First Love

Surely, we all have our first love. I had mine when I was 10 years old. I was in gradeschool then.
You know the feeling. Gusto mo s'ya laging makita at makasama. What if, after all those years, you crossed path with your first love? What if things aren't the same way it used to be? Would the feeling still be the same?

This new Mcdonald tv commercial captures it all.

TSF's Tour of Bahrain 2008

We started the day early, meeting up at the Um Al Hassam Prayer House. First stop, we headed off to Amwaj Island, an exclusive sub-urban floating city of residential complex built on a reclaimed island. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed inside the compound by the security officers. Hence, we proceed to the Bahrain National Museum.

1. BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

The museum is part of a proposed civic complex, which will include the national library, exhibition halls and an aquarium. At present only the museum and the arcade, which will form the center of the complex, have been built. In the museum itself, a central spine turned at a 45 degree angle gives access to four cubic gallery blocks. These massive, square, stone boxes formed the exhibition spaces.

After everyone has toured the entirety of the museum and have some pictures taken around the museum compound, we proceeded to the Bahrain Fort and while on our way we wonder with much anticipation if what awaits us behind those massive walls.

2. THE BAHRAIN FORT

Once the capital of the Dilmun civilization, and served more recently as a Portugese Fort. For these reasons, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It is Bahrain's equivalent to the Philippine's Walled City of Intramuros, though to a lesser extent in terms of land area.

Photo: With the Bahrain skyline in the background, TSF family enters the fort's main gate.

About 25% of the site has been excavated revealing structures of different types: residential, public, commercial, religious and military. They testify to the importance of the site as a trading port over the centuries. On the top of the 12 meter high mound, there is the impressive Qal`at al-Burtughal (Portuguese fort), which gave the whole site its name, qal`a, meaning fort.

3. THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX SAKHIR RACE TRACK

This was built for the Bahrain International Circuit which has its debut on 4 April 2004. The completion of this world class race track outshadowed the Kuwait Circuit and became the center of motor sport in the Gulf Region.

It made history when it hosted the 1st Formula One Grand Prix in the entire Middle Eastern Region, with German driver Michael Schumacher winning the historic first race of 2004.

Photo: Getting ready for the big race, Schumacher watch out and eat my dust!

On the lighter side, did you know that the winning drivers do not spray the traditional champagne on the podium, although alcoholic beverages are legal in Bahrain, in contrast to neighbouring Qatar and Saudi Arabia?. Instead, they spray a non-alcoholic rosewater drink known as Waard.(wikipedia)

4. THE TREE OF LIFE

It is indeed Bahrain's nature wonder and one of it's famous tourist destination among expat. It is a 400 year-old mesquite tree that has grown marvelously big with several low branches extending out in every directions, just crying out to be climbed upon.

This unique tree stands alone in the middle of the dessert about 2 kilometers from Jebel Dukhan, the highest point in Bahrain. The source of water for this tree remains a mystery because it stands in a place completely free of water though I would like to assume that it gets its water nourishment from the humidity in the air at night time.

Photo: TSF family at the Tree of Life in the middle of the dessert.

The tree itself is located at the southern part of the island, far away from the main city. Making it a good excuse to travel far in the middle of the dessert. This was the last place we visited and we had a blast. Everyone had a wonderful time that day. It was a great time for all of us to enjoy what Bahrain has to offer to all of us working here. It was also a great oppurtunity to build-up camaraderie among brethrens at the TSF family.

The island of Bahrain is about the size of Negros Island. It may be small but this is home for most us. We came here to seek peace and prosperity. And by the grace of God may it be so all through the year.

The TORCH Bearers 2009

(Photo: L-R standing : Ptr. Choy Badiong, Ptr. Roman Gumiran, Sis. Karen Tolentino, Bro. Rowell Navarro, Bro. Resty Villafuerte and Rev. Jessie Cordova)

I would like to congratulate the new TORCH leaders who were installed into their respective positions by Rev. Jessie Cordova in a ceremony held at the Shepherd's Flock Global Ministries Prayer House in Um AlHassam, Bahrain last January 23, 2009.

Unfortunately, Sis. Marissa Asuncion; Treasurer, wasn't able to come to complete the ensemble. As of this writing, I wasn't able to speak with Bro. Resty yet regarding the reason why. But it seems that he forgot to inform everyone concerned about the said ceremony, though I had informed him about it one week earlier. Hence, my apologies to Sis. Marissa should you will be reading this blog. I cannot postpone the ceremony, because it's been long overdue since December 2008 due to inevitable circumstances.

As Rev. Cordova welcomes the new set of officers to the Executive Committee, he encouraged everyone to do their best and be reminded always that it is Jesus Christ Himself that they will be serving in their respective ministries.

Once again, congratulations to all of you. May you keep the TORCH burning and let your light shine all for the glory of our God.

MEET THE TORCH Leaders :

Bro. Resty Villafuerte, Jr.

the President
see FRIENDSTER profile here

Bro. Rowell Navarro

the Vice President
see FRIENDSTER profile here

Sis. Karen Tolentino

the Secretary

FRIENDSTER profile under construction

Sis. Marissa Asuncion

the Treasurer

see FRIENDSTER profile here

VIDEO CLIP: Installation Ceremony (end part)
Duration: 27 seconds / Sony Ericsson K800i

My Trip to the Bahrain National Museum

Finally I was able to visit the Bahrain National Museum. I've been wanting to explore this museum eversince I came to Bahrain 4 years ago.

It was a trip partly made possible through our church that organized the Tour of Bahrain last December 0f 2008.

The museum is part of a proposed civic complex, which will include the national library, exhibition halls, and an aquarium. At present, only the museum and the arcade, which will form the centre of the complex, have been built. In the museum itself, a central spine turned at a 45 degree angle gives access to four cubic gallery blocks. These massive, square, stone boxes form the exhibition spaces. The façades are totally blank, and the galleries are lit artificially to avoid possible deterioration of exhibits. The foyer, however, is roofed with concrete barrel vaults at different levels, allowing the strong sunlight to wash the walls in streaks and splashes. The introvertive nature of the plan form combines the requirements for exhibiting delicate artifacts with the need to respect local climatic conditions, and a certain reference to indigenous architectural images.
One of the highlights of the exhibit can be found in the ancient history section wherein an actual burial mound was transported from its site in the dessert and reassembled in the museum.

Another feature is a tableau which depicts a scene from the Epic of Gilgamesh (in which reference to Bahrain is made as the paradise of Dilmun).

The museum possess a rich collection of Bahrain's ancient archeological artifacts since 1988, and covers 6000 years of Bahrain's history.

What I enjoyed the most was the life size exhibit showcasing the culture and lifestyle of Bahrain. It showcases the tradition of Bahrain that we expat seldom see. The different display has an audio background of the actual scene being depicted on the display, so it really was an experience for me. It makes you feel you are with them as it happens. See pictures below and have a peek on how's life is among with the Bahrainis.

1. THE FIRST DAY OF BIRTH

2.THE POPULAR TRADITION OF NANOON
The lady with the basket is throwing candies to the delight of the children in the village.

3. THE SCHOOL AND THE TEACHER
Quranic lessons at such a young age.

4. GOOD LUCK PARTY FOR THE BRIDE

This one is creepy. The bride all covered-up sitting on a rug looks like a ghost. She was being carried on by four ladies on each end of the rug.
5. THE BRIDE

Bejeweled in golden accessories with henna tattoo on her hands and feet.

6. BARAHA
Small meeting place for the old folks and fishermen of the village.

7. THE CHILDREN GO TO THE SEA
8. MAKING KURAR (GARMENTS) 9. BADLEH LACE EMBROIDERY10. BAHRAIN'S TRADITIONAL CLOTHES(L-R) Thaub Almufahay, Shelhal,Thaub Alnashel,Zeboon

Generally, it is worth the trip to visit the Bahrain National Museum. It has a lot of things to offer that might be of interest to you as well. The whole structure has a centralized cooling system, (which is a must in this country), making your tour more pleasurable and convenient. It offers a wide parking space for everyone and the entrance fee is about a little more than one US dollar. It has a souvenir shop, though it has nothing much to offer, might as well take a peek inside. One travel tip for everyone though, bring your own snacks should you feel the need to have one after exploring the entire museum. Somewhat disapointing is they don't have a coffee shop or a snack bar. Nevertheless, if you have the time, come and see what Bahrain has to offer at the Bahrain National Museum.

FLASHBACK Manila: Voltes V

Siguro mga taong 1979 noon nang mauso ang robot anime na Voltes V sa Pilipinas. Grade IV ako noon. Wala pa kaming tv ng mga panahong iyon kaya nakikinuod lang ako sa mga kapitbahay namin sa may Sampaloc District ng Maynila.

Sa tuwing pagkatapos ng palabas, unahan kami sa paglabas sa kalye at ginagaya namin yong eksenang kinukuha ng robot yong espada sa may dibdib n'ya at sabay sigaw ng "VOLTES V". Nakakatuwang balik-balikan ang kakulitan ko nuong kabataan ko.

Si Little John Armstrong ang paborito kong character sa limang bidang mga piloto. Bukod kasi sa murang edad n'ya at kakulitan, s'ya ay isang henyo sa pag-imbento ng mga automatons. Kakikitaan din s'ya ng interes sa mechanics, robotics at electromagnetism, k'ya naman itinuturing s'yang isang genius ng mga university professors sa istorya. Sa katunayan s'ya ang gumawa ng kanyang octopus-robot-pet na si Octo-one.

Sa bawat episode ng nasabing palabas ay may bagong Beast Fighter na kalaban and Voltes Team. Eto 'yong pinakahihintay namin na parte ng palabas. 'Yong bakbakan. Pasiklaban sila ng mga robotic powers. Pero in the end, siempre laging panalo ang Voltes Team.

Sa kasikatan ng palabas na ito, hindi maiiwasang maging iconic symbol ng early 80's ang opening at closing theme song ng palabas na ito. The best para sa akin ang closing theme. Sa mga hindi inabot ang kasikatan ng Voltes V, heto ang mga youtube videos ng mga kantang ito.

Para sa kompletong detalye patungkol sa Voltes V, click here.

Ending Theme:

Opening Theme:

The Reveleation of Jesus

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A New Beginning

Welcome to my new weblog site!

What a fitting way to welcome the new year by having a new blog account? The site is still under modification so please bear with the inconvenience of seeing a not-so-interesting web page.

This weblog will continue from where I left-off from my FRIENDSTER weblog account. I shall be blogging more this year because there are still a lot to conquer and it is very much FAR FROM OVER. So watch out!

I hope to see more of you guys this year.