addiction, it took him years before he completely gave it up. Some of my friends in school are also smokers. They told me how it hurts as they suffer torment from the withdrawal syndromes.
However, it is not impossible for an individual to relax himself in his own way and to face his depression all by his own without the bad influence of smoking. It is also not impossible for an individual avoid or quit smoking. If there's a will, there's a always a way. As what Fred Kelley says in his article, “To quit, you must take back control of your life from cigarette. Take responsibility for your own health and happiness. It is you who puts the cigarettes in your mouth, and it is you who can take them out.” The choice is in their hands.
Smoking Ban is not an overthrow to the UP Mindanao students. But rather a guide on how to use our freedom. I would consider and understand the side of the smokers, but I believe that the positive effects of the Strict Enforcement of the Smoking Ban accounts for the benefit of the majority. Support the Smoking Ban for sake of your health, for the sake of other people who suffer from second-hand smoking, and for the sake of our environment.
AS IMAGINED AS LIVED: SENSE FOR LANGUAGE, SENSE OF COUNTRY
The University of the Philippines, celebrating its Centennial Year this 2008 had a UP Centennial Lecture last February 29, 2008 in all UP campuses via video mainstreaming on Internet. The guest speaker was Dr. Gémino H. Abad, known as the University Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Abad is a poet and critic from Cebu. He earned his B.A. English from the University of the Philippines in 1964 and Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Chicago in 1970. He served the University of the Philippines in various capacities: as Secretary of the University, Secretary of the Board of Regents, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the U.P. Institute of Creative Writing. For many years, he also taught English, comparative literature and creative writing at U.P. Diliman.
The lecture was purely about the sense of language. He discussed its history, its evolution, and most importantly its preservation and enhancement. He also included different aspects of language, specifically in the connection between writing and reading.
The very obvious objective of his lecture is to show the importance of an individual’s reading habit. He wants to persuade the audience to read…read….and read…He also wants to give information to his audience about the importance of language and its various aspects.
“Read or Die”, Dr. Abad said.
During his lecture, the very important thing he emphasized was the value of reading a lot. One of his statements was that, as he have observed the youth nowadays, even the older ones, they get into trouble in understanding technical words because they lost the habit of reading. They become illiterate in using the language.
He mentioned that reading plays a very important role in students’ academic performance. He chose his students as his best examples. Whenever he asks them to write an essay, he found out that most of his students are having difficulties in expressing their idea because they ran out of words. He said that ones ability to write reflects on his reading skills.
Other cases like, when students were just forced to read because their teacher requires them is also mention by Dr. Abad. According to him, it is still best to read with the intention of acquiring knowledge than to read because you were supposed to.
Aside from culture, language is also one of the structures that a country has, because language itself is “the finest human technology.” The root to preserve language is to become a good writer. In writing of course, this includes poetry and other poetic stuffs. For him, the primary goal of poetry is to preserve and enhance ones language.
Humans have the capability and potential in writing. If one develops his creativity in writing, even if he/she incorporates his experience in his literary works, it would be appealing to his readers’ eyes. If they know how to pull it off through writing, they can contribute to their language’s development.
The only problem why some people aren’t able to write well is because of lack of interest in reading. You cannot write if you don’t read. That’s how the two important aspects of language work together.
Dr. Abad’s point of incorporating writing competence in academics, most especially to the students successfully achieved its objective in making the student realize the importance of language. It is in great help to students like me, because I myself have difficulty when it comes to writing. I found a better reason why I have to try hard more in writing and to practice it often.
The lecture is an aid to make students realize the importance of reading. It is also a glimpse of some factual knowledge about language and country. The strong connection between the two is “one’s sense of country is more image than concept.” Language is the reason why we are alive and kicking. And it is in language, our country can be developed.
Dr. Abad is a poet and critic from Cebu. He earned his B.A. English from the University of the Philippines in 1964 and Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Chicago in 1970. He served the University of the Philippines in various capacities: as Secretary of the University, Secretary of the Board of Regents, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the U.P. Institute of Creative Writing. For many years, he also taught English, comparative literature and creative writing at U.P. Diliman.
The lecture was purely about the sense of language. He discussed its history, its evolution, and most importantly its preservation and enhancement. He also included different aspects of language, specifically in the connection between writing and reading.
The very obvious objective of his lecture is to show the importance of an individual’s reading habit. He wants to persuade the audience to read…read….and read…He also wants to give information to his audience about the importance of language and its various aspects.
“Read or Die”, Dr. Abad said.
During his lecture, the very important thing he emphasized was the value of reading a lot. One of his statements was that, as he have observed the youth nowadays, even the older ones, they get into trouble in understanding technical words because they lost the habit of reading. They become illiterate in using the language.
He mentioned that reading plays a very important role in students’ academic performance. He chose his students as his best examples. Whenever he asks them to write an essay, he found out that most of his students are having difficulties in expressing their idea because they ran out of words. He said that ones ability to write reflects on his reading skills.
Other cases like, when students were just forced to read because their teacher requires them is also mention by Dr. Abad. According to him, it is still best to read with the intention of acquiring knowledge than to read because you were supposed to.
Aside from culture, language is also one of the structures that a country has, because language itself is “the finest human technology.” The root to preserve language is to become a good writer. In writing of course, this includes poetry and other poetic stuffs. For him, the primary goal of poetry is to preserve and enhance ones language.
Humans have the capability and potential in writing. If one develops his creativity in writing, even if he/she incorporates his experience in his literary works, it would be appealing to his readers’ eyes. If they know how to pull it off through writing, they can contribute to their language’s development.
The only problem why some people aren’t able to write well is because of lack of interest in reading. You cannot write if you don’t read. That’s how the two important aspects of language work together.
Dr. Abad’s point of incorporating writing competence in academics, most especially to the students successfully achieved its objective in making the student realize the importance of language. It is in great help to students like me, because I myself have difficulty when it comes to writing. I found a better reason why I have to try hard more in writing and to practice it often.
The lecture is an aid to make students realize the importance of reading. It is also a glimpse of some factual knowledge about language and country. The strong connection between the two is “one’s sense of country is more image than concept.” Language is the reason why we are alive and kicking. And it is in language, our country can be developed.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CATS AND DOGS
When I was still a kid, I have read children’s stories about cats and dogs. One of these was the story of a little girl who liked cats very much. One afternoon, she saw a filthy cat in the street. She brought it home and took good care of it. After a few months of the cat’s stay in their house, it turned out into a cuddly little creature – charming and elegant because of its white dotted fur. The cat became the girl’s playmate and her parents considered it as part of their family.
Another story was the story of Ben, a grade six pupil who had a dog named Brownie. He loved Brownie so much and the dog loved him too. There was a time when Ben accidentally slipped off on the chair as he was about to reach the jar of candies in the cabinet. His head was hit on the floor and he fainted. At that moment, nobody is around but only Ben and Brownie. Ben’s parents were having an out of town meeting. The dog went outside the house and terribly made a loud bark to catch their neighbor’s attention. Luckily, Mang Domeng, a neighbor, also a family friend, noticed the dog’s annoying behavior so he went into the house and checked what was happening inside. When he saw the boy lying on the floor, he hurriedly called for an ambulance. Ben was saved because of Brownie’s initiative to ask for help.
Cats and dogs are one of the most common domestic pets of man. They are not just pets. They are also remedy for stress. I can relate this to my father who is a teacher, and the school where he works is almost 23 kilometers away from our house. He used to travel with his motorcycle back and forth everyday. And when he arrives home, he feels so tired and exhausted, but our dog and cat minimize his exhaustion by their presence and enthusiasm. The cat plays with Papa by rubbing its face or scratching its paws to Papa’s hands as they sit together in our sofa, while the dog waggles its tail and barks, a sign of its excitement every time Papa’s motorcycle sounds nearer.
Smell is extremely an important sense in cats, in some cases more than sight. Cats have scent glands on multiple places on their body including their faces and feet. On their face, the glands are located around the eyes, below the ears, and on the chin. By rubbing their face on various objects, such as legs and furniture, they are leaving their scent. Other cats passing the object will often stop and sniff, maybe even rubbing their faces on the object to leave their scent as well. Older cats may purr when they play with people or when they approach other cats, signaling they are friendly and want to come closer. Cats also purr when they are contented, such as when they are petted, again giving the signal "all is well". However, cats can also purr when they are distressed. Sick and injured cats and those in veterinary offices often purr. It is thought that this is the cat's way of reassuring and calming itself.
On the other hand, a dog who has separation anxiety will become very anxious when he senses his owner is about to leave. When the owner does leave, the dog often becomes destructive, barks or howls, may urinate or defecate, and may salivate profusely. A dog with separation anxiety will often be overly exuberant when his owner returns.
Cats are playful creatures. They love to play with strings, crumpled papers and flying insects. They love high places too. The height gives the cat a better observation point. From a higher location, the cat can survey his realm and become more aware of the activities of people and other pets. A higher place may serve as their concealed site from which to hunt. Cats also act like infants. They sleep like an innocent child, they want to feel your caress and they love to drink milk.
Dogs love house-soiling, destructive chewing, and running away. These are their natural behaviors but these could be minimized by housetraining. Most dogs are afraid of heights because they cannot assure themselves a safe landing when they jump. Dogs are not flexible as cats. However, dogs are vigilant – they watch and guard the house when the owner is not around. Dogs are also considered as man’s bestfriend – they act as companion, helper and working partner of man.
Cats don't sweat like humans and rarely, do we see them pant like dogs. Instead, they rely on the saliva evaporating from their bodies to cool them. If a cat's body temperature increases, it will tend to groom itself more, thus activating its own unique cooling system. This is the reason why cats don’t want to take a bath. If you force them, they will surely scratch or bite you. According to what I have read in a magazine before, the only way you can bathe a cat is to soak them into hot water not exceeding thirty degrees Celsius. It will help them keep their body warm.
Unlike cats, you can easily make arrangements with dogs when you want them to take a bath, but you need to know how to bathe them properly. Dogs should be bathed only when they are dirty or when they need a flea bath. Too much bathing removes the natural oils in their skin and fur, and can leave their skin dried out and flaky. This can cause frequent scratching too.
As we can see, people perceive pets as important and supportive parts of their lives. Cats and dogs, as pets, add exhilaration in man’s existence. Even though they have different behavior, they both correlate the same role in man’s life – cats can be man’s sweet little angels and dogs can be man’s best buddy.
Another story was the story of Ben, a grade six pupil who had a dog named Brownie. He loved Brownie so much and the dog loved him too. There was a time when Ben accidentally slipped off on the chair as he was about to reach the jar of candies in the cabinet. His head was hit on the floor and he fainted. At that moment, nobody is around but only Ben and Brownie. Ben’s parents were having an out of town meeting. The dog went outside the house and terribly made a loud bark to catch their neighbor’s attention. Luckily, Mang Domeng, a neighbor, also a family friend, noticed the dog’s annoying behavior so he went into the house and checked what was happening inside. When he saw the boy lying on the floor, he hurriedly called for an ambulance. Ben was saved because of Brownie’s initiative to ask for help.
Cats and dogs are one of the most common domestic pets of man. They are not just pets. They are also remedy for stress. I can relate this to my father who is a teacher, and the school where he works is almost 23 kilometers away from our house. He used to travel with his motorcycle back and forth everyday. And when he arrives home, he feels so tired and exhausted, but our dog and cat minimize his exhaustion by their presence and enthusiasm. The cat plays with Papa by rubbing its face or scratching its paws to Papa’s hands as they sit together in our sofa, while the dog waggles its tail and barks, a sign of its excitement every time Papa’s motorcycle sounds nearer.
Smell is extremely an important sense in cats, in some cases more than sight. Cats have scent glands on multiple places on their body including their faces and feet. On their face, the glands are located around the eyes, below the ears, and on the chin. By rubbing their face on various objects, such as legs and furniture, they are leaving their scent. Other cats passing the object will often stop and sniff, maybe even rubbing their faces on the object to leave their scent as well. Older cats may purr when they play with people or when they approach other cats, signaling they are friendly and want to come closer. Cats also purr when they are contented, such as when they are petted, again giving the signal "all is well". However, cats can also purr when they are distressed. Sick and injured cats and those in veterinary offices often purr. It is thought that this is the cat's way of reassuring and calming itself.
On the other hand, a dog who has separation anxiety will become very anxious when he senses his owner is about to leave. When the owner does leave, the dog often becomes destructive, barks or howls, may urinate or defecate, and may salivate profusely. A dog with separation anxiety will often be overly exuberant when his owner returns.
Cats are playful creatures. They love to play with strings, crumpled papers and flying insects. They love high places too. The height gives the cat a better observation point. From a higher location, the cat can survey his realm and become more aware of the activities of people and other pets. A higher place may serve as their concealed site from which to hunt. Cats also act like infants. They sleep like an innocent child, they want to feel your caress and they love to drink milk.
Dogs love house-soiling, destructive chewing, and running away. These are their natural behaviors but these could be minimized by housetraining. Most dogs are afraid of heights because they cannot assure themselves a safe landing when they jump. Dogs are not flexible as cats. However, dogs are vigilant – they watch and guard the house when the owner is not around. Dogs are also considered as man’s bestfriend – they act as companion, helper and working partner of man.
Cats don't sweat like humans and rarely, do we see them pant like dogs. Instead, they rely on the saliva evaporating from their bodies to cool them. If a cat's body temperature increases, it will tend to groom itself more, thus activating its own unique cooling system. This is the reason why cats don’t want to take a bath. If you force them, they will surely scratch or bite you. According to what I have read in a magazine before, the only way you can bathe a cat is to soak them into hot water not exceeding thirty degrees Celsius. It will help them keep their body warm.
Unlike cats, you can easily make arrangements with dogs when you want them to take a bath, but you need to know how to bathe them properly. Dogs should be bathed only when they are dirty or when they need a flea bath. Too much bathing removes the natural oils in their skin and fur, and can leave their skin dried out and flaky. This can cause frequent scratching too.
As we can see, people perceive pets as important and supportive parts of their lives. Cats and dogs, as pets, add exhilaration in man’s existence. Even though they have different behavior, they both correlate the same role in man’s life – cats can be man’s sweet little angels and dogs can be man’s best buddy.
DNA MYSTERIES: The Search for Adam
It is a learned man’s human nature to seek facts and raise arguments, which justifies his existence on this planet. They tend to uncover every mystery surrounding them. They seek for answers that have concrete evidences and proofs. That even their faith on the Bible is not enough to hold back their urge to know their history. Yes, a book written by a prophet of God is not enough to track down who is the first man on Earth.
However, the Bible is a big help in unfolding the mystery of our scientific Adam since the scientist’s first basis was taken out from some parts of the Bible. As what the narrator had said, “…the search for Adam has found great linkage between science and our faith…” It is quite compelling to know that somehow the latter can both work together.
The search for Adam had become a great part of man’s history. It has a big impact to me. I may not meet Adam personally, but I had a glimpse of how Adam lived and what Adam looks like. I am glad he does not look like a monkey after all. I was also astonished when I saw the scientific Adam because I really thought he is more likely to look like a European.
At some point, I am more convinced with the image of the scientific Adam than Michelangelo’s great paintings of Adam. It is because the beauty of art is not a reality. There are times we believe that it is an expression of life when it is actually not. On the other hand, the search for scientific Adam has a clear bases and evidences on how they come up with the idea that this is really how Adam look like. I believe that human beings are not perfect. And scientific Adam was not perfectly made. He does not look like Brad Pitt, yet he is certainly an image of real man.
Concerning with what I observed on the documentary film’s revelation, I have identified the four characteristics of history. It is scientific in terms of showing that by using DNA and getting an individual’s y-chromosome, we can trace back his connection to the very ancestor of all human beings, Adam. It is humanistic because it opens up the question how Adam lived his primitive world and where is the exact location of garden Eden. It is rational simply because it has well-explained bases and it can show us evidences. Lastly, it is self-revelatory because it is about “who is the man behind what we believe to be the first man on Earth?”
The scientist who had done that research has also the qualities of a historian. It shows that he has speculative mind and thoroughness in his work. He uses all existing historical sources that could possibly lead his research to success; from the oldest source, which is the Bible and man’s faith up to the remains and present people.
The film was very interesting. It actually motivates me to take up MSTs handled by Sir Rasco. (laughs)
However, the Bible is a big help in unfolding the mystery of our scientific Adam since the scientist’s first basis was taken out from some parts of the Bible. As what the narrator had said, “…the search for Adam has found great linkage between science and our faith…” It is quite compelling to know that somehow the latter can both work together.
The search for Adam had become a great part of man’s history. It has a big impact to me. I may not meet Adam personally, but I had a glimpse of how Adam lived and what Adam looks like. I am glad he does not look like a monkey after all. I was also astonished when I saw the scientific Adam because I really thought he is more likely to look like a European.
At some point, I am more convinced with the image of the scientific Adam than Michelangelo’s great paintings of Adam. It is because the beauty of art is not a reality. There are times we believe that it is an expression of life when it is actually not. On the other hand, the search for scientific Adam has a clear bases and evidences on how they come up with the idea that this is really how Adam look like. I believe that human beings are not perfect. And scientific Adam was not perfectly made. He does not look like Brad Pitt, yet he is certainly an image of real man.
Concerning with what I observed on the documentary film’s revelation, I have identified the four characteristics of history. It is scientific in terms of showing that by using DNA and getting an individual’s y-chromosome, we can trace back his connection to the very ancestor of all human beings, Adam. It is humanistic because it opens up the question how Adam lived his primitive world and where is the exact location of garden Eden. It is rational simply because it has well-explained bases and it can show us evidences. Lastly, it is self-revelatory because it is about “who is the man behind what we believe to be the first man on Earth?”
The scientist who had done that research has also the qualities of a historian. It shows that he has speculative mind and thoroughness in his work. He uses all existing historical sources that could possibly lead his research to success; from the oldest source, which is the Bible and man’s faith up to the remains and present people.
The film was very interesting. It actually motivates me to take up MSTs handled by Sir Rasco. (laughs)
THE UNHAPPY AREAS OF MY LIFE
I feel unhappiness in my life because I lost my faith to the person I love so much, my Catholic faith had shattered, I lack trust and confidence for myself, I discovered truths in life which I thought only exist in books and movies, and I let regrets and sadness tear me apart.
I am bitter with my previous relationship. I feel like I was being played. I blamed those stupid intruders who screwed up everything, I blamed myself for the chances I throw away, I blamed both our pride, and I even blamed God for letting me suffer that kind of pain. My Catholic faith had shattered primarily because of the strong influence of my college friends in higher years. It happened during my first semester in UP Mindanao. They share to me their insights and arguments about issues on different religions, and it was really convincing. I have insecurities over my classmates, friends and a cousin who is very intelligent. I feel like I am inferior to them. I am not the type of person who is very envious of what other people have. However, on those times, I really feel that way. I always have negative thoughts that I might flunk some of my subjects. I always stay away from my block mates because I did not feel belongingness. Until I had close ties with some of my upperclassmen. Somehow, I would prefer to call them “my drink mates” because our drinking sessions made me more acquainted to them. I am not really a drunkard, other people are just exaggerating the fact that I drink occasionally. I had an affair with someone. It was not really an affair because we never talked about “us” at all. Maybe it is better to name it as “modern mutual understanding”. I knew he has a girlfriend, but we are enjoying each other’s company. We always stay together and even spend time with each other. That’s how I perceive the situation. I know I have special feelings for that man, but I don’t know who I am for him. I really dunno and I don’t want to know. It breaks my heart knowing his girl loves him so much. That situation is also the reason why I believe, it is better not to have faith for someone than having it with that someone’s betrayal. At times when I stay alone, many things bother me. Moreover, when I get to scrutinize those little by little, I’m making myself regret. Looking back became a habit that causes me to feel so much pain all over again. I always cry and I hate it…really hate it. Blaming myself and regretting something has been a part of who I am.
I put in mind that things happen for a reason. God is always reasonable enough to give us trials. Life doesn’t have to be perfect. Human as we are we always commit mistakes but at least we learn. It is never wrong to have faith.
I seek God and feel Him in my heart. I forgive those who hurt me, and I forgive myself. I accept the things that happen in the past and just leave it there. I let go of my hatred, fears and insecurities. I get to live my life again. I allow myself to love, to trust, to have faith and to be happy. I appreciate whatever life would bring to me.
I am bitter with my previous relationship. I feel like I was being played. I blamed those stupid intruders who screwed up everything, I blamed myself for the chances I throw away, I blamed both our pride, and I even blamed God for letting me suffer that kind of pain. My Catholic faith had shattered primarily because of the strong influence of my college friends in higher years. It happened during my first semester in UP Mindanao. They share to me their insights and arguments about issues on different religions, and it was really convincing. I have insecurities over my classmates, friends and a cousin who is very intelligent. I feel like I am inferior to them. I am not the type of person who is very envious of what other people have. However, on those times, I really feel that way. I always have negative thoughts that I might flunk some of my subjects. I always stay away from my block mates because I did not feel belongingness. Until I had close ties with some of my upperclassmen. Somehow, I would prefer to call them “my drink mates” because our drinking sessions made me more acquainted to them. I am not really a drunkard, other people are just exaggerating the fact that I drink occasionally. I had an affair with someone. It was not really an affair because we never talked about “us” at all. Maybe it is better to name it as “modern mutual understanding”. I knew he has a girlfriend, but we are enjoying each other’s company. We always stay together and even spend time with each other. That’s how I perceive the situation. I know I have special feelings for that man, but I don’t know who I am for him. I really dunno and I don’t want to know. It breaks my heart knowing his girl loves him so much. That situation is also the reason why I believe, it is better not to have faith for someone than having it with that someone’s betrayal. At times when I stay alone, many things bother me. Moreover, when I get to scrutinize those little by little, I’m making myself regret. Looking back became a habit that causes me to feel so much pain all over again. I always cry and I hate it…really hate it. Blaming myself and regretting something has been a part of who I am.
I put in mind that things happen for a reason. God is always reasonable enough to give us trials. Life doesn’t have to be perfect. Human as we are we always commit mistakes but at least we learn. It is never wrong to have faith.
I seek God and feel Him in my heart. I forgive those who hurt me, and I forgive myself. I accept the things that happen in the past and just leave it there. I let go of my hatred, fears and insecurities. I get to live my life again. I allow myself to love, to trust, to have faith and to be happy. I appreciate whatever life would bring to me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)