I appreciate the Philippine blogosphere for everything it has to offer. Thanks to Google Feed Reader, I am able to keep track of more than 120 blogs from all over the world, with themes ranging from spirituality to humor, from search engine marketing to sex. Okay, maybe not sex.

Arnold Gamboa tagged me today. As some of you know, Arnold is a dear online brother in Christ whose friendship with me goes way back to when he and I worked together for a while for a local Christian publication that has ceased to operate. Since then, we have covered each other in prayer, and rely on our individual websites to keep tabs on each other. I value his friendship, and was tickled pink to be included in his daily list of ten must-reads. He, of course, is on mine, despite his inability to post regularly. *eherm*

I’ve modified his original meme, though, because, technically, some of my favorite blogs don’t update on a daily basis. Heck, GannsDeen.com isn’t updated on a daily basis either. (The personal side of my blogging life has seemed to morph towards my Multiply website.)

Having said that, I’ve modified the meme a bit to cover ten blogs I always look forward to reading for sheer enjoyment and thought-provoking content. I hope this list is broad enough to cover my range of interests and open-mindedness to a variety of topics and issues. They are, in random order:

1. PostSecret. Every Sunday (Monday in Manila), a collection of anonymous postcards is uploaded onto this website, detailing people’s secrets. The therapeutic benefits of admitting a secret in front of millions behind the cover of anonymity has led this website to become the largest non-advertisement-driven website in the world. Some secrets will literally move you to tears; others will shock you with their deviant insinuations; yet others may lead you to uncontrollable bouts of laughter. Always enjoyable, never a dull moment, potentially life-changing.

2. Wifely Steps. Toni has been a dear friend of mine since college. Her blog is a tribute to the joy of positivity and the inexplicable sensation of always looking at the world with the eyes of a child, experiencing life daily with wonder and passion. Her love for all things domestic and, of course, her beloved H, is an inspiration.

3. TessTermulo.com. I value and respect Dr. Termulo despite having met her only twice in person, because her blog is literally a tribute to the power of the written word, logic, and respect for any opinion. She and I have disagreed occasionally on a variety of topics, but we have kept that mutual respect of each other, and in the moments and issues where we do agree, I have found extreme pleasure in acquiring a formidable ally. A fierce friend and greatly respected Pinoy blogger.

4. About My Recovery. Noemi Dado is more than an inspiration. Every day, she deals with the loss of her beloved son Luijoe with grace and aplomb. No stranger to controversy but always level-headed and civil, Tita Noemi, as I brazenly call her, is the blog den mother every Pinoy blogger dreams of having. I have an almost inexplicable loyalty for defending her and her daughter, Lauren, because, end of day, it is about recognizing a woman’s humanity and potential - and watching them live it out before you online - that she and Lauren have taught me to appreciate.

5. BergLovesPizza. Berg is a 25-year-old frustrated musician whose love of music has led me to his website. He offers mp3s for consideration from some of the world’s most esteemed artists, but more importantly, he communicates his appreciation and love of music in general so eloquently on his website that every new post brings me running to see what latest nugget he’s chosen to spotlight.

6. Discipleship is Relationship. One of several blogs managed by Victory Christian Fellowship - Fort Bonifacio pastor Joey Bonifacio, this blog describes the myriad ways one can develop a relationship with God and others in the faith. He frequently compares discipleship to a variety of everyday objects or concepts, in the process simplifying abstract ideas and making it significantly easier to understand. An absolute must-read.

7. Atheista.net. I follow up Pastor Joey’s blog with Benj Espina’s Atheista.net blog. After an initially rocky start where Benj and I hated each other’s guts, I’d like to believe that he and I have developed a mutual respect for each other’s strengths and right to each other’s beliefs. An impressive writer whose passion for the word extends to his love for debate and love-hate relationship with his medical studies, Benj is one Filipino blogger I hold in highest regard.

8. What in Tarnation? Christopher Wright trains and teaches the children of tomorrow, and in his blog, details the joy and the struggle. I’ve known Mr Wright since 2001, and he’s been one of my strongest influences.

9. Journey Inside My Mind. Dan Johnson is another inspiring man who has overcome tremendous odds with grace and panache. Known for his ‘officials’ list, a wry sense of humor, and a fierce loyalty to his wife and daughter, Dan_the_man is a sterling example of what I’d eventually like to be when I grow up. If ever I grow up.

10. Empress Maruja. I only recently added Empress Maruja to my feed, but this blogger is riotously funny. I met him in the course of maintaining a blog for Philippine Idol on ABC-5, and his dedication to his craft and the show was both enjoyable and truly remarkable. One of the country’s more respected queer bloggers, I respect Maruja for everything he’s done to advance gender sensitivity - gays are people too - and cheer up the unsuspecting web surfer with carefully selected topics, an occasional flash of skin (male, what else do you expect?), and the always enjoyable zing of an insult delivered in delightfully tart gay lingo.

I also must mention Bene Diction Blogs On in passing. It’s been almost seven years, and I still have no idea whether BD is male or female. LOL Not that it matters, but Bene Diction has been one of the most steadfast influences on me as a Christian blogger. The world is better with this blogger still around.

Since I was a little boy, I’d always been fascinated by the mystery of the Shroud of Turin. Several issues of National Geographic, as well as material I’d run into throughout the course of my faith life. Well, now’s the time for me to truly enjoy the many mysteries behind this Christian relic. The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin is now showing in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia until December 9.

The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin exhibition is a 45-minute lights and sounds show that highlights the Shroud’s history, detailing the facts and myths behind the most studied archaeological artifact of all time. A module-by-module tour of the historical pilgrimage of the Shroud detailing the various theories based on art, science, technology, and the Bible that aim to shed light on this historical, scientific and ecclesiastical phenomenon, is another highlight.

Revered for hundreds of years as the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, the Shroud of Turin is locked away in a cathedral in Italy, publicly displayed only three or four times a century. On these rare occasions, pilgrims from all over the world troop to Turin to witness the exposition. Most of the items on display come from the collection of Mr. Barrie Schwortz, the Official Documenting Photographer commissioned by King Umberto II of Savoy, the Shroud’s previous monarch-owner.

Do swing by The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin if you get the chance. You won’t regret it.

This blogger posted links to more than 500 Filipino blogs and asked for them to click his AdSense in exchange for the free link.

Three crimes here:

1.  The act violates Google AdSense’s terms of use;

2. It assumes all bloggers listed are so thrilled by his ‘act of goodwill’ that they’d actually click the link; and

3. I’m offended GannsDeen.com is not on the list!

LOL

I think it’s time for a Slim4Him update, don’t you? I peaked at around 230 lbs. (104 kgs.) sometime in early 2006. Here’s what I looked like in March 2006 at Big Buddha Greenbelt.

Look, it’s Big Buddha! LOL Okay, so maybe the jaw’s a little bit of an exaggeration. Hahaha. But you can see the fat around the cheeks, the shoulders, and even the fingers. A more realistic picture would be the one below.

Eating a Krispy Kreme Philippines doughnut, November 15, 2006.

I started South Beach in February 2007, and began going to the gym a month later. After six months, I’m now at 93 kgs., which means I’ve lost a total of 11 kgs. so far, or about 25 lbs. Here’s a shot taken three days ago.

Suiting up, a new haircut, less snacking - although I’ve got a bag of Nachos to help me deal with a superstressful event this morning - and a more active lifestyle is really paying off. I also joked to some friends that I was taking some Japanese pills. The truth is, I did take some pills a few weeks ago, but stopped them after about a week because I fell sick with influenza. After I recovered, I took them for another week, then got tonsillitis. When I recovered from that, I took them for another few days, then I got a cough and my tonsillitis came back. I pretty much decided, man, maybe I should lay off the pills for a while! LOL Haven’t taken ‘em since.

Six months, 25 lbs. If I can keep this up, I can actually reach my target weight loss goal of 50 lbs. in a year.

Opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his home in Modena, Italy, this morning at 5 A.M. He was 71.

I’m at a loss. Luciano Pavarotti introduced me to the wonderful world of opera, thanks in part to The Three Tenors, his collaborative troika with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. His performance of Nessun Dorma at the Torino Olympics was one of the most stirring live performances of this Turandot piece that I have ever heard.

When Luciano Pavarotti came to the Philippines to perform, I remember wanting desperately to watch him, but I didn’t have enough money. No matter, I thought to myself, I will get another chance.

Hindsight, once again, proves me wrong. I missed out on the once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear live the greatest opera singer of this generation, arguably.

Sing with the angels, Maestro! How glorious that sound must be!

Happy birthday to the most amazing woman in the world.

Proverbs 31: 9b-31: The Wife of Noble Character
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Swing by her website and wish my beautiful wife Cathy a happy birthday, will y’all?

And don’t ask her about her age, or I’ll end up paying for your faux pas tonight.