INC Year-End Pasalamat 2020

 

Let's cut to the chase. 

Whilst the world is seemingly trying to envelope darkness and hopelessness for the year 2020, due to the multitude of indescribable and horrific experiences: calamities, mental health deterioration, pandemic, shootings, abuse, economic downfall, poverty among others; there is still light - a beacon of hope is there, and the constant, if not the unwavering faith of the Iglesia Ni Cristo members are felt and seen.

This fervent unison of faith and hope among the brethren in INC, whether you are a silent observer or critique will never deny you of its unspeakable actions. Whose throng of membership do its worship services on the allotted worship days? - none other than the members of the Church of Christ. 

Let alone the struggles or obstacles the pandemic situation is parading before these faithful servants - they've stood their ground. You can see them flocking wherever there is a house of worship (chapel), and not discounting the government's health protocols (yes, not only about social distancing but of wearing masks and faceshields, and registering via the contract tracing forms every time).

2020, indeed is not easy. And yet, INC members are thankful, grateful, and dedicated in following its devotion - holding up to its yearly Thanksgiving before the year-ends.

Behind those smiles and brightened faces, alight with hope and happiness - were trials and tribulations they overcame, or possibly still being experienced. But those were not showstoppers in fulfilling their obligation. The show must go on - driven with love, driven with faith, driven with hope.

All for the glory of the Almighty God.

Happy Thanksgiving, brethren.

~billymacdeus

7 Clear Functions of the Mind

 

As i go deeper in the pages of @ryanholiday's The Daily Stoic Book, it's trying to cement my conviction about the significance of achieving "peace", tranquility and calmness as we tread the journey in this world.

Faith-wise on a personal level, we are just sojourners in this universe - the true peace will be finally achieved in the Holy City. 

(I am not promoting or influencing you, as a reader to believe in my faith but for the purpose of comparison, about the peace in this world vs the true peace, ain't it also beautiful and fulfilling if we strive to achieve peace as we are living in this universe?; therefore this learning of the Stoic Life is quite applicable to every human being, no matter what religion you are in)

Stoic Life's 7th Day reading talks about the 7 Clear Functions of the mind:

It has it's simple phrasing per function. Review and put it in action - meditate and apply.

~billymacdeus

Caffeine Guide: For Newbies and Coffee Enthusiasts

 

Most friends of mine are coffee drinkers, and even myself...  it's part of the daily routine, coffee intake, and talks over cuppah coffee.

Here's a quick and definitive guide about caffeine... ranging from commercialized sodas, energy boosters and even coffee shops like starbucks.

PS: it's amazing to know that even Monster energy drink contains caffeine, no wonder!

~ billymacdeus

Airpods Pro - I caved In (delayed post)

 

Last October 2019, i posted a kind of pros and cons article if it's worth getting an Apple Airpods. (this was the blog i wrote back then: Airpods - Is It Worth To Grab One? )

Welp, it just occurred to me now, that it took me a year to decide - ha ha ha! Let's not go into the detail what pursued me to get one.

Three months ago - October this year, i finally caved in.

With my 3 mos using this little baby - i must say, am gonna rate it as 5 out of 5 stars.

These are the main drivers why i luvved it!

1. Seamless connection to my iPhone, Car Stereo, AppleWatch & my MBP

- no doubt, it's one of those domains that @Apple is good at, the tremendously flawless synching/talking/easyset-up between its platforms. And i'm just .... hands-down impressed to it.

2. Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode

- it's not fair to compare this because i never owned any high-end earphones or head-phones (ie) Beats or Bose, until this one came. But i'm really enjoying - pretty ecstatic always whenever i'm using this lil babe.

3. Wireless! period

- yeahhhh!!!! Gone are the days of the tangling wired earbuds. It has improved my productivity a whole lot.

____

Below's a shortclip of my self-vid while walking/jogging wearing the lil babe back in November 1, 2020.  Another cool thing? - it doesn't fall off easily despite the rigorous run or jog activities.

I even use this lately in my bike rides.

extra caution: make sure that you activate "transparency" mode while doing your physical activities (jogging, running, walking, biking, cycling, aerobics, etc).

How To Operate (excerpt from Apple.com)

take note: you can't adjust the volume by taps or press; instead, use Hey Siri commands.

Battery Info (excerpt from Apple.com)

batteries by default are consumable, take care of your gadget by keeping it learn when to charge together with your iphone dashboard/notif

I'm not really a huge Apple Fanboy, but in case you are also deciding to grab one, why don't you try the Airpods Max?

And to save you from googling, as of this time - these are the prices:

~billymacdeus

Back Packing Lifehack

 

Summer is just around the corner, Pinas-wise.

I would long for the December breeze again or the hanging Amihan, the soft-cold-nonbiting freeze it brings to the skin from the months of November to January - FebruaryISH...

Welp, sooner or later, we'll get to experience the summer months. And thinking way ahead for the hikers and mountain climbers and backpackers, here's a coolGuide to maximize your hiking gears.

Credits to r/coolguides in reddit.

~billymacdeus