Law's Ludicrous Labyrinth

Law's Ludicrous Labyrinth http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/ Hello Everyone! Fri, 4 Jul 2008 03:47:24 -0000 Fri, 4 Jul 2008 02:45:00 -0000 Law's Ludicrous Labyrinth http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/logo http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com 100 100 almost christmas, I tell you! It's july 4. happy 4th of july to all the denizens of America. The good news for us is that it also means we have less than 60 days til the BER months! It's practically Christmas already. I need to start loading Christmas songs into my ipod. Well, I need to add more songs on top of the ones i keep and play all year round! <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/teeth.png"> http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/126/almost_christmas_I_tell_you Fri, 4 Jul 2008 02:45:00 -0000 BOOHOO and YAHOO <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGreuQoKCt8AAFtaDh81"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGreuQoKCt8AAFtaDh81/01.jpg?et=82rSUcc4digP%2BD4gpW%2Cq%2BA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>boohoo 4 of 6 aritaos are in bacolod now. i miss 'em. hope they eat lots of chicken inasal to make up for the food i won't be eating with them. WAH. also, thanks to everyone who prayed for me yesterday. the hearing went well, and there are big fish to fry. God is mighty. yahoo http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/125/BOOHOO_and_YAHOO Wed, 2 Jul 2008 01:44:27 -0000 lucena adventure round TWO! <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGl36goKCt8AAF6bhkI1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGl36goKCt8AAF6bhkI1/source%203.jpg?et=hUMOVcAt%2COyTyoxHZVOl8g&nmid=0" border="0"></a> Leaving for a faaaaar-flung city in an hour to continue fighting out a child-trafficking case somewhere leagues from the metro. I woke up dreadfully early, out of breath, and wondering why the clock said 445 and not 6 am. I'm guessing I was just a liiiittle anxious about this case. I needed serious time on my knees. Psalm 31 and Psalm 7 were my meditations. Let me confess I am not as confident in my integrity or my steadfastness of heart as the Psalmist was when he prayed (paraphrased) if there is iniquity in me, let me be trod upon by my foes. Even at this moment I have to put aside fear and trepidation in exchange for a heart of courage. Lend me one, O God, and let my own faith not fail me. Pllleeeehz say a prayer for me when you read this, friends. Proceedings begin at 1pm. I'll be on the road for most of the morning. love to everyone http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/124/lucena_adventure_round_TWO Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:47:29 -0000 sunday stuff chronological highlights: time with my sunday school kids. japanese lunch with ken. 2pm meeting with rescued victims at marillac. afternoon coffee + ice cream with carla and her family. good news about the justice campaign from ninna. evening run (about to happennnow). http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/123/sunday_stuff Sun, 8 Jun 2008 10:38:44 -0000 impossible to regret it :D earlier this year... i looked across the table at four directors of International Justice Mission, each with my resume in hand. I was told: "With this, you would quite easily make it someplace far more profitable.. are you sure about wanting to be here?" To which I answered, "I don't want to be anywhere else. I'd work here for free." still true.   http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/122/impossible_to_regret_it_D_ Fri, 6 Jun 2008 18:29:47 -0000 what sort of power is THIS??? Shortly after my oath-taking, I was deployed to a hearing some weeks ago.. I met our witness at the KFC near the City Hall, and we leisurely made our way to the courtroom. I even had time to obtain my professional tax receipt before the court opened its doors. When I arrived, the court personnel said to me, "Attorney, di mo ba alam na patay na ang accusado sa kaso mo????!?" Flabbergasted and flabberdegastegated, i texted my supervisor the crazy news. He replied, "Wow. You're quite a lawyer. it was just your first hearing, and already the accused was sent to meet the Eternal Judge!" I guess it's a function of trauma, but I now pray for the accused before my hearings. Of course, I don't pray that s/he goes scott free, but I do pray for his/her health, conscience, and for justice to be done in God's good time. http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/121/what_sort_of_power_is_THIS Fri, 6 Jun 2008 03:00:06 -0000 Work of Significance http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/links/item/7/Work_of_Significance Wed, 4 Jun 2008 09:10:36 -0000 oh noes... random rants and raves lost my beloved canon stillcam <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/cry.png"> but God recently blessed us with a newer, better one, so on the bright side... i can record memories with higher res and a nicer chip *** lots and lots of people have volunteered to help me with the justice narrative for UCM. thanking God for all the willing hearts.<img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/teeth.png"> *** treated dad to lunch today <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/smile.png"> chicken inasal, (almost) like the stuff back home <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/smile.png"> *** the week is looking to be busy, but that's because there's a lot of good work to do. with so many clients still coping with the incredible pains of human trafficking and extreme abuse, i can only be so hopeful in the power of God to re-create the human heart from broken mass. for those of you on my prayer list, let me borrow the words of Jonathan's armor-bearer, "..I am with you heart and soul." 1 samuel 14:7 http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/119/oh_noes..._random_rants_and_raves Sun, 1 Jun 2008 16:54:48 -0000 stormy ucm interface planning hehe. we drove into a storm. all in all, a productive day http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/album/159/stormy_ucm_interface_planning Sun, 18 May 2008 09:32:41 -0000 International Justice Mission Volunteer Lawyer's Dinner thanks to everyone who attended and signed up http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/album/158/International_Justice_Mission_Volunteer_Lawyers_Dinner Sun, 18 May 2008 09:15:06 -0000 seemingly impossible tasks! zounds! am i undone? No. for  "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26.3 http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/118/seemingly_impossible_tasks_zounds_am_i_undone Tue, 6 May 2008 02:27:50 -0000 Happy News! Haappy News! <A href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SBg@7goKCt8AAChGdIk1"><IMG class=alignmiddleb src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBg@7goKCt8AAChGdIk1/pringlesPack_IL.jpg?et=ueg61Dk1Jsuyg49i8ObPRQ&nmid=" border=0></A>Wellity wellity wellity...   I SIGNED UP for the "run with pringles" 3-mile race! My race tag number is "230" Yaaaay!   http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/117/Happy_News_Haappy_News Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:42:53 -0000 let's join a 5k and 10k for fuuun! found some nice mid-may 5/10k choices, thanks to rox. <ul><li style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">11: 2nd Champion Run Along The River, Marikina Sports Center and Marikina Riverbank, 5k/ 10k. Fee: P200. Call Rio Dela Cruz (0906.314.3807) or visit organizer’s <a title="Rio" href="http://runrio.multiply.com/" target="_blank">site</a>.</li><li style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">18: Run with Pringles, Fort Bonifacio, 3miles/4.83k. Reg fee: P100. Register at Planet Sports (Trinoma, Virra Mall), New Balance (Shangrila, Glorietta, Festival Mall), The Athlete’s Foot (Robinsons Galleria & Ermita, Glorietta), The Sports Warehouse (MarketMarket). Only 2,000 participants.</li><li>18: Market! Market! 5 Mile Run, Bonifacio Global City. Register at Market! Market! Concierge at G/F near Janylin and Mendrez until May 16. Call Rose Fercol (729.7849/ 0929.4012151) or Rulen Catalo (0920.897.5018 ) or email rlcatalo@gmail.com</li></ul>The runs in red are the ones i plan to join. the last one is a back-up in case the slots are gone for the ... tantantaraaaa... PRINGLES RUN :D <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SBb4ogoKCt8AAH4eE6Q1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBb4ogoKCt8AAH4eE6Q1/pringlesPack_IL.jpg?et=3A4y7kLB6Wo8xpGWj5RjbQ&nmid=" border="0"></a>PRINGLES RUN! YEAHOO! so cool. i want to join that one. i want free pringles. hope they give some. who... http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/116/lets_join_a_5k_and_10k_for_fuuun Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:40:25 -0000 new toy <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SBZ-KgoKCt8AAAF@pvE1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBZ-KgoKCt8AAAF@pvE1/nike-ipod-sport-kit-11.jpg?et=3kyW5Xu1OdFnQkOTU8csJg&nmid=" border="0"></a>i recently picked up a nike+ipod mileage-tracking device. I LOOOOVE it. hahaha. my only problem now is controlling my distance so i don't run too much too soon. my poor (aging hehe) knees need to be reconditioned to running on pavement, and the extra pounds i carry around!  when i'm in better shape, i'll do some super long runs <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/smile.png"> anyhooo, it's just such a joy to get a voice update every time i complete half a mile. and to have someone telling me, "200 meters to go" before i finish. wahahahha! the joy. the excitement! when do i get to run again? wheeeen? i'll see i if i can sneak one in tomorrow morning before work. MWAHAHAHAHA. i've been thinking of entering a few 10k's for fun. does anyone know when the next 10k is? anywhere within the NCR would be good. http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/115/new_toy Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:58:28 -0000 thank You God :) got the good news while working with my sunday school kids at a camp in rizal :)   anyway, it's still sinking in. With everything that could have possibly gone wrong in the checking of books and unscrambling of the names, It's a privilege to have passed the exam, by God's grace. It's going to be an even bigger privilege to serve Him at my current place of work  as a lawyer <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/smile.png"> hehe. yahoo! thank You, Lord :) http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/114/thank_You_God_ Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:35:33 -0000 Happy Easter! Christ is Risen <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/teeth.png"> And it's wonderful that we get to celebrate that reality in the face of any and all challenges. We had a loooovely sunrise service this morning, which began before first light, and ended quite beautifully in the clear light of day. As I browsed a few of the photos I took, I found a nice little easter egg: <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R@YD0woKCt8AAH5-VOg1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R@YD0woKCt8AAH5-VOg1/skyline%20in%20a%20bubble.jpg?et=iOB%2B4aoBWjqq1Vqyi3tSPA&nmid=" border="0"></a> The skyline in a bubble! Cool :) That's maya in the background, one of our sunday school kids. Happy Easter, everyone! Christ is risen indeed :D http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/113/Happy_Easter Sun, 23 Mar 2008 07:18:48 -0000 sunrise service :D so awesome. Christ is Risen! God bless http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/album/157/sunrise_service_D Sun, 23 Mar 2008 07:15:30 -0000 new employment After a long application process, and lots (and lots) of prayers, I'm starting work with <a href="http://www.ijm.org">International Justice Mission</a>. The position was meant to be filled by a lawyer with two years of experience, so when I walked into their field office to apply, it should have felt like the odds were stacked up against me. But I had always believed I was meant to do this kind of work, so there wasn't anywhere else to go. I had no pending applications anywhere else. There was no solid plan B. As God would have it, I've been hired, and I am absolutely grateful beyond expression. To everyone who supported my application and joined me in prayer, thank you <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/smile.png"> You all know who you are and I'm sure you share in my excitement. I really am in your debt. It still hasn't sunk in that on Monday I'll be going to work at an agency I've prayed to be part of for the last five years. All I can say is, thank you, Lord <img src="http://images.multiply.com/common/smiles/teeth.png"> http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/112/new_employment Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:00:40 -0000 thanksgiving About two and a half weeks ago I rushed dad to the ER. He had extreme pain in the upper part of his abdomen, and a mass was located by the ER doctor. We later brought him to our family doctor, who recommended an ultrasound. The results confirmed that a mass, superficial to his organs, was located in the rectus abdominus. After the ultrasound, our surgeon recommended a CT scan for a clearer picture of his abdominal region. The films, when examined, revealed that the mass was possibly a hematoma, but a biopsy was recommnded for correlation purposes. The mass, in any event, had to be removed. 'Cystic foci' had been located in two kidneys. (wah). Many family members and friends knew about what was going on, and we kept them informed every step of the way. Our church family supported us with prayers and encouragement like nothing else. Dad was confined almost immediately after the CT scans were viewed by our surgeon, and the operation was scheduled for the very next day. We were with dad befor... http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/111/thanksgiving Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:00:00 -0000 random eating sounds Dad was making funny sounds while eating awhile ago. I was working at the office, and i heard in the background: "mmmm. huhm. mmmmmmm. chomp chomp.mhhmmm. " that big mac meal didn't last very long. wahaha. when it comes to food, i think i know who i take after hehe. i love you, dad!:D http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/110/random_eating_sounds Tue, 11 Mar 2008 04:04:50 -0000 wellity wellity wellity... a healthy breakfast I was sick for the span of one week. i am just now starting to feel better. carla was gracious enough to bring me some fruits the other day to help me get better. <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R8jSkQoKCt8AABWzhME1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R8jSkQoKCt8AABWzhME1/IMG_8902.JPG?et=smPaj%2CQz8676MezMMIrmhg&nmid=" border="0"></a> i had some of the kiwi this morning, and they slices just looked so photogenic that i had to take some pics. <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R8jSMwoKCt8AAAq2L101"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R8jSMwoKCt8AAAq2L101/IMG_8904.JPG?et=EH83pI5M%2BO95kvEfLn6gaQ&nmid=" border="0"></a> <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R8jSuAoKCt8AAB7aNPY1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R8jSuAoKCt8AAB7aNPY1/IMG_8903.JPG?et=3LNUSSX4IuDp02YHJ33zZw&nmid=" border="0"></a> Thank you, carla :) http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/109/wellity_wellity_wellity..._a_healthy_breakfast_ Sat, 1 Mar 2008 03:53:20 -0000 inescapable entrepreneurs They'll find you. even if you're on a boat in the middle of the sea! <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R8U9pQoKCt8AABTNlyA1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R8U9pQoKCt8AABTNlyA1/IMG_8683.JPG?et=NEjbytJeY%2CsznGsZPcrCZg&nmid=" border="0"></a> amazing. http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/107/inescapable_entrepreneurs Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:39:18 -0000 a few boracay shots played tour guide for my tita and her http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/album/156/a_few_boracay_shots Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:32:10 -0000 it's definitely worth your time for serious consideration and feedback: you want to do business but people start asking you for money- government, middlemen, a tom dick or harry who promises that grease cash will expedite your plans. question: do you give in to the extortion or do you take a higher road? deeper question: if the government is duty-bound to serve you but does not, except to the few who pay them undeserved money- who is wrong- the one who pays? the government? or both? will a businessman succeed if he never pays off government, customs, and other local/national government entities that come in his way and extort cash from him? do you think God would move on behalf of a person who wants to live without compromise? would you be willing to do the right thing even if it meant you could be ruined-from a business standpoint- for life? with or without a promise of blessing, would you still do what God commands just because it is the right thing to do? would I still live for God just because He is God? or do I need a... http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/106/its_definitely_worth_your_time Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:30:01 -0000 back from boracay back at last. felt like forever. pics will be up soon. small one for now: <a href="http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R8Ed7goKCt8AADHJ0og1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R8Ed7goKCt8AADHJ0og1/IMG_8757.JPG?et=J2P%2CQoi1hJx9LBushKEr3A&nmid=" border="0"></a> a sample of local talent. hehe. http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/journal/item/105/back_from_boracay Sun, 24 Feb 2008 07:36:05 -0000 true north!(retreat) i will place captions maybe later or never. haha. http://exbalakatoomba.multiply.com/photos/album/155/true_northretreat Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:14:18 -0000