Consistency At Its Finest

I am to write this, without further reservations, because it is but right and truthful. I feel that it needs to be aired-out digitally, or could be printed whenever pleased by anyone - who'd come to stumble this written piece.

So it's the year 2021 - - more than a year, since the outbreak of the COVID 19 Pandemic last year-March 2020. A lot has changed; as in a lot - more importantly on how people harness or sustain their spiritual needs.

Just as we eat and drink everyday, to nourish our physical bodies, so does our need to fulfill and feed our souls through the spiritual activities that we must abide by to, based on our faith, beliefs, or religion.

While most, if not all are scared, apprehensive and doubtful on how to perform religious obligations across the country - - (whereas you can't blame them, for safety purposes) there is quite a distinct organization that is fearless - as soon as the PH government approved for mass gatherings and religious activities (30% none the least), and that is, the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo).

With all honesty, and without prejudice - despite me being part of this church, I do feel and say with conviction that the members are being taken cared off on their spiritual needs, properly and without haste.

The non-interruption of the House Worship Services across INC families are truly helpful - in a way, that could strengthen one's persistence to the everyday battles this journey of life has to offer.

I missed writing.

As i've said earlier - i'm going to write this thought-process - not to please someone from inside the Church or just so, for the sake of showing-off, or even for the sake of you-must-know-and-accept-this-truth-blah-blah, but because i wanted to express what my heart and eyes are seeing, in action, in the execution of the members of the Church of Christ, not only in the Philippines, but all throughout the world.

I shall be unwavering to narrate these first hand experiences - coming from yours truly.

On point... today commenced the yearly Holy Supper, that the church has been holding since its foundation (from Christ's era... and now to, this Christian era - re established in the Far East).

I am a living witness how the power of the Holy Spirit is within the Church, trickled down to each of the members congregating on this special occasion.

A time to be purified, a time to be washed with unclean-ness, a time for renewal, a time for the receiving of mercy and gifts of blessings from Him.

In order to gain the fortitude once more, to prepare thyself once more for the journey to come, until the end will come to last... there in the New Jerusalem - - a promised land for those, chosen ones.

~billymac

PS: According to elders and documentaries, the church endured two different world wars, and their worship services back then never stopped... It was always consistent, even now.

Be delighted! Be calmed - if you are reading this, and you are a member of the Church Of Christ - your election of the faith is true.

Privacy Comparison: FB Messenger, Whatsapp, iMessage & Signal

 (updated... March 31, 2025) 

If you're big with privacy, iffy on who gets to read your messages etc, know this chart by heart. But visually speaking, you can immediately notice that FB Messenger is the real hogger of information. The Champ among them all.

In contrast, which one has the most stringent privacy? -- Signal app. (highlighting this due the March 2025 news where Signal app was used by U.S. Washington officials for a private operation)

Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app that provides end-to-end encryption for text messages, voice calls, video calls, and media sharing. It is widely known for its strong security features and is used by individuals and organizations that prioritize data privacy.

Key Features of Signal:

End-to-End Encryption – Uses the Signal Protocol to ensure that messages and calls are private and secure.

No Data Collection – Unlike other messaging apps, Signal does not collect or store user data, metadata, or logs.

Self-Destructing Messages – Allows users to set timers for messages to disappear after a specified duration.

Open-Source – The app's source code is publicly available, allowing security experts to audit its integrity.

Supports Group Chats & Calls – Secure group messaging, voice, and video calls.

Cross-Platform – Available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Why Use Signal?

Ideal for users who prioritize privacy and security.

Free and ad-free (operated by a nonprofit organization).

Recommended by privacy advocates, including Edward Snowden and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

___

At the end of the day - are you solved that it's ok for all your messages, pictures and data are available over the internet? Or do you have the nervousness feeling that somehow, somewhere in the future, what you shared or chatted privately in FB Messenger will backfire?

Sounds scary, and at the same time - sounds exciting.

I read somewhere, in this internet age - nothing and no one is private. The list goes on why... so, the bottomline is - accept the fact that we're all vulnerable, no matter what.

Credits to reddit/coolguides.

~billymacdeus

(originally published January 4, 2021)

My Cycling Journey - Chapter One (The Bike Anatomy)

It's been almost a month of my journey in bicycling - i mentioned in my previous post (Introduction To My Cycling Journey) about the next steps and how's it going thus far, so here's a quick update tagged as Chapter 1.

Welp, i have been mostly travelling to nearby areas only like Vermosa Grounds or along Aguinaldo Hi-way within Imus city parts.

Thankful for the care-free beautiful piece of bikey (see last image below) - basic specs but it holds true to its purpose, taking me to places and bringing me to my desired destination.

I have learnt some basics about parts and the anatomy of a bike. It's interesting! And thanks to @decathlonPH for the comprehensive details.

Below is the Bike Anatomy that i made out from scratch.

1. Saddle - name says it all

2. Seatpost - a post (tube) to which the saddle is attached to.

3. Brakes - for both rear and front

4. Wheel 

5.  Drivetrain - the image below says it all about this part. The  (5) rear and (6) front derailleur are used to move the chain from one sprocket to another.

7. Crankset / Cassette - cranks and drivetrains are both driven by brands if you're looking at quality perspective.

8. Pedal

9. Frame - Aluminum is an ideal choice, most of the time. Definitely the prime component of the bike.

10. Headset - the tube that angles the steering axis.

11. Stem 

12. Handle Bars 

13.  Shifters/Levers 

14. Fork / Suspension - one of the crucial aspects to consider since it helps a smooth ride over bumpy and roadblocks. This is the forky type aspect fronting the bike

So, there you go... just finished carving in to digital print this knowledge about the Bike Anatomy. I'm an advocate of constantly re-living your acquired knowledge into transfers or sharing of information - this is to solidify your memory or at least have better retention.

~billymacdeus

ps: watch out for Chapter Two - roadbikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, citybikes

It's a Wrap For 2020

 

2020 in a wrap.

Top trends and searches via Google. Watch the video...

Thank you 2020.

Happy New Year, yáll!!

~billymacdeus

Seeing ur Addictions

 

“What we consider to be harmless indulgences can easily become full-blown addictions. We start with coffee in the morning, and soon enough we can’t start the day without it. We check our email because it’s part of our job, and soon enough we feel the phantom buzz of the phone in our pocket every few seconds. Soon enough, these harmless habits are running our lives.”

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

Pinipili mo ba ang kinababaliwan mo? Nasa tamang landas ba ito, o, ang iyong kalayaan ay nakataya na?
Mga katanungang, madaling sagutin sa pamamagitan lamang ng iyong sarili - katotohanang magpapalaya sa 'yo.

To quote an addict - "addiction is when we have lost freedom to abstain".

What are the next steps upon identifying and seeing these addictions? Take control and put clarity to your paths where your freedom is not at stake.

~ billymacdeus