- the shot of both of you on the opposite side of both trees peeking

- the walk on Luneta

- the ISAW date

Many things we do before that seems corny actually are banked in our memories. It might sound corny, it might not be a great facebook status, but you know deep inside you did enjoy those moments because it is not how expensive a date is or how beautiful the shot was – it was the memories that goes with the experience.

Have you tried some corny stuff lately with your partner?

Shot taken at Baguio 8 years ago. Thanks Miko Tangco for the corny shot!!!

For this week, Thammie and I chose the movie Descendant starring George Clooney.

The Synopsis: With Matt King (George Clooney)’s wife Elizabeth on life support after a boating accident, Hawaiian land baron Matt King takes his daughters on a trip from Oahu to Kauai to confront the young real estate broker, who was having an affair with Elizabeth before her misfortune.

Here are some thoughts about the movie.

1. The sad plight of the next generation.

They say movie depicts the culture we live in today and seeing how the daughters of Matt King were portrayed in the film was really sad. From the disrespect and dishonoring of authorities, to the traumatic experiences that sad/broken marriages have brought upon the next generation, it makes me really want to invest more time with my wife and kids.

2. Only do what only you can do.

Elizabeth felt like her marriage was boring – so she goes and finds a man to fill her up. It is a pathetic reason for adultery but at the same time it shouldn’t have gone to that point where the wife feels that her husband is not fulfilling her needs.

Matt King because of his business forgot about his wife and kids and he is paying the price. Matt has to understand, just like any husband, that there are some things you can’t delicate like loving your wife like a husband does, like a father leading his family, like a man taking care of the home front. Only do what only you can do. You can’t delegate your marriage to another man.

3. Trial either makes or breaks the family.

The redemptive side of the movie was how Matt King started spending time with her daughters. A father has a gift that he cannot under estimate – HIS FATHERHOOD. Yup, fathers = fatherhood. Daughters are longing for their father’s love. DOn’t give it and they go look for it somewhere else.

Recommendation:

1. Not a really great date movie. You could wait for the dvd to have it rented out.
2. It is an eye opener to how marriage and families are so for those who love feel good movies – not this one.
3. Shailene Woodley who played the daughter of George in the movie was a revelation. My wife loved her acting.
4. Movie is rated PG13 – a lot of foul language, some sexy scenes because of the beach outfit, issues discussed in the movies are quite heavy for 13 years old unless they are going through the same stuff in their family.

My rating: 2/12 out of 5 stars

It has always been a personal dream to gather fellow like-minded bloggers who would blog about the topic of manhood and how we can help influence, shape and inform all the men out there on how to love God,  their wives, their families, their girlfriends, their body, and the other blessings that Jesus gives them. The reason I started blogging about manhood was that after reading the book “CRUSH IT” by Gary Vernachuk. In that book, he shared his passion on wine and he just blogged away. One of the main thoughts of the book was: ” What is one thing you are passionate about and that you can talk about over and over again and not get tired?” Well, mine is manhood thus the birth of this blog and the other is about CHURCH, DISCIPLESHIP and the GOSPEL 

So here are some of the bloggers I met during the trip in Hong Kong and hopefully you guys can visit their site also and learn from their passions.

1. Beyond Toxicity-  Doc Gelo’s blog.

His blog,  is basically about giving reverence to life’s simple pleasures : FAMILY, FOOD and FUN.

This blog documents mostly the priceless moments I share with my family- Tina and Gabby. Posts are taken from our simple pleasures to our daily hassles. From our dining adventures on our own table to various fascinating food places. It also chronicles our few travels and other interesting things in between.

2. Shoot First, Eat Later – Leslie’s blog.

You have to love Leslie’s blog about food. Listening to her talk about food makes me want to change my passion.

Okay the next two bloggers are fashion bloggers. Interesting stuff though not applicable to me but would definitely be applicable to your ladies.

3. Break My Style – Laureen Uy’s blog

Laureen is a fashion blogger/ actress from the famous series ” MY BINONDO GIRL”/ Stylebreak co-owner. Well what can I say, she has a really good fashion sense. I think I need more of that.

4. Kryzuy – Kryz’s Uy blog

After meeting fashion bloggers like Kryz, I was wondering if there are famous male fashion bloggers catering to men’s fashion.

5. The Pinay Solo Backpacker - Gael’s blog

Gayle is such an amazing person. Her love for traveling is contagious. Ang sarap ng travel blogging. Going to a different country always gives you a different perspective. I was in Disneyland when two European girls were talking about how cheap the food was in Hongkong Disneyland. So I started calculating using my Filipino Calculator and wanted to disagree. I was reminded of how we complain about high food cost in our country but in reality we are enjoying the same food at a lower price.

6. Wife, Mom, Me – Thammie’s blog

What can I say? One of the regular blogs that I read because of the content and the lessons I am learning from my wife. I super appreciate her for her wisdom and insights. Most of my talks are based on the insights she shares. So if you see something worth taking notes in my blog, you have to thank her.

A few weeks ago I did a post challenging ladies to have incredibly high standards (entitled, “You Probably Shouldn’t Date Him If…”)…this week I want to challenge the guys to have incredibly high standards as well and let you know that you probably should not date her if…

#1 – She Cries & Pouts Every Time She Does Not Get Her Way.

She will call herself “emotional;” however, reality is that she is a manipulator because she knows when she gets “emotional” that you will do whatever she wants.

#2 – She Is A Gossip.

Be VERY careful if, after you have spent time with friends and she pretends to absolutely have a blast while with them…but the second you two get alone she begins to BLAST them by pointing out all of their imperfections and shortcomings (which is insecurity!)  AND…trust me on this, if she does this to them she is very likely to one day do it to you when she gets around her friends who love to talk bad about their husbands.

#3 – She’s Lazy.

A woman who has no job, refuses to work, lives with her parents and sleeps until noon is not what the Bible describes in Proverbs 31:13-19.

#4 – She’s Needy.

If she calls you multiple times a day asking you is everything ok…and you reply yes and ask why is she asking she says, “Well, you haven’t called me.”  A lady who needs you to always check in on her and call her has already placed you in the role of her functional savior…and you will be crushed under that weight!!!

#5 – She Is Neck Deep In Debt With No Plan To Get Out…And She Still Continues To Go Shopping Because “It Calms Her Down.”

Proverbs 31:16 is very clear that a godly woman is wise with her money.  Everyone has made a financial mistake or two; however, if she refuses to acknowledge this and continues to dig a deeper hole then you are in trouble.

#6 – She Is Rude To You.

If she does not show you respect before you are married, then she will not be able to after you are married either.

#7 – You Can Not Fall In Love With Her Heart.

Don’t get me wrong…looks matter!  Lucretia (my wife) is hot…but “hot” is not a reason to either pursue or stay in a relationship.  In fact…hell is hot…so I’m not sure “hot” should be the only qualification for a future wife.

I Peter 3:1-4 talks about a woman who is beautiful!!!  It’s not all about how she appears, but rather her character.  If you can’t trust her completely and you begin to notice that she is not who she appears to be…you might want to call things off for a while.

#8 – Everything That Doesn’t Always Go Her Way Is Always a Crisis & Brings On A Meltdown.

If this is the case she has not fully learned to trust in the Lord…she has control issues and as long as she is “sovereign over her universe” then all is well.  This type of attitude will not lead to a healthy relationship because she will seek to control you rather than begging Jesus for Him to have His way in your life!

When we were courting our girl – there were no other girls who can compare to her. She is the definition of beauty. It doesn’t even matter if the prom queen was in front of you – you wouldn’t even notice because your girl is your standard of beauty. And I think it needs to remain that way.

As men and as a husband, your spouse is your standard of beauty. If your wife is thin, then you are into thin people. If she gains weight then you are into women who gained weight. If she is short, then you are into short people. When her face wrinkles- then you are into girls with wrinkled faces.

Your wife is your standard of beauty.

Synopsis: A newlywed couple recovers from a car accident that puts the wife in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, her husband endeavors to win her heart again.

Here are some manhood and marriage lessons I’ve gleaned.

1. Love is a decision.

The movie showed us that love is not just mere feelings but a decision. You choose to love in spite of. If love was based on feelings, the movie would have been done in 15 minutes.

2. The power of the vow.

A vow is not an appreciation of the past and the present but a promise of future love. It is easy to love when things are going right but when faced with daunting challenges in marriage – will you stick to your vow.

Today you hear of wedding vows that missed the whole point. A man or a woman would recount what made them fell in love with the person – that is not a vow. A vow is a declaration of future love.

For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. I think this vow we make is clear. You are my spouse and I am sticking with you. Divorce shouldn’t even come up.

3. Fight for your marriage.

People love to fight in their marriage rather than fighting for their marriage. I love the scene where the mother, Jessica Lange, choose to stay and love his husband though she had grounds for divorce because she chose to love him and stick with his man though he was not worthy of it. The vow is challenged in times like these.

4. Men stick to your vow.

Here is a sample vow for the MEN from Mars Hill Church

Recommendation: 5 of 5 stars

Watch out for:

1. Sexual content and scenes.

2. Butt scene.

Because of sexual content, I would not recommend it for children.

I think all of Asia now knows that Jeremy Lin is the next big thing. Kobe was asked after LA’s win over Celtics if he has heard about Jeremy Lin. Kobe said, ” Jerry Lin who?” Well I think Kobe now knows!!!

Here is the full highlight of Jeremy Lin against the LA LAKERS

As many of you know, I am a Mark Driscoll fan so when a new book from my favorite author comes out, I am one of the first readers. His latest book Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together hits home again as he practically shares to us how we can have a great marriage.

The chapters that really ministered to me was the chapter on Friend with Benefits. It made me reassess my friendship with my wife. Thammie and I had a very good discussion about our own friendship and have readjusted how we treat each other because of that chapter.

The most controversial chapter was chapter 10 where Mark and Grace Driscoll answered some questions on sex. I think that chapter was a breakthrough for Christian books since nobody wants to talk about it and we always get our information in the world. So to have a pastor share his thoughts about it was cool.

There is also a nice chapter for men. Reading that chapter would benefit men to step up the plate to their God given responsibilities and roles. We cannot abdicate the responsibility we have as men. Also the teaching on Reverse Engineering your Life would benefit so many men out there.

I love the practicality of the book and the honest, straight forward manner Pastor Mark and Grace discussed important and sensitive issues couples face. I highly recommend this book to all married couples.

Pastor Mark and Grace tackle the tough issues, such as:

• Why being your spouse’s best friend changes everything and how to achieve it.
• Pornography and sexual sin inside and outside of marriage.
• Submission and respect – marriage’s most misunderstood tenets-and what they should really look like.
• Honoring your spouse emotionally, technologically, and financially.
• What the Bible says about masturbation and oral sex.
• The “Can we do that?” questions you’re too embarrassed to ask your pastor.
• How to deal with intimacy issues and create the joyful and fun sex life God intended you to have.
• What type of man or woman are you? What type of lover are you? And what type of marriage do you have?