Rise Up Philippines!

It’s great to see youths who love God, people, and our country as well! Sharing the vision of making transformational edge for a nation gained positive response.

Personally, I don’t believe the youths as the hope of our nation. Simply, it’s not like that. We need godly young people, not violent ones or those getting ready to run away from this country. With the problems of gangsterism, college prostitution, dysfunctional education, broken families, absentee parents, and the like, what hope do we see in the future?

But in dark times like these, it’s where the light shines the brightest. Disillusioned youths are becoming hungry for change. Media is targeting young people as prospects, catalysts of change, watchman of the communities, social transformers, etc. This is where youth need upright life-coaches, mentors, leaders, models, spiritual parents, and friends.

Wisdom tradition says, “Righteousness lifts up a nation,” the quality of leaders and people alike is non-negotiable. Our nation is wasting down the drain because of irresponsible leadership and corruption. The spiritual disease permeating the system seems incurable; religious displays of public officials are somewhat like a parody to our young generation.

Now I’m fully convinced that godly youths are the hope of this nation. The future should belong to those who are competent to lead with character, with vision and values, with fear of God and compassion for people. While we cannot eradicate the idolatry of money in the society, especially those who run for positions, the power of unity and humility among godly generations can make a huge difference. Imagine if all communities of faith will make a stand and uphold justice, mercy, and love.

As an overseer of Rise Up Philippines, a national youth movement, we continue to rise above our challenges. Have hope in God alone!

Take a New Start

Life is a journey. But oftentimes, we picture life like a book. On this case, I encourage you to start a new chapter of your life. Time passes by; 2009 was over. Get closure of your past. You can’t change it. You lived your life—and I hope you lived it to the best of your ability.

Life is life. We sometimes stumble or fall. It’s not, however, on how many times you fall that counts but on how many times you stand every time you fall. Sound like a cliché? I hope that’s not a license to keep on doing mistakes over again.  

To say the least, failure is a natural consequence of every undertaking. Seeking success does not come easy. In fact, you will feel and understand it to the fullest when you remember how you have fallen; and took the courage to take your stand again.

To reach the top, you need to experience what it means to get on the ground—and sometimes cover for your life. To those who survive, every fruit of any labor is sweeter. Every opportunity is a gift; every achievement is a reward. So don’t get entangled with your past. Take a fresh start.

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions already? Studies show, 88% who did succeeded in accomplishing them in a year. The younger you are, the more likely you will complete them. Whether it has something to do with relationships, money, weight, education and the like, don’t stop growing.

Taking a new start is a way of bringing your life to the next level. Like St. Paul, “press on towards the goal.” Keep your eyes on the future, but don’t miss enjoying the present. Remember to make you future always bigger than your past.