I decided to get rid of my cell phone when I realized that I can do without it. If people would want to talk to me, they can always call my home or office phone, or leave a message on my answering machine. I need not talk to them right away, since their calls are not a matter of life and death. I am not a doctor who has to go to the hospital to operate on a patient in need of a surgery an hour ago. In fact, I never had a cell phone before, and I managed to function properly, and even somewhat succeed, thank you. So why must I have a cell phone now? -- Sim Silverio, Our Life and Times

I remember my fear on the first day of school only to be relieved when I realized my teacher was a Filipina herself! At the time I thought to myself, “At least I can speak to her in Tagalog” if I ever have to. So when she asked the class a question for which I knew the answer to, from habit I raised my hand and called out “Mam, mam!” -- (As it is custom in schools in the Philippines to do so) to get her attention. The next thing I knew, the whole class immediately burst in laughter while I heard whispers of “What?” “Did he just call her mom?”-- Dr. Riz Oades, Voices and Images

“As we salute America’s heroes on Veterans Day, we must not forget, to praise our own Filipino American Veterans who are proud to express their patriotism on wearing their full service aging uniform on Veterans Day, displaying an array of all their service medals of merit.” -- by Joe Son, Lifestyles

Forget about trickle-down theories. When it comes to economic models, the opposite makes for a more compelling study. Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga is out to prove that there are more measures to the success of human endeavors than the bottom line. To find out, follow Meloto when Team GK heads to Harvard University for its next Global Summit in 2009. -- G. Tagudin-Silverio, In Perspective

God’s kingdom does not only grow through prayers, miracles, and preaching. It also spreads through ordinary acts, such as compassion, kindness, humility. God has bestowed on each of us gifts and talents. It is unfortunate that some people excuse themselves for doing nothing with those gifts. We hear them saying, “I don’t have the time or strength; Give me time and I’ll do it later; I’m too busy.”

The day of the Lord’s second coming is surely going to happen. When and how? Paul refused to speculate. Matthew’s advice to his community around the year 80 A. D. was to behave well while it awaits the Lord’s imminent second coming. Christians should not be passive, lazy and worthless while waiting for the Lord’s second coming. In other words, when it comes to preparedness, the risk of cleverness is preferable to security of doing the proper thing or “playing it safe.” Preparedness does not take away one’s responsibility of giving glory to God, furthering his kingdom and saving people. To act on this responsibility is risky. But “playing it safe” or hiding our talents is a riskier business indeed!” -- Msgr. Gutierrez, Lower Your Nets

Yes! America is definitely changing. Especially now! One of the changes is America’s departure from Christian values, or anything that is based on the teachings of the Bible. It’s a rebellion – a rebellion against God. Now, anything that mentions God is anathema to non-believers, and it will continue until all mention of God is completely obliterated. -- Zena Sultana-Babao, Light and Shadows