Random Thoughts

Philosophy is defined by Webster as: "The pursuit of wisdom". In short philosophy is the study of life itself: its mundane intricacies, problems and roborant challenges. Since religion is a part of our daily lives and of humanity since time immemorial, it would be difficult to separate one from the other.

All throughout the ages, philosophers had presented various arguments about the existence of God. One who moved away from the common fold is Friedrich Nietzsche. Although he popularized the slogan “God is dead,” and had frowned on organized religion; I concur with his succeeding argumentation that our personal relationship with a “God,” should be evident in our existence. He focused on the role of acting out our religious beliefs in our lives instead of allowing them to rusticate in the dustbins of our minds. True faith should be active, doing good works.

Religion could only exist when coupled with philosophy which has a vital, dynamic role. This is because without philosophy, religion does not have any means of clarifying itself to prove the existence of God.

I will not delve deep into the complexities of the logical fallacies of philosophers or with the diversity of beliefs of any religion but I will deal with generalities.

What are the specific roles of philosophy in religion? The following are considered as the roles of Philosophy:

1. Philosophy has an essential role in establishing and proving the existence of God. When a person wants to prove the existence of God, one has to use philosophy. Empirical methods do not completely support the existence of God. One has to go through the process of hypothesis, logic and then a logical conclusion.

One specific example is this:

The universe exists.

Only someone more knowledgeable and powerful than man could create the universe.

Only a super being like God could do that;

Therefore, God exists.

2. Philosophy is also constantly used in debating the various theories of different religions like,

"The Divine Trinity", "Heaven", "Purgatory", "Reincarnation", "Karma", "The Middle Way, and many more philosophical hypotheses.
Since faith and religion could not be proven through experimentation and research, they now could only be presented logically through philosophy.

3. Religion has provided a place where people could be able to find peace and contentment by way of philosophy.

Philosophy acts as the pacifier and serves as the venue for believers to be able to renew their faith through "philosophizing".

In reality, religion is the product of philosophy. It is because of philosophy that religion came to be. If man did not seek the answers to his existence, to his meaning in life, to his purpose in this world, then religion would not have been established.

They say that religion acts as the panacea for all human illnesses and problems and this is probably true because men tend to rationalize poverty and illness as a means of purifying themselves spiritually.

Religion without philosophy is like a lost, rudderless ship; it is sailing but with no specific destination.

Philosophy gives this direction to religion and at times, religion too gives direction to the formation of a person’s philosophy in life. We are not mere myrmidons of the specific faith that we have professed, but we are also products of our own myriad of experiences in life.

It goes without saying that the two coexist with each other. They are in a symbiotic relationship; for what is philosophy without religion? And what is religion without philosophy?

I have come across this video which answers the question: "Did God create evil?" and I would like to share this with you, because I know you'd agree that the data presented here is significant. Oftentimes, in our arrogance and ignorance we think we know all the answers, but truly educated people are aware that what they know is just a tiny drop in the vast ocean of knowledge.



Your contribution would be gladly noted.

Video courtesy of Rockdragun
Photo courtesy of Krishna

She's young, intelligent and talented; that's Manel for you. She is a singer - just like Rey Jr. - and is a member of the college choir.

She appears to be the "serious" type, but when you come to know her better, she's really a wacky, funny person.

Manel, good luck with your singing career , and here are three cheers from all of us. Hep, hep, hurray! hep. hep, hurray! hep, hep, hurray!

I have come across this at work: The MDG Song - Tayo Tayo Rin. (No One Else But Us) Transcribed as The Millennium Development Goals Song. It was sang by big-named stars in the music industry. I was impressed by the lyrics, so I'm posting it here together with the video.

If we work as one, we could achieve almost anything. This is what our young people should know; and the government is promoting this concept. Look at the "bayanihan" spirit of Pinoys during the "Ondoy" onslaught; "Nagkaisa tayo, kaya tayo nagtagumpay." (We worked as one, that was why we succeeded to overcome the disaster.)

This program had been adapted on a global phase and the time frame is from 2000-2015. Education for all, equality rights, alleviation of poverty, health services for everyone, are some of the goals for this on-going program.

The Chorus:

Sino pa bang magdadamayan
kundi tayo tayo rin?
Kung may pagkakataong tumulong
Huwag palampasin.

Simulan na ng pagtanim
ng mabubuting gawain.
Dahil sino pang aani
kundi tayo tayo rin?

This song was composed by Cecilia Datu and given melody by Rico Blanco.

Very meaningful lyrics. Let's share in the fulfillment of the government's goal.

Mabuhay ka Pinoy!

Video Courtesy of

This Best Blog award has been given by a great friend and I can't refuse, just like the award I received from Holly. This award was given by Heather of Happymaking. Thanks Heather. You deserve the award yourself. Poncho Meg has awarded this to Heather.


I'm passing this on to all of my Power50 friends too. Heather, I can't help it if we have a similar list; we circulate in the same circle.

To be able to burn fats quickly, you should couple exercise with dieting. Fats could only be "burned off" if you exercise those muscles and use the stored fat in your adipose tissues.

Sweating it off during exercise converts fat into energy which is then excreted out of your system. Dieting is not enough to lose those layered deposits. You could prevent fat from coming into your body but what about the fat deposits already existing? These could only be eradicated from your body by burning them off as energy.


Here are simple steps to shed off those excess pounds. Follow them religiously and reap the benefits of a slimmer body.

Eating frequent but small meals is a good way to diet.

An example of a small meal is:

1 small piece of lean meat, half cup of rice and a banana.
If you are used to eating snacks, don't deprive yourself, just reduce the amount.
Instead of eating a whole sandwich, eat just half of it, with a small amount of filling.

If previously you ate 1 cup of rice make it cup this time.

Eat foods with low calories.

Examples of foods with low calories are fruits and vegetables. Avoid meat fats, dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, white chocolates). Avoid foods in fast food restaurants. These are usually rich in Trans fats, which are bad fats and high in calories too. They would increase your likelihood of becoming obese.

Fruits and vegetables, aside from having fewer calories are also easily metabolized into vital substances for body utilization and proper body function. Certain components of fruits and vegetables (i.e. polyphenol) act as an antitoxin and anti carcinogenic agent.

The -" no -food - after 7 pm practice" has been proven successful to many dieters.

Eat your frequent, small meals during the day, but after 7 pm in the evening, no meals or snacks are already taken in. Water and fruit juices are allowed, but without the sugar or milk.

This is because at night time, we spent less energy, so taking in more food would cause this to be deposited in our adipose tissues and consequently make us gain more weight.

Drink lots of water and fruit juices.

Water is good for the body. It has zero calories, hydrates the cells and tissues of the body for proper functioning; rejuvenates the skin and enhances the excretion of toxic waste products of biochemical reactions out of the human system.

Eight glasses or more is advisable. Drink whenever you can.

If you crave for sweets, drink fresh fruit juice, tea, or cocoa instead.
Orange juice tops the list. Grapes, cranberry and other juices are also acceptable.
You could prepare your own juice to ensure that there are no additives and food colorings which are usually present in commercially prepared ones.

Fruit juices contain fewer calories, but have more significant nutrients needed by the body.

Exercising does not need to be strenuous as long as it is done daily or regularly and is coupled with dieting.

This maybe a simple exercise like brisk walking or jogging.

A minimum of 30minutes everyday would make exercise effective.

You would be surprised to notice the reduction in weight if you couple your dieting with any daily exercise.

You may also try aerobics, swimming, cycling, Tai-Chi (a Chinese graceful form of exercise involving the arms and the legs, much more like self defense mixed with dancing).

This will depend upon your physical stamina and capability. If you have a debilitating condition, then you have to consult your physician first.

Exercise is also good for the heart, increases circulation, lowers your blood pressure, and most importantly, burns fats that are still stored in your adipose tissue by converting them into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and energy.

The important things to remember are: to replace your dessert with fruits, reduce fat and carbohydrate intake (fats meat fat, dairy products; carbohydrates bread, rice, sugar); eat more vegetables, and exercise daily.

The dynamic combination of diet and exercise is a powerful method to reduce weight and stay healthy.

Try these methods, and surely with determination and proper motivation, you will succeed!

Photo by mikebaird