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Yes, it's animated. Yes, it's a Christmas movie. Yet, there is something different with this combo. For kids, this movie may not be extremely exciting. It doesn't have flashy animations and magical and fantastic creatures or even jokes that sell to kids. For me, it's actually reminiscent of another Richard Curtis movie, Love Actually. It's like a big ensemble movie that focuses on different families and groups of friends. For me, I actually love it. It's simple, realistic, and yes there is a talking reindeer, and Santa exists here. I love how it talks about isolation, insecurity, and individuality. It may be forgettable to some, but I definitely remember this as one of the more meaningful Christmas movies in years. Also, that Ed Sheeran song was simply perfectly played in that particular scene. That Christmas is a special one and something of a reminder for the viewers who feel lonely, sad, and down. This is a perfect one for you!

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We Do the Same

Some Christians are often the target of criticism by society. They often think that Christians are self-righteous which may be misinterpreted. Some Christians are just confident of the rewards they reap according to the promises of God written in the Bible. Some Christians just apply the principles taught in the Bible. In a way, when they behave and attach themselves closely to the Bible and…

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The Chief of Sinners

The Apostle Paul was a Pharisee, one who shamed and murdered Christians. In 1 Timothy 1:15, he considered himself, the chief of sinners. He admitted this right after or during the time he was going around Europe and Asia, encouraging believers, and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If Paul considered himself the chief of all sinners, and he had done mighty and great deeds for Christianity,…

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I've never seen the musical nor read the novel. When I learned that there would be a film adaptation, I was doubtful. Who wouldn't after hefty tragic musical adaptations came out in theaters? Yet, I was wrong. It was purely magical and hilarious. Thanks to Ariana Grande's comedic timing and pleasant vocals juxtaposed with Cynthia Erivo's emotional and heart-wrenching acting and vocal performance. The production design, cinematography, visual effects, score, and performances by Jonathan Bailey, Peter Dinklage's Dr. Dillamond, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and the rest of the cast produce something so fabulous and fantastical. Jon M. Chu has been better with adaptations, hopefully, this will become a longer streak and something that won't be cut off and that's possible. Moreover, the pacing is timed so well. It doesn't appear dragging and stretched to make a sequel as obviously, this will make millions. Wicked may stand as one of the greatest musical adaptations as it gives viewers what they want to see in a movie and gives even more. I can't wait to see the second act, and hopefully, it will be wickedly good, again!

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Spotlessly Clean?

Recently, Philippine politics has been literally a circus. Vice-President is slandering the President or vice-versa depending on whose viewpoint you are asking. Ideally, a government must be organized but when have we witnessed an ideal set-up in our struggling nation. Our government in general is already disorganized; moreover, citizens want to crowd over this chaos. Why not? Everyone has an…

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"Third's time a charm"

“Third’s time a charm,” not that the previous two were completely failures or un-fun. Again, being in Siargao, this time, had many “first times”. That’s why I think this time is conspicuously engraved and elevated in my core memory. Our first stop was Naked Island. It is still bare and hot. If you want to get burned in the sun, this is the best place for you. The sand here is lightweight and so…

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The Longest "Eight Seconds"

I have never experienced “eight seconds” that long. According to the diver and guide, it was eight seconds, but I did not believe it. Let’s go back to how it began. We were privileged to visit this isolated resort called Dagatan Sifai in Bucas Grande, Socorro, Surigao del Norte. It’s so isolated that there’s no Wi-Fi or service for calls and texts. Our time here began really slow and there was…

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AI, Non-hassle-free Flights, and the Joy of Children's Ministry

My first time being a resource speaker was in a group of ten college students, more or less. Also, I wrote about it here in my WordPress entitled May 16, 2015, and this is the link: May 16, 2015 Anyway, that experience was nerve-wracking but challenging and experiential. That time, I actually prayed for more similar opportunities, and October 26 and 27, 2024 happened. This time, I was not…

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Unexpected Results

The goal of a Christian is to be Christ-like and to bring glory to God. Otherwise, he or she does things for himself or herself. However, we start right in some instances, and the process is smooth and aligned with what God calls us to do. Then, the results may not be what we expect them to be. Surely, there are reasons why that happens. Isaiah 17:10-11 may answer that. “Because thou hast…

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YOU CAN, TEACHER, YOU CAN!

You rise from your bed at 4:30 in the morningYou turn on the shower feeling like a zombie walkingYou say, “Yes! I have to go!”You drink your steaming mug of black coffeeYou think it’ll make your eyes fully wide openYou say, “Yes! I have to go!”You find your way to find a seat on the busYou find none, so stand for 30 minutes and not give a fussYou and your knapsack at the back and a tote bag on…

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for years, we wait

for years,we wait,that it’s already too long,that we’ve forgottenwhat we have spoken to our heavenly Father.we waitlike children have become adults.they speak with authoritylike ours is already disposable.we waitlike our bad habits have become norms.they rumble and the bad wins,and reigns over and weakens our bodies.we waitlike our head is either empty or full,with hair falling off or still…

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Remember!

Ready!You always are!Even though you don’t have a clue,What people will hurl at youWhether spit, slur, or tomatoesYour shield is firm,Always firm!Hard!Hard to penetrate.Stand,You standWith a stance,Ready to battle!When people just pass byAnd say, “Hello!”When they just want to smileBut you are readyAgainst their game faceAnd villainous grins.Tall,You already are,But you don’t stoopEven when…

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Dark Clouds

Crystal clear promisesDark clouds mindsetAlways falling on the same endingAlways stumbling along smooth pavementSometimes knocking my head twiceStill trapped in this tragic continuumOver and over againThat rashes and soresStart mounting up on my skinAnd the itch continues foreverOnce I forget all this painAnd enjoy momentary gleesAnd oblivious to the blessed hopeAnd straightforward to snatch…

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Faith to Sight

“Foolish!���, “Blind!” are what people scream!They think we are walking our dreamOn trapeze, one wrong move, we fall.They don’t know, our Master so tallSo strong, He carries our burdens,All our dirty sins, He pardons! We incessantly pray and singTo whom we deem as the true King.We try to live His will by faithWhile they think He’s passed as a wraith.Though they throw many sticks and stonesStand…

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Turn the Tables

Most people now think that “being real” is being blunt with your opinions on things and people in your life. Like being unforgiving blunt, to the point you’re being harsh. People classify that now as “being honest“. It is not only expressed in face-to-face interaction but even in social networks. If you can read between the lines, you can hear loudly the angry tone, the annoyed tone, and the…

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Bad/Good Model

We never do things out of nothing. There is always a reason or something or someone who influenced us to do things. Similarly, bad manners come from a model or an experience. Hence, we must be careful in what we do because the young can easily imitate our gestures. That’s why we have to do our best to do good things. Sadly, teachers in school bear the burden of disciplining the children when…

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Rest in the Lord

Everything seems fast-paced nowadays. People seek answers instantly. Attention is short. Fame may last for only fifteen minutes long. Problems go unsolved or forgotten and another one comes along. We live like nothing happened the day before, yet we wake up the next day feeling burdened because we just want to move on. Do the routine. Do something safe so that the trail won’t crash, and all…