KuyaKevin.com

You are welcome to celebrate Easter Sunday with us at University Baptist Church (UBC).  We'll be having only one service, starting at 5:00 a.m.--a "sunrise" service. 

UBC is located near Far Eastern University.

Drive by The Cars.
This one brings back some interesting memories. 

Time for me to make another post in honor of earth hour.

For the record, I don't have a problem with practical steps to cut back on pollution.  But I reserve the right to be skeptical when it comes to man-made global warming/climate change, and I'm a little weary of all the hysteria I see propagated in the media.  

Here are a couple of websites you may want to check out:

The Resilient Earth

Watts Up With That?

It's fine if you disagree with me on this issue.  I just want you to know there's more than one viewpoint when it comes to climate change.

One of the first purity articles I ever wrote was about the human papillomavirus (HPV) (See For Women: HPV: Three Deadly Letters).  

HPV is in the news again, and it isn't good.  A form of head and neck cancer called oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been linked to HPV, and cases of this type of cancer have risen dramatically over the past few years.  In other words, HPV is being transmitted through oral sex, resulting in a sharp increase in the number of cancer cases. 

A recent study found the risk of developing oropharyngeal carcinoma was linked to a history of six or more lifetime sexual partners, four or more lifetime oral sex partners, and, for men, an earlier age at first sexual intercourse.

"Sexual transmission of HPV - primarily through orogenital intercourse - might be the reason for the increase in incidence of HPV related oropharyngeal carcinoma," wrote Mehanna.

The experts pointed to recent studies which showed a 70 per cent increase in the detection of HPV in biopsies taken to diagnose oropharyngeal carcinoma in Stockholm since the 1970s.

HPV-related cancer was also reported in 60 to 80 per cent of recent biopsy samples in studies in the United States, compared with 40 per cent in the previous decade, they wrote.

Excerpt taken from this article: Oral sex link to head cancer


What lessons can we learn from this?

I always warn students about the dangers of any form of sexual intimacy outside of marriage.  I usually talk about the emotional/psychological impact, but now there are even more physical consequences to consider. 

As always, we see that God knows best.  Save sexual intimacy for marriage--you will be protecting yourself and your future spouse from a potentially deadly virus. 

Just go to the podcast page (kuyakevin.lybsyn.com) to download or look up Basta LoveLife in iTunes.  This podcast is 100% free.

Yes, there was an earthquake here in Manila.  It was apparently about a 6.0 magnitude.  I live in a sixth floor apartment here in the heart of Manila so I definitely felt it.  But it was over in a few seconds so it wasn't really that big of a deal. 

Lindol (Tagalog for "earthquake") is one of the first words I remember learning.  They are quite common here since the Philippines is located along the "ring of fire."

Weather, weather lang yun

I finally got to see Book of Eli. I’ve been eager to see it and I’m not sure why it took so long for it to make it to the Philippines (it’s probably already available at “Quiapo productions”).

Before I proceed, let me give you a little warning: I’m going to give away part of the movie’s punch line in this review. I’m going to tell you what “the book” is, though I’m sure you’ve already figured that out by now (it is actually revealed fairly early in the movie).

The Book of Eli is set in a post-apocalyptic world—a lawless, violent wasteland. The most basic commodities (water, etc) are scarce and bartering has replaced money. It kind of reminded me of Mel Gibson’s Mad Max movies.

The main character, Eli, has dedicated his life to the protection of a book—the Bible. His mission requires some impressive swordplay and fierce gun battles.

What did I think of the movie?

I have to say I enjoyed this one. It was a thought-provoking film with some satisfying action sequences. The Book of Eli also has some surprises and plot twists that the viewer doesn’t discover until the very end of the movie (so the book’s identity isn’t really a movie spoiler as I once thought).

I don’t want to overstate the film’s spiritual value, but it did make a couple of points:

We are so used to the Bible that we forget just how precious it is. Eli’s fictional journey is closer to the truth than some may realize. Many have indeed died in order to preserve and/or translate the Bible. We should thank God every day for the privilege of owning a copy of the Scriptures—it came at a great price.

The Scriptures can be used for evil purposes. The movie’s villain is obsessed with the Bible because he wants to manipulate people and build his own empire. Modern-day false prophets do this every day.

Hey guys,
I want to apologize to everyone who is looking for Learning the Hard Way at National Bookstores.

They have been a little slow about getting it on their shelves and I'm not sure why.  If you can't find it, please talk to the store manager and ask them to order it.  

Thanks for your patience.

Part two of LJ's post on break-ups:

After a Break-Up: Picking Up the Pieces

To all my student readers:

I know you are finishing up another semester. 

I know what this is like:  I still remember all the last-minute cramming preparation involved when "crunch time" comes.  I know what it is like to wonder if I'm really prepared for that final exam.  I know the frustration of staring at a computer screen, trying to finish a paper that I have little interest in writing in the first place. 

But I also know the satisfaction of finally earning a degree.  Trust me--it is worth it.

Give it your best and finish well. 

In this episode:

"Rebound relationships."

"Romance novels and pocket books."

"How do I know I have found the right person?"



Just go to the podcast page (kuyakevin.lybsyn.com) to download or look up Basta LoveLife in iTunes.  This podcast is 100% free.

A while back I encouraged LJ Salceda to start her own blog and share her thoughts with world.  She did, and her latest post is a good one--check it out:

LJ's Blog: Break-up: Losing Someone You Love.

In this episode:

"Mini-sex"

"I'm in love with my best friend.  Should I tell him?"

"Avoiding adultery"


Just go to the podcast page (kuyakevin.lybsyn.com) to download or look up Basta LoveLife in iTunes.  This podcast is 100% free.

Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible.  The observations there are practical, and at times, humorous.

I use the following passage when I do time management seminars:


Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
   Learn from their ways and become wise!
Though they have no prince
   or governor or ruler to make them work,
they labor hard all summer,
   gathering food for the winter.
But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
   When will you wake up?
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
   a little folding of the hands to rest—
then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
   scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
-Proverbs 6:6-11

I really don't like ants.  I can't tell you how many times I've had my feet and ankles stung by these tiny, vengeful creatures (it still happens almost every time I fish along the banks of my favorite lake in Alabama).  My ongoing war with these insects isn't limited to the great outdoors--I face a constant battle to keep the six-legged invaders out of my kitchen.  Just one crumb of food draws hundreds of these highly organized pests.

But I do see the point here in Proverbs--you can't help but admire the diligence of the humble ant.  They are constantly at work, day or night.

I've had the opportunity to meet some successful people.  I also enjoy reading about those who have made an impact in their chosen field (ministry, business, athletics, etc).  Here's one thing all of them seem to have in common:  they work hard!  Yes, they usually have some kind of "break," such as a unique talent.  But they excelled because they took their talents and worked tirelessly to make the most of every opportunity.

I'll give you an example from Christian history:

George Whitefield (1714-1769) did not have many advantages growing up.  He was small of stature, cross-eyed, and suffered from asthma.  He was the youngest of seven children, and his father died when he was only two years old.  He spent his childhood years helping his family earn a meager living running an inn.  

But Whitefield did have a talent--an incredibly powerful speaking voice.  He discovered this talent in his late teen years.  He came to know Christ soon after, and would use his voice to transform the spiritual landscape of England and America.

How could one man do this?  Whitefield traveled thousands of miles when ships, horses, and walking were the only means of transportation (most people didn't travel more than 30 miles from their home town).  He preached an average of thirteen sermons a week to very large audiences (sometimes numbering in the thousands).  Whitefield preached (twice) hours before his death, when he barely had the strength to stand.

Do you want to be successful?  Do you want an extraordinary life?  Do you want to make an impact?  Be prepared to work hard. 


The harder I work, the luckier I get. 
-Samuel Goldwyn

Here's some info I thought I'd pass along from GCF's call center ministry. 

March 27, 2010 at 8am will be held in GCF Social Hall (address: Garnet corner Ruby Roads, Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

Guest Speaker: Ms. Germaine Santos (Campus Missionary and full-time staff of Campus Crusade for Chirst)

Note: No registration fee. Open for all young professionals (but our main target audience are call center professionals)

What is this about?
- This is a seminar about being proud of our Filipino heritage based on Biblical principles.

Why did Connect choose this topic?
- Because of the nature of our work, we (call center agents) easily adapt or blend in in our clients' culture and need to be reminded of our roots.

What to expect?
- Expect to be affirmed that we have not lost our citizenship, as Filipinos, despite the fact that we somehow struggle in becoming less Filipino because of the different culture we are faced with.

You can email them if you have any questions:  gcf_connect (at)  yahoo.com

In this episode:

"My boyfriend is pressuring me to have sex."

"How do I make a guy feel special?"

"My boyfriend and I have a long distance relationship but he has not communicated with me for three days. What should I do?"

Just go to the podcast page (kuyakevin.lybsyn.com) to download or look up Basta LoveLife in iTunes.  This podcast is 100% free.

What happens when we don't use our heads in matters of the heart?  What happens when we ignore biblical wisdom in relationship decisions?  You guessed it--we learn the hard way. 

Read this book and see my response to true stories.


Learning the Hard Way is now in stores!

This book is available at Philippine Christian Book Stores, National Bookstores and other major retailers--anyone who sells Church Strengthening Ministry publications. 

. . . or as close as I get.

As most of you know, February was quite a month.  It was fun, exhilarating, and . . . well . . . tiring. 

The "crazy love month" speaking schedule all started on February 5th at UBC Youth Gig.  Then I got sick on February 7th--an all-day "comfort room ministry."  It was the absolute worst time for me to become ill.  But God is faithful, and my strength came back just in time for me to do the speaking engagements that week.   

The high point for me was the book launching ceremony, and I had one final seminar last night at Faith Fundamental Baptist (Antipolo). 

Usually I write a quick shout-out post to every school/church/ministry I visit.  But that just hasn't been possible for this month (though I have greeted everyone on the podcast).   All I can do is say "thank you" to everyone who invited me to speak over the past few weeks.  I hope you've been inspired to be pure and be wise in matters of the heart. 

I do have a couple of speaking engagements for this month, but only one of them will require some travel time.  March will be a much more "normal" month for me.

What's the plan for this month?

*Campus ministry. I want to make the most of the remaining time this semester.

*More time in reading, reflection and prayer.  I plan to spend more time with God and get back to reading some of the books I started a couple of months ago.

*Sunday worship at UBC. I only attended one Sunday service at my own church in February.  I miss it. 

*Physical training:  getting back on track with strength and fitness.  Being sick and on the road so much has put a damper on training.

Pass the coffee pot, please.