Les Miserables: Law vs Grace

I recently read from a Facebook post a powerful insight of the popular Broadway musical turned mainstream movie, Les Miserables. This was transcribed from the podcast link in oneplace.com

The Heart of Les Misérables 

Where Justice and Mercy Meet 

Eric Metaxas
January 17, 2013

One of the most vivid, most moving examples of God’s goodness and mercy is currently playing at a movie theater near you.

The long-awaited film musical “Les Misérables” opened on Christmas Day, and it’s well worth the wait. The original novel has been in print for over 150 years, and the stage version is beloved by audiences around the world, so you may already know the story. But for those who don’t: “Les Misérables” is about an embittered ex-convict named Jean Valjean, who steals from a bishop but is shown forgiveness. After the bishop intervenes to prevent him from going back to prison, a transformed Valjean spends the rest of his life serving God and others.

Chuck Colson used to say that “Les Misérables” was a story that meant a great deal to him personally. And I’m sure you can understand why.

multiply revisited: el nido loco over palawan

I'd like to post my old favorite travel photos in celebration of the inclusion of my beautiful country, The Philippines, into the Conde Naste Traveller's Hot Destination to Watch in 2013.

The archipelago of Palawan ticks all the boxes: palm-fringed white-powder beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, natural lagoons for wild swimming on Miniloc Island - all of it protected by UNESCO. Its Bacuit Bay is something like Halong Bay in Vietnam, only without all the tourists - for the time being, at least.

Sorry, Maldives... We love you, but we've got a new flame. 

These were taken on 2008, when our travel group, "Tarsiers?", set their eyes to visit the beautiful and hidden paradise of El Nido, Palawan. It as been 7 years since this intrepid group of wanderlusting folks started going about this annual pilgrimage to the off the beaten track parts of the country.  For all it's worth, El Nido, Palawan is my favorite place in the world!


Honda Bay

Bushido 武士道

Once upon a time there was a swordsman who was adopted by an old general from the east to learn the classical ways of fighting. The apprentice grew in stature and prominence as he learned from him. They fought together in wars alongside other warriors. He swore loyalty to him and in turn was recognized for his achievements. He worked with different commanders and has proven his worth even in the most challenging of times.

Sadly, he would hear of stories from the others that the old master was not as honorable as he thought. The other commanders who swore loyalty to him eventually left him oftentimes disgruntled and never came back. The swordsman often wondered about this but dismissed the rumors said of him. Others who came under the general's tutelage would leave in the hopes of finding greener pastures.

In time, the general grew his army by acquiring new recruits and commanders. New warriors were signed up to replace those who left. The swordsman grew to become a teacher himself to the new recruits. He was respected by others of different class and rank. He was often recruited to better masters but he decided to stay with the old general. He believed that he can learn a few more of the ways and perhaps become a commander himself for his loyalty.