Online trading is NOT gambling, but a legitimate investment and source of income

by Al Sabado

As some of you may know, I’ve been maintaining on my website a soon to be 6-year-old section called “The Filipino freelancers’ guide to paying taxes and securing social benefits.” I’ve included in that section a few articles such as “Spend less, save more,” where I’ve enumerated viable means to save up while working as a full-time, self-employed income earner (a.k.a. freelancer). I’d evaded many years ago the idea of engaging in stocks, but my perspective about it changed when I began to understand how it works—and that it works!

Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. (Proverbs 20:18)

Legitimate, not gambling. With that understanding alone, I’ve been convinced informed trading is one of the legitimate means to invest and grow our hard-earned money. I must admit that part of that understanding came from my personal experience of losing from trading; allow me to stress that mine was uninformed. But just because I lost doesn’t mean I’ve ultimately given up as well my motivation to trade. I've realized though that trading doesn’t—and it shouldn’t—come from the lack of significant understanding. Many people consider trading as some sort of gambling; but I dare say that, for any endeavor, if we do things sloppily and without significant knowledge, we’re already gambling.

Trading brief. Most novices like me only heard much about trading stocks (e.g., Amazon, Coca Cola, etc.). But trading may also involve other assets, such as currency pairs (e.g., EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, etc.), commodities (e.g., coffee, gold, oil, wheat, etc.), and indices (e.g., NASDAQ, S&P 500, etc.), which can be traded online—without actually owning them—via trading websites (a.k.a. brokers), from around the world.

Inspired by a translation project. You’re probably wondering why of all activities I’ve thought about trading. Have I not been receiving editorial projects lately? You know, God has always been good. I was recently hired to complete an editorial project that I quite enjoyed doing: translating written content from English to Filipino. The subject matter? Binary options, a type of trading that novice and professional traders can achieve online. And so translating the material in about a month got me absorbed and interested in trading.

Looking back, I created a style sheet so that I maintain consistency throughout the translated manuscript. And when translating, I see to it that I achieve two things as well: clarity and retention of not only the original meaning of the text, but also the beauty of our language. I say clarity because certain words may be better left as they are (e.g., credit card instead of kard na pang-kredito). I say retention of beauty because Filipino is not meant to be unintelligent or casual Taglish (e.g., "Sobrang thank you" for "Maraming salamat").

So if I were to translate “Are you ready to trade?” instead of haphazardly and thoughtlessly writing, “Handa ka na bang mag-trade?” I write, “Handa na po ba kayong makipagkalakalan?” Note that I didn’t use “mag-trade,” which is a poor and lazy translation.  I also used the oftentimes forgotten word “po,” a Filipino expression of respect toward the elderly, the people in authority, and the general public.

Lessons learned while trading and incurring mistakes along the way. Reading and learning from the experiences of professional traders allowed me to identify the mistakes I encountered as a novice trader. I’m sharing these lessons with you so that you don’t go through them—unnecessarily—should you consider trading. My focus on this article is on binary options trading.

1. Don’t rush into trading without gaining significant knowledge about it. The worse part was I assumed I understood trading already, so I opened account in three trading websites. I should have paused there and studied the platforms, but I deposited funds to one of them and yep, started hitting, on each trade, one of two buttons (Call or Put).

Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. (Proverbs 19:2)

2. Don’t over-trade. I had several winning trades and I should have, again, paused there awhile, but I continued trading, hoping to at least recover my losses, until I got tired. And as you know, when you’re tired, you ought to rest to regain the energy required to function and perform properly. I didn’t. So there I lost all my funds, along with my winnings. My bad.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Psalms 127:2)

3. Take your time to hear professional traders. This item is an expansion of item 1. Not rushing into something is taking your time to study and learn the right precepts to go by while administering specific tasks such as trading. Now here’s my DISCLAIMER: I’ll be sharing here a few links for information ONLY; I do not necessarily endorse them or the institutions they represent or are affiliated with. Please read them and anything else with maximum caution. Yes, underscore there “maximum.”

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. (Proverbs 19:20-21)

So far I’ve found useful general trading insights from (a) Joe Ross of Trading Educators and (b) Chaikin YouTube videos featuring Sandy Chaikin of Chaikin Analytics, along with (c) NASDAQ.

The NASDAQ home page.

My favorite trading topic is, of course, binary options and so far, I’ve heard practical tips about it from other binary traders online. (I've previously mentioned here Julian Wong of The Binary Lab, but it puzzles me now why he seems to be endorsing and using questionable brokers, such as CToption, GOption, and TitanTrade. So I'm thinking perhaps issues with these traders are isolated cases, and that I'm yet to find out.)

4. Read what other users say about trading websites. Three of the many trading websites I visited include TopOption, GOption (which has been a confirmed scam site by the Forex Peace Army or the FPA, as of July 2015), and BossCapital. Since I found BossCapital to be easy on the eye, I chose to try it first, which was also among my first mistakes, as I failed to read the reviews of people who’ve already used it. Although it was only yesterday when I read what Mr Terry Sneller, a 71-year-old, long-time trader, had to say about BossCapital, the link to the information he shared remains to be worth including here.

If you’re interested about what he has to say regarding BossCapital, you may look up his review with his name, Terry Sneller. From Mr Sneller's experience, I can tell that accepting bonuses from a broker's platform is definitely unwise; so it's best not to take broker bonuses at all, unless you fully understand and accept the terms involved.

Search also on Google the existing broker reviews, offering tips on what to do and what not to do when dealing with brokers (either individuals from, or account platforms of, trading websites).

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. (Proverbs 16:20-21)

TopOption, which may be among the few brokers requiring low, minimum deposit ($100 USD), is still one trading website I haven’t tried using. But reviews I read seem to imply that starting with such a minimal amount is close to losing. Others are also saying that the site’s trading platform is slow, freezing, or lagging.

The TopOtion trading platform.

5. Discover which brokers are confirmed scam or getting there. I recently discovered that neither GOption (a confirmed scam trading site by the FPA) nor CTOption is a regulated broker, compared with TopOption, which is regulated (by the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission and the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom). Moreover, GOption reviews seem to be unfavorable, compared again with TopOption's favorable reviews.

Despite not being a regulated broker, CTOption, on the other hand, is said to be a trusted trading website by some. However, as of "June 2015: There is an FPA Traders Court guilty verdict against this company" according to the FPA.

So take your time to review broker trading sites. These brokers are mentioned here for info ONLY. Don't rely on who's using what. Find out yourself which broker YOU can trust.

6. Visit broker review sites. Most traders leave their comments published on broker review sites as follows:

• Binary Options Blacklist (Read the site's article, "7 Requirements For Choosing A Binary Option Site")
• Binary Options That Suck
• Broker Reviews
• Forex Fraud
• Forex Peace Army
• Forex Scams by FPA
• Top 10 Binary Brokers

7. Be sure your trading account has been fully validated/verified before you start trading. Another mistake I committed was that I started trading already just before I learned my trading account was not yet fully verified and validated by the trading site. Without that important knowledge I deposited funds and started trading. Call that excited.

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. (Proverbs 8:12)

8. Again, identify and stay away from scammers. I came across a scam website yesterday, and it’s called Millionaire’s Blueprint. I need not put a link to that. Just know that scammers abound the Internet. If you’re offered maximum profits—watch out! I suppose we have to eliminate beforehand the greed factor, should we discern it in our system, so we won’t be clouded with the illusion of earning maximum profits in a short time, just like what the get-rich-quick schemes endlessly offer unsuspecting victims.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience... Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:6, 17)

9. Fear not. Yes, you read that right. Amidst uncertainty I say fear nothing and no one but God. I’ve been striving to practice that principle even the first time I embarked into freelancing seven years ago and I pass it on to you. Eliminate unnecessary fear. But know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). With that wisdom, significant knowledge, faith in God, and obedience to His Word, we will succeed.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. (Proverbs 19:23)

10. On taxation: Be honest. I would like to add that honesty remains to be the best policy, which applies to paying income tax, particularly that which pertains to trade winnings. Traders usually ask if they should declare in their inland revenue reports their earnings from trading. The answer to that is YES. Unless you live in, and are a permanent resident of, an oil-rich country, which normally doesn't impose income tax on its constituents, then you can skip paying income tax. But if you are a citizen of a country whose laws mandate that income earners must pay income tax, then you have to include your trade winnings when you file and pay income tax.

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. (Proverbs 19:1)

In the Philippines, we can classify trade winnings under "other income." And yes, we fill out BIR-registered official receipts (ORs) for the purpose of proper documentation, as reflected in our cash receipts books. On the OR, we simply write "via [name of the trading website]" on the blank next to "Received from," and write "trade winnings on [date of trade] next to "...full payment of." We, of course, write the gross amount of our trade winnings on the blank following "the sum of [currency]."

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)

My learning on the subject matter (i.e., binary options trading) is in progress, so I conclude here with the following passage from the Holy Bible, my encouragement for trading:

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. (Words of Jesus, Matthew 25:14-29) 

God didn't create a third gender or the gender-neutral concept of all sorts

by Al Sabado

[I have originally posted this message via Google+, and reposting it here.]

Al Sabado

Shared publicly  -  10:40 AM

Upon reading Deuteronomy 22 this morning I pondered about verse 5, which has probably been the center of futile and endless arguments to date. I personally do not think women aren’t permitted by God to wear pants or men to wear skirts. Because if that were so, then men wearing skirt during Abraham and Moses’s time were abominable people, as the verse points out. But what I do understand is the distorted intent beneath wearing such wardrobe.

You probably wondered why a seemingly masculine fellow passenger, who rode a public vehicle with you, looked somewhat peculiar, donned in polo shirt tucked in pants. I did. In fact, without staring at the person, I could determine right away that the person wasn’t at all a man, but a woman assuming to be a man. Now that isn’t normal, based on the Biblical perspective of what a man or a woman looks like.

Through the passing of time we’ve seen how fashion trends have changed and yet we can—without a doubt—easily distinguish the feminine fashion from the masculine.

The intention is clear. A man’s intention dressing up to assume the appearance of a woman, or a woman’s intention dressing down to assume the appearance of a man—contrary to God's design of natural gender—is what I believe as the abominable, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:5.

So if you truly fear God, who created man and woman, you’ll understand that He didn’t create a third gender or the gender-neutral concept of all sorts. But if you continue defying the God-designed concept of God’s TRUE creation, then that’s your choice. You probably gained the courage to “come out in the open” because of the deceiving and perverse  approval of the majority and the popular.

I need not threaten you because God in His Word—the Holy Bible—is sovereign. Know, therefore, that the ill choices we make on the subject matter do have detrimental consequences. If you don’t believe—in fear—God’s Word, as it is written in the Holy Bible, then I cannot undo your unbelief for you. But I pray you’d wake up—before it’s too late! Repent!

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:26-32)

DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 22

kingjamesbibleonline.org

The book of Deuteronomy chapter 22 from the King James Bible Online

Refuse to marry just any believer

by Al Sabado


[I have originally posted this message via Google+, and reposting it here.]

Al Sabado
Shared publicly  -  Sep 14, 2015

At a time I was still attending church I was tasked to handle a Bible study group for adult women. (Oh dear, of all people, why me…) My preparation for the study was crucial, because the occasion was also an evening bridal shower for the group’s lady member—a believer who’s about to marry an unbeliever.

I don’t sugarcoat or mince words when I speak, especially to people I so deeply care about. So you may have guessed the Bible verse that’s vividly etched in my head. That verse was among my first lessons in my walk with God as a young believer in 1991, and I pass it on to every believer crossing similar path of considering to marry an unbeliever. With that burden in my heart, I prayed for the evening. My hands were cold. My heart thumped as I finally read aloud in the room the verse we all could have avoided and ignored, but one the bride-to-be had to hear, probably the last time:

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Hearing that verse, however, didn’t change the woman’s decision; she proceeded with her wedding. I regret that’s her choice...

As for you, my dear fellow believer, take your time. I pray you won’t settle for anything less, but God’s best, which can mean not marrying at all. Ready for that? By God’s grace, yes. But if you consider marrying someone, refuse to marry just any believer. Choose the one who, like King David, is after God’s own heart. A strong believer who stands by God’s Word no matter what, someone who’s able to discern that which is Biblical from that which is not. And listen also to what your parents and people closest to you will have to say. Oftentimes, they see issues you may be unaware of.

Disclaimer: I link to the article below as I share the author’s views (except for churchgoing, as many churches of this day lead the flock astray) on the subject matter, but I do not necessarily endorse the author or his church. Magandang araw (Good day)! :)

10 MEN CHRISTIAN WOMEN SHOULD NOT MARRY

nycpastor.com

Musings while brewing coffee: Which type of believer are you?

by Al Sabado

This morning I pondered about the different types of believers I encountered in nearly 25 years. Not that I’ve reached heights or been better in my faith compared with others; but I—and perhaps you too—notice believers don’t come out the same, as in, of the same feather. Some appear nice, initially, until unfavorable circumstances cross their paths and their true colors splatter along the walkway. Some have remained sincere believers through the years, regardless of their circumstances. Following is just a short list of terms, with which I mentally categorized believers, as I brewed coffee this morning.

The “Sincerely Anonymous.” I’ve read a few blogs of fellow believers regarding their views on false teachers, false/emergent churches, special holidays, verses from the books of Genesis to Revelation. And I thought their views are “Wow, outstandingly interesting!” But when I started touring their website to discover more about who they are, I found they’re nameless authors of what they wrote. Their blogs have no photo of them, but of creatures under the sun. No name, not even a nickname. Nothing. Their blogs are simply signed with the invisible “Sincerely, Anonymous.” Come on, brethren. Who are you? Aren’t you supposed to be brave people for the sole reason that the Lord Jesus is your confidence—and mine too? Fellow believers read your blogs, exposing the truth we hardly find in church structures these days, especially if we don’t go there anymore. And if it’s God’s truth you profess, isn’t it similarly truthful if you’d introduce yourself even briefly? By the way, if it would matter saying this, I'll say it: please don't delete your blog account. I've seen three blogs of fellow believers shut down already (whatever reason they have, I don't know). We won't please everyone, nobody can. But we're here to speak up for God's truth, not to please men.

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. (Proverbs 14:26)

The “Dual Citizen.” This type of believers is a bit hard to comprehend: evidently a believer outside, but somewhat something else inside. Regardless if they’ve been in the faith for years or decades, some believers seem to operate with duality. Have you met any of this type?

Let me cite a few real-life examples: Believer A is a church worker, probably a busy one, because other than his work at church and in the office, he’s also a candidate for completing a PhD degree from a reputable university. Now here’s the catch: he’s hiring professionals to ghostwrite his PhD dissertation. Read that again. Hiring professionals to write one’s academic paper is a way of the world. Such practice is dishonest. If you’ve played this type of believer, then please know brethren that hiring ghostwriters to accomplish academic writing for you is a first-class, high-end form of cheating. What do you need a degree for if you can’t even pass the distinction of being honest—with or without a university degree?

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

Here’s another example: Believer B has been in the faith for like decades, but her ways haven’t changed. She’s still easily angered, slams the door or whatever she finds when upset, raises her voice when furious, curses when agitated. In short, she’s temperamental . . . still. But here’s another scoop: she’s friendly with friends, charitable for noble causes, goes out of her way to express concern for “other” people. At one time she donated a huge amount of money for a cause without questions asked; however, she seemed blind when it comes to providing for the basic needs of her “own” household. Are you this type of believer? Remember God’s Word says

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (1 Timothy 5:8)

The “Acting Chief of Finance.” Some believers are all-out generous making donations to innumerable causes. But come tax day, they seem to portray the acting chief of finance while prodding their accountants to sort of miscalculate their income tax reports, so they pay either a small amount of tax or none at all. They’re quite inhibited when it comes to shelling out cash from their wallet, for matters they ought to consider “their” social obligation. If that’s their attitude about their finances, then would it still be surprising they left church for no other reason but to avoid tithing? (Giving 10 percent, or tithing, is obsolete, by the way—unless you still don’t know, do your homework. You may begin reading this book online, Tithing: Low-Realm, Obsolete & Defunct.)

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

The “Authorized Personnel Only.” This term comes to mind as I remember believers who seem to be focused about discussing matters of the Holy Bible—nothing more. They dwell tremendously on studying God’s Word and they enthusiastically discuss their findings with fellow believers. Apparently, that’s all they want to discuss; they suddenly shift to “silent mode” when a brethren opens up to them common life issues and requests for prayer. Have you been this way to other believers? Careful. What you learn from studying God’s Word may be lacking teeth, spine, and bone when the way you respond to another person, particularly a fellow believer, is no different from the sight of unresponsive, melting blocks of ice floating on top of your cold beverage.

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (1 Peter 3:8)

The “Nonshowbiz Lover.” I call this category as such because it reminds me of believers who may be unpopular, yet they’re grounded in the faith, sincere toward other people, and quietly confident in the Lord Jesus. They’re hardly seen in social circles, not even in church structures filled with congregants on midweeks and weekends. They’re not anonymous, but they bravely stand up for what is Biblical and stay away effortlessly from what is not. They discern the things of God and the things that are ungodly. They’re unafraid to leave churches or groups when such institutions compromise fearlessly the truth we find in God’s unchanging Word. They’re not easily swayed by trends leading the crowd; God’s Word is their ultimate guide when conducting their day-to-day concerns. These believers no longer find pleasure in listening to secular music, not even contemporary Christian music, and they perfectly know why they shouldn’t listen to such materials anymore. These believers don’t observe pagan occasions, such as Christmas, birthdays, and other times, constantly celebrated and considered “special” by the world. Their contentment and gratitude toward God's blessings that come their way daily bring them unparalleled joys in life. These believers are no church attendees; they stay in their homes on Sundays reading, studying, and listening to God’s Word, the Holy Bible.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:21, 23-24)

But what’s a believer? Believers, particularly the last type I discussed, don’t necessarily call themselves “Christian” to say they are. They don’t even have to go to a physical church to be one. But as believers, they recognize they're sinners who've repented, saved by grace, and whose faith is in Jesus Christ, who alone is their Source of strength, Enabler in accomplishing tasks too great for them, and Savior—not their works or the people surrounding them. 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

These believers hardly read devotionals written by popular Christian authors. What believers read every day is the Holy Bible, the unchanging Word of God—first thing in the morning, last thing in the evening. If you’d ask a believer where he’d go when he dies, the usual prompt reply is, “I’ll go to heaven.” And if you’d ask him why he thought so, by faith he’d say, “Because God, in His Word, says so.”

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

If I may ask, are you a believer?

Care for a slice of butter cake with apples and almonds? I wish you and your loved ones a restful weekend!

Before my flight to the beautiful island of Coron, Palawan, someone told me this: “You’re still single? You’re missing half of your life!”

by Al Sabado

I remember completing my workload of editing a full PhD dissertation, days before I left my home office for the trip. I made sure I left my dad under the loving care of family members. I made sure my cats had enough food while I was away for a few days, among other concerns. I felt that was enough for me to think about as an unmarried individual. So I wasn’t quite sure which half of my life the person, who made the statement, was referring to. 

Was I moved upon hearing the remark? No. Should I be, you think? Besides, I enjoyed so much our stay in Coron, Palawan. My sister and I even went kayaking for an entire day! Well, kayaking for about eight hours didn’t feel so much fun! But we had a good laugh in between rowing and asking, “Aren’t we there yet?” 

My sister Grace. I was teasing her, "Kaya mo 'yan, sis (You can do it, sis)!" . . . while I rested. :)

After the whole-day kayaking adventure, we looked forward to returning to our haven of rest—the Sophia’s Garden Resort. Oh, we were so thrilled to change swimwear and enjoy a warm soak in the resort Jacuzzi!

Earlier that day, my sister sort of scolded me because I overpacked food. I just thought we might go hungry kayaking the entire day from one island to the next islands (that’s plural, yes). The last food pack was the sumptuous pizza especially prepared by the chef of Sophia’s Garden Resort. We savored that last meal at dinnertime by the resort garden gazebo, next to the Jacuzzi and the swimming pool. The outdoor area was all ours that evening! 

Dinner at the Sophia's Garden Resort gazebo, and an invigorating soak in warm water in the Jacuzzi nearby (Courtesy of the Sophia's Garden Resort photo gallery).

As a homebody, I'm not keen going out, but I'm glad my sister Grace, also single (a fulfilled OB-gyne-oncologist), booked trips such as this with me.

Now, does that still sound like this single woman’s missing half of her life? C’mon. Give her a break!

No, you’re not missing half of your life if you’re single. Well, unless you allow that to happen. I’ve met sincere, beautiful men and women in the three decades I’ve lived my life. (I’ve actually lived four, plus three years, but I hadn’t met them in my first decade.) Some of them are still single. (Amen!) Some of them married. (No comment.) Some of them separated already from their spouses and are single again. (My lips are sealed on that one.) And, the good news? They’re still alive and I wish them all God's best.

“Are you still a virgin?” Many years ago, a group of young women asked me that question, and I was so delighted to spend precious time with them, to discuss the glory and honor and majesty of sexual abstinence with grace and dignity! Did you just raise your eyebrows on that one? Well, don’t we uphold the purity of celibacy anymore? Honestly, I do find it sad to hear young men and women take chances when it comes to having their first sex, that is, outside of marriage. I do find it sad when parents and schools teach children the so-called “wise choice” of using condom for safe sex, instead of instilling in the minds of the young the timeless virtue of sexual abstinence. I do find it sad when teachers themselves tolerate promiscuity among young people. (Have you read the news about it this morning? Ugh…) And yes, it was saddening when the young women terminated our discussion after their query received an affirmative response.

Fear of God vs premarital sex. Keeping one’s virginity is not about building up self-importance and arrogance. Abstaining from sex while, and when, unmarried is about fearing God, particularly among people who say they fear God. Sadly, many God-fearing people take premarital sex casually. Even much disconcerting for us believers is when actors, who are professing Christians, by the way, perform the sexual act on wide screen—the glory of movies, or the genuine portrayal of role for art's sake, they say. I also recall a young actress blurted on national TV her commitment of giving her “all” to her boyfriend, in the name of love. Then I remember another actor imparted with the media her statement, something like, “God saw us when we did it.” Of course, God sees everything. People do and say things their way. But is that God’s way? Is premarital sex God’s will? Would it be God's will if it's a SIN?

Dearly beloved, God’s Word says,

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

Surprisingly, some people, even professing Christians, debate on the etymology of fornication. Well, they can debate all they want on the subject but that doesn’t legitimize the act of having sex outside of marriage—in the eyes of God.

For 1 Corinthians 7:1-2 confirms:

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:1-2).

Common-law partners behave as husband and wife do, but in the eyes of God and man, they're not married.

Singles are “complete” human beings. Interesting to note that following chapter 6 of 1 Corinthians is a portion of the Apostle Paul’s instruction to the unmarried and widowed. And I quote:

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. . . . The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 7:32-33, 39-40)

What did the Scripture say about an unmarried woman? Underscore there happier, not someone who’s missing half of her life.

Are you single? You should be happier! But that’s going to be your choice. Also, won't you make it a part of your choice to say "no" to premarital sex before you even get intimate with someone? I've heard individuals say, "Hindi ko masabi (Can't say)" or "Ayokong magsalita nang tapos (I don't wanna be quick with my words)". But that becomes the problem: When people don't decide on this matter ahead of time, they fall prey to the lures of fornication.

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:37)

I wish you a blessed week!

Happy holidays--minus the Christmas decors and festivities

by Al Sabado


Many years ago, I visited a home around this season and wondered why a family of believers did not decorate their house with Christmas decors. As a young believer, the pagan origin of Christmas was unknown to me and so, just like the others, I contended that the season was rightfully celebrated to remember God's gift: our salvation through Jesus Christ. However, I later realized that if paganism is the origin of Christmas, then that is never God's way for us to remember His free gift of salvation.

Many oppose, if not ignore, this notion and so despite their awareness of God's Word and gift of salvation, they continue to celebrate not just Christmas but also other traditions (e.g., birthdays, Valentine's, etc.) of pagan origin. But such a response is nothing new.

We can read from God's Word:

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. (Mark 7:5-9)

This Biblical account tells us how people can value traditions more than they do the commandment of God, who tells us:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

Celebrating Christmas, birthdays, and other traditions of men are the patterns of this world. God's Word is clear in saying,

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Obeying God may be unpopular. But God's Word says: ". . . We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

Repotting my mom's orchids that have been stuck in the pots for decades can be arduous. But the process is necessary so that orchids can breathe, grow new roots, and bloom once again--minus the excess of old roots, stems, and leaves.

As a believer, I've also started to remove the excess of my faith since the time I left a physical church. Not many people like the idea. But I've been set free indeed! I've shredded the journals I wrote and kept since 1995--nearly a hundred notebooks filled with my thoughts, combined with God's Word. When I die, I would rather leave behind God's Word--minus my thoughts--to my loved ones.

Mama, my dearest teacher and friend

By Al Sabado


Born in 1930, my mom was clueless she'd marry a farmer. My dad, the farmer, was clueless he'd marry a Tondo girl. Today I remember this Tondo girl, my mom.

My parents, the lovely couple who lived their lifetime together as newlyweds.

How do you cook fried garlic rice without it sticking on the frying pan? Mama’s way was classic. She’d use a rice ladle (not her hands) to mush the rice, which she’d do after the heated pan emitted thin smoke from the cooking oil and the chopped garlic browned a little. Garlic rice was Mama’s favorite and our breakfast was never perfect without it.

How do you respond when friends don’t pay your money back? Oh, Mama’s way was never lacking in class. I didn’t see her get mad toward friends who borrowed money and didn't remember to pay back. Mama was just quiet about it, probably because she knew countless ways how to earn money decently. She wouldn’t borrow money from friends but worked hard for the money she earned. She learned the hard way back the time my adorable Aunt Dely (Fugoso) would raise her up during her youth. So in her lifetime, Mama worked as a school teacher. She worked as a topnotch government employee at the Bureau of Customs, where she stood her ground to keep her integrity! (We’re so glad she left the Bureau!) Following her government service, she joined Papa (then farmer turned engineer) in Papua New Guinea and worked as a cake baker and sewer. Back then, she’d bake wedding cakes and sew wedding dresses for the entire wedding entourage. She’d also sew curtains for the parliament of PNG.

How do you raise your kids when you’ve done all you could and the kids are still half as bad? I can't compute a fraction of that equation, really. We’re a brood of five and we’re not that bad. At least none of us used prohibited drugs or stole money or killed a neighbor, nothing of those sorts. But if you’re a parent, you’ll understand it’s never easy raising kids. One is tough enough; imagine dealing with five! 

We're what Mama called the STAAG, which stood for our first name initials: Sol, Teya, Alex, Al, and Grace. Mama would bake us cakes, with or without special occasion. This photo was on my (7th) birthday, which I no longer celebrate not because I'm 42, but because "uncelebrating" birthdays is best. ;) 

So Mama would scold us—this time she wasn’t quiet!—and told us, “Sana mag-asawa na kayong lahat para maranasan n’yo ang hirap ng buhay!” I have no better translation for that, literally and figuratively. But what Mama was just telling us was that we ought to marry so we’d understand how hard life is. My two older siblings married, while the three of us have remained single (hooray!). I still get to understand how hard life is though—just look around!

How do you know you’re dying? Mama didn’t know that. She was a strong woman. She’s like the 711 store that operated 24/7. And so her ways taught me that boredom is a mistake to be included in the vocabulary. She’d enjoy doing work, paid or otherwise. So she’d always find something to do. But I didn’t know either that her life would be cut short. I only knew I’d terribly miss her, now that she’s gone for 18 years . . .

If you still have your mother with you, love her dearly—every day.

. . . forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. (Proverbs 6:20-21)

Mama left behind this garden. I'm still figuring out how to make all her orchids bloom. So for now, ladies and gentlemen, Mama's bromeliads.