KuyaKevin.com

Sad news for all of you who listen to our radio show/podcast.  Emelyn, Erwin's sister, has passed away.  She's been battling cancer for quite some time.  Please pray for Erwin and his family.

"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on."
-- Winston Churchill

I'm sure most of you have seen the twitter remark that has been attributed to Jacqueline Bermejo.  It's been flying around the internet faster than a cell phone can cook popcorn.  Even GMANews.TV mentioned her  (yes, the article mentions the possibility of her innocence, but it seems to be more of an afterthought).

I just want to remind my readers of a few things:

1.  It is ridiculously easy to create a fake Facebook, Multiply, or Twitter account.  Just look up the name of your favorite celebrity if you don't believe me.  Even well-known preacher Robert Schuller had a Twitter imposter. He was able to get his identity back, but I imagine it's harder for your average guy/girl to get Twitter's attention.

2.  It isn't that difficult to hack some of these before-mentioned accounts.  I learned this the hard way a few weeks ago when my Gmail account was hacked while using public wifi.

3.  I refuse to believe any Filipino would say something so ridiculous.  Filipinos have a certain sense of comradery and kinship with all of their countrymen.  It's a trait I deeply respect and admire.  OFW's are no different--they still love and miss the Philippines, and I'm sure they will donate millions to see this beautiful country restored.  Do any of you really think a Filipina would say such a thing about her own country?  Come on!

4.  Gossip and slander are gossip and slander, regardless of the medium used.  We have no right to assassinate someone's character when we don't even know all of the facts.  What if this has all been caused by someone who was out to harm her? 

Please use your FaceBook, Twitter and blogs responsibly.


You must not pass along false rumors. . . . 
-Exodus 23:1


Update:  Bermejo has been interviewed on the ABSCBN website. Read her official statement.


This post is closed for comments.

Moongirl has an excellent list of organizations/websites for those living outside the Philippines:

Donating to Manila from Abroad

Here's another simple step we can take here in the Philippines: let's check our closets. 

I'm not a big shopper or collector of clothes.  But I have clothing items I haven't worn in months.  I've taken the time to collect some of these for donation to flood victims--there's no point in having unused clothes in my closet when others are in need.   Please consider taking this simple step--check and see if there are items you could donate.

It wouldn't cost anything except a little time.

I'd like to highlight the efforts of World Vision.  A pastor friend of mine works for WV, so I endorse this organization without hesitation:

World Vision is launching relief operations today after an unprecedented rainfall brought by Typhoon Ketsana caused floodings all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces affecting thousands of people yesterday. It was packed with maximum winds of 85 kph and gustiness of up to 110 kph.

“People’s houses were submerged in just a matter of few minutes giving them no time to secure their food and belongings. There is a need to respond,” says HEA Director Jose “Boy” Bersales. WV initially conducted a call and text brigade to check the status and needs of the staffs in flood affected areas.

He adds, “We are prioritizing food aid assistance to 100 flood-affected staffs here in Metro Manila as the government is providing initial relief to other affected persons. This will last them for two to three days.” WV guards, messengers and janitors who were impacted are also beneficiaries.

Food aid consist of the following: 1 bottled water (5 liters), 12 pcs noodles, 6 cans sardines, oatmeal, 1 pack biscuit, 6 cans corned beef, 5 kg rice, 1 pack instant coffee, 1/2 brown sugar, 2 cans pork and beans and 1 chocolate drink.

They want to help 3000 families w/ 3 day survival relief packs costing P2000 each. For cash donations, please deposit at BPI account number 4251-0024-15 or BDO account number 2700-4341-1.. World Vision office is at 389 Quezon Ave., cor West 6th near Delta. Call or text 0917-5594272 (Boris) or 374-7618 to 28 for more info.


For those in the States who would like to contribute to World Vision, here's the information:
Account Number: USD SA Account # 4254-0050-08
Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank Address: Matalino corner Malakas Street
Diliman Quezon City
1100 Philippines
Bank swift Code: BOPIPHMM

I've seen some of the devastation firsthand--I've never seen this kind of flooding before (not in seven years).  

Here's a quick way those of us in the Philippines can help:

Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: RED, (space) AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart). Ex. RED 300

Donations for the typhoon victims may be dropped off at any Petron gas station and Petron will forward this to DSWD Head Office.

Operation Blessing is starting to mobilize disaster relief efforts for typhoon Ondoy victims in Metro Manila. YOU CAN HELP by rallying finances, resources and volunteers. Call at the following numbers: The 700 Club Counseling Center at (632) 810-7...176 / 810-7717 or toll-free at 1-800-1-888-8700 Operation Blessing at (632) 812-0581 in Manila or (082) 297-3080 in Davao.


World Vision is raising funds to support ongoing efforts in Antipolo, Cainta & Marikina. Partnered with Phil Coast Guard for logistics. They want to help 3000 families w/ 3 day survival relief packs costing P2000 each. For cash donations, please deposit at BPI account number 4251-0024-15 or BDO account number 2700-4341-1. World Vision office is at 389 Quezon Ave., cor West 6th near Delta. Call or text 0917-5594272 (Boris)

Relief Goods can be sent to Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandaca Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no. 5639298/5639308). Relief goods can also be brought Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40).

Aquino volunteers: contact Jiggy Cruz who is organizing relief goods collection and distribution. Or call Ms. Clare Amador at mobile no 9285205508 or Jana Vicente at 9285205499 for more details regarding Noy/Mar relief efforts.

Roxas volunteers: donations for flood relief can be brought to Balay, Expo Centro, Edsa cor. Gen, MacArthur, Araneta Center, Cubao.

Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT

American/International Readers:

To all friends/family who live in Canada and US who wish to help in the rescue and relief operations, you may donate through the American Red Cross. Call 1-800-435-7669.

For friends/relatives worldwide who would like to remit their $ for donation, please remit to ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Account # 5630020111 or coordinate with ABS-CBN Foundation if you're in the U.S. 1-800-5272820.

World Vision: For those in the States who would like to contribute to World Vision, here's the information:
Account Number: USD SA Account # 4254-0050-08
Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank Address: Matalino corner Malakas Street
Diliman Quezon City
1100 Philippines
Bank swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Here are a couple of radio interviews I'll be doing at DZAS, 702am


Tomorrow (Saturday, September 26th), 12:00 pm:  Masayang Tahanan.  We'll be talking about matters of the heart from a male perspective.

This radio show is also syndicated on the following stations:
1125 DWAS - Legaspi City, Albay - 9:00 AM
1197 DXFE - Davao City - 10:00 PM

Wednesday, September 30th, 11:00 am:  LJ and I will be talking about health and fitness on the Pinoy Espesyal show.

You can listen to DZAS online by clicking here. 

In this episode:

"I'm 19 and I've fallen for someone who is 32.  Is this wrong?"

"Is it OK to re-establish contact with my ex so we can be friends again?"

"I've been in a same-sex relationship.  Am I still a virgin?"

Just visit the podcast page (http://kuyakevin.libsyn.com) or look up Basta LoveLife in iTunes to download (100% free). 

A great article from pastor Dennis:

Four things to consider before entering a romantic relationship

If you've never failed, you've never lived:

Tonight I had the privilege of speaking to a group of students at The Spoken Word Christian Fellowship (Taytay).  I had a great time and it was an honor to meet all of you!

I'd like to make a couple of suggestions for stories on the second book:

Abortion:  I'd really like to hear from a Filipina who has had an abortion.  You could talk about the mistakes that led up to the "procedure," the pain, the guilt, etc.  You could help others avoid this mistake.  I already have one story from a young woman who used the "abortion pill"--but I'm especially interested in hearing from someone who went through the actual "procedure." 

Pornography:  I'd like to hear from a Filipino (or Filipina) who has struggled with porn use/addiction.  Talk about how you were introduced to it, the progression of the addiction, and how it negatively influenced your life.

If you have a friend that has been through this, maybe you could refer him/her to my website.

A 3-4 page story would be great (just don't make it much longer than that).  Remember: all contributions are anonymous.  Click here for more information on contributing to my second book.

I think I'm somewhere between 5-10 stories away from having the manuscript ready.  Please send your story soon!

I had a wonderful day at the Manila International Book Fair!

I want to express my appreciation to everyone who has blessed me today:

*Thank you, Church Strengthening Ministry, for inviting me to be a part of your celebration.

*Thank you, DZAS, for the interview time.

*Thank you, Philippine Christian Book Store, for hosting the book signing.  

*Thank you, everyone who bought Basta LoveLife. 

God is good!

The book fair will be open until Sunday--hope you'll try to drop by and show some love to the organizations I've mentioned here.

In this episode:

"I'm only 16. Why am I attracted to older men 20 and above?"

"I'm a preacher's kid and my father told me that I should finish school first, get a job before I get into a relationship. But I am in love. What should I do?"

"I've been abused as a child. It's been a long time since that happened but I can't seem to move on. What should I do?" (note:  I refer a post here in the blog.  Here' the name/link:  Broken Things). 

Just go to the podcast page (http://kuyakevin.libsyn.com) to download or look for Basta LoveLife in iTunes.  This podcast is 100% free.

Please pray for Emelyn, Erwin's sister.  Here's a quote from Erwin:

Had a brief talk with my sister on the phone & could barely talk. She says she loves me a lot & that she's proud of me. The doctors told my parents her cancer is advanced she's got 3-4 weeks to live. They'll move her soon to the hospice. I've been crying, begging & pleading God to hear my prayers for a miracle.

Just in case you don't know, Erwin is my ministry partner/co-host with the radio show/podcast.  Emelyn, his sister, has been battling cancer for some time now. 

I'm sure everyone has heard of Kanye West's outburst at the VMA awards:



Fortunately, Beyonce saved the night:



I'm not that concerned with the VMA awards--in fact, I only knew about the awards because of the internet buzz.

But I thought I'd use this as a teachable moment. Consider these verses from Proverbs:

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.

-Proverbs 17:27-28

Sometimes the absolute wisest thing you can do is just keep your mouth shut.

Far Eastern University has won this year's cheer dance competition.  Congratulations, guys!

In this episode:

"I think my BF is cheating on me.  Though I don't have proof, I still broke up with him. Did I do the right thing?"

"I'm falling for someone I work with in ministry but I'm not sure he feels the same way."

"My BF is not as passionate and committed about our relationship as I am."

 Just go to the podcast page (http://kuyakevin.libsyn.com) to download. You can also download by looking up "Basta LoveLife" in iTunes.

Download is 100% free.  

Life Pursuits: An inter-church young adult conference

Speaker: Mr. BJ Sebastian, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of JG Summit Holdings

September 12, 6:00 PM

Greenhills Christian Fellowship, Ortigas Center

Registration starts at 5 PM

Admission is FREE
Contact Rainier for details (rainer.ucm [at] gmail)

A while back I reviewed Crazy Love, by Francis Chan.  Here he is talking about playing it safe--challenging!



Here's a related post: Righteous Risks

I learned about The Jeepney Magazine a few weeks ago. It is produced by the Urban Opportunities for Change, Foundation Inc. Here's more information, quoted from their facebook page:

Jeepney Magazine’s main goal is to create and provide jobs for the homeless community that meets or exceeds the minimum wage. Our vendors sell the magazine for Php 100, of which Php 50 goes to the vendor selling the paper. We also provide our vendors the training and education they need, on direct sales, people interaction, goal-setting and saving and help them experience a sense of dignity and self-worth.

You can also visit their website:
The Jeepney Magazine

Here's my itinerary this month.  Please pray for these events:


September 6, 2009 (Sunday)
"My Heart and Purity" 5:00 pm
United Church Manila (Recto, across from UE McDo)

September 12, 2009 (Saturday)
Life Pursuits 2 Young Adults Conference 6:00 pm
Greenhills Christian Fellowship
Note: I will not be speaking at this event--just attending and trying to help promote it.

September 18, 2009 (Friday)
CSM 20th Anniversary Celebration 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Manila International Book Fair--SMX Convention Center (Pasay). 

September 20, 2009 (Sunday)
"Usapang Love Life" 4:00 pm
The Spoken Word Christian Fellowship
Floodway, Taytay, Rizal

I finally feel like my second book project is gaining some momentum.  I received a couple of incredible stories over the past week or so, both of which will be included in the book.  A couple of guys I know have also agreed to write their stories (great news, since I'm still needing contributions from men).  CLICK HERE if you've made some major mistakes and want to warn others about the consequences.  All contributions will be anonymous. 

Well, guys, we finally had to do it: a rerun encore edition of the Basta LoveLife podcast.   If all goes according to plan, they'll be replaying the April 9th show tonight on the radio: Dealing with the Past


We've just had a few schedule conflicts that prevented us from recording a new episode.  Don't worry--we'll have a "fresh" show for you next week. 

Last week I preached from 2 Samuel 11—King David’s fall into sin (the message was entitled “David’s Scandal”).
Here’s one of the introductory statements I made:

We are very good at deceiving ourselves—no one is immune.

I quoted this Bible verse:

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 
- Jeremiah 17:9

I wish this wasn’t true, but it is. I wish it wasn’t true of me, but it is.

Think back to the most embarrassing sin you ever committed. Somehow, if only for a moment, you managed to convince yourself of a lie. You disregarded God’s commandments. You hardened your heart to what God was telling you. You decided the rules didn’t apply to you.

We’ve all been there, and David was a prime example. He knew what it was like to walk with God. He trusted God to defeat giants and enemy hordes. He refused to take Saul’s life, even while Saul was pursuing him with murderous intent.

But even this great man of God deceived himself. He could have had any woman in his kingdom except Bathsheba, yet he chose her. His adultery would lead to a coldly calculated murder of one of his own faithful soldiers. He couldn’t see his own wickedness until confronted by Nathan, God’s prophet.

If it can happen to David, it can happen to any one of us. We are masters of self-deception. Accept this truth—embrace it. Doing so will free you of pretenses and allow you to see yourself as you truly are. This requires bravery—it is a frightening process. But the end result is a closer walk with God and freedom from sin.

Church Strengthening Ministry is celebrating 20 years of publishing excellence!

I'll be celebrating with them this year at the Manila International Book Fair--SMX Convention Center (Pasay). 

I'll be there Friday, September 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

Here's what's really cool:  DZAS (702 am) will be doing an on-site broadcast from the CSM display!

The book fair will be from September 16-20.

My latest book winner is Fritzie!  She became a book winner in kind of an usual way--she explained how my gmail account was broken into ("sidejacked") at the mall.  This was really helpful because now I know how to prevent this particular attack.  It also set my mind at ease, knowing exactly what happened. 

Here's her blog: http://frutypop.wordpress.com/ 

Please stop by her blog and show some love. 

Thanks again, Fritzie!  I'll send the book off tomorrow.

Who is my next book winner?  You?  Click here to learn how you can win a free copy of Basta LoveLife.