Friday, October 23, 2020
House minority leader says ABS-CBN can reapply for franchise next year
When can ABS-CBN should re-apply for franchise renewal?
Minority leader and Abang-Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano said in a recent virtual press briefing that the television and radio giant can only file for franchise renewal in 2021, since it was only this year that the House Committee on Legislative Franchises held a series of hearings on the matter.
“Ako personally (For me personally), ABS-CBN has all the time to file its renewal one year after. Kasi (Because) under our rules, they can file it again one year after,” Paduano said.
Last July 10, the Legislative Franchises panel chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez voted 70-11-1 (yes-no-abstain) to reject ABS-CBN’s franchise application, which several House members had filed in behalf of the beleaguered network.
This is the standard practice when it comes to franchises. The Lopez-owned network’s erstwhile 25-year operating franchise expired last May 5.
However, there is also an opinion that the congressmen can re-file for the franchise renewal at any time in the current 18th Congress, since a franchise renewal bill is treated just like any other measure filed in the House.“As far as I know, there’s no prohibition on the filing or re-filing of bills that are not favorably acted upon by a committee,” a House member who requested anonymity said.
“Just like any other bill that doesn’t become a law for whatever reason – like it was vetoed, was approved by one chamber but wasn’t by the other chamber, it didn’t reach third reading, or it wasn’t acted upon by a committee – it could be filed again,” he added.
However, he noted that the timing for the re-filing isn’t as important as the practically of re-filing. “The committee that tacked your bill would basically have the same composition as before. You’re talking to the same people, so there’s no certainty of a different result,” he said.
It is rare for the Legislative Franchises panel to hear an application and reject it in the end. But then there was immense pressure from the public to hear ABS-CBN’s case, being a network popular in both its brand of programs and public service.
The recent leadership change in the House of Representatives provides an interesting dynamic to ABS-CBN’s franchise application, since Speaker Lord Allan Velasco may or may not choose to change the existing committee chairmanships. Solons would find it more sensible to re-file the franchise renewal bill if and when the Legislative Franchises panel gets revamped.
Incidentally, Velasco’s office has reportedly commenced an “evaluation” of the performance of the committee chairmen to coincide with the break in the legislative calendar. Congressmen won’t reconvene until Nov. 16.
Marinduque Rep. Velasco took over the helm from Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano last week. Cayetano served as Speaker for 15 months.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/23/house-minority-leader-says-abs-can-reapply-for-franchise-next-year/
When Culture Conflicts With Faith
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15
When you don't in a world that generally does, you stand out like a sore thumb! In other words, when almost everybody cheats, and you don't, you are penalized. When almost everybody lies to get ahead, and you feel compelled to tell the truth, you are at a distinct disadvantage. When almost everybody uses company time for their own personal business or pleasure and you don't, you are thought strange or even stupid.
What makes you feel compelled to tell the truth, to sleep only with your husband, to give your employer a full eight hour day, and not to use the Internet to do your shopping or kill time? Integrity, honesty, honor, and work ethics are offshoots of your personal faith. You have some old-fashioned ideas that breed a sense of responsibility, and this makes you different and often leaves you feeling isolated, lonely, and completely out-of-synch with life today. Right?
If I have described where you are, then stand tall and realize you are not alone, and that you may march to the beat of a different drummer, but your head can press your pillow at night as you say, "God, I did Your will today, and no matter how tough it was, I know I did the right thing."
Those who have stood against the trends of their day always were in a minority whether they confronted a Caesar and refused to offer a pinch of incense and say, "Caesar is Lord," or couldn't look the other way when the company was being constantly cheated by a dishonest employee.
Long ago William Shakespeare said, "To thine own self be true, and it shall follow as the day the night, thou canst not then be false to any man." But a far greater than Shakespeare stood against the trends of His day and the power structure of corruption and paid the price of being nailed to a Roman cross. Frankly, there is always a price to pay for distancing yourself from the corruption of the culture which surrounds you, whether it is an Athanasius who stood against the religious establishment of his day, or a Luther who voiced his dissent at practices which had corrupted the church, or the mother who stands before the school board and says, "My son's teacher is using language which is more fitting of a drunken sailor than a teacher of children."
One of those who walked with Jesus, John, put it like this: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). The more corrupt our culture, the more you will stand out in contrast when you abide by your convictions, yet the more secure will be those who sleep in your home, who look to you for strength and guidance, and who will follow in your footsteps.
Deciding ahead of time which side you will come down on makes the moment of decision a lot easier. You don't have to think about it. You already know what you are doing and then do it regardless of the consequences.
Morality, honesty, and decency are not issues which you decide in measures. The man who cheats on his wife only two percent of the time is still immoral. The college student who cheats only occasionally is still dishonest. You are never only partly moral or 87 percent honest. You either decide that you are committed to doing what is right or find yourself constantly torn between your convictions which you can't abandon and pleasing your culture.
Long ago Joshua drew a line and stepped across it. He said, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). And when you say that, the issue is settled.
Resource reading: Joshua 24:1-33
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/when-culture-conflicts-with-faith/
Thursday, October 22, 2020
AFP just giving Liza, Catriona warning about Left: Palace
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was not red-tagging actress Liza Soberano and 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray but just giving them a warning that their advocacies might be used by the Left-leaning groups, MalacaƱang said on Thursday.
“Well, tingin ko naman sa statement mismo ng AFP, sinabi naman niya walang ganoon (I think based on the AFP statement, he said there is no such thing),” Roque said in a virtual Palace briefing.
Roque was referring to the statement of Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. who advised Soberano to “abdicate” her ties to Gabriela Youth.
Parlade made his advice after Soberano participated in a webinar organized by Gabriela Youth and tearfully called on fellow influencers to speak up on issues affecting women and children.
Parlade of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) also issued the same advice to Gray.
“Pinag-iingatan lang nila sila na baka mamaya magamit sila ng Left (They are just being cautioned that they may be used by the Left),” Roque said.
He said the AFP understands that Soberano and Gray were just advocating the rights of women and children.
“Pero siyempre ingat din po kasi ang talagang, iyong mga Maoists po sa Pilipinas eh talagang kung mayroong puwedeng pagsamantalahan ay pagsasamantalahan nila (Of course, we have to be cautious because those Maoists in the Philippines, they will take advantage of anyone they can exploit),” he added.
He said like Soberano and Gray, President Rodrigo Duterte is also supporting the rights of women even when he was mayor of Davao City for over two decades.
“Pero wala po kaming problema doon sa mga sinasabi nila Liza at ni Catriona dahil ang ating Presidente sinusulong din po ang karapatan ng kababaihan at malinaw po ang track record niya lalung-lalo na noong siya po ay Mayor ng Davao City (But we have no problem with what Liza and Catriona have said because our President is also advocating the rights of women and that is clear on his track record especially when he was still Mayor of Davao City),” Roque said.
How Do I Reconnect With God?
If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV
How does a person restore a connection with God? That was the question posed by a friend of Guidelines. She struggled in even writing the letter, saying that four years ago she had written asking the same question but never mailed the letter. Now a little girl, three years of age, is asking questions about God, and all of this triggers feelings of remorse and regret.
Like so many who have drifted away from the warmth of the Father's love, this young woman sustained a loss, a big one too. Her brother was brutally murdered, and when this happened her heart cried out, "God, why did you let this happen? Where were you when my brother needed your help?"
Scores of people have been there. Yes, they know that if God undertook every time that one of His children was in need, everybody would want to line up on God's side, just to avoid the pain and disappointment of living in a broken world. I'm thinking of a cartoon that shows a crusader standing over a pagan, his sword resting on the neck of the subdued person, who, looking up says, "Tell me more about your new religion. I'm terribly interested!" Hey, that's the way it would be with the whole world, if we who are Christians always came out on top.
People who once connected with God know that the Bible is full of stories about individuals who were godly people who were mistreated and suffered without cause. Daniel was thrown to the lions. Jeremiah was cast into a slime pit and left to die. Elijah lived in exile with a price on his head. David had to hide out for seven years as Saul sought to kill him.
Down in their hearts people who blame God for what happens know that God isn't the one who caused the problem. They simply have turned and walked away because He didn't reverse the tide of evil or the wickedness which broke the tranquility and order of their lives.
Then a little child begins asking about God, or a friend lies at the point of death, or in the darkness of their souls they begin thinking about how it used to be, how at one time the joy of the Lord was real and when they prayed, the presence of God seemed so close and meaningful.
Here's the question: How do you restore the broken connection with God? Just asking the question, facing the issue, means you recognize the deep longing in your heart to connect with God.
When David realized that the affair with Bathsheba had broken his connection with God, he prayed, pouring out his heart and honestly telling God how he felt. Psalm 51 records this. That's your first step. Realize that God is far more desirous of embracing you and drawing you to Himself than you are to have Him do this.
Gently remind yourself that it was not God who moved. You did. So, come back. Paul wrote Timothy, saying, "Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us" (2 Timothy 2:13, Living Bible).
Paul is saying that God's nature is that of faithfulness. His love is unchanging, and His desire to have fellowship with you hasn't lessened in spite of your detour from His presence.
Finally, draw a line and step across it. Say, "As for the past, I leave it behind. I choose to walk with the Lord. Get back to church, and dust off your Bible and start reading it. Underline it, memorize it and realize it's God's love letter to you personally.
It's time to restore a broken connection.
Resource reading: Psalm 51:1-19
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/how-do-i-reconnect-with-god/
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
[Overhead-Broadcasting Culture] CCTV Butterfly Logo Collection
If the butterfly logo continues to be used without disputes, the style of each logo may become
MATTEO GUIDICELLI, TYSON SY, MARK BUMGARNER AND ENZO PASTOR: NEXT GENERA...
A group of military soldiers stormed the Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati to seek the ouster of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
On the morning of November 29, 2007, a group of soldiers led by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Captain Nicanor Faeldon and Capt. Gary Alejano, along with 30 others, walked out of their hearing for the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny at the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) and went to the hotel.
The group stayed at the hotel, where, through the media, they expressed their sentiments against the Arroyo administration.
Due to the incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) put Metro Manila under a red alert status. The guests in the hotel were also asked to vacate their rooms.
The group was given until 3 p.m. to surrender. By 4 p.m., some gunshots were heard inside the hotel as authorities entered the hotel. Tear gas was also used against those inside the Peninsula Manila.
Military trucks and tanks also arrived at the hotel by 5 p.m., as police officers started arresting the mutineers. Some members of the media were also arrested along with the soldiers.
After the arrests, then Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro justified the media arrests, saying the arresting officers did not know that they were journalists.
A curfew from 12 midnight to 5 a.m. was also implemented all over Metro Manila, Central Luzon and CALABARZON from November 29 to 30.
The police also launched a manhunt for soldiers who escaped the hotel, including Faeldon.
The Peninsula Manila became fully operational by December 3.
The three kart racers with the late race car driver Enzo Pastor are being flanked by Sen. Pia Cayetano, Rina Go, Paolo Abrera and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino general manager Marco Protacio in Manila during the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand over the weekend of December 8 to 9, 2007.
besides next to kart racer Guidicelli, Sy, Bumgarmer and race car driver Pastor is Cebu basketball player and businessman Jeremy Ryan Huang, who was joined by CGA&P (Sen. Cayetano, Go, Abrera and Protacio) in Manila, on December 9, 2007 at Spiral Restaurant of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.
Radio announcer Dennis Antenor, Jr. (formerly known as Dennis Guisado of YES! FM 101.1) was at the DZRH studio, while dozens of amusement-park goers outside of Star City - Amusement Park and PICC participating in the "Occupy" protests, as well the Anti-government protesters clash with police at Roxas Boulevard.
While Guidicelli, Sy, Bumgarmer, Pastor and Huang in Manila with CGA&P, Diaz, Joven dela Merced, Magsaysay, San Diego and Tayao-Cabrera, is no less than Enchong Dee and Ken Uy, are participated at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games swimming competitions in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Uy was in lane 4 of men's 100-meter freestyle finals at past 7 p.m. on December 8 and Dee was in lane 8 of men's 100-meter butterfly finals at past 7:29 p.m. on the same day.
The pillars of GMA News and Public Affairs - Pia Arcangel, Arnold Clavio, Mike Enriquez, Angelique Lazo, Vicky Morales, Connie Sison, Jessica Soho and Mel Tiangco will anchor the sports coverage for the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand - "A Time for Heroes". This coverage will run on all platforms (TV, Radio, Mobile, Internet and YouTube) from December 6 to 15, 2007 on GMA-7 and Q channel 11.
Arcangel, Clavio, Enriquez, Lazo, Morales, Sison, Soho and Tiangco was at the GMA Broadway Centrum Westside Studios in Quezon City along with Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, Christine Jacob-Sandejas and Chino Trinidad in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand for the live special TV coverage, Dyan Castillejo, Boom Gonzales, TJ Manotoc and Mozzy Ravena of ABS-CBN News, Rico Hizon of BBC World, Christine Ong of Channel NewsAsia and Marga Ortigas of Al Jazeera are reporting live from same city for the last nine days, from December 6 to 15 of the same year.
A Few months after the 2007 Southeast Asian Games was held in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima from December 6 to December 15, 2007, the fact that Typhoon Frank had already made landfall in Samar on June 20, the Philippine Coast Guard allowed the ferry to sail for Cebu City – albeit on an alternate route to avoid the typhoon – because it was deemed large enough to withstand the sheer force of the typhoon. It was supposed to cross through Romblon in order to reach TaƱon Strait, skirting the cyclone that was forecast to pass by the Bicol Region.
But, the following day, the typhoon suddenly changed course, passing through Masbate and Romblon. The ferry, which had barely reached the Jintotolo Channel between Masbate and Panay, turned back but was overwhelmed by huge waves off San Fernando town in Sibuyan Island and capsized.
Of the ship’s 862 passengers and crew, only 48 survived, while 67 were confirmed dead and 747 remain missing.
Herrera, Carlos, Ravena, Guidicelli, Sy, Bumgarmer and Pastor, along with CGA&P, because when Typhoon Frank that hit Luzon and Visayas on June 17 to 27, 2008 causing severe damage and resulted in at least 1,371 deaths and leaving 87 people missing, a month ahead of the Inquirer Lifestyle Series: Fitness.Fashion with Samsung Fashion Show on July 31, 2008 at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City.
Ferdinand “Enzo” Pastor was a popular Filipino racing champion who had unfinished dreams after a tragic act of violence in the Philippines, Thursday, June 12, 2014.
He was en-route to Clark International Speedway to store his late model cars when two motorcycle riders pulled up to the vehicle and gunned him down. He was 32. It’s a tragic loss for Philippine motorsport, losing one of their strongest advocates. Enzo is survived by his wife Dalia and children, Damien and Xander.
How Do I Reconnect With God?
If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV
How does a person restore a connection with God? That was the question posed by a friend of Guidelines. She struggled in even writing the letter, saying that four years ago she had written asking the same question but never mailed the letter. Now a little girl, three years of age, is asking questions about God, and all of this triggers feelings of remorse and regret.
Like so many who have drifted away from the warmth of the Father's love, this young woman sustained a loss, a big one too. Her brother was brutally murdered, and when this happened her heart cried out, "God, why did you let this happen? Where were you when my brother needed your help?"
Scores of people have been there. Yes, they know that if God undertook every time that one of His children was in need, everybody would want to line up on God's side, just to avoid the pain and disappointment of living in a broken world. I'm thinking of a cartoon that shows a crusader standing over a pagan, his sword resting on the neck of the subdued person, who, looking up says, "Tell me more about your new religion. I'm terribly interested!" Hey, that's the way it would be with the whole world, if we who are Christians always came out on top.
People who once connected with God know that the Bible is full of stories about individuals who were godly people who were mistreated and suffered without cause. Daniel was thrown to the lions. Jeremiah was cast into a slime pit and left to die. Elijah lived in exile with a price on his head. David had to hide out for seven years as Saul sought to kill him.
Down in their hearts people who blame God for what happens know that God isn't the one who caused the problem. They simply have turned and walked away because He didn't reverse the tide of evil or the wickedness which broke the tranquility and order of their lives.
Then a little child begins asking about God, or a friend lies at the point of death, or in the darkness of their souls they begin thinking about how it used to be, how at one time the joy of the Lord was real and when they prayed, the presence of God seemed so close and meaningful.
Here's the question: How do you restore the broken connection with God? Just asking the question, facing the issue, means you recognize the deep longing in your heart to connect with God.
When David realized that the affair with Bathsheba had broken his connection with God, he prayed, pouring out his heart and honestly telling God how he felt. Psalm 51 records this. That's your first step. Realize that God is far more desirous of embracing you and drawing you to Himself than you are to have Him do this.
Gently remind yourself that it was not God who moved. You did. So, come back. Paul wrote Timothy, saying, "Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us" (2 Timothy 2:13, Living Bible).
Paul is saying that God's nature is that of faithfulness. His love is unchanging, and His desire to have fellowship with you hasn't lessened in spite of your detour from His presence.
Finally, draw a line and step across it. Say, "As for the past, I leave it behind. I choose to walk with the Lord. Get back to church, and dust off your Bible and start reading it. Underline it, memorize it and realize it's God's love letter to you personally.
It's time to restore a broken connection.
Resource reading: Psalm 51:1-19
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/how-do-i-reconnect-with-god/
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
China's state broadcaster CCTV would adopt new logos
Monday, October 19, 2020
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Except for livelihood aid, most Filipinos say govt actions vs COVID-19 'adequate'
Majority of Filipinos said the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was "adequate", except for providing aid for those who lost their jobs, according to an independent survey released Saturday.
The Social Weather Stations said that in terms of helping people left jobless by the pandemic,
44 percent said government efforts helping people left jobless by the pandemic were "adequate," while 46 percent said they were inadequate and 9 percent were undecided.
The net adequacy, or the score of adequate percentage minus inadequate percentage, was lowest in Metro Manila (-15), followed by Balance Luzon (-2), Mindanao (-1), and the Visayas (+4).
The COVID-19 pandemic, which dragged the economy into recession in the second quarter, has left 4.6 million jobless Filipinos as of July according to the state statistics agency.
Meanwhile, 71 percent found "adequate" government actions ensuring the public has enough information on how to fight COVID-19, with 22 percent saying they were "inadequate" and 6 percent were undecided.
The sentiment was highest in Mindanao (+52) and Visayas (+51) than in Balance Luzon (+47) and Metro Manila (+45).
Some 67 percent said government actions to ensure there would be extensive contact tracing were "adequate," 37 percent said they were "inadequate," and 9 percent were undecided.
It was highest among residents of Balance Luzon (+49), followed by Visayas (+47), Mindanao (+37), and Metro Manila (+29).
Government recently hired almost 50,000 additional contact tracers in a bid to stop community transmission of the virus.
The survey also found 54 percent of respondents saying government efforts to ensure there is affordable coronavirus testing were "adequate," while 33 percent said they were "inadequate" and 11 percent were undecided.
The net adequacy was highest in the Visayas (+28), followed by Mindanao (+25), Balance Luzon (+18), and Metro Manila (+16).
The health department said it has tapped other laboratories to run coronavirus tests after the Philippine Red Cross halted servicing government due to state insurer PhilHealth's debts worth P1 billion.
The September 17 to 20 poll was conducted using mobile and computer-assisted telephone interviewing 1,249 adult Filipinos. It had a sampling error margin of ±3 percent for national percentages.
The Philippines confirmed 2,379 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday bringing the country’s total to 356,618.
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Friday, October 16, 2020
Sunset Glow
Sunset Red, the only senior special program of China Central Television, was launched on October 11, 1993, Beijing time. The program has been loved by the elderly since its inception, and it is now one of the most important columns of CCTV.
The column is now scheduled to be broadcast on the Social and Law Channel of China Central Television. The broadcast time is 8:25 and 16:25 Beijing time every day. It has been broadcast on CCTV 1, 2, 4, and 10 programs. In Hong Kong, ATV Home once broadcasted the Cantonese version of this program.
History
In October 1993, the "Sunset Red" column was launched. In the year it was launched, China had entered a society with an aging population for six years. At that time, the co-founders of the Science and Education Department of the Social Education Center of CCTV and the "Management World" magazine of the Development Research Center of the State Council of the People's Republic of China learned about the aging of the population in China, and the "Sunset Red" column was officially born. The broadcast will be broadcast on CCTV-2 and CCTV-4
On December 7, 2010, "Sunset Red" was suspended, and the original program time slot was replaced by "Life Early Reference". On June 27, 2011, the broadcast of "Red Sunset" resumed, and the broadcast platform was transferred from CCTV-1 to CCTV-10. The broadcast time was 7:00 from Monday to Friday. The host was replaced by two young beautiful anchor. [5]
On September 30, 2013, "Sunset Red" was transferred to the Social and Law Channel of China Central Television, and the content of the program was changed to tell stories about the elderly. [1]
Host
- Huang Wei (current)
- Chen Zhifeng
- Zhang Yue
- Shen Li
Link
At present, this column is a column telling stories about the elderly. The following are the links that have appeared in the program:
- "Follow the Sunset"
- "I wish you good health"
- "Not Old People"
- "New Window of Life"
- "Walk the Four Directions Smartly"
- "Meet the Red Sunset"
- "Grandpa and grandma use their brains"
- "Happy Gathering at Sunset"
- "Calligraphy and Painting Class"
theme song
Song title "Red Sunset"
Lyricist: Qiao Yu
Composer: Zhang Piji
Singing: Tong Tiexin
The most beautiful but red sunset
Warm and calm.
The sunset is a late flower
The sunset is old wine.
Sunset is late love
The sunset is the unending love.
How much love
It turned into a sunset red.
Logos
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| Logo used from October 11, 1993 to December 31, 1995 |
 |
| Logo used from January 1, 1996 to October 16, 2000 |
 |
| Logo used from October 17, 2000 to 2002 |
ISOC Holdings still keen on property expansion, cites sector’s resilience
By Denise A. Valdez, Senior Reporter
ISOC HOLDINGS, Inc. is bullish to expand its property portfolio in the coming years as it looks at the capital market as a viable investment tool in the future.
The holding firm of businessman Michael C. Cosiquien, co-founder of listed Megawide Construction Corp., said it launched two real estate projects this year despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Before the year ends and through the coming years, it looks to launch more commercial and residential projects in Metro Manila, and an integrated resort in Clark, Pampanga.
“The real estate industry is probably one of the most resilient sectors given that despite the pandemic, the industry remains to be stable,” Mr. Cosiquien, chairman of ISOC Holdings, told BusinessWorld via e-mail.
To support this growth, the company is studying possibilities for fundraising through an initial public offering (IPO) or a real estate investment trust (REIT) IPO.
“We want to establish a strong and consistent track record of sustainability that will satisfy, if not delight, our home owners. Doing an IPO or a REIT listing is a consideration in our long-term plan,” Mr. Cosiquien said.
ISOC Holdings, through I-Land, Inc., has two commercial properties, a residential property and a seven-hectare master-planned complex in Clark, Pampanga in its portfolio.
This year, it launched I-Land Bay Plaza in Pasay City and I-Land Residences Sucat in ParaƱaque City. I-Land Bay Plaza is already 50% leased out and is scheduled to be topped off next month. I-Land Residences is recording “very good” sales take-up, with all its one-bedroom units sold out.
“That’s why we are planning to launch Tower 2 of Sucat soon with more one-bedroom units,” Mr. Cosiquien said.
In the years ahead, the company plans to launch new residential and commercial projects in Quezon City, Pasig City, Makati City, and Taguig City. “We want to be able to satisfy our future homeowners and create a long term partnership and loyal following,” Mr. Cosiquien said.
Aside from real estate, ISOC Holdings also has interests in cold chain solutions, energy, and infrastructure businesses.
How Do I Reconnect With God?
If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV
How does a person restore a connection with God? That was the question posed by a friend of Guidelines. She struggled in even writing the letter, saying that four years ago she had written asking the same question but never mailed the letter. Now a little girl, three years of age, is asking questions about God, and all of this triggers feelings of remorse and regret.
Like so many who have drifted away from the warmth of the Father's love, this young woman sustained a loss, a big one too. Her brother was brutally murdered, and when this happened her heart cried out, "God, why did you let this happen? Where were you when my brother needed your help?"
Scores of people have been there. Yes, they know that if God undertook every time that one of His children was in need, everybody would want to line up on God's side, just to avoid the pain and disappointment of living in a broken world. I'm thinking of a cartoon that shows a crusader standing over a pagan, his sword resting on the neck of the subdued person, who, looking up says, "Tell me more about your new religion. I'm terribly interested!" Hey, that's the way it would be with the whole world, if we who are Christians always came out on top.
People who once connected with God know that the Bible is full of stories about individuals who were godly people who were mistreated and suffered without cause. Daniel was thrown to the lions. Jeremiah was cast into a slime pit and left to die. Elijah lived in exile with a price on his head. David had to hide out for seven years as Saul sought to kill him.
Down in their hearts people who blame God for what happens know that God isn't the one who caused the problem. They simply have turned and walked away because He didn't reverse the tide of evil or the wickedness which broke the tranquility and order of their lives.
Then a little child begins asking about God, or a friend lies at the point of death, or in the darkness of their souls they begin thinking about how it used to be, how at one time the joy of the Lord was real and when they prayed, the presence of God seemed so close and meaningful.
Here's the question: How do you restore the broken connection with God? Just asking the question, facing the issue, means you recognize the deep longing in your heart to connect with God.
When David realized that the affair with Bathsheba had broken his connection with God, he prayed, pouring out his heart and honestly telling God how he felt. Psalm 51 records this. That's your first step. Realize that God is far more desirous of embracing you and drawing you to Himself than you are to have Him do this.
Gently remind yourself that it was not God who moved. You did. So, come back. Paul wrote Timothy, saying, "Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us" (2 Timothy 2:13, Living Bible).
Paul is saying that God's nature is that of faithfulness. His love is unchanging, and His desire to have fellowship with you hasn't lessened in spite of your detour from His presence.
Finally, draw a line and step across it. Say, "As for the past, I leave it behind. I choose to walk with the Lord. Get back to church, and dust off your Bible and start reading it. Underline it, memorize it and realize it's God's love letter to you personally.
It's time to restore a broken connection.
Resource reading: Psalm 51:1-19
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/how-do-i-reconnect-with-god/