WHAT CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY MEANS TO ME NOW

As we near what we call the holiday season, there is a joy and amazement in everyone's eyes. Everywhere around you, people are really very happy, anxious at the coming event. There's also the rush, when people buy new things to replace the old ones, and also partake of the feast of food that will be shared with close family and friends. Since there is an excess, more people also share to those that don't have a lot. Like they say, everybody happy.

As I converted to the Christian faith, the real meaning of Christmas also changed. People will always be saying to "put Christ back in Christmas", as the commercialization of Christmas happens. Some people, thinks that Christmas is a pagan holiday and should not be participated in by real Christians since this holiday has similarities to the Saturnalia. So it's just fine for Christians to say" Bah! Humbug!!" like the famous character of Scrooge. So, Who is correct?

At first, I really want to do away with the holidays. If this is really a pagan holiday and not actually Christ's birthday, then we are partaking of a pagan practice. We are not anyway different from the people that are not saved. Why celebrate the birth of our Messiah on the day that is not really his birthday? If I have an excess, I will just possibly treat this like how the American's have thanksgiving. I will just give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for providing for my family and helping us all year round. That's my initial plan.

However, there was an article that I have read about Christmas. That with all the symbolizations and parallels to Saturnalia, they are of a different nature. See, in Saturnalia, they go around singing naked in different houses and they overindulge in wine and other worldly things. We don't do that in Christmas. See, it is Satan, the so called god of this world that perverted the meaning of Christmas. Instead of focusing on the real reason for Christmas, we focus on the material aspects of it. The decorations, the new things, the abundant food, and we forgot about the real reason why he came into this world. 

Some people may argue that it's just fine considering that he really wasn't born on December 25th.  But we are missing the point. Last Sunday, the youth and children of our church held a Christmas musical called " The Best Christmas Ever". Before the musical, our guest speaker Pastor Leal Ibanez told us why there is a Christmas. It was because of us. See, Jesus Christ was born in this world to redeem us of our sins. He loved us so much that he does not want us to perish. Does it really matter if Jesus Christ was really born on that date? It left me pondering. Then as the presentation went on, I saw myself as like one of the lead characters who dismissed the real meaning of Christmas. Now I know. It's not about the date, but the real purpose why he came in to this world. If we can know deep within our hearts the real meaning of Christmas, then we can now bring Christ back into the holidays.

Thanks to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in Marikina Fundamental Bible Baptist Church and to Pastor Leal Ibanez for giving me "The Best Christmas Ever". I have already recieved my gift. I pray that you too as well.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!!!

BRIAN,MAUREEN AND PIA LUCIANO

P.S.
Scrooge was wrong!!!

December 11,2017

HOLLYWOOD'S WOES

This is like the second year that I have not been to a movie theater to watch a good movie; with my kid growing up and financial woes being the reasons. But you know, I don't miss much of it. If most of you are thinking that it's because these movies can be watched online, then think again.

Before the age of the internet, movie theaters were a thing of magic. It transports the viewers to new worlds that capture our imagination. It gives us an escape in a world that is not our own. Movies can be original material or adopted from another form of media. That was before. Now, it's kind of going awray.

See, the current crop (or crap) of movies have just been catered to make money. Yes, technology have us the best special effects that makes these movies an eyecatcher, but some if most are lacking in real content. Yes, I mean it. Even the big blockbusters lack content, just focusing on very big events and of course fire works display. Some franchises are just there for no apparent reason (Fifty Shades, which just promotes sex). Some are there just to promote a specific agenda. Still others, I don't know. The point of movies entertaining is just gone now.

Now a lot of you wold say that three movies for this year crossed the 1 billion dollar mark, with big franchises like Star Wars and Justice League still not being shown. But here's the deal. In the Summer Blockbuster, the total gross is only $3,774,412,485 for 245 movies. There's a drop of more than 15.2% in last years gross. Which simple means that there are more movies that bombed than those that actually grossed. Like for every Wonder Woman or Spider-Man: Homecoming there are failures like Transformers,Cars or even Pirates of the Carribean. Again, these are domestic figures, but how will this affect us as a whole?   

Movies rely on ticket sales to further make more movies. If a movie busts, then the studios lose money. This can lead to potential future projects to be scrapped or put on hold. The main money making time is the summer. But if more movies lose money than actually making money, then there is a problem here. It seems to me that people in Hollywood only focused on the money movies rather than the entertaiment part. See, almost all movies now have the same theme:superheroes, established franchises, sequels, prequels,novels and so on. There seemed to be no more original movies. The only movie that peaked my interest this year was Dunkirk.

Hollywood needs to go back to it's roots of making good movies. Hire more creative writers to come up with original Hollywood movies. Also, if an adaptation is needed, be more faithful to it. Directors and producers also need to hone their craft. They should not only go for movies that will just sell, but will sell and be remembered for their content. The there's Weistein and the #METOO campaign. This will further dampen Hollywood as it is.       

Welcome to the End of Hollywood.

Just Saying.

BRIAN LUCIANO
NOVEMBER 16,2017             

     
   
                     

A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER

Dear Pia,

By Saturday, November 18, 2017 you will be three years old. Time really flew so fast. I am really amazed at how you grew up so fast before our eyes. Yes, our life was never the same since then. You became the source of our inspiration and joy in our humble family.

Most kids your age may invite friends over or have a party. As you know, we can't afford those things now. We are only living within our needs,and we mostly don't have extras. We may just have a simple meal at home. Possibly, have mommy make you a cake. It makes me sad,knowing that I really can't give more for this event.

One thing we pray for is that you continue to be a good daughter. It makes us very happy when you will dance and sing songs of praise to your real father,Jesus!!! More than money and education, this is the only thing that we as parents can give you. I remember my mother (your grandmother) telling me that Jesus is my real parent, and that we are representatives of Jesus here on earth. That does not mean that you will not follow us, but for us to teach about him for you to abide in his love. This will make you a much better person when you grow up.

If me and mommy scolds you, it is for your own good. It's really nice that you now learn to say sorry. It also hurts us, but as the book of Proverbs say that we should correct your ways so that you won't go astray. But beyond that, it really makes us happy that you are always smiling. It relieves our stress and makes us feel that God really made us into a family.

We may not have a lot of material things, but the love is in there. Remember that Daddy and Mommy loves you, as well as your grandparents,uncles, aunts, cousins and of course your brothers and sisters in the faith.I pray that the Lord increase our lives to see you grow up. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and give you more blessings on your special day.

We Love You,

Daddy Brian and Mommy Mau       

P.S. I have inserted your favorite songs in Sunday School.

ONE SHOT STORIES: THE BEST OF STORYTELLING

Ever so often,people always love a series of stories. Whether they are books, television programs and movies, people can't get enough of them. Just imagine, how many books are there in the Harry Potter series, or how many seasons/episodes there are in Game of Thrones? Movie series' are also a commonplace, as Star Wars, being one of the oldest movie franchises, having a series of movies. But though these are enjoyable ones, I guess the best stories as what we call as One-Shots. From the definition itself, these are self contained stories that are complete on it's own.

Why do I consider them the best? Simply a series or serial clogs the market with a glut of material. Since these stories were meant to be continued, the writer has to be more creative with the process. Thus there will be parts of the series that are good, then some not really good. Let's take Game of Thrones. Season One really got me hooked into the series, as a new form of storytelling really captivated me. However, I quit the series at around season 3 since I found some parts of the series already boring. Same thing as with movies. Was it necessary for us to continue Star Wars, knowing that the first trilogy was really a great movie series? Seems that Disney just wants to cash in on the purchase of Lucas Films IMHO.

See, with one-shots, the writers can cut loose and concentrate on a well written story. The stories will have a definite end, and be complete in itself without a need for a sequel. In my opinion, it leaves the audience full already. A good example id the Christopher Nolan film Inception. The movie fills you with a solid ending. No more need for a next film. His current movie Dunkirk also may fit the bill.

Some people may think that one-shots are a failure since it does not have any continuation. In a world where we want serials, these type of stories may not fit the bill. As a longtime comic fan, stories like Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland, Frank Miller's Elektra Lives Again, and in television,APT Entertainment Lenten Specials. For me, it brings out the best in almost all aspects.

In closing, I guess that it will be much better that the entertaiment industry focuses on one-shots or specials. This will leave the fans mmroe fulfilled with a movie, television or even in print.

Have a nice day!!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 29,2017                      

ACCEPTING MY AGE

It's hard to believe that I am already an old guy. Well, I am 44 years old as of this writing. As I viewed my face, I already saw lines and wrinkles on my face. I have gained weight, and noticed my stamina not as good as it was during my prime years. Not to mention having a beautiful two year old daughter and a loving and beautiful 34 year old wife of nine years now. I also haven't changed jobs, being an Online English Teacher for same years as my marriage.

I look back, and I didn't regret being an old guy. See, the current millenial society treats old people differently. They see them as weak and useless already in society. They always want to look forever young. But I degrest.

I was born in the 1970's, at the time that my country is under Martial Law. I have a very excellent childhood, having to play with toys and watch TV (anime mecha was our favorite). There's also the trip to the store to buy candy, going to church on Sundays (I was raised Catholic), and even going to Luneta Park and even Quiapo. Never mind Martial Law, since as a kid back then I don't care about it. Life was simple back then.

We moved to Marikina City in the late 1980's and studied high school here. The EDSA Revolution happened, as well as a series of coup-de-etats. Growing up, cartoons became more of a background. Girls, crushes, New Wave music, American Pop music became my interests. There's also the NCEE test. I met a lot of wonderful people. High school specially my senior year became one of the happiest moments in my life. I sometimes shed a tear just recalling those days.

The 1990's saw a slightly older version of me studying AB Political Science at Far Eastern University in the city of Manila. There, I met more people,but unlike my high school days they were very different from me. I never got along with most of them. I also experienced my first setback in life:not being able to finish my Law studies, only managing a first year. A year of unemployment became a career as a teacher. I was still quite young being a teacher. That was the time I realized that the children of the 1990s are very different from us. Still, four school years toughned me. Also, I started my comic book collection as well as became an avid reader of almost anything. There was also a boom in television programs and music. This was also the golden years of anime.

As the millenium entered, I got into the Business Process Outsourcing market. Very far locations and schedules really took it's toll on my mind and body. Despite that, it was here where I met my wife. We got married in 2008 and we started living by ourselves in 2009, eventually leaving Marikina City. My marriage is a series of ups and downs, but it was a really happy one. Only problem is struggling with having children.

By 2014, me and my wife had our first child. My daughter was born on November 18 at 5:30 pm. It was joy for both of us. However, since my wife had to take care of our kid, I was left alone to work. Financial troubles led us to leave Pasig and go back to Marikina in June 2015. We are still living there.

Time really moved so fast for me. My daughter is now two years old,and I have been married and working for the same company for 9 years now. Lines have been in my face. I have eye bags and dark circles in my eyes. But you know, I am happy. Those 40 plus years that the Lord has given me, I never regretted. If I will choose the year that I will be born, I will still choose the 1970's. I still yearn for the simple life that I grew with. I loved the life experiences, whether they are good or bad. I loved the people I met. And I am happy with my life. Wrinkles, lines, weight gain, they are all a part of being old. But the knowledge and wisdom and life experiences that come with it is something that I will never trade.

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 11, 2017  

HOW CURRENT ENTERTAINMENT SHAPES OUR SOCIETY

I don't open our television that much these days. I don't know why, but I felt something different from what they are showing these days. It's as if I correlate the latest news and the fictional television programs, there's really no difference. Are we actually living in a world that is based on the television? This question ponders me a lot.

The Philippine entertainment system in my opinion has not changed a bit since my childhood days. The bulk of mainstream films are mostly comedies or romance movies featuring the same faces. It's like it never took off. It's like when these actors aged they are just replaced with younger faces, but the same theme. Different zebra, same stripes. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.

One thing I noticed about the shows on television is the constant promotion of the LGBT agenda. I'm just a bit fed up with this. See, in almost every show there seemed to be a gay character. There was even one show wherein a straight guy played a transgender for almost four months. Before I was a convert, I lauded this show. Now, I feel different about it. Also, the top comedians on television right now are gay. It feels like they have trampled straight men here. And to think that we have an award for a box office king. How will we award him. There's also a gay talk show host that will always use a mirror as a symbol. If I were you I'd look in the mirror first and tell yourself that " I am a man". How's that?

A lot of shows also contain sexuality, some partial nudity and shows that feature adultery became popular. Is this our society right now? I mean, what's next, child pornography and pedophilia? The so called Catholic Church, who is supposed to be the one against these agendas, are now plagued with sex scandals. I have just recently come across the news of a priest picking up a 13 year old girl being prostituted by a pimp. Before they were the first ones protect our morals, now they themselves are becoming culprits. No wonder many babies being born are being abandoned.

There's also the instant celebrity status. People in this country just love being in the spotlight. When news of a certain girl dubsmashing (lip-sync in layman's tongue) suddenly became very popular, many people wanted to be like her. It's like if her accidental rise happened, then there could be a possibility that it could happen to them or you as well. Reality talent shows try to create instant celebrities. Most of them got there because of their heritage. Thus they create videos, or posts in social media, just to get that needed attention. They want the big life, the attention and praise of a lot of people. Over the course of time however, the elite keeps pushing these people down our throats. And we are very glad to accept them, hoping one day be like them. I just got sick of it.

This is the world that we live in. When I was young gays are in hiding, there is a strict standard in shows and celebrities work hard for their roles. Now, with media promoting these things, no wonder there's no difference between the reel world and the real world. It's cross between the Matrix and Inception.

If I am dreaming, Please wake me up.

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 1, 2017        

IT'S RAINING!!!

As I write hos blog today, it is about 8:15 am PST (Philippine Standard Time). I am here in the office and it is raining very hard outside. As I peaked in the window of the 29th floor of where I am, I can see the rain battering down on the streets. As usual, it's a very wet day, there's a lot of traffic, and it look like 5 pm outside. I wish I were at home just sleeping this through.

I hate the rainy season. Here in the Philippines, it brings not only floods that kills people, but it also brings traffic jams and a very difficult time to go home. Last 2009, as me and my wife were living in another city, a strong typhoon caused massive flooding in the city of Marikina (the city where I grew up), taking a lot of lives and damaging property. In the place we moved, we were not spared either (we are safe since we were renting on the 8th floor), as flooding also destroyed property. It has been like this since.

It has been raining for almost 3 days now. This is a nightmare specially for those people who are going to be washing clothes. Not to mention it's not even safe to go outside. Also, power interruptions can happen at any moment.

But all of these can be solved with a hot cup of coffee, some soup, and warm baked bread. A book, or comic book in hand, snuggled in a warm bed with my wife and kid. Now that beats the rainy day blues!!! Also, God cleans the world of impurities. He washes the world of the pollution that we cause. Yes, he does it using rain. Love it of hate it, God gives us rain.

HAPPY RAINY WEATHER

BRIAN LUCIANO

07/27/17