The Star of Christmas: Jesus or Santa?

The day before Christmas, I overheard the woman next door instructing her daughter to make a wish with santa. It sort of annoyed me. Then as I handed my gift to the child, I asked her, “whose birthday it is, anyway?” My heart sank when the mother had to coach the lassie.

On Christmas Eve, I hosted parlor games for the kids of my neighborhood. I asked the same question upon giving them presents, once again, to my dismay, the mother has to coach the answer that it is Jesus Christ birthday!

Obviously, santa claus is more popular than Jesus among the children on Christmas season (now it's BRO here in the Philippines) because even the parents have no understanding of the real meaning of Christ's birthday. In some countries, it is called Holiday season; Christ is no longer the Star of the season.

I also do not like the tradition of the Filipino parents exploiting their kids for begging presents. It creates pressure on the giver. Gifts must be freely given and cannot be earned just like our salvation in Christ!

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Religious symbolism of The 12 Days of Christmas

It is going to be my very first time to celebrate the Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) alone in my pad. Fixing stuff to organize and plan a fruiful new year forced me to stay in Manila. I will probably miss my mama who cannot afford to leave her little apos (grandchildren) in Palawan and the sea breeze, sea foods, etc. of my hometown (sigh).

Sensing that i will be having home alone Christmas, my neighborhood invited me this morning to join their party after my Christmas eve worship service. Maybe on the 25^th, I would just be singing all day " The 12 Days of Christmas" and would be reflecting its interesting Religious symbolism that I recently stumbled upon on this site: http://www.carols.org.uk

Religious symbolism of The Twelve Days of Christmas

(The 12 Days of Christmas)

1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Share a Gift, Touch a Heart

        My Christian Group in MLQ School of Law (Deus Judicium Christian Fellowship) just had a Christmas Party or Potluck Party last Sunday in my place.   It was the first time that we had a DVD marathon as a group. The star studded movie Kimmy Dora is indeed enjoyable. We missed those members who were not able to attend especially those who organized it in 1997 (married people usually cannot easily be pulled off).

Aside from the weekly Bible Study inside the campus, “Share a Gift, Touch a Heart” is the Christmas activity that Deus Judicium have been faithfully conducting for thirteen (13) years now with the prayers and support of donors. This is not an ordinary gift giving for indigent children. The program includes sharing the message of the saving grace of God; to impart on young minds the real meaning of Christmas. Our 100 to 200 less privileged beneficiaries are mostly Sunday School students from our church contact list. School supplies instead of toys are the gifts we pack for them. Since December is the mid-school year here in the Philippines, it is expected that they are running out of school stuff.

For this year, the activity will be held at a community near the Smokey Mountain dump site on December 20, 2009, 2:00-4:00pm. If you would like to be part of this activity, whether a donor or a volunteer, please feel free to contact me or Atty. Vicky Logronio at 0919-7560907. Below are the pictures taken in previous years.

Meeting my Prince Charming

    I was in a place with a crowd of strangers when I encountered my Prince Charming.  Different kinds of people were literally just around the corner.

    As I was standing then, not as a Princess but like a lady-in-waiting, an unknown man suddenly approached me from behind and held my hand so tight.                           Surprisingly, I did not react violently to refuse his unofficial and informal manner.   Looking back at him curiously, I realized that I was just as tall as his shoulders.   So I needed to lift my head a little higher to glance his face. We were still holding hands when I finally recognized his features.   My eyes were nailed to him.  I was mesmerized by his looks.   Heck, he was absolutely handsome!

    That is how I met the man of my dreams.   Strange, isn’t it?      It happened in 2005, on a cool December night while I was impersonating Sleeping Beauty.   But it was my mother’s voice that woke me up instead of a kiss from my Prince Charming whom I did not get along with a little too well (sigh).

    Now that it is December again, I guess he is on his way to join me in dreaming great things for Aslan (God).  Maybe he comes from a very far yet magnificent palace that it took him years to travel or maybe his horse got tired so he decided to hitch a ride with Santa Claus.   Maybe.......

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Legitime of the Compulsory Heirs

Filipinos generally adapt the English custom of ultimogeniture by which the youngest son succeeds the family home.

But the Philippine law respects the legitime of the compulsory heirs for the sake of family solidarity and to protect them from the unjustified anger or thoughtlessness of the testator. Article 886 of the New Civil Code defines LEGITIME as part of the testator’s property which he cannot dispose of because the law has reserved it for compulsory heirs.

Thus, the dispositions that deprive a compulsory heir of his legitime cannot be given effect albeit a WILL was validly executed by the testator.

Compulsory heirs: (Art. 887)

1. Legitimate children and descendants;
2. In default of the foregoing, legitimate parents and ascendants;
3. Widow or widower; and
4. Illegitimate Children

Take for instance, the legitime of the legitimate children is one-half (½ ) of the testator’s properties divided by the number of children.

The testator may only disinherit or omit any or all of the compulsory heirs if the causes that are expressly stated in Articles 919-921 of the Code are specified in a will.

Despite the provisions of the law, I would not mind if my legitime from my parents would be impaired. After all, the efforts or monies used to acquire the properties were produced by their very own hands. I believe, God’s blessings will enable me to buy my own property someday.

1 Peter 1:3-5

³Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
⁴and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, ⁵who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

I Have Decided

I sometimes get tired of reaching out the people dear to my heart to the saving grace of God. It is frustrating when long-term efforts in drawing them to Him appear futile. Painstaking as it may seem, “Though none go with me, still I will follow Jesus” keeps resounding in my soul.

http://www.imeem.com/people/u5MFv7T/music/CoqGrBvq/i-have-decided-to-followmp3/

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

No turning back, no turning back.

Though I may wonder, I still will follow;

Though I may wonder, I still will follow;

Though I may wonder, I still will follow;

No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?

No turning back, no turning back.

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Pimple and Love: are they really relevant?

They say, the formation of pimple is a sign of being in love. It may be true since pimple occurs because of hormonal changes. Scientifically, the levels of testosterone in men in love are lower, while it is higher in women in love.

Menstrual cycle also causes changes in our hormone levels. So for the past few days, I have been bothered by the tiny pimples associated with menstrual period. But they have just healed, after treating them with vinegar and salt for 2 consecutive nights. There is no use in buying cream or gel with benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid. Truly, natural remedies can be found right in our own kitchen!

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My Little Prince

        Though the Little Prince is seemingly a children’s book, it was one of the books being required by my college professor in English Literature for book review. I really love reading adventure stories like this. It conveys insightful philosophical principles of life and has

analysis of human nature. I take sympathy when the prince falls in love with a rose, who, although is able to return his love but cannot express it. 

        The story is believed to be drawn from the author’s flight crash experience in Sahara desert. The setting is in desolate desert where a pilot was stranded and met the Little Prince. The author Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 - 1944) was a French journalist and aviator. Below is his famous quote from the book:

“It is only with the HEART that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

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Donation and Salvation: the similarities & differences

SIMILARITIES:

1.) as a GIFT

Just like Donation, Salvation is a precious GIFT, an act of liberality of God (Ephesians 2:8). Someone says:

“Salvation is not something that we achieved

but it is something that we RECEIVED.”

2.) it requires ACCEPTANCE

In the legal sense, Donation requires ACCEPTANCE by the Donee otherwise, it shall be void (Arts. 745-746, New Civil Code). Salvation likewise requires ACCEPTANCE of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).

3.) it involves giver’s sacrifices

The burden of paying the gift tax/donor’s tax belongs to the DONOR. Same thing with salvation, it costs Jesus Christ his life! (Hebrew 9:11-28)

4.) attitudes of giver

Both the Donor and Jesus Christ demonstrate altruistic and compassionate attitudes.

DIFFERENCES:

1.) Subject matter

The subject matter of donation is THING or RIGHT. Whereas, salvation assures ETERNAL LIFE.

2.) Cause of the value of prestations

Donation may be gratuitous, onerous (conditional) or remunerative. On the one hand, Salvation is always wholly gratuitous and absolute gift bestowed on us by God.

3.) Acceptance during the lifetime

The Acceptance must be made during the lifetime of the donor AND of the donee. While in salvation, acceptance must take place during the lifetime of a saved person only since Jesus’ death and resurrection are indispensable in order to redeem us from our sins.

4.) as to perfection

Donation is perfected from the moment the donor KNOWS of the acceptance by the donee (Art. 734). Conversely, Salvation is perfected at the time a saved person BELIEVES and ACCEPTS Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior (faith).

Ephesians 2:8-10

⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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Extras, Casual and Seasonal are entitled to 13th month pay.

The 13th Month Pay Law (Presidential Decree No. 851) was enacted by President Ferdinand Marcos on December 16, 1975. But it was amended by Memorandum Order No. 28 issued by President Corazon C. Aquino on August 13, 1986.

It requires all employers to pay their rank and file employees a 13th-month pay not later than December 24 of every year REGARDLESS of the nature of their employment and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid provided they worked for at least one (1) month during the calendar year. Hence, extras, casual and seasonal employees are entitled to the proportionate 13^th month pay provided they worked for at least one (1) month during the calendar year.

The minimum 13^th month pay required by law shall not be less than 1/12 of the total basic salary earned by an employee within a calendar year.

Other Certain types of employees who are entitled to 13^th month pay:

1. Employees who are paid on piece work basis;

2. Employees who are paid a fixed or guaranteed wage plus commission; and

3. Employees with multiple employees regardless of their total earnings from each of all their employers.

4. Piece-rate employees – those who are paid a standard amount for every piece or unit of work performed that is more or less regularly replicated.

EXEMPTED Employers:

1. The government;

2. Employers of household helpers and persons in the personal service of another;

3. Employers of those who are paid on purely commission, boundary or task basis, and those who are paid a fixed amount for performing specific work.

Grand MLQU Law Alumni Reunion

Come and re-live the glorious past of the Manuel L. Quezon University School of Law now celebrating its 62nd Anniversary!

Pass the word around to the thousands of Law Alumni all over the country and the world.

Grand MLQU Law Alumni Reunion on November 21, 2009 5:30 PM at the Centennial Hall, MANILA HOTEL.

Tickets are at P2,000.00 each.

For more information visit http://mlqulawalumni.com/ or call Weenie at +63 2 5513455 or Atty. Alys Angeles-Visco at +63 2 7344933.

SEE YOU THERE!

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Abortion vs. Infanticide

please don't kill me....

Under articles 40 and 41 of the New Civil Code, birth determines personality but the fetus shall be considered born for all purposes that are FAVORABLE to it, provided it is alive at the time the umbilical cord is cut. However, if the fetus had an intra-uterine life of LESS than 7 months, it is not deemed born if it dies within 24 hours after its complete delivery from the maternal womb.

When the fetus is killed in the uterus or expelled from the womb by any person through the use of violence or administering drugs/beverages, the crime of Abortion under the Revised Penal Code is committed.

The woman shall be liable when she shall practice it upon herself or she consented to the abortion caused on her to conceal her dishonor.

Whereas Infanticide is the killing of any child LESS than three (3) DAYS of age. If the accused happens to be the father or mother or legitimate grandparents, the penalty corresponding to parricide (Art. 246) which is reclusion perpetua to DEATH shall be imposed upon him or her. But since the death penalty was abolished under R.A. 9346 pursuant to the mandate of the 1987 Constitution, thus the applicable penalty is only reclusion perpetua and not death. However, if the crime is committed by the mother or maternal grandparents for the purpose of concealing her dishonor, the penalty is mitigated to reclusion temporal.

If the infanticide is committed by other person, he shall suffer the penalty for murder (Art. 248) which is reclusion perpetua – 20 years and 1 day to 40 years.

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Relief Operations in Taytay and Cainta, Rizal

The relief operations of Advocates Philippines were held last Saturday, October 10 2009 in the areas of Taytay and Cainta, Rizal where some rescuers have not yet reached them. The group waded through flood waters and rough roads as its reach the communities that were still submerged and suffering.

150 affected families were very glad to receive the goods that my group distributed. They were also touched by our prayers and the gospel shared by one of the officers, Atty. Josh Santiago.

We still want to do more in aiding those victims for God’s glory and we are hoping for your prayers and support.

We are also grateful to the generous heart of the donors and the selfless act of the volunteers who participated in this humble activity. A special mention goes to the brethren from Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEP/PHILRADS) and to ate Maloi of DZAS, the supportive helpmate of our President, Atty. Winnie Salumbides whom I am now considering to include in my ideal man list :) Trivia: This godly couple has had an interesting and inspiring courtship that I hope I could share it here in the blogosphere if permitted.

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Cedula is NOT a Competent Evidence of Identity

The 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice promulgated by the Supreme Court requires the Notary Public to demand Competent Evidence of Identity from the parties of the documents required to be acknowledged or from the person attesting to the truth of the statements declared in the affidavit.

However, sec. 12 (a). Rule II of the above-mentioned Rules was AMENDED by the latest resolution of the Supreme Court En Banc (A.M. No . 02-8-13-SC, dated February, 2008 ) stating that the identification of individual must be based on the current GOVERNMENT-ISSUED IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT bearing his SIGNATURE and PHOTOGRAPH. The cedula also known as Community Tax Certificate is no longer considered as a Competent Evidence of Identity. The identification documents include, but are not limited to:

1. passports,
2. driver’s licenses,
3. Professional Regulations Commission identification cards,
4. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances,
5. police clearances,
6. postal IDs,
7. voter’s IDs,
8. Barangay certifications,
9. Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS) e-cards,
10.Social Security System (SSS) cards,
11.Philhealth cards,
12.Senior citizen’s cards,
13.Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) IDs,
14.OFW IDs,
15.seaman’s books,
16.alien certificate of registrations/immigrant certificate of registrations,
17.government office IDs,
18.certifications from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP), and
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) certifications.

Humanitarian Outreach of Advocates Philippines

Last night we, the officers of Advocates Philippines included in our meeting agenda the typhoon Ondoy relief operations albeit the members have already contributed their own individual efforts in aiding unfortunate victims.

The group intends to reach out 150 families in Cainta, Rizal this Saturday in coordination with the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC/PHILRADS. The estimated Cash Fund amounting to P82,000.00 that we instantly planned to raise was 90% amazingly answered by God within an hour! through the generous pledge made by the members/people we have contacted. Relief goods that we need to buy tomorrow shall include corn beef/meat loaf (no more sardines- sawa na sila), rice, noodles, banig (sleeping mat), mosquito net and blanket.

But we still need a cash of 9,000 pesos to generate completely the 82 thousand pesos initial fund for this charitable activity. So if you are willing to extend any help or assistance whether cash, goods or services (volunteer) to our group kindly contact the office of our President, Atty. Winnie Salumbides at 448-5188/474-1000.

2 Corinthians 9:7

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, NOT RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION, for God loves a cheerful giver."

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Be Still

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God;”

A very timely and encouraging song to play in our hearts:

http://www.imeem.com/people/6faEWMB/music/3dg5siQc/hillsong-still/

STILL

by Hillsong

Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know YOU are GOD

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are king over the flood
I will be still and know YOU are GOD

Barrister the Giver

All 6,080 Barristers are being requested to bring, “ISANG BOTENG TUBIG/ISANG DE LATA” on the last Sunday of bar exams – October 04, 2009 for the benefit of the victims of typhoon Ondoy. DLSU student council will provide donation boxes inside the campus.

Giving is Thanking

I am greatly thankful I stayed home last Saturday and my place had neither floodwater nor brown out. (I would surely hate to leave it if ever). My loved ones in different places are all safe too.

So those like me who were not severely affected by typhoon Ondoy should step out of the comfort zone to aid people who were extremely devastated. Generous giving is also the best way to thank God. Relief goods, money or any assistance we can extend will be of great help! Well, then start contacting now Charitable Institutions that are mobilizing funds for the victims.

2 Corinthians 9:7

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, NOT RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Tax on Sale of Real Property

The determination of the tax imposed on SALE of Real Property depends on whether the property is capital asset or ordinary asset.

Capital Gains Tax is imposed if the property is classified as capital asset of the SELLER while Creditable Withholding Tax is imposed if the same is classified as ordinary asset.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 244, in relation to Sections 57(A) and (B) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, the Revenue Regulations No. 30-2003 amended pertinent provisions of Revenue Regulations No. 2-98 which includes imposition of WITHHOLDING as a mode of remitting Tax on the Sale of Real Property to the BIR.

According to Section 5 of Revenue Regulations No. 30-2003, albeit the burden of paying Tax is really upon SELLER-income earner, the obligation to withhold is imposed upon the BUYER-payor subject to the corresponding withholding tax rate. Provided, that the Official Receipts of payment and the corresponding Certificate of Taxes Withheld shall be issued in the name of the SELLER. (Certificate of Final Income Taxes Withheld for real property classified as capital asset or Certificate of Creditable Taxes Withheld for ordinary asset)

Unjustifiable refusal of the SELLER to be subjected to withholding shall be a ground for the mandatory audit of his income tax liabilities (including withholding tax) upon verified complaint of the BUYER.