Sariling Atin-- PILIPINAS

Ang Watatwat ng Pilipinas

Alam kong totoo ang Diyos dahil may Pilipinas. Ako ay isang Pilipino at masaya ako na sa dami dami ng bansa sa buong mundo nilagay ako ng Diyos sa Pilipinas. Ang mga tao dito katulad ko, masayahin at punong puno ng pagasa. Kahit maraming nang pinagdaanan na trahedya, kasawian, at mga malulungkot na pangyayari nakukuha parin namen ngumiti, maganda man o kulang ang ngipin. Kami rin ay maabilidad na tao, madali namin natututunan ang mga bagay kahit hindi kame bihasa dito, kaya maraming Pilipino ang nangingibang bansa at nakakakuha agad ng magandang trabaho.

Mahalaga sa aming mga Pilipino ang PAMILYA. Maraming kababayan namen ang umaalis ng bansa para maitaguyod ang pamilya. Lahat ata ng OFW sa buong mundo nagtratrabaho, kumikita ng pera para ipadala sa mga kapamilya dito sa Pilipinas. Mayroon namang iba na pagnakaluwag sa pera ay dinadala na ang kanyang buong pamilya sa bansang kanyang pinagtatrabahuan.

Sa mga kapamilya ko walo ang nangingibang bansa. Apat doon ay nasa Japan, tatlo ang nasa Maldives at isa ang nasa Denver, USA. Yung mga kamag-anak namen sa Japan halos tatlongput taon ng nandoon, sa Maldives at USA naman magtatalong taon palang. Masayang magkaroon ng mga kamag-anak na ngingibang bansa, lahat kaya nilang maibigay para sa pamilya nila sa Pilipinas. Lahat sila nagsisikap ara magkaroon ng ipupundar dito. Masaya dahil kumikita sila ng triple kesa dito sa Pilipinas. Masaya dahil yung mga naiwan nila dito sa Pilipinas nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na mangibang bansa din. At ang pinakamasaya, pagumuuwi sila galing sa bansang pinanggalingan nila dahil araw araw ang welcome party nila at nagtatagal naman ng isang Linggo para sa padespidida party nila.

Eto naman ang hindi masaya, kahit maraming pera, kahit naibibigay lahat ng luho, kahit malaking ang pagkakataon na makapagibang bansa rin ang mga mahal nila sa buhay iba parin ang pamilyang sama sama. Mas masayang kumakain ng tuyo basta't sama sama ang pamilya kesa naguulam ng hamon ng magisa. Mas masaya na laging ordinaryong araw lang araw araw kesa sa araw araw na may despidida party. At ang pinakamasaya, ang itrato ka ng mga mahal mo sa buhay na mahalaga kesa sa itrinatrato kang hari o reyna pagbumabalik ka ng Pilpinas dahil para kang hari o reyna paggumastos sa luho ng boung kamag-anakan mo.

Maganda ang Pilipinas, hindi na lang masyadong pinapansin dahil hindi naten binibigyan ng importansya ito. Simulan naten sa pagdadasal sa ating bansa.

"Kung ang aking bayan na tinatawag sa pamamagitan ng aking pangalan ay magpakumbaba at dumalangin, at hanapin ang aking mukha, at talikuran ang kanilang masamang mga lakad; akin ngang didinggin sa langit, at ipatatawad ko ang kanilang kasalanan, at pagagalingin ko ang kanilang lupain.
Ngayo'y ang aking mga mata ay didilat, at ang aking pakinig ay makikinig, sa dalangin na gagawin sa dakong ito"
 

Kingdom of Cambodia

CAMBODIA

Cambodia has a geographical area of 181,035 sq. km., it is a forest-covered state of south-west Indo-China on Mekong river with its estimated population of 14,494,293. Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. Cambodians have a rich agricultural potential. The last 25 years of war, the race murders and greed government have became the cause of poverty in most of the population. The major economic activities are receiving international aid.

Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy. They have the powerful kingdoms from 1st and 14th Centuries. In 1970-1975, a tragic victim of Vietnam war opened the way for the extreme Marxist Khmer Rouge to take over, then followed by the one of the most savage murder in 20th Century. Almost all of the former military personnel, civil servants, educated or wealthy people and their families were killed. They had international efforts to bring democracy with elections in 1993 and 1998 were super expensive and manipulated by the leader named Hun Sen. After 1998, there has been no further warfare. The year, they became member of ASEAN.

Buddhism has been the national religion since 15th Century. The Khmer Rouge tried to eradicate all religion, over 90% of Buddhist monks and Christians perished. Since 1978 there have been periods of more tolerance but only since 1990 have Christians been allowed to worship openly. And as of now, there is an increasing freedom of religion for Cambodians.

Socialist Republic of Vietnam

 VIETNAM

"Once upon a time, in a deep and breathless moment, a blessed girl named Divine went to Vietnam, and later conquering that land for Jesus." -Kirsten James

Vietnam measured its geographic area for a total of 329,560 sq. km, with the land measurement of 325,360 sq. km. and with the water measurement of 4,200 sq. km. its measurement is slightly larger than New Mexico. It is long, narrow country occupying the entire eastern and southern coastline of Indochina.

In 1945, the communist republic declared in North Vietnam, but still there was a continuous conflict between 1941 and 1985 under the Japanese and then against the French, South Vietnam, USA and all surrounding lands. North Vietnam finally conquered the South in 1975. All the religious movements, including Buddhism, is controlled by the actual government policy. And persecution of Christians still continues to be harsh.

Vietnam is one of the few communist nations in the 21st Century, and it faces new challenges. The control of all freedom continues, but at the same time social ills are on the rise. Drug addiction, Aids, prostitution and exploitation of children are all too common. I encourage everyone to let's bless Vietnam by praying for them. Let's pray that the darkness (ideological and moral) over this nation might be banished by the light of the Gospel.

Union of Myanmar

Myanmar also known as Burma has an area of 676,557 sq. km. It is the second largest country by geographical area in Southeast Asia. Yangon is the capital of Myanmar and other major city is Mandalay. Myanmar or Burmese is the country's official language, but English is also spoken by the elderly folk and in large towns. In their modern alphabet, 33 letters are consist of consonants and 12 basic vowels.

Buddhism was the state religion of Myanmar, but the military regime actively promotes not to have any. There is freedom of worship for other religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Animism. But because Christianity is strong among the other religions, there is much discrimination against Christian. There is much freedom yet also there are many imposed restrictions on buildings, job opportunities, importation of literature and many more. There have been many cases of enforced conversions to Buddhism and violence against rural Christians, and in some cases Christians being forced to build Buddhist temples and to renounce their faith.

God is faithful to His workers, despite of the isolation and repression of Christians, there has been growth among some ethnic minorities and a great interest in the Gospel among Buddhist monks. There have been examples of outstanding miracles leading to many conversions.

Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

LAOS

"The Vietnamese plant the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice, and the Lao listen to the rice grow..."

with its area of 236,800 sq. km. and surrounded by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Burma but mainly between Thailand and Vietnam. Laos is a mountainous country especially in northern side. It's climate is tropical monsoon, and it varies on the month. During May to November it's rainy season then November to April it is the start of dry season.

Laos is packed of beautiful scenery, relaxed and friendly people, great food and stunning sight, but it was not yet discovered to become a tourist attraction. Since Laos was occupied by French, they have 'vats' or temple that shows French colonial in their country. They got their independence from France in 1954. Lao and Vietamese Communist forces were in complete control by 1975.

THE LAO, is the nation's dominant people, and they are described as gentle and peace loving, but the one who governs them is an anti-Christian government. But God is evidently in control, there are maybe 3,000-4,000 Christians among them and they could be the key to bring the Gospel to the rest of Laos.



Land of the Free

THAILAND

Land of the Free because it successfully retained its freedom when surrounding countries were colonized by Western powers.

They have a fertile agricultural land, they exporting rice, sugar, rubber. Its geographical area is 513, 115 sq. km. and with a total population of 64,865, 523. 

Their government is a constitutional monarchy govern by King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty. He's the only king who reigned the longest in Thailand, he reigned for over 60 years.

Thailand is also known for the Land of Smiles. Phu Yai (Big people) or Phu Noi (Little people), they smile. They greet each other with prayer-like gesture called Wai. It is a common greetings for the Thais, but it also adheres to strict rules of protocols: raising both hands, lightly touching the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead is the standard form. The wai is both greeting as well as a sign of respect, given by the person of lower status (Phu Noi) to the person of higher status Phu Yai. It may be made while sitting, walking or standing.

Social relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other. Parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students and bosses to their subordinates. They call the low status people, Phu Noi while Phu Yai is for the higher status.

MAI PEN RAI

Mai Pen Rai Thai for: Doesn't really matter or never mind!

East to West

Malaysia got East and West. The two distinct parts are East Malaysia consisting of the territories of Sarawak and Sabah on the northern third of the island of Borneo, and the Peninsular Malaysia on the Kra peninsula of mainland Asia.

It's geographical area is 330,434 sq. km and it is well-watered, tropical rain forest.

The Malay population is increasing at the expense of the Chinese and Indian population. They've also have the most oldest indigenous people called, "bumiputera" meaning "sons" or "princes of the soil."

In the 1980's, limitation on religious freedom were introduced, and Islam became the official and favoured religion in Peninsula Malaysia though Islam in Malaysia is less extreme than in the Middle East. In 1999, the government relaxed some restrictions, like, places of worship, the issue of missionary visas, and public meetings. The government also made it illegal to convert Muslims, but Muslims are to induce animistic tribal people and Chinese to become Muslim.

Federation of Malaya got their independence from Britain in 1957. Politically powerful Malays extended their influence over the non-Malay half of the population in educational, economic and religious life. The growing power of Muslim political parties separated the country with ethnic and religious tensions.

The Malays now are socially and legally isolated from the Truth. It is illegal to witness to a Muslim. Let's pray that God may prepare courageous Christian leaders to reason with or confront the authorities in their inconsistencies and injustices in the treatment of non-Muslims. Let's also pray that religious freedom will be upheld and that Christians may not be intimidated by threats but rather be bold to stand for their constitutional and heavenly right to proclaim the Gospel.

See Them Small But Totally Giant!

REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

We will be here soon! :)

Singapore, with the total area of 648 sq. km. looks really tiny in the map, but became one of the world's wealthiest and most efficient trading and financial center lah. It was ruled by British for 135 years, from 1824-1959 and also became part of the Malaysian Federation from 1963-1965 mah.

Thanks to Prime Minister Lee and his successor Goh Chok for establishing the strong and authoritarian government. They have provided direction and stability for spectacular economic growth.

               Singapore has a freedom of religion, but they have concerns when it comes to maintaining ethnic and religious harmony that they must not proclaim in public about their religious beliefs leh. And they must not be involve in politics.

                          

In an open country with most number of Buddhism and Islam, is such a great win for us. Let's just pray that churches in Singapore will draw near together to have unity among churches. And let's also pray that Singapore may be a means of blessing the many less-evangelized nations and people around it.

Notice that I've using phrases like "lah," "mah" and "leh" right before my punctuation mark. It is because Singaporeans use this phrases in the end of the sentence. Phrases can end in "ah," "lah," "leh," "mah" and "what." We were practicing these phrases in school and it just so good to hear.

Our Friendly Sunda!

 

Our ICS101 class visited Indonesia today!

I've learned so many things about the beautiful archipelagic island country in Southeast Asia, The Indonesia. As it is illustrated in the map, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. Because of the archipelagic setting of this country, they've got numerous dialects and languages, yet one language is still known and used by everyone-- Bahasa Indonesia. It's culture was influenced by many countries like, India, China, Arabia, The Netherlands and even Portugal. 

I've also learned about TEETH CHISELING done by a tribe of people in Indonesia.

They believe that a woman is more beautiful if she has her teeth chiseled into sharp points.

Whether the woman like it or not, if her husband asked her to chisel her teeth, she must obey.

The wives are very submissive to their husbands because they want their husbands be proud of them.

I was assigned to search and discuss about Sunda of Indonesia. The Sunda are known for their friendliness, it is also a place where informality and openness is more emphasize. And they are also more strongly Islamicized. Traditionally, farming is the way of living of people in Sunda. The province of West Java (where the Sunda live for generation) was known as the "national rice storehouse," because of its high fertility. The development of industries affect the Sunda's way of living. Many Sunda people no longer work as a farmers, but a traders. 

Almost all Sunda are Muslims, not just an ordinary Muslim, but a stronger ones. They also have an animistic world view, because the Sunda needs to protect their harmony with the natural world. Their beliefs is based on fear, they believe that everything happens because of the spirits are to be honored and appeased through rituals.

The Sunda, our friendly friends need our help by praying for them. They need help and guidance to raise their standard of living, there is also a need for agricultural investment and modernization.

Most importantly, let's pray that God will reveal Himself to them so that they will know that God is stronger than nature or any power or spirit!