Sunshinesnotebook

05/11/2025

GREED IS THE REAL DISASTER!

04/11/2025

Day 99: Zero Arrests

Ninety-nine days. That’s more than three months of watching the same cycle repeat, of press conferences, promises, and posturing.

Ninety-nine days since President Marcos bared the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, and yet, here we stand again, Cebu submerged, lives lost, homes gone, and justice drowned under the same murky waters that have long flooded our nation’s conscience.

Forty-eight lives. These are not just numbers; they are names, faces, laughter, dreams, all washed away by the negligence of those who swore to protect the people. The irony is cruel: billions were meant to control floods, yet those very billions sank into pockets instead of building walls against the storm. Corruption, once again, has proven to be more destructive than any typhoon.

We call them “natural” disasters, but what about the unnatural greed that builds them? Every misused peso is a brick taken out of safety, every signed fake project a shovel of dirt over a coffin. Somewhere, a mother cradles her lifeless child not because God failed to protect them, but because men with power and no conscience decided their comfort mattered more than a community’s survival.

Ninety-nine days. Not one arrest. Not one resignation. Not one ounce of accountability. And yet, the government moves on, business as usual, while people cling to rooftops, both literally and figuratively, begging to be seen, to be heard, to be saved.

When did justice become so numb, so selective, so afraid? Have we as a people grown so accustomed to corruption that we no longer rage, only sigh? The stench of impunity has become the scent of normalcy, and that is the true national tragedy.

Floodwaters will recede, yes. The dead will be buried, the headlines will fade. But the rot beneath, the system that rewards thieves and silences truth, remains. And until someone is brave enough to drain that swamp, storms will keep coming, and each drop of rain will carry with it the echo of our apathy.

This is not just about Cebu. This is about every Filipino who has been betrayed by leaders who swore to serve but instead learned to steal. It is about the worth of life in a land where money talks louder than mourning.

Ninety-nine days have passed, and still, zero arrests. But justice, though delayed, cannot stay buried forever. Like floodwaters, truth will rise. And when it does, may it wash away not the innocent, but the guilty who built their empires on the suffering of their own people.

Until that day, may our silence never be mistaken for acceptance. Because silence, too, can kill, and this nation has bled enough.

With Love,
Shine

01/11/2025

One Master, One Body: A Call for Pastors to Walk in Unity and Love

Pansin ko lang sa panahon ngayon, maraming pastor ang tila nakakalimot sa ibig sabihin ng “walking the talk.” We preach about love, humility, and unity, yet when disagreements arise, our actions don’t always reflect the message we bring to the pulpit. Instead of speaking in love and gentleness, some become defensive, harsh, and disrespectful, especially towards fellow pastors.

What’s happening, pastors? Why are we taking sides? Why have we allowed pride to take root among those who are called to shepherd God’s flock?

This division is heartbreaking because it contradicts the very heart of our Master, Jesus Christ. We are not called to build our own kingdoms or defend our personal opinions as if they were the gospel truth. We are called to serve one Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself modeled humility, love, and unity even in the face of betrayal and rejection. He did not separate Himself from His disciples despite their weaknesses; instead, He washed their feet. If our Master could humble Himself that way, why can’t we humble ourselves before one another?

It is painful to see pastors forgetting that the sheep are watching. The way we treat each other becomes a testimony, whether of Christ’s love or of our human pride. The church suffers when leaders fail to demonstrate the character of Christ. The younger believers lose trust, the flock becomes confused, and the name of Christ is dishonored. We must ask ourselves honestly: Aren’t we responsible enough to face the will of Christ in our leadership, ministry, and life? Do we not trust His plan enough to surrender our own egos? Are we still one body of Christ, or have we allowed our titles, differences, and pride to tear us apart?

Let us also remember this solemn truth, one day, we will all stand before Christ and give an account of how we have led His people. Every word we spoke, every decision we made, and every heart we influenced will be brought to light. Romans 14:12 (NIV) reminds us: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” We cannot escape this moment of accountability. This should humble us and drive us to lead with sincerity, gentleness, and unity, knowing that it is Christ Himself who will evaluate the motives of our hearts.

But this message is not only a rebuke, it is also a call of love and hope. There is still time to return to the heart of ministry. There is still grace available for every leader who humbles himself before God and his fellow ministers. Let us not forget what the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:2–3 (NIV):
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

This verse reminds us that unity does not happen automatically, it requires effort, humility, and love. When we choose to speak with gentleness instead of anger, when we choose understanding over judgment, and when we prioritize Christ’s glory over our own reputation, we become true shepherds of His flock.

Let us, therefore, return to our first calling, to serve, not to be served; to love, not to divide; to reflect Christ, not ourselves. The sheep need shepherds who walk with integrity, who lead with compassion, and who stand together as one under the Lordship of Christ.

May we all remember that we are servants of one Master, members of one body, and followers of one Lord. Let us rebuild bridges, restore respect, and renew our hearts in the presence of the One who called us, for we will one day face Him and give an account of how we have led His flock.

“One Master. One Body. One Mission, to love as Christ loved, for one day, we will stand before Him.”

With Love,
Shine

01/11/2025

I'm a neutral person, I don't take sides, I hate gossip, and I don't tolerate.

31/10/2025

“𝕊𝕖𝕝𝕗-𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝔽𝕒𝕣 𝕊𝕠 𝔻𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕊𝕖𝕝𝕗𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤”

Yesterday, as I was attending a fellowship, I stumbled upon a talk that centered on self-love. As I expressed that it is not bad to put yourself first, I was struck by the thought shared that loving yourself first is a sin and a bad thing. Even though my idea wasn’t invalidated, I still felt a sting of sadness for the person who thought that way. On my way home, my heart was heavy, and I found myself asking my Bible, and asking God, “Lord, is it really a sin to love myself?”

In today’s world, the phrase “love yourself” echoes everywhere, from social media posts to motivational talks. Many embrace it as a reminder to value who they are, while others question if it promotes pride or selfishness. But as a Christian, I’ve come to see that self-love is far so different from selfishness.

The Bible never condemns healthy self-love, it only warns against selfishness, arrogance, and self-centeredness. When Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), He acknowledged that there is a proper kind of love we must have for ourselves. How can we truly love others if we despise who we are or constantly see ourselves as worthless?

Self-love, in a biblical sense, means recognizing that we are God’s beloved creation, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). It’s not about self-worship, but about self-worth rooted in God’s truth. When I love myself rightly, I respect the life God gave me. I care for my body, nurture my spirit, and guard my heart because these are gifts entrusted to me by Him.

On the other hand, selfishness is when love turns inward and away from God. It’s when one’s desires, comfort, or pride become more important than obedience to God or compassion toward others. Philippians 2:3 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” True self-love never competes with others, it complements love for God and people.

Sometimes, the problem is not too much self-love but the wrong kind of self-love, the one that excludes God. The kind that says, “I don’t need Him; I can do it all myself.” But the kind of self-love that pleases God says, “I am loved, therefore I can love others.” It’s humble, balanced, and anchored in grace.

As a believer, I’ve learned that loving myself means forgiving my mistakes, resting when I’m weary, and believing that I am still valuable even in my brokenness. It means allowing God’s love to define who I am, not the world’s standards or my failures. When I see myself through His eyes, I begin to understand that self-love isn’t sinful, it’s sacred when it leads me back to the One who loved me first.

So, does the Bible say self-love is sin? No. But it does warn us that any love detached from God, whether love for self, success, or pleasure, can become idolatry. The key is to love ourselves rightly, through the lens of God’s truth and not the mirror of pride.

Let’s remember: self-love becomes holy when it leads to humility, gratitude, and service. It becomes selfish when it leads to pride, comparison, and neglect of others.

May we learn to love ourselves not less or more than we should, but just enough to love others better, because we are deeply loved by God.

“We love because He first loved us.” -1 John 4:19

✨“Love yourself enough to reflect God’s love, not replace it.”

With Love,
Shine

27/10/2025

Truth: The Hard Path That Leads To Healing

Speaking the truth is not always easy. Many people choose silence because it feels safer. They pretend everything is fine, even when their heart is breaking. They hide their real thoughts to avoid conflict, judgment, or rejection. Yet deep inside, silence becomes a prison.

Truth has a way of shaking what looks stable. It exposes what others try so hard to cover. When we choose honesty, some people may see it as a threat. Friends may suddenly become critics. Others may distance themselves because the truth reveals what they refuse to admit. This can feel painful and lonely, like choosing a road that no one else wants to walk.

Still, the truth remains powerful. It brings clarity, freedom, and strength. Lies may protect us for a moment, but they trap us in fear. When we choose truth, we choose growth. We choose to live without pretending. We choose to love ourselves enough to be real.

Not everyone will stay when we speak the truth. The ones who value honesty will remain by our side, because they understand that truth builds trust. The ones who leave show us something valuable too. They reveal that their presence in our life depended on comfort, not on authenticity. Losing people who cannot handle honesty is not a loss. It is cleansing!

Truth may hurt for a while. It may cause tears and confusion. It may shake us. Yet truth also heals. It repairs what is broken, it aligns us with what is right, and it creates space for genuine connections and peace.

So keep choosing truth even when your voice trembles. Speak what you believe with courage and love. Truth does not destroy. It reveals. It purifies. It sets you free.

Speak truth, stay true, and let what is real remain.

With Love,
Shine

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

“Ang Boses ng Depression”

Hi… ako nga pala yung taong akala niyo ang tibay-tibay.

Yung palaging may ngiti.
Palaging game.
Palaging “okay lang ako.”

Pero sa totoo lang… minsan hindi.
Minsan biglang lulubog yung mundo ko
kahit walang dahilan.

Minsan ang gaan ng umaga
tapos pagdating ng hapon
parang may kumukulong lungkot sa dibdib ko
na hindi ko maipaliwanag.

Hindi ko ito ginusto.
Hindi ko ito pinili.
Kahit ako ayaw ko nito.

Kaya tinatakpan ko na lang.
Ayoko ng tanong.
Ayoko ng husga.
Ayoko ng tingin na ang arte ko lang.

Kasi ang hindi nila alam,
araw-araw akong nakikipaglaban sa sarili kong isip.

Araw-araw akong nagsasabi sa sarili ko,
“Huwag kang susuko. Huwag ka munang aalis sa mundong to.”

Nagpe-pray naman ako eh.
Nagbabasa ng Bible.
Nagmi-ministry pa nga.
Pero sasabihin nila, “Christian ka diba?
Bakit mo nararamdaman yan?”

Mas masakit yun.
Mas bumibigat.

Kaya minsan tumatakbo ako sa C-dramas
o inspirational videos
para kahit papaano…
kahit ilang minuto lang…
kumalma yung utak ko.

Pero may ibang hindi makaintindi.
“Bakit ka nakakulong sa kwarto?”
“Bakit puro cellphone ka?”
Di nila alam
yun na lang ang pahinga ko.
Yun na lang ang gamot ko
para hindi ako tuluyang sumuko.

Hindi ko sinasabi para kaawaan.
Sinasabi ko kasi totoo.
Depression is real.
Hindi pag-iinarte.
Hindi kahinaan.

At kung ikaw man ay tulad ko…
na paulit-ulit pang lumalaban
kahit pagod na pagod na…
Gusto kong malaman mo:

Hindi ka nag-iisa.
Hindi ka pabigat.
Hindi mo kasalanan ito.

At higit sa lahat…
may Diyos na nasa tabi mo pa rin.
Kahit tahimik ka.
Kahit umiiyak ka.
Kahit ang prayer mo nalang
ay buntong-hininga.

Si Lord hindi nagsasara ng pinto
kapag sobrang bigat na ng loob mo.
Sabi Niya,
“Anak… hawak lang.
Ako ang lakas mo
kapag wala ka nang lakas.”

So if today mabigat…
Pwede pang bukas.
Pwede pang huminga.
Pwede pang magmahal.
Pwede pang mabuhay.

Kasi mahalaga ka.
May purpose ka.
At hindi pa tapos si Lord sa’yo.

Inspiration (from Emman)

With Love,
Shine

17/10/2025

Hindi lang jowa mo ang dapat sineseryoso....
Hindi lang pag-aaral mo ang dapat sineseryoso...
Hindi lang business mo ang dapat sineseryoso...
Hindi lang career mo ang dapat sineseryoso....

Pati narin ang RELASYON MO SA DIYOS SINESERYOSO...

Sa totoo lang madaming kilala lang ang Diyos, pero wala talagang TOTOONG relasyon sa kanya🙌

Dear,
🙏Kung love mo si Lord you will always have time for Him...
🙏Kung love mo si Lord you will always be available for him...
🙏Kung love mo si Lord, serving Him will never be a burden but will be your source of joy...

MARAMING RELIHIYOSO PERO HINDI NAMAN SERYOSO...

James 1:22 ESV
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

DEAR FRIENDS, SERVING THE LORD REQUIRES SERIOUSNESS...

For the Scripture says in Matthew 7:21,
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

CTTO

17/10/2025

🙄🫩

12/03/2025

There are moments in life when we seek answers with urgency, only to be met with silence.

Not all questions are meant to be answered immediately, as some truths unfold in their own time. We may wrestle with uncertainty, wondering why things happen the way they do, but often, the lessons we need come through experience, patience, and growth.

Instead of forcing answers, we must learn to trust the process, allowing wisdom to reveal itself when we are ready to understand. In the end, the most profound insights are not those we chase, but those that find us when the time is right.

With Love,
Sunshine's Notebook