I Am PRO-LIFE

Disclaimer: Everyone is entitled of his or her own opinion. Thus, whatever is written here do not intend to hurt or criticize other people's. This is my opinion, and I hope those who get to read this, respect my piece.

Lately, I have been so vocal of my community and religious involvement. I am talking about being a member of a religious community, which is called the Singles for Family and Life - a family ministry under the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life.

Looking back, I was granted the rare opportunity to be part of a community that has always been so vocal in its purpose. Evangelization, helping the Church in proclaiming God's Words to every member of a family. Having been in this community for about seventeen years now, I have had a couple of teachings that have been instilled in my mind and heart. Among those is protecting the sanctity of life.

Leaving my religious community behind, I am someone who believes that everyone of us deserves to live a life. A life that pleases our God, the reason why we are all here. Yes, I am PRO-LIFE.

Maybe for people who do believe that using contraceptives is okay, I am nuts. Perhaps some who will get to read this will laugh at me or criticize my belief. Well, just like what I have said earlier on, I believe we all have our own opinion. This is mine.

For me, whether you are an adult or a week or a day old baby inside the womb of your mother, you have all the right to live. A right that no one have the authority to take it away from you. In our country today, a lot of people in the Congress are pushing through with the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. Sad but true, there are a couple of congresswomen and ordinary women who support this bill.

Let me just share this. I came from a family of nine. My papa, my mama, and my six siblings. I remember when our mom gave birth to our youngest sister, she thought of - and a lot of people would advise her to - having herself ligated. But during the time she was at the delivery room, perhaps it was God through her conscience that told her not to have herself ligated. I remember my mom telling us that at that moment, she thought that she belongs to a community that protects life, so why would she do what is contrary? It was God through her conscience that she was not led to go astray from what the Bible and the Church has been teaching us.

Perhaps some would contradict my opinion saying that being a self-professed single, who am I to talk about these things? Well, not because I am single, I have no right to be a PRO-LIFEr. God has given me wisdom, He too has given me the privilege to listen to a talk about PRO-LIFE. It was then that I have become even more convicted to my belief that no one in this entire world have the capability to kill anyone.

Funny how some people would talk about animal rights. Funny how some would plead to the authorities not to kill their loved ones, and yet, some people would just let these babies be killed even before they were conceived. The people behind the RH Bill says that this is a bill that will protect the women. That this is the bill that will lessen the underprivileged. That this is the bill that will protect our country from becoming overly populated.

I am from the province of Northern Samar. Going to my hometown by land, it would take me about 16 to 18 hours of travel. Whenever I go home by bus, I would see a lot of spaces along the way. These are spaces of greens. Meaning, these are lands that no one resides. As these RH Bill proposers say that the country is overpopulated, I would want to disagree. Manila is, but the country is not. Go to the provinces and you will see that Philippines is not overpopulated, and that there is enough space for everyone. 

They say it will protect the women. Protect from what? From getting pregnant? Isn't getting pregnant an important role that was given to women for procreation? Isn't it written in the Bible? Now I have this in mind, is this really to protect women or this is to give them authority to have sex (out from the sanctity of marriage) as they are protected by these contraceptives? We are a country of Christians. I hope that remains, not just by name but by the way we live our lives.

They say that the RH Bill is the answer to lessen the poor ratio in the country. Since when did the poor people affected the economic growth of a country? I feel sorry for the poor, as they have been used by people who think of nothing but themselves. I feel sorry for my underprivileged brothers and sisters as they have been used as a reason just so this bill be passed. Now I say, why instead of using the poor as a reason to have this bill passed, just these people stop from being corrupt and just do their job as legislators and stop making bills or laws that will actually not benefit the humanity? Why not, instead of creating a law that endangers the human life, just make a law on more important things like education, health, jobs, and many others on the line?

I am PRO-LIFE. I wouldn't want to imagine growing old without seeing the new breed of generation. I wouldn't want to imagine growing old, seeing the generations after me doing things that only should be done within the sanctity of marriage. I do not want to grow old and see my child-to-be learning about sex and contraceptions while she or he is just a fifth grader. I do not want to grow old and hear my future kid telling me, "Mom, it's okay to have sex. I have contraceptions to protect me." 

I am only 23 years old. I am young. I am single. I am unattached. But yes, I am a PRO-LIFEr. I have never been this vocal. Not until today that a lot of people are so into passing this bill. Not until today that a lot of people are becoming blinded with what they thought are good. 

Do not just look at how it is today. Imagine what the future might be when this irresponsible and arrogant bill be passed. 

I AM PRO-LIFE. 

How about you?

A Princess's Letter to God

Dear God,

Thank you for the best weekend you've given to me. I had fun while my soul was being filled with your goodness and love. Days before I went to the World Singles Congress (WSC) 2011, I knew something great would happen, but I never expected it to be that great.

tumblers given during the 4th CFC-SFL
World Singles Congress

On my way to the venue together with my beloved brothers and sisters in Singles for Family and Life, I was having some bad thoughts. You know what I mean Lord. There were things that consumed my mind. Thanks to my angels, I was able to overcome those bad thoughts, and eventually made some great thoughts along the way.

When we arrived at the venue, I was not in awe. I was actually surprised because I did not expect it to be that way. A typical state U that has a lot of open areas but had a couple of trees only, which made it really hot. But again, my angels kept me guarded. They made me feel at home with the whole place later on that first day at the conference.

During the first night, I was overwhelmed. I was so full of praises to you. I worshiped you. But again, I was a little hesitant to show how much I praise and worship you. I was a little shy. But then, after awhile, I just saw myself raising my hands and singing joyfully before you.

During the first talk, I was struck. I knew then you were talking to me. You told me that, "Hey Pam! You are my princess, and I have prepared a kingdom for you both in heaven and earth." There I felt how blessed I am to have you as my Father. I felt your graciousness and love.

The night ended, and the second day came. It was during the second talk that you made me feel that I am not alone in my quest. That there are other people my age who feel the same way I am feeling at the moment. You re-assured me that I am not the only person on earth who faces the issues in life that I am facing now. God, you truly is the best.

"my God is now my strength" -Isaiah 49:5

When the night came in, I thought it would just be another inspiring night as the third talk is coming along. But God, again, you surprised me. It wasn't an ordinary night. It was a magnificent, a soulful, a great night. During the time Father Arlo Yap, SVD was leading us to reflection, you showed yourself to me. You spoke with me. The next thing I knew was, I was kneeling down, and crying to you while you were there, hugging me tight. You comforted me, and re-affirmed me that I have a strong and big God. It was during that moment that I have forgiven all who have hurt me, including myself. It was also that time when I let go of my hesitations, and said yes to you. It was indeed a magical moment I will always remember in my life.

After that special Saturday night, I felt like my heart was renewed. It's whole again. As expected, everything has to end. During the third and last day, I felt lighter unlike the time I arrived at the conference. When the fourth and last speaker went on to speak, I felt that indeed, I have a great God who's so unselfish and forgiving. 

God, if only I could stay there for the rest of my life, just worshiping and praising you, I would. Having you around with people who share the same passion and love as what I have for you is just great. My weekend was not an ordinary weekend. It was something I will forever treasure and will always be proud to share.

As I left the venue, the challenge was with me. The challenge of doing your will and living not to please anyone else but you. I have with me the challenge to share the goodness of you. I have with me the challenge to stay committed to you.

God, I had really the best weekend of my life. I have to say that all the tears shed was all worth it, for without those tears, I won't realize that I am weak, and that during those weaknesses I am strong because I know in my heart that I have a strong and faithful God.

Love,

Pammy

On Being Single (and Love)

It's love month again. It's very obvious kahit san ka magpunta. There are heart-shaped decorations in almost every establishment na makikita mo. Love songs? Uso na naman, pati na din love quotes. Of course, uso na naman ang pangungutya sa mga single.

I am one of them. No, I'm not the one who teases. I am the one being teased.

But hey, being single does not make me any less. I am even luckier than those who are in a relationship nga, but are taken for granted naman. A lot of single people thought they're cursed for being one. Well, I'd have to say na you should feel blessed. There are so many things to be thankful dahil single ka. After all, hindi naman nasusukat ang pagkatao dahil lang sa kung in a relationship o single ang status mo.

I am single, yet I love to talk about love and falling in love. Again, hindi dahil single, you don't have the right to talk about love. I had my fair-share of love and hurt. I had my share of katangahan, but that was before. Once you've learned, you should live by it. Meaning, do not commit the same mistake again.

I am single both by fate and by choice. Why is that so? Well, let's just say, I did not plan to be single but I guess Somebody has planned it for me. As I realized things in my life, I eventually opted to stay single until God knows I'm ready for it. Like I've said earlier, when you learned something, make sure na you learned talaga and living with that learning. Useless kasi na you've learned and yet you still do the same things.

Hindi naman ako napaso sa love. Let's just say, may mga bagay akong narealize as I have had that short encounter with love. For once I have to admit that I learned na iba ang love sa infatuation. As you grow older, you'll realize the difference. As for me, I realized I really haven't fallen deeply and truly inlove yet, but I got infatuated many times, including the one I thought was love only to realize in the end na it wasn't love at all.

At this point in my life, I am no longer waiting to get infatuated with someone. I am waiting for real love to come. The love that He has intended for me. I am in no rush though, because I know that the perfect time will come for that. It doesn't matter when, where and how. What matters is, that day to come. So if you're single today just like me, stop thinking as if you're so unlucky to be single, because you're not. Learn to wait for your time. After all, walang magandang kahihinatnan ang pagmamadali, dahil lahat ng bagay na minamadali hindi nagsu-succeed.

Too much about love and being single. Enjoy the love season. If you have no special someone to spend that day with, you might try spending it with family and friends, or para maiba lang, have a date with yourself. Who cares kung mag-isa ka? You should even be proud if you do that. 

And oh, do not forget the true essence of Valentine's, that is, to continuously show our love and appreciation to the people we love and care for, not just on that day but everyday.

Happy Love Month Everyone! =D