My Christmas Fruit

        Amazing!  This is how it looks like when you cut the papaya in half HORIZONTALLY.  Since there is already a star fruit (Balimbing) and star apple (Kaimito) so I call it Christmas fruit because the star is one of the most famous symbols of Christmas.

        Have a meaningful CHRISTmas and a healthylicious food!!!

       

Inspiring Qoute for the 2011 Bar examinees:

         Here is a perfect quote to motivate the 2011 Bar candidates to PASS that arduous exams:  

P - pray, 

A - aim High and 

S - stay Focused.
            S - shine for Jesus!

      This quote comes from an inspirational story (http://www.godswork.org/encouragement89.htm) which has a  bottom-line:

                                           Pray first before you do anything,

                                           Aim and shoot high in your goals, and
                                           Stay focused on God.

I’m in Love with My Prince

 

Heck, he has such a baby face as pretty as a picture! My eyes are drawn like a magnet to it. His white glowing skin makes him look like an angel whom God has graciously showered with a great blessing. His heavenly tongue, even though it sometimes cracks me up, utters wisdom that serves as garland around my neck. Look at his head: His golden brown, disheveled hair reflects his bright & breezy personality. Oh, how I love thee!

 

Wohoo! His amusing jest defuses my stress.......and his laughter…oh yes…his laughter…it penetrates into my soul! The look in his eyes can reveal his real deep feelings more than songs can ever express. Awww, the sweetness in his face is like honey dripping down my pharynx.

 

His name is……Steven Warner. He was 8 years old when he played the role of the Little Prince. The movie I love to watch over and over again. It is based from the book which conveys insightful philosophical principles of life. Steven Warner started out as a child actor, such a very admirable and adorable child actor! I wonder what ever happened to him. It seems he has lost his career….sigh..

 

 

RELATED ARTICLE:

       

My little Prince

Natural Beauty

        Physical beauty is fleeting says Proverbs 31:30 yet the Book of Solomon teaches that beauty should NOT be considered as unspiritual.

         
        It is just normal to look good.  But I have been hesitant to use cosmetic products ever since I became aware of its harmful ingredients like the parabens.  So why should I spend too much money on them if I can get plenty of natural ingredients from my very own kitchen that are cost-effective, gentle and safe. 

         
Here are some of my ingredients:

Calamansi – to lighten scars

Milk or Olive Oil – to soften skin

Honey – to diminish freckles

Egg White or Oat Meal – to tighten skin
Cucumber - to moisturize eyes

            
            I am also not a fan of cosmetic surgery.  In fact, I have never been to a derma clinic.  Something natural is always beautiful for me!

           
             Cory Quirino Cosmetic surgery is definitely NOT the key to maintain our good looks. Only in cases where there are natural deformities or damage to one’s features caused by accidents that cosmetic surgery becomes a necessity, says Ms. Cory Quirino.

            It is ok to go for physical beauty.  Just don’t forget to beautify your inside; to develop our inner character :))

La Tuna Saladier de LoiReel

            

            I have just invented my own salad recipe that I considered healthy despite the mayonnaise dressing.  

            Instead of meat, I use the low-cholesterol tuna that adds omega-3 fatty acids to our diet to help lower heart disease risk.  I prefer Century Corned Tuna in regular flavor.  It is tasty and convenient! – no need to sauté.

            I fondly call my kind of salad ‘La Tuna Saladier de Loireel’.  In English: The Tuna Salad of LawReal :)

Ingredients:   

                        (6-8 servings)

·        1 can (184g) Century Corned Tuna

·        200g Safoco multi-colored vegetable pasta (can be found at SM supermarket)

·        1small chopped onion

·        ½ of 180g Kraft Eden Cheese (shredded cheese)

·        ½ cup of minced carrots

·        1 small can of Delmonte pineapple tidbits

·        1/2 kilo mayonnaise

·        lettuce

·        chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

            Cook pasta in boiling water then drain.  Mix the salad recipe ingredients except the lettuce. Garnish with chopped parsley.  

            To serve, place lettuce leaf on plate then wrap the salad like a burrito and enjoy!

 

Mayor’s Permit Fee is not a Tax

 

    Securing or renewing of a Business or Mayor’s Permit can be quiet stressful for some entrepreneurs especially if the fee charged is excessive and iniquitous.  But the payment of it cannot be dispensed with since it is imposed pursuant to the police power delegated to the Local Government Unit (LGU) under the general welfare clause of Local Government Code (RA 7160). 

    The fee charged is oftentimes mistaken as tax.  It is rather a LICENSE fee for the regulation or legalization of a business or occupation while tax is purely for revenue purposes.  Hence, the non-payment of it shall render the business or activity illegal, whereas non-payment of tax shall only give rise to criminal and civil liability under sec. 254 of the National Internal Revenue Code.

    It is a kind of non-tax revenue since it partakes of the nature of revenue of an LGU that is not generated from tax.  The fee charged is undeniably to cover the expenses for supervision, inspection and control by the government as held in the case of The City of Ozamiz vs. Lumapas and Hon. Marave; G.R. No. L-30727 July 15, 1975.     

BJ: Proclaiming The Gospel To Taxi Drivers

             Here is another bachelor lawyer of Advocates Phils. but I am not sure if he is still available J.  I happened to read by chance his encouraging testimony below when I stumbled upon Christ’s Commission Fellowship’s (CCF) website (http://ccf.org.ph/testimony-bj/). 

            Atty. Benito Jose Legarda Delos Santos a.k.a. BJ is a high school and college (BS Management) alumnus of  Ateneo de Manila University '04 and belongs to the first batch of University of the Philippines’ (U.P. Law) Juris Doctor holders (2008).  Following in the footsteps of his prominent auntie, Atty. Katrina Legarda, he joined Salumbides Law Firm when he hurdled the 2009 Bar Exams.

            

            By the way, Malabon City Hall of Justice should confer on BJ Most Punctual Award (I am definitely NOT qualified for that award).   On our way home from a dinner meeting with the mother of advocates, I heard him telling about his morning court appearance in Malabon for the first time.  Thinking Malabon was very far away from his residence in Quezon City, he decided to leave before the sun rises.  But it only took him 45 minutes to get there and court hearings usually start at 8:30, so he ate almost all the types of bread of a certain bakery and read nearly every newspaper page.

I hate driving.  I don’t like waiting in traffic, looking for parking and worrying about gas prices and maintenance costs.  So I started riding taxis.  Little did I know the Lord would turn this into my small ministry.

When I became a Christian some nine (9) years ago, I knew I had to take part in the Great Commission.  I enjoyed seeing people come to Christ and live out their newfound relationship with Him.  However, I disliked talking to strangers and the idea of sharing the Gospel to people terrified me.  But the Lord’s words in Matthew 28:18-21 convicted me no end.  Each time I hear a message on it, my heart gets wounded.  I knew I had to get out of my comfort zone.

My taxi-riding habit provided the perfect setting for this.  But the thought scared me!    I was at the driver’s mercy.  If he wanted to insult or throw me out of the car for “trying to convert him”, I was totally helpless. But Jesus’ words compelled me to take the risk.  My first attempts at sharing were uneventful until the Lord allowed me to experience a breakthrough.  I was on my way home from Sunday service riding a cab.  No, I didn’t feel like sharing the Gospel to the driver but the Lord moved me to do so.  The driver was going through a lot that time – financial and family problems.  When I told him of Jesus’ great love for Him, dying on the cross to pay for all His sins so that He can be with God in heaven someday, his face lit up.  It was an indescribable expression that moved my heart greatly.  When he accepted Christ as His Lord and Savior, I struggled to hold back the tears.  I got home that day hearing “Thank you” several times over, but I cried that entire afternoon saying “Thank you” to Jesus.  From that moment on, I made it a point to share the Gospel each time I rode a taxi.

However, my taxi ministry took a backseat when the Lord led me to law school.  The passion to share seemed to wane while my drive to excel and study hard in school increased.  But when the Lord allowed me to pass the Bar exams earlier this year, I was ecstatic and responded to this blessing by pursuing hard after Him.  I was determined to consume His Word night and day.  Eventually, the desire to share the Gospel was rekindled.  The overflow of God’s Word resulted in this compulsion to share Jesus’ Cross to the lost.  Jeremiah 20:9 spoke to me – “But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

Two Fridays ago, I found myself conversing with a cab driver named Domeng.  I didn’t plan on sharing the Gospel initially until I felt this overwhelming need to share Jesus.  I then asked Domeng if he knew where he was going when he dies.  Before I realized it, I had fully explained to him why he needed Christ in his life in order to be saved.  The smile on his face was unforgettable.  When I asked him if he wanted to receive Jesus through a prayer, he readily said yes.  I advised him, however, to keep his eyes on the road while we prayed lest we end up seeing Jesus rather prematurely that day.  Before we parted ways, Domeng did something no other taxi driver previously did – he asked for my phone number.  He said that he wanted to go to CCF one Sunday if he’s free and he’ll let me know.  I cried in the office that day.  The privilege of the experience was simply without equal.

Last Sunday, Pastor Peter asked “What’s so Great About the Great Commission?” He said that the Great Commission is great because the One giving it is the greatest being there is.  This encouraged me to share the Gospel even more.  This week alone, I was able to share Jesus to twelve taxi drivers – more than I ever did the entire year of 2009.  Not everyone accepted but those who prayed to receive Christ made the experience worth it.  In fact, one driver got so convicted he told me not to pay the fare anymore, confessing that his taximeter was rigged.  I nonetheless paid the amount to illustrate what God’s grace was all about.

Indeed, I discovered that my greatest joy is to see hopeless people come to a relationship with Jesus.  The experience of seeing a person realize for the first time how much Jesus loves him is simply wonderful.  For me, there can only be one thing that can top that –seeing Jesus Himself face-to-face.I hate driving… and the Lord miraculously used this to spur me to love and lead to Jesus the needy men behind the taxicab wheel.  I am BJ de los Santos, your fellow bondservant in Christ.  Thank you and Good morning! 

CPA-Lawyer, Lorybeth R. Baldrias-Serrano & Atty. BJ  Delos Santos

Men Can Now File Rape Case

            R.A. 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) has made essential amendments to  the provisions of the Revised Penal Code, to wit: 

1. The crime of Rape is no longer a crime against chastity but is now a crime against persons like Murder, Homicide, Physical Injuries where anybody can  initiate the  criminal action  in behalf of the offended party.

2. The crime of Rape can now be committed by a male or a female.  But when and how???

            The said law was incorporated to the Revised Penal Code as Article 266-A & 266-B (homosexual should be aware of this):
  

1.)    An act of  sexual assault  by inserting his penis into ANOTHER person’s mouth or anal orifice; or

2.)    An act of  sexual assault by inserting any instrument or object into the genital or anal orifice of  ANOTHER person.

    

    under any of the following circumstances:

 a)     Through force, threat, or intimidation;

      b)    When the offended party is deprived of reason or otherwise  unconscious;

      c)     By means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority;

RELATED ARTICLE:

Statutory Rape

Sexual Harrasment    

      

  

a Night of Fun at FEBC compound

          Lars invited me again last night to her D-group (the single ladies of CCF) at FEBC Compound but this time with my church mate, Marvin who happens to be an avid listener of DZAS.  He was even tuned in to the program of Pastor Ed Lapiz while driving through Karuhatan.  

           It was such a meaningful day for Lars.  Her prayer to become a part of a Christian law office was faithfully answered by God.  She has just been hired as an associate of Salumbides Law Firm.  Congratulations  Atty. Lars!                     

   

            Ms. May Garcia, a technical staff of FEBC volunteered to be our tour guide and photographer (thank God for good weather).   She asked me if I could be a writer for FEBC website after learning that I am a blogger.   Without hesitation, I replied, “Sure ate, it would be a privilege and an honor!”           

The bevy of shrubs and enormous trees inside the 7-hectare complex create an oasis of serenity in the bustling city of Valenzuela.  I was a little scared when Mr. Frog welcomed us as we stroll into the radio station building.   I really cannot stand the sight of amphibians.

I finally got to see its radio studio in person since  my recent interview featuring this blog was conducted through a phone patch.

 

           

            We took the opportunity to drop by Salumbides’ house.  Atty. Winnie was not home yet that evening.   We were warmly received by Ate Maloi and their cute little angels.  We rolled our eyes in astonishment when Marvin uttered the name of Bea’s pet upon seeing it.  (He is really an avid listener).  

            

            Radio Host, LJ Salceda suddenly arrived when we were about halfway through the Bible Study in her Dorm’s dining area.   So, for Marvin’s sake, I immediately grabbed my camera to have it ready!

Awe-inspiring Bar Exams Testimony of Atty. Lars

To those who are waiting for the Bar Exams results – may you be inspired by the remarkable testimony below of our fellow advocate, Atty. Larina DG. San Diego which she rendered during the 2010 Bar Send-off Worship Service .  

Lars finished her pre-law degree BA Social Sciences (Area Studies) in the University of the Philippines (U.P.) – Manila and earned her law degree from Arellano University School of Law in 2009.    She is currently working in the Legal Office of the City Government of Valenzuela but hopes to work in a Christian law firm like Atty. Salumbides’ ofc. 

 Lately, I have been enjoying the company of this "single and available", jolly lady.  Playing the Mooncake Dice Game with her D-Group at Lj Salceda’s Dorm (FEBC Compound) was so entertaining.   We even went to church together last Sunday.

 So here’s her testimony of how the 2009 Bar Send-off service has blessed her:

             

Had I been my stubborn self, I will not be here in front of you, testifying on God’s love and faithfulness.

Before I go further, I have two questions for you:

First, what do you think was the toughest subject of the Bar for me? Taxation? You’ll see.

            Second, how did I become a lawyer? I will give you the tips as I go through my testimony.

As cliché as it may sound, I am just your average law student. But I have learned from church that we should be excellent in everything we do because we are serving an excellent God. I took this matter seriously which is the reason why I’m crying most of the time, either literally or figuratively, but always by myself. I would always feel guilty whenever I can’t make myself sit still and read for one straight hour or more, just like the others.

Then God would give me these two verses every now and then:

Matthew 19:26 “With God, all things are possible.”

Luke 1:37  “For nothing is impossible with God.”

I just relied on God’s faithfulness. Gradually, God transformed my heart and with it, the way I pray. My prayer was changed from “Papa, I want to pass the Bar” to “Papa, you know that I want to be a lawyer.  I want to pass the Bar on my first take.  But if it’s not your will, let your will be done.”   From June 2009 onwards, I felt so much peace during those difficult times.  I remember forcing myself to feel nervous in mid-July after speaking to a friend who told me that I’m the only barrister he knew who is not panicky. When I returned to my room to read, I did feel that way.  And I can’t understand what I’m reading.  Then God lovingly assured me that that is the reason why He is giving me peace.  I am going through this at my own pace, in my own style, in my own time and through His grace.

Fast forward to the Bar Month. This is how I survived September 2009. I would wake up at 3:00 am on Sundays. I would do my quiet time with God by reading the Bible and my devotional. As my roommates were in the school’s hotel operations, I am left alone in our room. The Bar literally brought me to my knees. During those Sundays, I cried as much as I want. I poured out to God all my fears and anxiousness and surrendered my insufficiencies. Here, two powerful Bible verses gave me renewed spirit:

2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”

Then I would be fine.  Every time I would leave our dorm on Sundays at 5:30am, each step I made towards La Salle was a courageous one because I have this Bible verse in my heart: “The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still.” Exodus 14:14

Through God’s grace, I hurdled the four (or five) Sundays. Let me read to you some of my entries in my Journal last 26 March 2010, the day the Bar results were released.  I was at the Church’s Soularium when I wrote these and these sum up the whole bar and waiting time after the exams:

“I know that the battle of the Bar is already won even before that First Sunday. That’s what I held on to. And maybe that’s one of the reasons why I had so much peace from that time until now.  The battle is Papa’s.  I only have to be IN it.  I did not depend on my own strength.  I lasted through the whole battle because of Papa’s grace. And if I pass the Bar today, I know that it is only because of His grace and will, not my efforts and sacrifice, not my intellect and strength.  

“I am here at the Soularium not to pray for passing the Bar. That would be too self-serving and unfair to Papa. I’m here to seek peace and be one with Papa. I’m also here to pray that if ever I’ll be a lawyer today, that I will not be lost and continue to courageously live for His glory. If it’s the opposite, I’m praying for peace, strength and wisdom to accept God’s will for me.

“Besides, there will be more battles after this - battles, which require more faith, strength and courage. I remember what Pastor Nixon and Atty. Salumbides shared during our send-off service last year: ‘The Bar is nothing but a tool. After passing the Bar, there you will face the real challenges and battles.’ That increased my courage before the first Sunday. And I kept that in my heart since then.”

I was also at the Supreme Court when the Bar results were released. At first, I didn’t want to go there but God impressed on me that He wanted me to be there. Believe me, the excitement mixed with nervousness was unbelievable but incomparable to seeing your name being flashed on the screen. God made me experience that amazing feeling, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity wherein He delivered the good news to me first hand.

And why did I mention my stubbornness at the beginning of my testimony?  

You see, I wasn’t able to do second readings for my review. Truth is, I was still doing my first readings on Rem and Crim during their respective pre-weeks. And in spite of not being able to go back to Labor since I finished it last March, I attended the send-off service last year. I was seated to one of those seats you are occupying now. I was then torn between attending the send-off service and doing some last minute readings. In the end, Papa impressed on my heart that I should attend. And so I did.  Honestly, I have no regrets even though I sacrificed a few hours to attend the send-off service instead of reviewing for Labor. The send-off service was such a blessing to me.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

            During my Labor Exam, I was fumbling as I struggled to find answers to the questions. I reached the last question of the second set of exam but to no avail. I was already crying inside. I was so lost. To tell you the truth, I almost walked out of the room and give up on the Bar. “I have next year, after all,” I thought to myself. But God gave me peace. He impressed on me that I should finish the battle. That was enough to prevent me from walking out of our room. Believe me, I really don’t know how I was able to go through that but then you see, God delivered His promise. Had I been stubborn and continued my plan to walk out of the room, if I just relied on my own intellect and did not listen to God, I will not be here in front of you testifying on God’s love and faithfulness. Now, that answers my first question. It was Labor which I found most difficult and made me almost quit the Bar.        

And what’s my answer to the second question? How did I become a lawyer? It’s simple. I am a lawyer because of God’s grace.

            TO GOD BE THE GLORY!