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.

Is same-sex marriage the will of God? No, it’s not and it'll never be.

by Al Sabado

I love my LGBT friends, and while I’m aware of their sexual orientation, I refrain from calling them bakla (gay), because I know that will offend them somehow. But I admit . . . I fear for them.

The God of the Holy Bible is sovereign, and He never changes (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). And so even if the world approves of someone’s marriage to anyone of the same gender, that doesn’t make a personal choice right or Biblical. The pastors or priests officiating same-sex marriages don’t make such choice right either, and God’s eternal judgment will come upon them, just as God’s Word has said of pastors leading His flock astray:

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:1-2)

What has God said about His creation? Was there an account of “Adam and Steve” or “Jane and Jill” marrying? None. Corruptible Bible translations may revise God’s Word to be gender neutral, but that doesn’t change the beautiful, unparalleled, Biblical account of Adam and Eve:

And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (Genesis 2:21-25 )

Others might have distorted the friendship of Jonathan and David into homosexual relationship, when their friendship was bound in pure, brotherly love (1 Samuel 18). How does God see homosexuality and its practices? God’s Word is clear in saying,

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22) 

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)

We can also note how God did not withhold His wrath from destroying the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose men lay with fellow men:

But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. (Genesis 19:4-7)

From the words of Lot, we can tell that men knowing (having sex with) fellow men has been an abomination (sin) ever since in the eyes of God. That’s a Biblical account, which stands to this day. But some professing Christian men and women of this generation even defend homosexuality and its sexual practices as acceptable and not abominable. You may search on that online and you’ll be surprised to find out that a number of so-called Christians hold fearless views about homosexuality and its practices. But regardless how boldly they hold their views, God’s judgment upon them will come to pass, according to the unchanging Word of God.

So if you’ve decided to marry (or you’ve already done so) your lover, whose gender is the same as yours, think again. The world may applaud your decision to come out in the open concerning your sexual preferences and embrace same-sex marriage. But the world won’t be there to defend you and your choice before God—come Judgment Day.

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

If some people won’t inherit God’s kingdom, which is in heaven, then where will they go? I need not say it perhaps, but I’ll say it like how they say it in the movies: They’ll “go to hell.” Is hell real? Surprisingly, some professing Bible believers say there is no hell. Googling the number of times hell is mentioned in the Holy Bible will show us that the word “hell” appears 54 times in the Bible, with about 23 times of that found in the New Testament alone. What does God’s Word say about hell?

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17)

How do we get saved? Salvation is free and nothing in what we do or don’t do will save us. We get saved by God’s grace.

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)

But understand that we still don’t get saved until we make a choice. We get saved when we repent of our sins* and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

. . . Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)

and none other: not even saints, priests, pastors, churches, congregations, good works, global peace plans, worldwide organizational interventions, etcetera—but the Lord Jesus Christ . . . ALONE.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

                                          

When I first saw this big snail crawling in our garden, I thought she would consume our plants. Later I noticed that our dog Shatzie would quietly sit beside her. Since then, I started greeting her every time, "Hello, Snail Friend."

I appreciate the courage of people coming out into the open, but I can only remember them
in prayer: May God open their eyes and change their hearts, so that they repent and turn away from sin, fear God, and obey His Word.

*Italicized text added on 9-4-14.

Let no one deceive you . . .

by Al Sabado


Can we trust the media? I'm not sure about that anymore. Are you?

We read and hear how world leaders readily accuse and blame who and what--without solid evidences to support their claim.

We'll read and hear more about that in the days to come . . .

Meanwhile, let's not be troubled.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (Ephesians 5:6-7)

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. (Mark 13:7-10)

Celebrating Tax Day: "Duh ... celebrate on your own."

Al Sabado


Well, guess what, I did just that yesterday.

After a two-hour wait at the bank to pay my March 2014 percentage tax due on the 20th, I headed to the Bureau of Internal Revenue-Regional District Office 045 of Marikina City. That was nearly 1:00 p.m.

Taxpayer #635 on queue. I just spent a long time waiting at the bank and so I was thinking of a less stressful way to endure another long wait, being the 635th taxpayer on queue at BIR-RDO 045. But definitely, with 265 taxpayers after me, I was left with no reason to complain. Besides, it's my fault to be there, when I could have filed that piece of paper (I mean, three copies of that) earlier.

With a "negative" taxable income, I already filed my 2013 income tax return much earlier, in the lovely Wednesday morning of 12 March 2014 at BIR-RDO 045. The tax filing that day was swift! No waiting. No queue. No hassle. "Done. Yay!" ... So I thought.

Few weeks later, I realized I forgot to file my quarterly tax for the months of January to March, also due today, 15 April, same day as the due date for filing the ITR. So there I was yesterday, concretizing my oath echoed by the BIR slogan: "I love the Philippines. I pay my taxes right."

BIR-RDO 045 was crowded, as expected. The background pop music and the free drinking water made the time worthwhile for taxpayers who awaited their numbers to be called. 

Since the number called was just around 200 something, I thought it best to go window shopping and so found an establishment nearby called Wilcon Depot. Now, bear with me; I probably am the typical modern-day cavewoman freelancer who hasn't been to malls as frequent as the normal kid in town does. But when I do, I make sure I find one that's never close to wasting time. Well, you can call this a free ad--yep, not earning commission here.

Googleable. Wilcon Depot is, I would say, one of Marikina City's best haven of finely accentuated fixtures and amenities for the home and business facilities. From toilet bowls, bath tubs, showers to the sophisticated details of wall decors--you can find them there. I had fun looking around the vast warehouse store and to think I'd been passing by the store even without taking a look at what's inside! Now that I've seen what's inside Wilcon Depot, I'm one of those who now say, "Don't miss it" when you pass by the area (along Marcos Highway in Marikina City). Yes, you may google that.

After an hour or so marvelling at the intricacies of the store, I thought about food--of course. So I left the store and started to look for--uh, Kenny Rogers Roasters was in mind. But the chicken resto isn't in the area, probably not just yet. So I found--jadaaan--Shakey's Pizza. I was hesitant to enter this resto because I once found Shakey's food too salty. Good thing, that wasn't the case yesterday.

With my first Bible, a 25-year-old KJV, I took my time to finish this hearty meal: a single Super Platter Pasta. It's not my usual to eat in a resto, but thought it appropriate to celebrate this way my fifth year as a freelancer-taxpayer. Note that the glass of milk isn't part of Shakey's menu; I ordered it for a similar price of their Super Shakes Choco regular. Why? Well, you're hearing from someone who might be a candidate for osteoporosis. So let's just say prevention is better than cure. 

Degrade, upgrade. When I returned to BIR-RDO 045, the number called was just 320+. So I strolled again and found, to my surprise, a similar object of my film essay (my subject was the keyword "degrade") at the university a few years ago--SM City-Masinag. My objective for shooting an SM mall back then was to convey how an arable land, like what we have in the Philippines, is degraded every time it's transformed into a commercial area within the metropolis. That concern may not matter to big affluent men, I know. But to small men, whose meager income emanate from agricultural land, it certainly does.

On another note, I've bought products sold only at SM, with freebies received for points earned after using an SM Advantage card for every purchase. But yesterday, I purchased an item not covered by this card. At the price of 50% off, I didn't have second thoughts purchasing the last copy (in that National Bookstore branch) of UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino, Binagong Edisyon by Virgilio S. Almario. The first edition of the dictionary was released in 2001.

My treasured Tagalog dictionary wasn't spared from the floods of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). So when I came across this Second Editon of Diksiyonaryong Filipino in 2010, priced at around Php2,000 (roughly US$45), I dreamed about it. With a tight budget to consider, I just let it pass. Not so yesterday, when it only cost Php650 (roughly US$15).

Around this time, the number called was 450+. Reading through Virgilio Almario's "Paliwanag para sa Ikalawang Edisyon" (Clarification for the Second Edition) in the prelim pages of Diksiyonaryong Filipino kept me company.

More tolerable than facing tax evasion raps. People endured the long wait when they could just pack up and go home. It must be always easier to just pack up and go in any life situation. But sometimes choosing the easy way out isn't the best if not the right choice. If taxpayers yesterday didn't wait and then failed to return the next day, they'd be fined for not filing taxes (even without income) and that would be another gruesome process to endure.

This is not to say though that paying taxes is such a wasteful time. Not so. What's making the process gruesome, at least in my case, is my late filing of requirements. Had I not forgotten, I wouldn't have to go through a nearly distressing process. But wow, what a distressing process I have just had! That may not happen again, but I won't exchange all that for the usual swiftness you and I probably know. Honestly, I quite enjoyed the unplanned time I spent at the warehouse store, at the pizza resto, at the bookstore, even my time with taxpayers who squarely determined to accomplish what's right in the eyes of man and God: paying/filing income tax.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (Luke 2:1)

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. (1 Peter 2:13-14)