Ang Aking Akay At Bunga - 2024

Kailan ba ako huling nagbunga? Ahhhh, tanda ko pa... September 2022 kase si-net ko sa digital calendar na yearly recurring para di ko makalimutan ang bautismo ng aking akay; year 2022--kasalukuyang may pandemya noon (nasa mga huling yugto na ng Covid Pandemic) subalit hindi hadlang ang pagpapabautismo.

Fast forward to 3rd quarter ng 2023, nakipag-usap uli ako sa pamamagitan ng panalangin, na sana'y bigyan ako ng aakayin at aalagaan upang makabahagi sa gawaing pagpapalaganap.

Final Screening Sa Lokal ng
Bayang Luma

Dito ko nakilala si Kuya Erwin, nakatambay siya sa mga upuan sa may 711 sa labas, umiinom ng Coke, kasama ang isang construction worker din na halos edad ay sa tingin ko mga turning 50s. Pagpasok ko sa 711, my mind was multi-tasking, infact ang iniisip ko noon ay kung saan ako mag-aanyaya upang magkaroon ng panauhin sa gagawing pamamahayag sa kinabukasan. I finished paying the 1.5 Liter bottle of Sprite and headed outside already to my vehicle to drive home pero inisip ko, "makapag-anyaya nga sa dalawang mamang nakatambay".

Initially, I asked Kuya in the 50's to join the Pamamahayag tomorrow night, he declined immediately saying that he's a construction worker leaving work at 5PM at umuuwi sa Marikina daily, I tried to do my usual rebuttals and asked him further on his availability but he was politely declining, kaya I didn't pursue any longer to invite him.

I then tried my luck kay Kuya Erwin, I noticed that he has a bike where his arms are rested on the front handles, so I asked if he's free tomorrow for a Bible Study. He seemed interested and I could sense his willingness to participate. I locked in our date and place for meet-up at pagsundo, and the rest is history.

Fast forward to May 2024... Kuya Erwin got baptized inside the Church. He went through the formal and usual path of indoctrination and sinusubok stages, until the final screening. With God's grace and love, he became a candidate for baptism and finally got baptized, and officially registered as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

___

Ang mag-akay at magbunga ay hindi isang madaling bagay. Naalaala ko ang isang talata sa Bibliya... "...agawin ninyo sila sa apoy, kaawaan ninyo sila". The verse is conveying it in a figurative manner, subalit  I realized that it can also be in a literal manner, there are times mapapaso ka at ang pag-agaw ay hindi madali.

Araw Ng Bautismo - Mayo 2024

These are the top 5 learnings I had so far habang sa gawaing pag-aakay:

1. Be consistent - Mula sa pagsundo, pagsama sa mga pagdodoktrina at pagpapasamba, kailangang hindi ningas-cugon... dapat ay maging consistent. There are 25 lessons for the indoctrinee to undergo, kailangan bilang isang may-akay, subaybayang maigi at suportahan mula umpisa ng doktrina, maging sa panahong pagtapak niya bila sinusubok, pagsama sa screening, at pag-suporta sa bautismo. 

Ngunit hindi nagtatapos iyon sa bautismo, kailangan niya pa rin ng guidance at hand-holding sa panahong nasa loob na siya ng Iglesia. Ang kaniyang pananampalataya ay kailangang mag-ugat, at ang pinakananais natin ay manatili siyang nakapagpapatuloy hanggang matapos niya ang kaniyang takbuhin.

2. Prepare yourself with sacrifices - Kalakip na ang sakripisyo at proper mind-set ang pagkakaroon ng inaakay. Words are not enough to describe kung paanong mga pagmamalasakit at pagtatanggi ng sarili ang gagawin, nariyan na maglaan ng oras para sa mga pagsundo at paghatid, pagsama sa mga doktrina at pag hihintay sa mga pagsamba. 

Nariyan ang pag-abot ng tulong pinansiyal upang ang akay ay makapagpatuloy habang binubuo niya ang kaniyang pananampalataya at pinalalago sa pamamagitan ng mga pakikinig. Maaring iba't-ibang sakripisyo ang ating makakaharap ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay kayang malagpasan kung sinet-in-advance natin ang ating isipan sa journey ng pag-aakay at pagpapalaganap.

3. Makisama sa inaakay at impluwensiyahan sa kulturang Cristiano - Ang kinalakhang kultura ng sanlibutan ay hindi-hindi mababago overnight, this is a gradual process at bilang may-akay, we are the main instruments, the visual examples kung paano lumakad sa kulturang Cristiano. We have the biggest impact and influence sa ating mga inaakay at pinadodoktrinahan. Let's lead by example.

Candidates for Baptism with
Ka Marty (Our Destinado)

4. Pag napagod, magpahinga at ituloy ang laban. - Darating ang panahon na maaring magsawa, or mag-give-up ang nag-aakay. Tao lang din, na napapagod at nawawalan kung minsan. Subalit, hindi ito dapat ang dahilan upang sumuko, whatever we started, we should finish it, after all this is a sworn duty, ang pagiging misyonero at misyonera -- bilang mga ilaw, liwanag, at tanglaw sa sanlibutang madilim.

5. Magpanata, manalangin. - Underrated mang sabihin pero napaka-powerful nito. Ang lunas sa lahat ng agam-agam kung kakayin ba o hindi ay ang panata at panalangin. Hindi madaling magbunga, gaya ng sinabi ko kanina subalit kung ang pusot at damdamin ay ilakip, at gawing dahil sa pag-ibig kaya gusto nating magbunga, ito ay magiging madali, at may kalakip ng self-fulfillment. Mas lalo tayong nalalapit sa Kaniya.

_____

** If you have questions or need someone to talk to, o diman kaya'y isa ka sa mga nagsusuri and you wanted to inquire about INC and how to get inside, don't hesistate to message me, I'll be more than happy to accompany you in your journey to becoming an Iglesia Ni Cristo member **

-billymacdeus

paki-follow po kami sa FB https://facebook.com/billymacdeusblog/ 

Why Should We Switch Back To Wired Headphones/Earphones?

Usb-C EarPods Costs 1,190 PHP as of May 2024

Here's an excerpt with my convo to a fellow AppleFanboi when it comes to switching back from Noise Cancellation Airpods to Apple's USB-C EarPods.

Myself: I recently bought a wired EarPods from Apple, the USB-C Type. I saw a vid from X kase na noise cancellation wireless EarPods is like bathing in EMF which eventually damages brain tissues.

Him: Are you friggin serious?!!! Ancient Technology na yang Wired Headphones ah.

Myself: (chuckling) natawa naman ako sa description mo! Ancient Technology talaga? Wow Ha, pero seryoso nga!, nakakadamage daw ng brain cells ang palaging nakababad sa wireless headsets tulad ng Airpods mo na Version 2. 

________

Is it worth switching to wired earphones from the wireless, noise cancelling AirPods?

While browsing X last week, I came across this shortclip showcasing the effects of wireless earphones, airpods, other noise cancelling earphones. It was claimed that EMFs based on 15,000 studies causes DNA damage to the brain and the human body. It was even suggested that when walking with your cellphone in your pocket, put it on airplane mode because it damages the human sperm. That when exposed to EMFs, it gets DNA breaks and impacts lesser mortality.

There is this so called EMF (Electromagnetic Fields). Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. EMFs are produced by both natural and human-made sources. There are two types of EMFs: low-frequency EMFs (non-ionizing) and high-frequency EMFs (ionizing).

1. Low-frequency EMFs:

   • Sources: Household appliances, power lines, mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, computers, and other electronic devices.
   • Characteristics: These fields are non-ionizing, meaning they don't carry enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms or molecules. Examples include extremely low frequency (ELF) fields and radiofrequency (RF) fields.

2. High-frequency EMFs:

   • Sources: X-rays, gamma rays, and certain medical imaging devices.
   • Characteristics: These fields are ionizing and can remove electrons from atoms, potentially causing damage to biological tissues.

Let's deep dive its effect to the brain.

The effects of low-frequency EMFs, such as those from mobile phones and Wi-Fi, on the human brain have been the subject of extensive research. Here are some key points:

• Short-term effects:

  • Thermal Effects: Prolonged exposure to high levels of RF EMFs can cause tissue heating. However, the levels of EMFs from everyday devices are typically too low to cause significant heating effects.
  • Neurophysiological Effects: Some studies have suggested that exposure to RF fields from mobile phones can affect brain activity, including changes in brain wave patterns. However, these effects are usually small and transient, and their biological significance is unclear.

• Long-term effects:

  • Cancer Risk: The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RF EMFs as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use. However, the evidence is limited and more research is needed to draw firm conclusions.
  • Cognitive and Behavioral Effects: There is ongoing research into whether long-term exposure to EMFs from mobile phones and other devices affects cognitive function, memory, and behavior. The results have been mixed, with some studies suggesting possible effects and others finding no significant impact.

Now that we learnt the effects of low-frequency EMFs, let's contrast it this time with the high-frequency EMF effects on the brain.

• Ionizing Radiation: High-frequency EMFs, such as X-rays and gamma rays, have enough energy to ionize atoms and molecules and can cause significant damage to biological tissues, including the brain. Prolonged or high levels of exposure to ionizing radiation are known to increase the risk of cancer, including brain cancer.

EarPods Wear

That's what I'm talking about! Who wants to grab a cancer-inducing earphones? Definitely not me! In conclusion though, I do still use my AirPods Gen1... and mainly to take advantage of its noise cancelling properties whenever I'm in a noisy and deafening surroundings.

In summary, let's answer the question earlier - is it worth switching to Ancient Technology (echoing my friend's sarcastic remarks) like the wired EarPods? For me YES! it's worth it, to take care of your hearing health and keep our brain cells away from the gradual and slow damage brought by EMFs. 

On a slight brake, I would still use my Airpods..., though at minimum, and less frequent usage like walks or short runs around the park!

Thanks for reading, until next post!

--Othello

fact-checked and researched via Soundwave, ChatGPT, and NPR's TED Radio Hour

May 10 - Remembering Brother Felix Y. Manalo - 138th Birthday

image credit to INCMEDIA.org

 

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) is commemorating the 138th birthday of God's Messenger in these last days. We, here at the QTpodcast and billymacdeus' blog are in unity with this celebration. The church worldwide holds simultaneous evangelical missions highlighting the teachings about pagsusugo.

The Prophecy and the Messenger are important teachings of the INC; it's a unique doctrine that no other religious organization could properly justify using the Bible, except the INC. To expand this claim, let's draw some proof quoting these verses:

John 6:29 

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Hebrews 5:4 

"And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was."

II Corinthians 10:12 

"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."

Deducing from the above verses, INC believes that the sending of "with authority to do the work of God" is something that is not new, it is actually a teaching shared by Lord Jesus. The calling of being a messenger is also supported by God himself, just as he called Aaron. Hence, it is not as simple as declaring one self that "I am sent by God", the approval and supporting evidence should be there.

This claim of "authority to preach His words" is properly supported by INC with conviction and faith through the Last Messenger in these last days - Brother Felix Y. Manalo.

Whenever you are interested, or challenged with this statement and claim, we offer you peace and to be kind-hearted with an open mind.

It is best to talk it over live study, and face to face to an INC minister, for those who want to delve or dive in deeper with this doctrine or teaching.

Feel free to drop us a message, and we'll be happy to coordinate with you to the nearest INC Chapel or Locale in order to schedule you a Bible Study.

--billymacdeus

drop us a message via collabs@billymacdeus.com for us to assist you for any questions or clarifications by directing you to an official minister of the gospel. This platform is a vehicle to reach out to people who are in search of truth regarding spirituality.

Ang Kuya Namin sa Work - Starbucks Experience

Ang ultimate kuya ng Plaza E at Aeon building - Kuya Ruben.

Kuya Ruben is one of the members of our housekeeping services in the corporate company I work for during the night.

Magiliw siya at palabati, kaya madaling makapalagayang loob. Minsan nabanggit niya, "dipa ako naka experience magStarbucks".

"Simpleng request naman kuya" kako, kaya nung nagtugma sked namin, we went to Starbucks and guided him kung anong gusto nia orderin and explaining a bit kung ano ung frap vs iced vs hot drinks.

I wanted to post this because I wanna relive how his reaction was pagtuntong namin sa loob ng SB; I could feel the excitement and eagerness. While walking towards SB Northgate, abot-abot ang pasasalamat niya, in a happy and yet, sincere manner.

Iba talaga kapag nakakapagpasaya ka ng kapuwa mo; being the harbinger of compassion and kindness is profound.

I initiated to take a pic of him, which i forgot to share immediately. This happened back in December 2023 pa, almost  6 months na ang nakakalipas. Tagal na niya ako kinukulit to send the pic; all along, I thought one of my one-downs already shared the pics noong sinabi ko na, "pa-send to (SB picture) kay Kuya Ruben"; since we were'nt friends sa FB back then.

So when i bumped into kuya last week sa shift ko, he reminded me to send the pic. And the rest is history.

Salamat Kuya Ruben for making our workplace a better place to work for, everyday, by being the instrument of cleanliness and orderliness, always keep up your positivity and smiling with a service.

-billymacdeus

Patuloy na Magbigay Kasiyahan sa Diyos ang Kaniyang Bayan

For me, listening intently to the texto of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo has always been a pleasure, and likened to a deer in search of water.

Ang paksang diwa of the Church's 110th anniversary: "Patuloy na Magbigay Kasiyahan sa Diyos ang Kaniyang Bayan" was magnified and shared with great emphasis to signify its importance in these last days for the INC members' journey towards salvation.

Firstly,  ang pagbibigay kasiyahan sa Diyos ay siyang inaasahan Niya mula sa Kaniyang mga hinirang. This is a basic requirement for the servants of God, because it's all tied up to the bigger picture - ang pagdating ng Panginoong Jesus -- na kaalinsabay ang napakalakas na ingay sa langit, na ang apoy ay wawasak sa araw, mga bituin, at sa kalawakan -- na ang pagdating ni Jesus ay nasa pintuan na.

Second, ang pagbibigay kasiyahan sa Diyos ay konektado kung nais nating matamo ang kaligtasan. Sapagkat ang pagliligtas ay napakalapit na, at nagbigay ng babala ang Bibliya sa mga magaganap; ito ay natutupad at patuloy pang natutupad:

- digmaaan (i.e.) 1st World War - July 27, 1914; 2nd World War - September 1, 1939.

- alingawngaw ng mga digmaan

- titindig ang banasa laban sa bansa

- ang kalikasan ay magdurusa

- lindol

- natural na mga sakuna

- tag gutom

Ang mga kaganapan sa itaas ay inilalarawan na gaya ng paghihirap ng isang babae sa kaniyang panganganak. 

image credits to the owner

Another reason why it is important for God to be delighted with us - "Ang panginoon ang pumapatnubay sa atin sa landas kung saan tayo lalakad, at pumuprotekta sa kanila na nagbibigay kasiyahan sa Kaniya."

One great example of this is the King Hezekiah - ginawa niya ang mabuti at tama - siya ay sumunod sa Dios. Nagpumilit siya na sumunod sa mga batas (laws) at tuntunin (rules) ng Diyos. Hence, the king receive good and great things in this life.

Ultimately, ano ang pangako ng Diyos sa mga nagbibigay kasiyahan sa Kaniya?

- patuloy kang papatnubayan ng Panginoon.

- bibigyang kasiyahan sa buhay, gaya ng bukal ng tubig na hindi nawawala.

Hindi naman kailangan ng Diyos ang mga biyaya, kundi tayo ang nangangailangan; gaya ni Haring Asa na naging malakas at hindi natakot gumawa ng mga reporma (inalis ang mga diyos-diyosan sa mga pagsamba noong unang panahon), siya ay nakapagbigay kasiyahan sa Diyos, at siya'y tinulungan, naging mabuti sa kaniya ang Diyos.

Tinutulungan ng Diyos ang mga may ligalig, nabigo, nabuwal; binibigyan Niya ng sapat, mga pangangailangan, walang hindi hinahangad kundi tayong lahat ay maligtas. Kung tayo ay nakapagbibigay kasiyahan, gagaan ang lahat na ating mga pinagdaraanan.

--billymacdeus