Wednesday, April 30, 2008

the first employment..

I didn't expect things like this. My friend whose working in an office contacted me and asking if I wanted to work. To be her assistant. Of course I really have to think about it. Considering that I am not yet graduated, no working experience, etc. I also doubt myself if I am capable of the work that will be given to me. She asked me if I am familiar with Windows Movie Maker(WMM) then I said yes! I've done some projects doing WMM. Then she said, "then good! text mo ko kung sure ka na.." And no hours passed until I accepted the offer. No requirements needed, no interviews, no practical examinations, just all verbal agreement. It made me decide faster knowing that it is summer, no classes and I have nothing to do at home. Besides, the verbal contract will took only 2 to 3 weeks depending on how fast will I work. Being excited about it, I ask people who are involved with the same school(school is where the work is), ask them where's the office and how to get there and fortunately, people are glad to help. I accepted it for me to gain experience and least priority would be the salary(plastik! haha!).

The day came that I should report at the office. I woke up very early about 4:30am(not used to waking up early! XD) I left the house 5:15am.. I rode bus and approaching edsa was a really devastating, rude, ugly traffic!!! the school is at Sucat, Paranaque. real far from home. And I came 2 hours late! haha! good thing one of my boss is my friend. And people are not that strict about time(maybe because it's summer.. school is not hectic). There they set-up the computer I'll be using. Yay! I have my own place at the office, with a company computer assigned to me. Well.. I am oriented but not like the strict office, it is an informal one. Were like friends in there. There's no pressures but should know your work. I being there, was supposed to edit the student's videos. It is a Christian music school. My work will be editing and furnishing the recitals videos of the students. Hearing those violins, drums, voice, piano, some are good, some are not yet good. But it's good seeing some potential musicians trained to serve God in the future. I play some instrument like Guitar, Drums, Viola, a little Piano, I know how to play but not good at it and hopefully I'll be like those kids someday. In my work assignment, at first it took me about thirty minutes to finish one project. But as I spend more time doing it, It's pretty easy getting the knack of it. And as I get the right hook and stroke, I could say even a thirteen year old could do what I am doing. And I got the chance of seeing the school. The field, laboratories, rooms, offices, and some familiar people are in there. Mostly are people who knew my dad(it's because we're once in a same denomination) and that gave me an advantage. Yup! it's a new thing to me. The surroundings, environment, of being an office man. But the work seems to be familiar because in my house, I spend lots of time facing the computer so it would be easy.


I truly enjoy working. When I work, commuting to office, etc., I feel the sense of independency in me. I feel like I am a grown man who knows everything in life. I decide where to ride going in there, I travel alone thinking of random things, blogging in my mind(out of nowhere, i crave for dictionary to find word meanings and definitions), and I do things in the office not only because I wanted to, but a responsibility. In home, where I do some computer stuffs, when i get lazy, I momentarily forget what I am doing and do other things instead. But in the office, there's when I get lazy doing things repeatedly(I guess most office works are like that), I remind myself, "this is not a non-sense stuff you do at home to kill boredom.. it is your job!" And from there I get pumped-up continuing work. It just happens that teacher beng and teacher monica(my bosses!) was playing browser games and I can't help watching and join them playing haha! So during little breaks, you'll see me playing diner dash!haha!

Today is the Labor day! tomorrow is my third day of my three weeks of work, I'm lucky to have experience a holiday.haha! Right now Maybe I should use this day to rest because I got colds and coughs. I got it when being exposed to heavy pollution(because of commuting). I remember at the office working with an uncontrollable flow of uhog in my nose. I've got a lot of plans to do today so I think I should take a little rest and continue my routine later....

Mind-Boggling/Blogging

Lately I was acting weird. Always being in a state where my mind is somewhere far from where it supposed to be. Mind-boggling! Yes it is somehow disturbing to be like this. I've been blogging for 2 or 3 weeks and I developed a habit where I blog within my mind. I don't know how or why but I'm experiencing addiction within blogging and writing. The urge to write simple and common things and events in a way it will be worth the effort to write and to be read. Last night, going home from work(sounded like I am a professional haha!), the usual thing, I rode MRT, FX, and jeepney. A jeepney ride going to baclaran, a walk to the MRT station, different people, different situations, random happenings, are there. Which gives me the excitement to write and can't wait to go home turn on the pc then do my thing. In the MRT, my route is from Taft to North Ave. Both station ends the MRT line which I ended up staying at the train sit for quite long time. And I'm there, long time of staring at peoples faces, seeing malls and buildings we passed through. I blog within my mind, I compose words and sentences on how will I narrate things I wanted to. Starting on the first sentences, some event details, climaxes, and how will I end. I'm tripping on words and enjoys mouth flowering words(but im not good at it!). I just only have this memory problem where I easily forget things and will remember it later. It is second from forgetting dreams and nightmares. As much as I wanted to get a pen and a paper in my bag to write some notes about my thoughts, the situation won't allow me since MRT at rush hours would always be crowded. Good thing I always have my cellphone with me in my pocket. I manage to record my thoughts in it even a simple words that would remind me of what I am thinking. And to share some notes I've wrote, "Baclaran, baho, mrt, vendors, singet, baliktad, pa ganun! Kamuning, martin! Ale tulak". If I am to read someone's phone with a note something like that, I would say it is a non-sense haha! Being in a "mind-blogging" state is something like someone only exist physically being in a certain place moving or not, and lacks presence, because the mind is somewhere making girly diary(just my stupid meaning XD). It really took me that I even inserted the metallic card in the MRT entrance the other side causing the machine not to accept it and I ended up being thought by others how to do the right way which I actually knew.

Before, I was a closed book where I can only count in my right hand fingers the people who know me by heart(that includes God and some special persons). If people would claim that they knew me and my humanity, I tell you, you've just seen a part of me. Being always a humorous person that cracks jokes, being an ice breaker, and sometimes the naughty one, people would know me as a happy go lucky person and an optimist who sees life with overwhelming happiness. But then, I discovered blogging and with those writers and blogs I've read, I got inspired and told myself "these people are great!" with an amazing blogs and articles that are created by youth just like me. And I said to myself "I have also thoughts like this and like that.. I can also make one!" It is just doing essays and free-hand writing(which I enjoy) during my high school days. And there it goes.. I am now a blogger. For now I have about 53 or 54 profile views(mostly my log-in views haha!). And those readers, who are majority are my friends, would somehow catch a glimpse of my whole being. By blogging, I am now opening a museum of my inside self. Letting others see what am I really. But what you see or what you read will stay here. I am the same me. Makulet, pilyo, sira ulo, loko-loko, komedyante. People know me that way and I enjoy portraying my self that way. I am not hindering anyone to read(even my siblings who secretly read this! anak ng! XD). I have my own thoughts, I write them not to please anyone. It's really this mind-blogging thing that annoys me. Maybe I'll start learning on how to act the normal way even blogging in my mind................

Monday, April 28, 2008

I R teacher

Finally! The Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) is over. Phew! I got so much in mind to put into my blog, I almost pre-concluded the things that will happen to the DVBS graduation. Good thing I fell asleep that night, I don't have the chance to post it and I can put up all those things happened more than I expected.

I, became a teacher for a week. And it was fun. Teaching those cute little preschoolers and toddlers. I enjoyed being with them, not to mention, I really really love kids. Witnessing the childhood of our future generation.

Yes it was real fun! You've teach them how to pray, tell stories, activities, connect the dots, clay, posting, stickers, crayon works, songs and actions and a lot more. It's a challenging thing to think of your part as a teacher on how you'll mold and leave a mark on those kids memories. As I first met my students, I was expecting children aging 4-6 years old who are studying so I can do a day-care-like teaching format. And they were there. I was surprised that most of them are like 2-3 years old and the rest are 3-6, and we have 8 year old preschool! I told myself this is going to be a difficult one.

Meet the students...

I have like 18 students but I want you to meet these kids who caught my attention, and somehow special to me.


Meet drew! One of my cutest and my favorite students. She's one real cute girl I'll never forget. She never go at least 3 meters away from her lola and was very shy. She dances and plays when we're not looking. And I never let the day passed without her giving me a sweet kiss at my left cheek.



And here's Patty. This sweet little girl has the wit and the charm for others to like her. She tells story(anything just to say something), asks me to go somewhere, wants me to sit in front of her, and anything just for her to get your attention and will hug you unexpectedly. (Yes I looked wasted!! those kids really drained me out!)















Lui.. This kid really amazed me! He's artworks are good. He already knows what he's doing. Adventurous and creative he is. There was an activity where we give them clay to make any figure they want, and out of all of their works(including some mommies that misses their childhood who makes the activity for their kids), some did circles, faces, and stuffs a 5 year old will make, but the one he created was I think a grasshopper or an ant I think. It's a detailed one that you won't expect from a boy like him. Though, It's really hard getting his attention and most of the time you see him running and running.


Here's Pia(left) and Aiyah(right).. they're cousins so you often see them together. Very smart and playful, you see it by their picture pia doing the peace sign! as if they already know a lot and it's funny that kids nowadays are thought(maybe their instincts haha!) on how to project when facing cameras.



Trixie! A wacky face she's portraying in this picture. This cute girl oftentimes speak the "K-language". "Kuya jimbo anu ba kakawin natin ngaun?" replaces G with letter K so it goes something like that. And that first picture is me drawn by her. cute!
At the left was cheska together with her cousin patty, lui, and me. I was amazed at Cheska's eagerness to join the DVBS even though she has this mumps still she goes. And yes I knew I can also have it, but then I don't mind it as long as these kids should enjoy the time being my students.

My most Outstanding student Ren-Ren. Good at artworks and listens to every story I share to them. He even helped us teachers by encouraging his classmate to behave when they have to. Sometimes maharot but It's normal and knows when to stop.


Carhl! The cutest, but the pinakamakulit of them all. He goes anywhere and hides anywhere. It's hard for him to stay in a certain place. That's why we have to approach him in a playful way. We always play "the superman" where I toss him upwards and catch. He gives me most of my headache and joy when he, calls my name "kuya jimbo!!"



The last but not the least.. Centie! First look and somehow you'll notice somethings wrong with him. My class should have the age of 6yrs old and below but Centie, he is already 8 year old. Yup! but his mental capability was close to 3 or 4 years old. He can't speak clearly, he don't know how to read or write, even connecting the dots is a hard thing for him to do. That's why I always give him extra attention. He may not be that normal but I see a playful child in him and a child that also needs attention.

oooooh.. it's really hard teaching those kids but after all those hard work is a fulfillment seeing them graduated with those ribbons hanging in their shirts and a smile on their face. Some, are asking when will be the next DVBS?? maybe they want more! (5 days is enough!!! XD) I asked some if they enjoyed the whole week.. and they replied yes! patty said to me.. "sana kuya jimbo ikaw nalang ulit teacher namin" and that gave me a pinch to my heart. Makes me think that I've done something good.

Well... It's a good thing I didn't experience maghugas ng pwet ng bata! they say It's a voucher of being a true preschool teacher. If that's so, I'm off being a teacher! haha! just kidding =D I'm lucky to be only like a basahan where my shirt gets all their sipon, laway, pawis, and any unnecessary thing. But It's all part of it! .......................

Friday, April 25, 2008

Welcome to manhood


Heard over the news about this man whom I think about 35-40 years old who finally cuts the line and reassures himself of being a MAN!! Circumcision is what I'm trying to say. Yup! you heard it right. A fully grown man reaches that age before he decided to do the "ribbon-cutting". Surely it takes a lot of guts for him to bear the fact about his situation. It is like carrying a boulder of rock with a label "supot pa ako!". After the circumcision, he was asked how it feels to be circumcised. "I feel very happy now that I am circumcised, Now I feel complete!". Two thumbs up for manong!!! XD

Satan deceives.


A while ago I was watching tv. Gag shows, music channels, (no cable tv for now.. =( missing the HBO, Cartoon Network, and the WWE superstars)and everything that catches my short span of attention. While surfing through channels, my eyes got hooked up watching 700 club asia. Being a Christian and a person who attends church and bible studies regularly, I was educated into things about religion(I am not a saint!) and about God so 700clubasia would not be a priority for me to watch.

What interests me is about those satanists who confess and became Christians. Lots of questions came to me.. How did they worship satan?? Is there any rituals or ceremonies?? What urges them to worship satan?? How would they know satan's will?? in general, How to live a life being with satan??

As I think of random things within myself, I was wondering why these things interests me. Did I desire to be one of them?? Absolutely no!(Groar!!) Think of an attractive small white jar with colorful images covering it tied with a big red ribbon and your mom told you NOT to open it until she come back. Uhmmm........ of course out of curiosity, I'll open it. That's why we seek for the things that are new to us, that are seldom talked about. If you have 2 boxes of chocolates, one is already opened and saw what's inside, and the other one is unopened and looks attractive, which one would you pick?? of course the unopened one.

Now going back to the satan thing..

What urges them to be a satanist?? This guy(I'm not good at names and references so let's assume his name was "Leopoldo"), Leopoldo, once believe in Christ. A sudden accident happen with his mom and his mom died(to make the story short). From there, he decided to be a satanist. I know he believes in Jesus but refuses to worship Him because of what happen to his mom, and to show serious disobedient to God, he worshiped satan. This section of the story really caught me. Leopoldo, being a satanist, actually saw satan himself! and I learned that not only Leopold who saw satan but every satanist.

Leopoldo says: "Nakikita ko siya. Nakakausap ko na parang kaibigan. Normal lang."

interviewer: "How does satan look?"

Leopoldo: "Yung nakikita natin sa tv na me sungay at buntot, hindi po siya ganun. Very attractive si satan".

That clearly reminds me of satan, once, being a dominant the most beautiful angel in heaven. But as satan, appearing in front of you is a real creepy thing! I'm starting to have goosebumps from where I am seated(rrrrr!). Satan once personifies as a serpent in the garden of eden. It may not be his real appearance but they're sure It's satan. Maybe some would thought that Leopold is in some mental problem but the way I watched the program, I say It's fairly the usual thing. And hey! I'ts the 700 club asia, followers of Christ don't lie in a national television. I have encountered some articles, I've read about Marilyn Manson's few interviews(Marilyn Manson is an antichrist and a reverend at the church of satan.), the conversation was something like this..

interviewer: Marilyn Manson, where did you get your concepts when writing a song??

Marilyn: "I get my songs from satan. I play my old tracks listening to it, and I summon satan in front of me. Doing some rhythms and satan gives me the lyrics and there it goes."

interviewer: Can you summon satan?

Marilyn: "Of course I can. I do that every time."

I forgot the precise detail about the conversation, but the conversation is something like that if I'm not mistaken.(I told you I'm not good at references) At first I don't believe Marilyn. Given the fact that he's a complete psycho. But after what I watched, Yes! I now believe him!

Leopold also was fascinated by music. With that, he wished satan to boost his music skills and the charm for girls. Leopoldo says, for satan to do that, there's a deal. The first 10 years of indulgence with girls, sex, fame, money, and everything, would be free. But for the 11th year, he should offer a life as a sacrifice for him to extend his indulgence. Human to be specific. And not only an ordinary man, but the one who's close to him(family members, uncle, girlfriend, etc). Remind me of the movie "Bedazzled" has anyone remembered the movie?? Brendan Fraser sold his soul to Elizabeth Hurley(played as satan) for 10 wishes just to make the girl fall in love with him. (better watch the movie).

When it comes to music, I remembered Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, and many other artists that we looked up to as pioneers and legends when it comes to music. Yes they were good! their songs are immortal and being played in the radio upto now. But I have also read articles about them being an antichrist. (go on search google) Is their skills came from satan?? more likely.

Leopold also says that there are lots of antichrist who are involved in media, music, and television, which has the opportunity to corrupt minds of people especially the minds of the youngs. Leopold reveals that evil works hide in kiddie cartoons where monsters, children, and evil in the story became friends which is not what should really happen in reality. Reminds me of the red guy in the cartoon "cow and chicken". Video games are also a huge factor(I'm guilty of it!).

Well.. I myself have Christ in me. now that's a fact! hahaha! It seems you are wondering why I do know a lot about evil things. Yes I was interested about it. Not because I want to do it, but because I want to be conscious of my acts. I don't want to unintentionally commit sin. As what I'm always saying, we have our brains to analyze, to think, and rationalize. Don't just sit there and let people direct your thoughts, instead make your own.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

summer means being bored at home =D


What are you expecting to do when summer vacation strikes?? Going somewhere in batangas?, beaches in Zambales?, a resort in Laguna?, Puerto?, boracay?, or an out of country vacation? I myself had gone batangas, sleepover at sta maria bulacan, foodtrip at calumpit, and many places. It's fun! with those sunburns, and sando line(just like bikini lines but a sando). I've met people, saw different places and, being in a different community, bond with my friends, taking pictures and a lot more. Everyone is expecting great this summer. 2 months of less worries about school (yes i know you take summer class so I'm not including you!) and many things set aside.

But!summer and vacation is actually not an everyday party for me. No school means no allowance. Without money I can't buy things I want(for now, I don't want anything so I think it's ok), can't go to places I wanted to(Friends place, malls, etc.). I can ask my parents for money and of course they hand me but not at all times(and of course they don't want to spoil me too much we don't have that much resources). Whenever there's an opportunity of going out, I go. But during ordinary days. I stayed home doing nothing. Eat my breakfast, play the piano, watch television, browse, then in the midnight, Through blog, I evaluate myself being surprised, "ooh! i accomplish this! I accomplish doing nothing!" haha! A zombie without a purpose haha! But as i look into some of my friends, hey! i'm not the only one who's like this! there's many others out there and some are even worse than me haha!

This day, I knew I've done something worthwhile. I do the laundry(as always) and as a reward, I got 7 pesos and 35 cents out of the pants of my family members who doesn't appreciate the value of barya! haha! that's almost a minimum jeepney ride or a chippy with 1 boybawang!haha! do you have laundry? leave it to me! just kidding! haha!

Ooooh!! it's getting hotter and hotter here. I better took my
bath before i collapse! enough for now..

The popular christian band DC talk.. christian or not??

Yes, we are familiar with these guys. The band who popularize the song "jesus freaks". From it, many Christians uses the same term "jesus freaks" as a title describing them to be an enthusiast of God. Let me remind you guys especially DC talk fans, the articles contains negative contents about DC talk . You may find yourself struggling on which side to choose. Just like when i first read all of these (will i hate dc talk?? or will i continue hearing their music??). I say, God has given us our brain to think. To analyze, to rationalize, and to be conscious of our acts. I can say i am in neutral grounds uhmm.. 70% is not for DC talk, 30% is for DC talk! LOL. For me, the music video was a little creepy (the producer who they worked with is an antichrist according to the article) I'm not really a fan of them but i knew some of their songs. I get the good things out of them and their songs, and rejects the bad ones(or what they called evil). It's a very long article. You might get bored but It's worth the read. =D


"Jesus Freak"? -DC Talk is of the devil

DC Talk's video "Jesus Freak" is one of the most popular Christian video's ever recorded...

But, how "Christian" is it?

"Jesus Freak" was directed by an Englishman named Simon Maxwell. And who is Simon Maxwell? Simon Maxwell is video director for the satanic and blasphemous Nine Inch Nails!

DC Talk openly admits to watching one of Nine Inch Nails videos, and liked Maxwell's style. "We had seen some of Simon's work with Nine Inch Nails", says DC Talk vocalist Toby McKeehan. "HIS STYLE APPEALED TO US." (Billboard, November 11, 1995)

Have you seen the "ultra-blasphemous" video "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails? It shows a monkey crucified on a cross!

Here's a clip from Nine Inch Nails video "Closer"!

DC Talk openly admits to watching this kind of blasphemy!


"If you think I WORSHIP SATAN because of something you see in the 'Closer' video [with its images of a crucified monkey]- great!"
(Trent Reznor, People, Feb. 6, 1995)

You talk about wicked satanic, blasphemy! And DC Talk proudly admits to watching Nine Inch Nails videos and liked them so much they hired Simon Maxwell to direct and produce their "Jesus Freak" video!

And believe me there's NOTHING CHRISTIAN about the video!

Even Billboard magazine says of the video, "The clip's slick style and in-your-face imagery could easily fit between cutting edge video's from the likes of Nirvana to Nine Inch Nails. . ." (Billboard, Nov 11, 1995)

Simon Maxwell says the process of creating the DC Talk clip wasn't MUCH DIFFERENT from what he did on the Nine Inch Nails video. (Billboard, Nov 11, 1995)

Nine Inch Nails, lead by Trent Reznor, who even Spin magazine calls the "Evil One" (Spin, April 1997). Trent Reznor is personally responsible for the "huge-mainstream" success of the "perverted-blasphemous-Satanist" Marilyn Manson. Manson, a member of the Church of Satan, says in Spin, Aug. 96 (p.34), "Hopefully, I'll be remembered as the who brought an end to Christianity". Manson's latest album is "AntiChrist Superstar".

In the understatement of the year, Toby McKeehan told Billboard magazine, ". . . the intention of the clip was to "push the envelope" of the Christian music community. . . they expect some of the more CONSERVATIVE members of the Christian community to FROWN on the adventurous clip." (Billboard, Nov 11, 1995)

God help us! God help us, that we as Christians let groups like dc Talk hide behind a "Christian" label and "pervert" our Christian young people!

A reporter for the San Diego North Country Reader, (February 29, 1996) covering a dc Talk "Freak Show" concert made these not-surprisingly, but sad words of testimony from some young people, ". . . we both laughed during the buildup for the encore of "Purple Haze/Jesus Freak" as several young booty shakers cried, almost in unison, 'These guys are the s*@!, man.'"

There is a CLEAR "testimony" of the "fruit" of dc Talk! Young people listening to them and spewing PROFANITY!

The words of the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 7:16-10, ring "loud and true"!

"Ye shall know them by their FRUITS. . .
every good tree bringeth forth good FRUIT;
but a CORRUPT tree bringeth forth EVIL fruit. . .
Wherefore by their FRUITS ye shall KNOW them."
Matthew 7:16-20

Christian parents and youth ministers are naively sending their children to DC Talk concerts thinking they're providing a "Christian" alternative to the world. Tragically, DC Talk (and other demonic "Christian" Rock stars) are "spiritually" feeding their young people with Satanic poison!

And even worse — in the name of Jesus Christ!

Young person, parent, pastor, youth minister — whoever you are reading this — are you so "spiritually" blind you can't see this!

Or are you so "filled" with rock music — you just don't care!

Wake up young person!

Wake up pastor!

Wake up parents!

Quit sacrificing your children like "innocent lambs to the slaughter" to these C-rock "stars" "which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves!" (Matt 7:15)

DC Talk Examined

by John and Kathy Beardsley

Article as it appears in The Christian Conscience June 1996


Christian Rock or an excuse for Christians to Rock? --- the band DC Talk Examined

The fun started the day a promotional tape came to our church for the DC Talk "Jesus Freak Tour" which was about a month before their concert on the evening of May 16th at the Rapid City Civic Center. I sat down at home and watched their video and was quite surprised by what was introduced to me as Christian music. I was so surprised I wanted to learn more. Little did I know the roller coaster ride I was stepping onto! I requested tickets from CMA, the promoters of DC Talk telling them I sought to write about the group for The Christian Conscience Magazine. Their hospitality in providing two tickets is appreciated. In part of my explanation as to why I wanted to attend, I told the promoters, "I believe Christians should have nothing to hide." My pastor puts it another way, "The truth never fears examination."

Who is the Group DC Talk?

DC Talk was formed in 1989 by [Toby] McKeehan and [Michael] Tait in Washington, D.C. DC Talk was a reference to the area, but their record label suggested they counter "vulgar stuff" out there by saying "DC" stood for "decent Christian" talk." (2)

"The group won Artist of the Year and Song of the Year at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards in April. It was the first time a rock group or rock song had been honored in either catagory." (1)

The Album "Jesus Freak" is DC Talk’s latest work and sold 85,000 copies in its first week. "There are a lot of kids who come to see us on the road. Some of them like the music for its sheer listening pleasure." says Kevin Smith of DC Talk (1) "But its nice when fans go deeper and hear what Smith, 28, McKeehan, 31, and Michael Tait, 30, have to say as artists," Smith says.

The music’s message is as strong as the driving rock beat of "Jesus Freak," and as heartfelt as the lyrical beauty of their song "What if I Stumble." (1) Some of DC Talk’s musical role models are the Beatles, David Bowie, The Police, U2. [Ed. Note: these are ALL secular bands]

II Corinthians 6:14 reminds us:

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

"I think Jesus would have liked our music." "I think he would have appreciated the message, the stand we’re taking."- Kevin Smith of DC Talk (1)

The Message and Stand of DC Talk — Our First Hand Account

"And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, [There is] a noise of war in the camp. And he said, [It is] not the voice of [them that] shout for mastery, neither [is it] the voice of [them that] cry for being overcome: [but] the noise of [them that] sing do I hear. And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.." (Exodus 32:17 - 19)

The evening of May 16, 1996 my wife, Kathy, and I went to the Rapid City Civic Center to see for ourselves why DC Talk is so popular. We did not anticipate the decibel level at which the band played, but thankfully, the Lord provided earplugs through a friend working security. We knew the music would be loud, but not the earsplitting level we experienced that evening. We spotted eighteen speakers over head on each side –36 speakers in all.

The tickets we were provided placed us in row one to one side of the stage. From our seats we could see at least 18-20 support staff as well as 5 police officers for security. We both noticed a surprisingly large number of young children at the concert ranging in age from approximately 5 years to preteen. I guess most parents felt safe taking or letting their young children go to a "Christian" concert.

Just before the concert began an announcer cautioned that the dance floor area (otherwise known as the "mosh pit") on the opposite side of the stage from where we were, was restricted to those who were eighteen and above. A couple of representatives from one of our local Christian stations did a bit of a theatrical introduction. I could not help but notice the earrings one of these men was wearing along with his "two tone" hair; it was quite a sight to behold.

The time arrived for the concert to begin, lights dimmed and the first band Audio Adrenaline came on stage. Suddenly a large number from the audience left their seats and rushed forward to be near the stage. At about the same time the band played the first bass beat and this crowd began to jump up and down to the music.

An extremely loud and incessant heavy bass beat was the predominant trademark for both bands for the entire evening. The musicians of Audio Adrenaline stirred-up the crowd as they thrashed their heads around, and bounced around the stage to their hard rock music. Kathy and I decided after the first couple of songs to move away after one girl jumping wildly near us knocked down another Thankfully they were both okay.

There was virtually no self control near the stage. This crowd was "high" on the loud music. On the third song we carried out our decision to move up and further away which gave us a better view but unfortunately no relief of the pounding bass beat we would feel in our chests until the concert ended.

Just when we thought things could not get nuttier, Audio Adrenaline played the secular rock song Free Ride. The crowd cheered wildly and went bananas, obviously recognizing the secular artist who wrote the song. They jumped harder and a small group in the front started waving their bodies around to the music in what is called a "mosh." Then someone was lifted on top of the crowd and was moved around by the crowds hands in a "body surf." This maybe mellow compared to a "secular" rock concert --- but should Christians behave like this?

Towards the end, even one of the Audio Adrenaline band members jumped on top of the crowd for a "surf" creating an atmosphere for chaos. All the while the music was so loud if anyone could hear the words it wasn’t enough to get a message from, hence, the reaction was to the "rock" beat not the words. After some 45 minutes Audio Adrenaline finished their session.

During the intermission I looked around to see what kind of items were for sale. Did they have books sharing their testimony? Or anything which would identify them with Christ? I didn’t find any. Instead, all I could see on the tables were T-Shirts promoting the bands, pendants, key-rings and pictures of the band at what I thought were exorbitant prices. Anyone going to this concert paid $18.50 just to get in, so I guess it should not have been a surprise.

The Eye and the Freak

The intermission ended and the stage was completely rearranged. A very elaborate lighting array encompassed the band and stage. The lights dimmed, the heavy bass started and the crowd was jumping again. DC Talk also added a video screen behind them and as they played various pictures were shown with some songs. Other frames had abstract colors similar to what you might see in an old ‘60s movie portraying those weird acid rock groups!

In the video for the song Mind’s Eye some of the pictures went from abstract to bizarre. The video flashed pictures of a human eye then switching to the eye of an eagle or a hawk, it was hard to say, from soaring above scenery of the outdoors, through clouds and this sequence repeated a few times. Then it switched to that of flying into a lightning storm which really was weird, a spot on the cloud would light up and the bolt of lightning followed, all very fast and sometimes several at once. Then it switched back to the human eye flashing back and forth with that hawk or eagle eye. Just the name of the song I believe gave it more than a New Age theme, whether the band knows that or not!

Numerous strobe lights which were used during certain parts of DC Talk’s session along with a combination of the other effects. An interesting thing we noticed was that every time DC Talk played a secular song such as the Beatles’ Help and the Doobie Brothers’ Jesus is Just Alright With Me, the crowd got louder and more excited. DC Talk also used, Jimi Hendrix’s, Purple Haze [Editor note: a drug reference], and the sound of the mouthpiece instrument made famous by the Rock singer, Peter Frampton. Each time either band did anything secular the amount of body surfing increased as well as other behavior unbecoming of Christians. That should suggest that the majority of the crowd was there for the "rock" music and the Christian aspect had nothing to do with it.

Let’s not forget ---the members from both bands encouraged the behavior and took part in it! Two of the DC Talk band members jumped off stage into the crowd and the third band member jumped off sound equipment that sat on the stage which made his jump higher. Appearing to be about five feet above the raised hands of the crowd from where we were sitting.

One of the DC Talk Band members, when introducing their main song Jesus Freak, explained how he was trying to come up with some lyrics and that he opened his dictionary and "stumbled across a word in the ‘F’ section" – The crowd cheered loudly before he went on to say what the word was--- "freak.". then proceeded to give definitions of the word:

1. Strange, weird or queer.

2. Jokingly saying, "I don’t remember, uh, Bill Clinton."

3. Lastly, "An ardent enthusiast," inferring they are ardent enthusiasts for Jesus Christ, to which the crowd roared loudly once again.

A Strange Gospel Presentation

Through the DC Talk session which ran about one hour and forty minutes, the band members spoke of God in general terms only. I noticed how often the band leader, kept saying "God is coming again." Perhaps I’m not used to hearing it put that way, but I tell people, "Jesus is coming again!" I found his statements to be confusing and almost misleading at times.

The band leader did say, there’s a God who forgives us when we stumble, which led into one song I could half way understand. DC Talk also quoted from a Bible translation I am unfamiliar with. He said, "…anyone who dislikes his fellowman is not in the light…" meaning, he is not right with God. The Bible says in 1 John 2:9-11:

"He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."

"Disliking someone" versus "hating" someone is one example of changing what the Bible says.

The stand for Christ at the end of the concert given by one of the band members started with "People will let you down," and "I’m not here to preach". While some of what was said was good, "people letting you down whereas Jesus Christ won’t," his message ended with the words "Any kind of pressure is wrong, I don’t want to put any pressure on anyone" and "Just ask someone walking around you"—in reference to finding out more about "this Jesus."

Though the band members spoke of their personal struggles and briefly mentioned that Jesus carried them through, they weren’t explicit in telling the crowd HOW they can know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. ---They left the responsibility to the unsuspecting people in the crowd, who the majority it would seem, cared more about beating everyone else out the door!

Case in point: Many folks had already left the auditorium when they realized the music was over and more were leaving as the band member started talking!

During a break in the middle of the concert, the band members took time to share with the audience. That should have been the perfect time to give a salvation message, knowing the crowd would stick around for the music following. Unfortunately, the opportunity was completely missed. It was truly heartbreaking to see so many left hanging when there was opportunity to plant seeds of salvation.

A Message of Compromise

Smith said, referring to Jesus, "I think He would appreciate the message, the stand we’re taking." My question is: What stand did he take? What message did he give the people other than you know how to compromise with the world; using their music, speaking in adoration of the people who wrote the secular music, making your role models those who are of the secular world? Some of these role models you chose are anti-Christian and are of the world and not of God.

A lesson to be learned!--- When you compromise with the world, you will end up doing things their way, not God’s. Labeling something "Christian" doesn’t make so. As a Christian, can you stand apart from the world when you blend in so well? How are they going to know?

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)

We believe DC Talk and their music are prime examples of compromising these verses in the Christian realm. When I put this together with other statements by Smith in an interview with our local paper,

"None of the three band members is a member of an organized Christian denomination." Smith, "We follow the person of Jesus Christ." Then Smith goes on to say, "We feel the Christian belief is a personal belief, that it’s not something that can be taught."

What about Bible verses like: II Timothy 3:16?

"All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

The interview points out that Smith was raised in a Christian family like the other band members and he says, "I grew up knowing theology, but I didn’t know a personal relationship with God until I found it by myself."

Compare Smith’s statement and his music to the following verses:

"And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more. Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:15-17)

Does this kind of music reflect the new or the old? DC Talk was right, people let you down. Their "sermon," was the biggest let down and most irresponsible one I have ever heard.

Bodysurfing, Moshing and Headbanging for Jesus?

"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen…" (Jeremiah 10:2 )

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord…" (II Corinthians 6:17)

Yes! The "Bodysurfing, Moshing and Headbanging" we witnessed on the video was largely the reason we saw the need to research and write this article. No one we talked to has ever heard of this behavior in the name of Christianity. In fact, DC Talk says in their promotional video, "we want to get a good mosh pit going and some head-banging." As to the bodysurfing, well the band participates! Does this sort of behavior align to scripture? Consider the following scriptures:

"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfill] the lusts [thereof]." (Romans 13:13-14)

Are Christian parents so naïve that they do not see the "fleshly" appeal to their teenagers? What about the riotous atmosphere? They passed people across the top of a crowd with their hands, on their front and back, boy and girl alike!!!

How about the extremely loud volume? It was earsplitting in a literal sense, I listened through one song, and my ears were ringing. Are not our bodies considered a temple for the Holy Spirit? Why do Christians want to subject their eardrums to abuse? Why is it necessary to promote this kind of behavior, much less be a part of it? Do we agree with the worldly philosophy of "safe sex," and say, "Well they’re going to do it anyway?"

What about the children at this concert? Kathy and I both saw different reactions from the small children some were mimicking the adults, others were in a stupor sitting quietly as the music droned on and on. We even had one boy pass in front of us saying to a friend, "Now all I have to do is get my hearing back." – That was only halfway through the concert! We were saddened more by watching these young kids than anything else. What must be going through the heads of these children?! For both of us our sadness turns to anger against anyone who would corrupt our children like this! What did Jesus say about the little ones?

"And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea." (Mark 9:42)

Sadly, even the promoters for the band echo the same sentiment one of our local Christian radio stations did, these are the "thing to do" with kids at concerts. Has God changed, or have we? A local response to a letter to the editor of our newspaper concerning these activities that would occur, compared Christian Rock to David dancing in the Temple. So, are we now going to start charging $18.50 a seat to worship?

The verses in the Bible are numerous which speak against these activities, even though the promoters have argued, "it is well orchestrated and safety is a priority," this does not change the fact that the behavior is not Christian. I have spent over a week thinking of how to convey the danger and deception of the music and behavior. It comes down to what does the Bible say? What are the standards for Christian music set forth in the Bible? Do musical forms reflect beliefs? Where is the line? Where does the Christian set their standards? We must agree on Christian behavior, do you participate in these things?

I was saved out of the rock scene. Why would I want to enslave myself to this worldly lifestyle again? While speaking with Sarah Leslie, Editor of the Christian Conscience, she pointed out that

"The use of the term "freak", according to its original meaning, has now been turned completely around. Those who were hippie counter-culture "freaks" were radically saved. When we were called "Jesus Freaks" in the ‘70’s, it was a reference to our past life, but also implied being willing to live for Jesus in a holy, sober and righteous manner that ran completely contrary to the popular hippie culture --- in other words becoming a new type of "freak".

DC Talk has twisted the term completely around to mean Christians mimicking the popular culture --- willing to act wildly, moshing, head-banging, etc. (like "freaks") to spread the Gospel."

I have to ask why would we ever use such a word as "freak" to describe our fervor for Jesus Christ? Why do we need to "dress down" as these band members do? Do we need to do this to be accepted? Do we have to cross-dress to reach cross-dressers?

The Rock and Roll culture is a subculture, on the fringe of our society. Is this kind of music Christian? No, I do not believe it is. Are the band members Christians? Perhaps, it is hard to tell if you go by the music and the words, only God knows the heart. At best this was a Rock n’ Roll concert performed by some misled Christians. Parents beware!

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4)

i got stinky, i got dirty, but see i earn.. earn more closer relationships! at calumpit =D


Well well well.. another place i've been to is at Calumpit, Bulacan. I just got home a while ago and after took my bath, I immediatey do my blogging session while my mind is still.

Yes im in there a while ago. I was ask if i could help my friends in there to prepare for their upcoming church activity for the next day. At first i hesitated. Oooh! Calumpit is pretty far from where i am.. imagine quezon city going to calumpit bulacan?? well.. not a surprise. ( I've travelled from home to nueva ecija without knowing where exactly is my destination) Yes it's way far from novaliches (where i live).. not to mention, the heat of summer. harmful sun, dry heat, plus the heavy traffic. But despite hindrances, still i go. I knew it would be better than staying home and waste another day of my life doing nothing.

After a long ride, i came! A little excited about seeing some friends in there. A short rest and a lunch, we went to the place where we'll do the work. The acitivity is about "Filipino Games" if im not mistaken, and will be held in a bukid. yes it was a bukid! a field! It's been a long time since i stepped foot on a bukid. For an innocent little boy like me who grew up playing play station instead of luksong baka or patintero, seeing askals, puskals, rabbit size rodents and roaches instead of carabaos, goats, and cows, makes me ignorant of things surrounding me. Oh yes i always see them on television, pictures, but i hardly see real ones. Then we came in the site. Grasses are scattered. Insects, frogs(rrrrrrr!!!), and unfamiliar little creatures are everywhere. What we need to do is to build a tent-like roof to serve as a quarter or a comfortable place for them to stay. Kuya Mark, Ate Lean, Ate Grace, and Ate Lean's cousin(forgot the name), with their wit and creativity, the job is well done! thanks to them.. i only do the tabas and the raking thing. Actually, kuya Mark does more work than me LOL.. Who said that cutting grasses using itak is easy?? and kalaykay too?? think again! because you might end up with an itchy hands and arms. After that, the area is nice and clean (good enough!) unlike when we came. And the tent is good too! We went back to Ate Lean's house to take some rest and merienda!! It's always a part of everything s Filipinos! MERIENDA!!!

And friends came.. there goes Rov coming from school to ate lean's house. Minutes later, Joyce came. And there we go. chit chatting, laughing, some stories, and kuya Mark and ate Grace are still busy putting up holes in the pipes as a material for the tomorrow's activity. I was there observing, not much of a word coming out of my mouth. More on facial expression (if you don't know what to say or what to do, your face can do it for you! it's effective!) And as i was observing i notice Joyce. Knowing her of being a jolly and talkative. Yes! talkative but not of what i expected. blah! blah! blah! hahaha!!! super makwento yet entertaining added the fact that she looks pretty even doing crazy things. And there's also Rov. Rov is seemed to have the probinsyana accent when speaking although not all the time but when you were with her you'll notice it. Makes anyone think of her as an innocent girl. But not for me, I've known her! lakas mangasar nyan! haha! a little childish and makulet makes her really cute. Ate Lean was also there. She is the one i know really well. Being in there, i hide myself in her shadows when facing other people. I was like her little brother holding a big lollipop on my right hand, baloon tied on my left hand, wearing a jumper shorts, and wears a mickey mouse hat. I go wherever she go and do whatever she does. I was like a child lost in Calumpit LOL! Truly, she does a lot for me when i was in there and I'm very thankful about ate Lean.
(anak ng tipaklong!! ganda ng write up ku sa inu tatlo ah?? manlibre ulit kayo next time haha!)

Rain came that time so we spend more time at ate Lean's house watching Uber hoping the rain would stop. Rain stopped and we went to church. We just go there to check the place to be ready for tomorrow's activity. And after, they decided to go somewhere. I, being a stranger in their place, of course would go with them. A jeepney ride and there it is! I saw white smoke and a crowd. "where there is smoke, there's ihaw!" i knew it! In a rescue operation, a white smoke signals for help, but for me, white smoke means GRILLED!! isaw to be specific. But there's a lot more than isaw in there. It's a kind of restaurant where they serve hot on the grill foods. And more surprisingly, customers are expected to eat with kamay! (your hands as
utensils) yes! i do kamay when eating but what struck me is it's the first time I eat in a restaurant with kamayan system. (yah i know they exist, but I didn't expect I'll experience it that night) And it was good! food is great, together with my loka loka friends with me. (peace!)

Truly I enjoy the company of my friends in there. Ate Lean, Joyce, Rov, Kuya Mark, Ate Grace, thanks a lot for the.. for the... you know what is it! If I went to batangas with my other friends, I may not have this experience I've been to. I'm glad I did sonething that helped others, and not only to people but also to God and I'm truly greatful. And that would not be the last I promise. As Gen. Douglas McArthur said " I Shall Return!"

thanks for the chocolate! love it!! =D

hate that i love it! dota allstars.. yeah yeah im childish! so what?? >:D


Aaargh!! I think it's been 3 to 4 years since i start playing this addicting game. DotA allstars (Defense of the Ancients) it is. Oooh! Grown ups are a little off with this topic because they will find this boring and childish LOL. Well I admit, I am childish. Going back with the game, this action base type of a role-playing game wherein you pick a hero, choose your side and you play as an individual character. The main goal of the game is to destroy the main structure of the opposing team. The "sentinel" the good side, and the "scourge" the dark side. While the main goal is to destroy each others structure, in order to do that effectively is to farm (gather as many gold as you can) to buy stuffs that boosts your fighting skills and abilities so you can kill kill and kill your opponent.. yaah!! blag!! shugg shugg!! ting!! (now i am childish! =D) The most exciting part of this game is that you can play with others through network connection so you fight real people. You have allies that are real people. You can build strategies and techniques to win.

Well, surely, this game is addicting. Were humans, demons, Ghost, Nature, Animals, and many more personifies to be a certain unique character. But going into reality, "is it just a game?" yah it is a game! Some ups and downs, advantages and disadvantages, ok ok! we'll do a list of some goods and bads about playing it.

GOOD:
1.) Builds teamwork.. the way you cooperate with your allies to win the game

2.) Boosts your self-esteem, confidence, or whatsoever.. by playing it, you are involved with real people so you are expected to do your part in game.

3.) Bond with friends.. yah it builds closer relationships with friends. Here, where i play, It is a mutual agreement of every tambay dudes to be at the shop around 7pm-12am to play.

4.) Fullfillment when gaining victory.. who doesn't want to win?? it's a good feeling when all your hard work is rewarded with a victory. Kahit na sabihin ng iba na "walang kwenta naman yang nilalaro mo!" as long as you know you do your best to win.. it's all worth it!

ok enough of the good ones, let's go on the bad effects!! Many are guilty about this.. mas marami toh! haha!


BAD:
1.) Time consuming.. yah yah! it has an average time of 60mins to finish a set of game.
-adik: ok lang enjoy naman eh!

2.) Waste of money.. even if you have your personal computer at home, it's better playing at shops were you play with your friends, together being in a same place where you play. All those "hoy! ang tanga mu naman bakit ka nagpapatay??" or "hoy pare tulong!!!" or "bobo!" or "nice team!!" LOL there's no room for "basa tae" or pikon. Rate is 15pesos per hour, so if we play 3 or 4 sets of game, it'll took me 60pesos and we do that every night LOL.
-adik: sus! mayaman naman si papang at inang!

3.) If you have what they call pusong mamon, or balat sibuyas, better back off this game because here, trash talks and flaming are part of the game even bad mouths are everywhere too LOL
-adik:yeah!!

4.) You go home late at night..
-adik: wala kaya ku curfew!! batas toh!!

5.) during school days, sometimes you'll choose playing over school. Just like every college geek! good thing i overcomed this habit..
-adik: ok lang bumagsak! kunin ku nalang sa summer yan!

6.) Because of hours without physical activity during game play, some muscles gets stiff and bilbil multiplies!! haha!

I think this is few things affecting one's who play the game.. Well the bottomline is, don't forget your responsibilities, as a school boy, as a person and as a human being. We're here to dominate things on earth, not things on earth dominates us. This is all for now.. Godbless everyone!

my first blog..


Why do people blog??

ooh.. it's my first blog and i just created this blogg account a while ago. As for my first topic, "Why do people blog?" for me, i do blog because thoughts are precious, they are so much valuable and rare. Just as the saying "Time is Gold", i think IDEAS too! so why not wrote them down. I say RARE, because for as for me, i wrote things when i'm in my mood. There are times i can hardly squeezed up my head doing anything so i always end up sleeping or eating. And one thing, i plan on keeping my blog in english so it can be a little formal at least (is it?? =D ).

Another reason why people blog is: i think it's like a trend, or a cool thing everyone is doing so why can't I?? Also it is a way of communicating of distant friends and sharing memorable pictures. Who doesn't like taking pictures?? everyone does!! "Hey!! check out our pics, i uploaded it just now and it's cool!" "Dude! I've uploaded our dance video.. It's funny!" Surely, IT IS a great way of sharing..

Uhmm.. another reason?? let me think.. uhm.. I personally saw other profiles and their's was amazing. Lot's of pictures of pretty faces, good cars, luxuries.. I think others do blog to show what they got and what they have. It's kind of a "great feeling" of showing others "i have what others don't" or "I'm pretty! look at me!". Oh! no offensement to anyone. What Im writing is just a stupid opinion and anyone can do their's too.

Another reason is I think.... Writing!! Some people love the feeling of their work being read by many. It's a good feeling you show others your thougth about something and afterwards, they comment and they'll be your critic. Sometimes making an arguement and often times, develops a disagreement and turns out to be a debate wherein flamers and posers and spammers appears and trash talking and cursing happen on your page. And thanks to your TOPIC, they all went crazy!! LOL!!

Some people make living in blogging. I'm not much involved with any of these but who doesn't want to?? you sit comfortably at your home with your pc in front writing anything and you'll get paid?? Juan Tamad! but an intelligent one! LOL! im don't have much of idea about it so i can't further comment. =D

oooh.. i ran out of ideas.. LOL! well i think this will do for my first entry.. all things in here are only my opinions just like anyone else can. bye for now! Godbless us! =D