The one with why we should remember 2005

A lot of good things happened for the Philippines in 2005!

In 2005, for the first time in history, the Philippines is the overall champion in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, with more than 113 golds won in weeklong competitions.

In 2005, Manny Pacquiao defeated Hector Velazquez to win the WBC International Super Flyweight title.

In 2005, Precious Lara Quigaman won the Miss International beauty pageant.

I predict Carlene Aguilar will win the 2005 Miss World beauty pageant.

The Philippine peso is up, gasoline prices are down.

Yes, we still have a president in office who does not deserve to be there; yes, inflation is still high; yes, the economy has a long way to go before we can officially be out of this slump.

Above it all, though, we must remember one thing: GOD IS GOOD.

It's sad sometimes that we forget that we are a nation under God, a God who loves us and is waiting for us to rely on Him - not on GMA, not on our families working abroad, not on ourselves to take matters into our own hands in the name of survival, kicking out our leaders when we feel like it or breaking the law when we get a chance.

I propose we remember 2005 as a year of triumph over ourselves - our pride, our arrogance, and every single temptation to let ningas cogon, bahala na, and crab mentality take over - and rely on God.

It's time to let God take matters into His hands and let great things happen. Let us kiss goodbye the anger and bitterness of 2005 that came with GMA's tomfoolery. God allowed her there, and it will be God who will take her out, if it is in His will. We are in this situation because we don't respect those whom God has allowed to be put in power. He may not like it, but He has allowed it.

The Bible says "humble yourselves under the nighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you." (1 Peter 5:6)

We can work together towards bringing this country out of its doldrums. 2005 is a year we should remember for the good things, not the bad. 2005 should be remembered as a year we beat the odds as a people and showed the world we are a nation of men and women who don't cheat during sports events, respect our leaders, and honor our legacy as a people under Jesus Christ.

We are Christian and we are Filipino. That should be enough.

Update: Praise the Lord!

Cathy, Nathan and I will remember 2005 as the year we were blessed by God with health, a closer relationship with each other, and making the finals of the Most Informative Blog category of the Philippine Blog Awards! Thank you, everyone! God superbless you!

Congratulations to Y.B. Masdal, whose two blogs, The Daily Prophet AND Where is the Citizen on Mars?, both made the list of finalists! Man, you are amazing!

Congratulations to Jomar, whose Follow the Process also made the cut!

Congratulations to Benjamin Pimentel! Kuwento Kuwento is in the finals!

Finally, congratulations to Doc Emer! Parallel Universes is in the running for the competition!

We're so thrilled and proud to be part of such a worthy, exemplary list of informative blogs. You guys are all winners! Yahoo for you!