What moments did I remember most? It was the year...

...Me & Our Youth Group went out & shined...some more! My gosh, did we do alot this year. We got pretty busy with our float & march out in the Town Parade, going into the homes & campuses of our youth, sweeping up the streets, holding our service in the town gym & praying for our Mayor & more. See here GenCon_Recap_of_2008

...I had my first cover on a Catholic magazine(Homelife) This was pretty interesting. What a cool opportunity to share me & what I do to this community. It was a good article. You could check it out on my archives here or on my multiply.

...I was able to reach out/help minister to more people than ever Through radio, TV, guestings, video podcast, speaking engagements, emails, one on one conversations. Just this year, appeared on Cell Phone TV. Lots of speaking engagements I got invited to speak at youth groups & camps from all over. 34 recorded invitations to be exact compared to last year's 28.

...I turned 11 years Christian(5-22-08) so that translates 11 years of no smoking, sex, drugs, alcohol, violence plus no backsliding.


...Got to color my Hair red Though it was a bit conterversial(me being a youth pastor), I got to use competing in Taiwan as an excuse though it was really something I also always wanted to do. That was fun & at least I got to cross this one out of my "Before I die List"

...Of the Tribal Wardrobe Shopping Spree! Our favorite urban clothing line decided to give us a sponsorship. We got to pick 3 tops & 2 bottoms of our choice that we'd wear to Taiwan. I always wanted to do something like this.

...Me & my band(NACLs) go Taiwan! All expense paid trip, got us feeling like rockstars though we're really far from that . What more could we ask for? Even if we didn't win the band competition, it was still an absolute win & one of the finest memories of our lives!

...I found out my sugar level was high And so I cut back alot & became more watchful & conscious about my sugar intake so I wouldn't get Diabetese. As a result, felt healthier & even lost weight.

...I lost my phone but I got it replaced with a cooler one I left it in a cab but then thank God I was not only able to get a upgrade, but was able to retrieve my old # which I plan to keep forever.

...Peggy Sue Pascual(PSP) came into my life! Waiting for my turn in gigs & for food & in line at LTO has never been the same eversince!

...The church of the Nazarene turns 100 We had a grand centennial celebration. I thank
God for my church denomination. Holiness rocks!

...I Admittedly Digged some chick-flicks Watsup with that I know! I won't mention the ones I watched & liked no more.

...I met alot of cool new people and friends you guys know who you are

...Finally got drum lessons! Thanks to my new friend Harald H. who plays drums for the band Shamrock. I was able to go up to Antipolo at his place to do a couple of sessions before the year ended. I hope to continue with them this year & hopefully keep improving my skills.
...I got the opportunity to minister to 345 blind kids at Glorietta Mall This has got to be one of the best Christmas Memories. What a blessing it was, I mean it made me feel like I was the one being ministered to. It was the first time I sang, playined harmonica & spoke to kids like these(definitely not the last). May God bless these Children.

...I became more in love & more deeper/stronger with Jesus My Lord! Nothing being walking closer with Him. Nothing would've been possible & yet everything became possible because of Him. Glory to you Lord!

This year had it's share of ups & downs but overall, it was pretty Astig! Gosh I felt like a carpenter this year(lagari!) with all the stuff that went on. It's gonna be pretty tough to top this one as i say every year. As predicted, 2008 was indeed great thank God! Can't wait to see what's next for me in this one. I'm ready for another new year & I can tell already that Twenty Oh nine, is gonna be fine! I may not completely know what's gonna happen, if my plans will be acheived, if there'll be bigger problems or challenges, but all I know is I'm hanging on to God for the ride!

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(REPOSTED FROM 2 CHRISTMASES AGO)

Anyone want this for Christmas?

Some Random Christmas thoughts:

"Christmas is the season when people run out of money
before they run out of friends." -Larry Wilde

If it was Jesus' birthday, why are you acting like it's yours? -me

I'd rather have a malamig na pasko but an on fire relationship with Christ rather than may ka- ON pero malamig naman relasyon mo sa Lord! Pero having both would be nice next year.hehe. -me

He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree.
-Sunshine Magazine

Imagine what might have been if Jesus were never born?

"Invite Him in this Christmas,
This Savior from above;
The gift He seeks you need not wrap-
He only wants your love."
-Berg

ASTIG TALAGA ANG PASKO!
A
S-on
T-o us
I-s
G-iven

Thanks to digital technology's remarkable breakthrough of DVBH(Digital Video Broadcat-Handset). If you or your friend's phone is capable, look for The Go Channel(Channel 15) & it will have a test broadcast, real time looped all throughout the day with me & co-host Sharon Yu(as shown above during our shoot) introducing stuff happening with Smart MyTv. Not sure about it internationally yet, but here in the country it just started playing & will be on this whole month before the launch. Just another one of my lil hosting rackets.

FYI(Foreigner Your Information): "Sana" means wish in Tagalog.

1. Sana...My Own Car

2. Sana...My own Laptop

3. Sana...More fruitful ministry!

4. Sana...Anything from Mark Echo, Tribal Gear, No Fear, Nike, Oakley or anything with a black and red combination

5. Sana...Makita ko na Siya

6. Sana...Cash(lovegift would be nice)

7. Sana...Pang-Tuition Money for Seminary(notice it's different from #7.hehe)
 
8. Sana...Food Trips(mango supreme, chewy chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, cakes atbp.)

9. Sana...Whatever/Kahit ano basta pinagisipan(it's the thought that counts) or anything cool that one sees that would be helpful to me & the ministry.

10. Sana...Your Prayers & Greetings/Encouragements

Copy & pasted from last year...well I admit I actually did have to edit & remove some though I thought I didn't have to. Who knows if there's someone very rich or loving enough viewing this who wants to help bless a brotha right? It was actually hard making this list because I couldn't really think of anything to put because really, I'm all good and content with all I got. It's been the best year of my life I really could say. So thank You Lord cause I already have everything I need and I'm already superblessed. These things would just be bonuses.

So it's been another year, my only hope & prayer is that my life has 'sana' been a blessing to more people this past year more than ever & that in this coming one, it could become an even greater blessing. Thank you Lord for this life & thanks everyone for being in it.

10. He Rocks Even if He Didn't Play or Make Rock Music!

This dude is hands down the biggest most influential local artist in the Philippines. I doubt anyone could argue with that except him maybe. He is among the most respected by other bands & artists. I mean Slipknot would be honored to do a Gary V. cover if only they knew who this guy is.

 

9. I don't Know Anyone Who hates Him Otherwise Anyone Who Does, Get's Hated for It.

Or whoever this is is most likely to be un-liked. If ever they didn't like him, they'd still love his music/performances. People of different musical genre or religon love this guy so there must be something wrong with you if you did. It's hard to deny or hate someone so talented-ly nice!

 

8. He is The Youngest 40+ Year Old Guy

When I grow grow old, I wanna be this young! After watching his next concert, you would think this guy is only celebrating his 25^th birthday & not his career. Do you know or seen anyone this age who ould move like that?

 

7. His Compositions

Will make you fall in love. Bagay gawin theme song ng mga love teams. Or I believe people would still like Gary even if they didn't like his songs. But most of all, his compositions will make you feel loved so you will fall in love with God. His music contains something more powerful than mere entertainment. You just can't count how many lives have been touched. Take Me Out of the Dark is one of the best songs for me.

 

6. Makes Us proud To Be Pinoy.

This guy is international! I remember in one of our conversations, we were talking about music. We came across Hillsong United & I was telling him how I met them whem while they were here. While he didn't catch them while they were in the Philippines, he did tell me he performed at Hillsong Church for them. Every where he goes, crowds watch & are amazed.

 

5. He's Only Human & Not Perfect

Yeah sure he's got flaws & shortcomings.(For all have sinned.) He's no superman even if it seemed like it. He's also got Diabetis & I remember him having to run some blood tests during his concert to check if his blood sugar level was ok. This definitely shows his human side. 

4. His Humility

So many great achievements but still, he's got his feet(&knees) on the ground. If ever you met, you wouldn't feel any air. You'd feel his sincerity. Even if you were a huge fan, he wouldn't make you feel starstruck cause being around him would make you feel like you were on the same level. Sometimes superstars have the right to be mean, but not with this guy. He even answers emails & manages his own multiply account.

 

3. The "Mr. Pure Energy" Title

No one has the right or is deserving/worthy enough to be called this. He does it all & you're always blown away by his performance. Being bored in a Gary V. concert is like saying fun or cool is boring. Even when he's sick, he still manages to pull it off. You'll just never get tired of watching his performances.

 

2. His Family

I remember my friend Ptr. Jesse saying that Gary V. is the greatest artist out there because he is one who could get his kids to come on stage & perform with him. Most superstars' kids hate their parents because they never have time for them. I'm friends with his sons Paolo & Gab & I've met Kiana & his wife Angeli. Very nice people. Looks like someones doing a good job being a father.

1. He is A Great  Example of an Absolute Hardcore Jesus Freak

Gary is undoubtedly a man of God. My favorite example of what against the flow means & is. I've been looking up to him. He showed that it's possible to be in the mainstream & yet go ATF. He's been my roloemodel in that. 25 years in the music/showbiz scene & you won't find him in no beer or alcohol  or any compromising ad. More than this man's music, performance, career, it's his faith I have been really so inspired by.

 

NOW GO WATCH THAT CONCERT! Visit www.garyv.com

Sorry readers. Lately, I've been having no time or can't think of a blog post but it has been easier plugging events by copy & pasting so here goes some more you guys should check out & I'll say a little something about them. And Since this is both a blog & a plug, thus explains the title of this post.

Starting off with my friend Acel's Album launch. She took a short break from the music scene to launch a baby & now she's back to launch & promote her new album. Please support this.  I will be there hosting the event as well.

Next up is our youth service Generation Congregation. We're launching a new theme this month that talks about eternity(Heaven, Hell, Purgatory...if there is one, etc.) It's always fun yet serious Sunday nights 6pm at TFCN L. Wood St. Taytay Rizal. Btw, our Church is also celebrating it's 30th Anniversarry on Nov. 16, 9:30am. For more pls. just visit gencon.multiply.com

Gary Valenciano who for me is the greatest most influencial Filipino artist the world has ever seen is set to have have his last major concert, at least that's what I heard. I believe it will be his greatest performance yet and there are tons of other cool guests & performers. Not to be missed. Better get your tickets while you can. I'll be there also to celebrate my years on planet earth. What an influence this guys has had in my life. I look up to him as the coolest hardcore Jesus Freak out there. Gary V. rocks!

My other radio program Perfect Rhythm will be having it's Listener Grand EB(eye Ball) on November 18, 5pm together with the 25th Celebration of APNTS(my current school) where PR is made(over at WMC media center). This is at the APNTS Compound Ortigas Ave Extension Tikling Taytay Rizal. With performances by Philippine All Stars(World HipHop Dance Champions), Acel, NaCLs(my band), Green Pastures & more!


Finally there's foreign worship act 'The Katinas'. Their old album "Lifestyle" is one of my favorite worship albums. I'll be going here right after our youth service. Watch out for my specials on them on my radio programs.

       



For more visit www.gencon.multiply.com or ask me