In Three Lines: "American Slang" by the Gaslight Anthem

There is a borderline between the old husky '80's rock songs and indie labels with that same atmosphere, but Gaslight Anthem remains on that line.

More exciting than the previous album, "The '59 Sound."

"Stay Lucky" would be an immediate album favorite.

4.5/5

In Three Lines: "Gloves," Operator Please

Indie girl rock sounds pretty awesome, kinda like Rediscover on chick mode.

A hyped yet feel-good synth and drum beats make you sway lightly to the music.

Try "Back and Forth" and "Just Kiss."

4.5/5

In Tinseltown, We Could Have A New Lead Singer

Perhaps, as early as now in the playoff season, it might be a good time for the Los Angeles Lakers to think about their main man. I am not talking about making adjustments for Kobe Bryant. Rather, it's about the team making adjustments for another star.

Yes, Bryant might have been terrific this season, and this even extended into the playoffs. He might have six game-winning shooters, still on the top five to grab Most Valuable Player honors, and even saved his team from a home loss against the Thunder, tallying 39 points while giving OKC guards Russell Westbrook and Thabo Sefolosha a hard time on the Lakers' D. In a way, I agree that Kobe Bryant still has the fuel to lead Los Angeles to the playoffs.


But not as much as I did back in 2009. With a lot of injuries, most especially the avulsion fracture in his right index finger, things might be hard for him to lead the Lakers. To place the burden on this banged up superstar would be, I think, unfair for the team and for himself as well. Unfair for the Lakers, because they still have a lot of stars, healthier than Bryant, who could facilitate and take the right shots, and for him, because to put the burden of leadership to a nearly-disabled role player would not allow him to adjust and improve while in the state of injury. Phil Jackson, in one interview, even highlighted that he either has to shoot less or not shoot at all, considering the state of his injury.



Yes, Mamba should kind of step down and offer the post of top Laker, temporarily, to someone else. And the question would be: who? But then, I believe this is pretty obvious.

We have a leader in the name of Pau Gasol.


This is the Pau Gasol who carried the Lakers to their 10-game winning streak way back in '08 after being shipped from Memphis. He was the one who was branded as soft two years ago, but came back in the Finals and locked Dwight Howard down, largely contributing to the four precious Finals wins. He was the one, along with Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom, who took the burden of scoring once Kobe Bryant gets cold.

And all these reasons are, I think, enough for him to be called as the new "El Rey" of the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol has been leading the Lakers in terms of efficiency. I have to admit that my claim does not include the nitty-gritty of statistics, but I believe that hours of watching and reviewing Lakers games could prove my point.

Gasol's build, a seven-foot forward/center who could score and defend from both inside and outside, is just what the triangle offense needs, and, he has been indoctrinated into the system quite quickly, even faster than either Ron Artest or Shaquille O'Neal for that matter. With the ball in his hands within ten-twelve feet of the basket, he is dangerous. He can dish a quick pass to a cutter or to a fellow big man (watch what he and Andrew Bynum does in the early part of the season), back down and force himself down the basket, or simply settle for a "soft" jump shot, which threatens the tight zone defense of the opponent to loosen up and decrease pressure from the paint. When I heard of Gasol complaining to Kobe about getting passes, most of the Lakers fans and analysts, myself included, knew that Pau meant well for the Lakers. It's not about getting the glory; rather, it's about taking the crown.


The glass is where Pau improved this season. You might give him the demerit of being too lazy in boxing out during Lakers losses, but the fact that frequent double-doubles in points and rebounds in most Laker wins would outweigh his mistakes. Together with Bynum in recent winning games with him, they averaged for more than twenty-five boards, and a lot of them on the offensive end, allowing the Lakers to grab second-chance opportunities, which could prove crucial in tight, down-the-wire games. If not for the injuries, Gasol might have been one of the top ten best rebounders for this season. For a championship team, hustling for the boards will be very important, and Gasol provides this boost for the Lakers.



So with this, we could say that he is the guy-to-go. Don't get me wrong, Kobe is still the head of the Lakers team, as he knows how to really motivate and drive, even carry the burden at times, his team to their second title. But then, considering his "incapabilities," he might want to share the responsibility with his Spanish friend. After all, Gasol had taken the harder way before, when he was in Memphis.

A Few Things On Being A Fresh Graduate

Metaphorically speaking, I have just recovered from the shock of the paradigm shift.

From being a full-time student, I now live the life of an unemployed young man, still searching for a job, and in the past two weeks of trying to cope up with my current situation, I have come to accept some truths in life, which, when dealt with properly, would prove very helpful in surviving the real world. I have written down six very important things that the fresh college grad, like me, needs to know.

1.Structures Are Important

Let's admit it. During our college days, most of us have rigid structures and body clocks within ourselves which help us in coping up with school. Now, when vacation comes up and takes over our time, these structures and clocks lose their function, and we live in a semi-Hedonistic manner, spending our time mostly eating, sleeping and surfing the Internet.

Well, this kind of life would not last long if you are going to face the real world, as it would only result in severe weight increase and a great loss of money. I realized that in order to maintain a sense of balance in one's life, it is important to have a structure and, in some ways, a body clock. Having no job means not really doing anything at all, which, for the responsible one, means trying to wake up early, have light exercise once in a while, and some time to get off one's butt in front of the internet and read a few good books. In summary, having a diet and a regular routine of events would keep you sane and in shape in moments of idleness.

But I don't ask you to go all Kantian here and be totally rigid and strict with yourself. Of course, rules and routines could be occasionally (and I repeat, OCCASIONALLY) broken. So don't hesitate if friends invite you over for food or drinks once in a while… just not too much.

2.You Are Economically Responsible

I woke up a few weeks ago realizing that there is no such thing as a free life in this consumerist world. Life is indeed not all college, which means purchasing things out of your parents' pockets and frequently drinking with your buddies. Eventually, it dawned on me that living each day is worth a few pesos a day, and you wouldn't want to waste it.

That is why I suggest that you keep a tab on everything single penny that you spend: for food, cellphone credits, and all other things that you use your money for. It will be helpful to, in a way, average your expenses per day or per week, and then try to tighten your budget (without being too thrifty). This exercise would help you not only to keep track of how you spend but also to practice managing your resources, considering the fact that your soon-to-be salary would be limited.

3.Have Your Options Ready

We are never sure if the company you want really wants you in return. Well, it's not that you are not good… it's just that your skills don't fit the needs of the company you are applying for. During these times, moments of disappointment would come. But I suggest that one should let it pass by… but have a company or two that you could "lean on" in those times of rejection.

But then, you should learn to choose well. One of my possible bosses told me that the best jobs are not those that pay really high, but those which you would learn to love. Yes, most of us would want to have lots of dough, but then, if it would only bring depression and loneliness, then why would you consume more than eight hours each day for that which you don't really like?

Interest versus financial security. That has always been the conflict in decision making. But then, constant discernment (coupled with right planning) is the key. Think well and decide well.

4.Learn to Learn

Of course, lessons do not entirely end in the classroom. In the process of trying to adjust to this new life, you will learn very important lessons in various situations. Yes, even your evening trips to the malls or at any point outside the house could be a venue for you to learn street smart techniques.

Thus, remember and take not of them, as these will help you in dealing with real life. There are a lot of things that one needs to learn in dealing with life, such as the routes of public transportations, the procedures and useful techniques in acquiring public documents that you need for your job, paying your bills, and, yes, even haggling in cheap stores.

Remember, those that survive in the real world and end up being happy are those who know what kinds of landmines they are stepping on, and how they avoid explosion. Just be ready to learn something new everyday.

5.And finally, always be prepared

Perhaps the most useful tip of all is that you must be ready in various situations at home and in work, most especially those that you have not encountered yet in school. It is in those situations where your acquired skills are put to test, which would tell you not only what you learned but what you still need to learn. They are areas for growth and affirmation of one's own character, and you shouldn't turn away from them or be discouraged by them. C'mon, part of living is correcting and being corrected by events around you.

You could start by learning and remembering the basics of everything, which include going to government institutions to file/apply for public documents, cooking your meals, dealing with your house's electronic stuff, and many other fundamental things needed to live. This could be the best way to conquer boredom and anxiety, which would help one develop openness and patience in everything.

Happy jobhunting, everyone!

The Real Game Begins Here: 2010 Playoffs Preview - Eastern Conference

Don't ever tell me that the Eastern Conference is playoff fodder. In here lie the teams that know how to bring everything out in the most serious situations. Presenting the eight best teams of the East:

1.Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. Chicago Bulls (8)

So you think this could be one-sided? As with last year, think again. This match rains down with stars that are wanting and hungry for a good fight.


The Cavaliers In: Oh, Cleveland, why do I have to mention you without removing (or bleeping) the name LeBron James? But then, accept it or not, James (and his hunger to prove something) is the key to their playoff victory. With a talented supporting cast composed of Shaq, Antawn Jamison, and Big Z, it would be sure that they will bring everything on.

The Bulls In: Derrick Rose, with a stronger squad, I think that you have to have something for this playoff season. Last year, it was the Celtics, and for this year, it's the Cavaliers. Challenges have indeed piled up for the Bulls, so it's a big question mark for these guys (and for Vinnie del Negro's future as well). However, individual strengths flourish like Rose, Kirk Hinrich (whose shooting has become useful lately), and their big man Joakim Noah. So if they have the time and effort to bring everything together as a package, they might get away with this one.

What Could Be: As much as we want Rose to become the underdog star of the show, LeBron's gang might be stronger than expected. Cavaliers in 4.

2.Boston Celtics (4) vs. Miami Heat (5)

Regular season just turns out to be challenging once unexpected and uncontrolled factors come into play. Let's see how these two teams fare up against each other as they deal with their shortcomings.


The Celtics In: The question of the gas tank running out of fuel would be the challenge that the triad of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett will face. Recently, Boston has lost its power and dominance in the East, and seem to be in the waning years. Can they still hold out for at least one more championship run? Or will they go E and break down?

The Heat In: Dwyane Wade is more than ready for this playoff series. All throughout the season, the Wade's Heat, with the help of big men Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal, have proven themselves as a contender, but breakdowns and badly executed plays brought them down in the rankings. Now placed in the middle of the Conference, they have to show that they can reach the top.

What Could Be: Boston may still have one last wave left, and they could tire out Dwyane Wade and force them home. Celtics in 7.

3.Atlanta Hawks (3) vs. Bucks (6)

Ah, the fountain of youth flowing over and giving us great NBA action. With these two young teams on the way to a seven-game series, expect outstanding athletic plays and intense game-winning shots.


The Hawks In: Atlanta's young guns went on a roll after winning several straight games against top teams, including against L.A. and Orlando (who would forget the Josh Smith last-minute alley oop?). Full of energy and passion, the Hawks are more than prepared to face anyone blocking their path to the Finals, determined to prove that in the course of several years of development, their guys have learned something.

The Bucks In: It's real bad news that their top center Andrew Bogut will not be able to play for the rest of the postseason, and this requires a lot of adjustments. Add to that Michael Redd's lack of presence for most of the season, which really did not help Milwaukee at all save for the development of rookie sensation Brandon Jennings. As usual, fresh skill in the form of BJ has to have some experience backcourt back up through John Salmons and Jerry Stackhouse. Still, this proves that Milwaukee can be an intimidating team

What could be: With an almost all-star line up, the Hawks would get this one, leaving a very tired Brandon Jennings. Hawks in 5.

4.Orlando Magic (2) vs. Charlotte Bobcats (7)

A newcomer and a repeater could make things interesting out in the East. These two teams have set out to prove something, but the question remains: so who goes out victorious?



The Magic in: Just like their Western counterparts the Lakers, Orlando has returned with a few roster modifications. Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis are back again, but help came in for them in Jason Williams and, of course, Vince Carter. With a more hyped up offense (and Dwight Howard), it is positive that they will return to the NBA Finals.

The Bobcats In: Talk about success after six years and an ownership by Michael Jordan. Gerald Wallace and the rest of the 'Cats can now drop the "newcomers" label. After six long years of gearing up and developing their team, the Bobcats have now earned a playoff spot under coach Larry Brown. But then, this is no time for celebration, for they have to bring all of their strength and regular season experience to get past this challenge.

What Could Be: A great improvement this season for the Bobcats, but they would not be able to topple down Dwight Howard and the rest of the hungry Magic. Orlando in 5.

The Real Game Begins Here: 2010 Playoffs Preview - Western Conference

It's a storm out here in the West, for teams will come surging in and bring out the best in them. Let's take a look at the exciting match ups for the top eight teams of the Western Conference.

1.Los Angeles Lakers (1) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (8)

A great first-round match-up, considering the talent and the intensity of these two teams. But of course, we have nuances for that.


The Lakers In: They have the chemistry and the skill, and now, it's all about form and gameplay. Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Laker team have injuries to deal with , plays to perfect, and a rhythm to develop. What could probably help them in this series are to learn to be less Kobe-centric, to have the other guys do the scoring and to improve their defense.

The Thunder In: Facing the Lakers was something that Kevin Durant and his team could have avoided, but destiny prevailed and gave them a challenge that is compared to running through a brick wall (sorry, another Kobe reference here). The keys to their game could be the way they beat the Lakers during their last meeting: preventing points in the paint and scoring more in it, while occasionally raining down treys to a startled Laker defense.

What Could Be: Experience will still prevail in the midst of confusion, as the team could straighten its path and correct mistakes along the way. KB can take on KD anytime, even with a broken finger. Lakers in 6.

2.Denver Nuggets (4) vs. Utah Jazz (5)

Plethora of skills here, with leadership and direction being the key to this match-up.


The Nuggets In: Even without George Karl, the Denver Nuggets still prove to be dangerous with another "coach" in the court: Chauncey Billups. Mix a dose of Melo, J.R. Smith, and the Birdman, and you will have something to be afraid of on both ends of the floor. Denver just needs a little consistency to get their team straight and fit.

The Jazz In: It seems to be the nth time that Jerry Sloan made a trip to the playoffs with the Utah Jazz, but this time, it's stronger than before. Even without Andre Kirilenko, the Jazz have the trio of Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Mehmet Okur to take down their opponents. Let the plays work out for the three of them, and everything else will be fine.

What Could Be: The Jazz might have the right weapons, but Denver's talents could outscore them. Even without Karl, I believe that the Nuggets could get over this one. Denver in 5.

3.Phoenix Suns (3) vs. Portland Trailblazers (6)

A battle of speed and shooting, the Suns-Blazers game is sure to be a blast. But of course, things have to end and someone has to win.



The Suns In: Phoenix is more intact than ever. With stronger bigs, backed up with the backcourt that is as efficient as ever, Steve Nash and the run-and-gunners could earn their ticket to the next round provided that they put everything in the right places. They ended the season on a roll, and the key to a playoff win is to keep things afloat.

The Blazers in: This would prove to be difficult without Brandon Roy, but the Blazers could get a win through the efforts of everyone else. They've still got LaMarcus Aldridge and Travis Outlaw keeping up with the boards and trying to score both in and out. Steve Blake and Rudy Fernandez can still keep up and get the ball moving. This time, being a Roy-less team is not an option, but a necessity.

What Could Be: The Blazers might have all the potential, but Phoenix has been through a lot of offensive opponents and know what it takes to beat one in five or six games. Two key people could be the problem for the Blazers: Nash and Channing Frye, the center who could slide in and out of the paint. Suns in 5.

4.Dallas Mavericks (2) vs. San Antonio Spurs (7)

Ah, at last. A good Texas showdown early in the playoffs. I reckon this will go down as one of the best seven-game series in NBA History.



The Mavs In: Call it Dallas v2.0 this season, made possible by transactions. Sure, they've let go of Jerry Stackhouse and Josh Howard, their two potent scorers from the bench. But then, they've earned Brendan Haywood and Caron Butler to assist Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd in their duties on both ends of the court. One of the strongest teams this seasons, they could go deeper into the playoff bracket this season, and it's not the only moment for them, and their core players making the right moves in the right places could let them in.

The Spurs In: Manu Ginobili's contrat season was so far his best one in five years, and with Tim Duncan still able to call the shots in critical situations despite playing limited minutes these past games. But with the age factor, those two, together with Tony Parker, would need a lot of help with the young ones: DaJuan Blair, George Hill, and Roger "Minutes" Mason, who should be getting more playing time by now.

What Could Be: In terms of talent, these two teams are equals, but when it goes down to the wire, it would be the strength of the youth which could keep them up. Fatigue may be an issue, so the Mavericks in 7.

Travelogue: Is The Second Time Worth It?

Yes, I daresay. It really is worth going back to Hong Kong.

The past four days I spent in this little island became a moment for me to take a step back and relax after dealing with the reality of paradigm shift. It was a time for me to have fun and enjoy the little (but, damn, really expensive!) things in life that only come once in a while.

The first day, after arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport, was spent for rest and "feeling" the place. A bus took us to the Rambler Garden Hotel, which is near the Tsing Yi area of Hong Kong. The place where we stayed not that elegant (as they were just offering simple apartment-style rooms) and is far from the city. But then, I did not really care, as long as we have a place to stay and there are definite directions which tell us how to go to the city. As long as we could sleep comfortably, everything's good.

Later that night, we had our dinner at one of the Chinese restaurants along Granville Square, and then proceeded to different sites around Hong Kong, from the underground subway going to Hong Kong island up to The Peak. We also had time to pass by Madame Tussaud's and took pictures with the famous wax figures inside the museum. And then, as we returned to Tsim Sha Tsui, the center of Hong Kong's city life (as I see it), we passed by and took a quick walk at HK's very own Avenue of the Stars, the place of handprints and footprints of various Western and Chinese celebrities and public figures. Of course, as Filipinos, we could not get off a place without having fifty or so pictures at different sites.


Our last stop for the day was at the Ladies' Market at Mong Kok, which is equivalent to our very own Divisoria… just much more expensive. We wandered around its streets and searched for different stuff. Apparently, we were not able to find a nice outlet store that sells ORIGINAL kicks (where our savings were supposed to be used), but we were able to haggle our way to some good finds. My brother Aaron was able to buy good Cobra Starship glasses at about 40 HK dollars (about 280 pesos), while I was able to find a Class A Vans slip-on at only 130 HK dollars (just about 900 pesos). We went back to the Hotel at about 12:30, and rested to prepare for the busy day ahead.

The next morning, we had the second segment of our city tour, where we returned to the Peak and went to Aberdeen, the not-so-fishing town of Hong Kong (because there are no more fishermen in the area, just some stalls and a few Chinese businesses). Going around the city could have felt much better if not for the extremely cold and rainy weather in the city during that day (I only wore a shirt and a pair of shorts, and did I literally froze at the coldness that is 27 degrees Celsius).

During the afternoon, we just had a short stop and immediately boarded our ferry trip to what I dub as "Asia's City of Sin," Macau. We went a look at the different sights, the casinos among many of them (a quick trivia: most of them are owned by China's top businessman, Stanley Ho, who has four wives and eighteen children who will inherit his multi-billion property in the whole of Macau). Among the many sights in this Chinese-Portuguese island was the ruins of the St. Paul Cathedral, which has a museum of sacred art which goes together with the crypt. It was amazing, as I was able to see one of their chalices having bells hanging around it, and a boat that is shaped like a REAL boat, mind you. Oh, by the way, the bones of the Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese martyrs of Japan were there, preserved.


Our last stop in Macau before going home was the Venetian Hotel, which mirrors that of its Las Vegas franchise, only a bit smaller. Although I did not bet (due to saving money), I checked out the different games in the casino, and boy was I amazed by all of them. Too bad I was not able to take pictures in the casino area itself. We went back home through ferry, just in time to stay awhile at Seven Eleven and then rest.

Third day was the biggest, as we were headed to one of the best amusement parks of Asia: Hong Kong Disneyland. The whole park was available for us for the whole day, but we just had a bad start because of the strong rain, which in turn forced us to purchase adult ponchos for us to roam around.

Nevertheless, the whole day was spent going around, riding and watching the different attractions in this small park. We've had the Golden Mickeys, Philharmagica (the 3D theater), and the Legend of the Lion King, together with other attractions like the River Adventure, Stitch Encounter (interactive simulation at its near-best), and the Buzz Lightyear Star Command (laser shooting, point-racking ride). There were a lot of funny moments, too, like the shows being featured in Cantonese (with subtitles!), and the "It's A Small World After All," of which my brother and I were able to find some racist connotations (or this is just us). Fortunately, we were also able to attend the once-in-a-while events in the park: the 1pm and 330pm parade, and, of course, the fireworks, which closed the day for us.


And finally, there is Friday, our free day as well as our "spend-it-all" day. We went around Kowloon and Granville searching for , what else, cheap kicks! After waiting 'til 12 for the shops to open up, we went straight to the Nike and Adidas outlet stores to check out the cheap kicks, and proceeded to Doublebay to take a look at Puma Suedes and Chuck Taylor Classics. Unfortunately, Ohio, the only store which sells cheap Vans slip-ons and skate shoes, was not open during that day. Nevertheless, I spent my 900 HK dollars quite well, as I was able to buy a Puma NY Style Basket (blue-orange-light green colorway, together with extra laces and velcro), Adidas BTB Print, and an Admiral skate shoe from chapel', with cool colors, mind you. We went back to the hotel at around three in the afternoon, eating lunch and waiting for our flight home.

We were about to take the flight back to Manila at about 9:30pm, but due to air traffic, our flight was moved to 11:45pm, so the airport gave us dinner passes as part of their services (I used up mine on Popeye's Chicken and loaded myself with carbs). As the plane landed on Manila, I closed out another vacation, and prepared myself for the real world that awaits me.

And with all that has happened in Hong Kong, yes, it was worth going again.

We Celebrate The Week of Love

Before celebrating the Evening Mass (which I would not attend because my mom was still not finished revising her dissertation), here are a few points to think about as we meditate on the Lord's death and Resurrection.

I believe that Holy Week is not just a Catholic celebration. Non-believers might just as well trash all the Catholic traditions that we have, most especially the habit of fasting and abstinence during Good Friday, or the processions that caused traffic all around cities in the Philippines. But I believe that they are missing the point of this celebration, for I see it as a celebration of something universal, that which we can experience as human beings.

What is important is the fact that holy week is a celebration of love. As I have mentioned previously, it is commemorating a love that could be understood only in the eyes of faith, and these three holy days invite us to pause, take a moment, and reflect on this love.

And these things I discovered about loving and giving oneself to a friend.

Love, in fact, is really a very painful reality that we have to face. To love is indeed to literally learn to let go, allow the other to penetrate into your life, and have time take over and make room for growth of both self and the other. And this would be a very painful experience, more like attempting to stretch yourself towards someone who is completely different from you. To love is precisely to fully accept the beloved as another.

Even until death. Jesus accepted us for who we are, sinners yet loved by the Lord. He accepted us as we really are, and He even died and fought for our dignity. And for this, he died for us and saved us.

Are we ready to die and give ourselves for others? Are we ready to accept people for who they are, letting go of our boxes and allowing that other to show himself in time, with us accepting and recognizing them?

Indeed, love transgresses the law of nature and logic. It is the anomaly in the system, yet this anomaly keeps life going, keeps the world turning around. In the end, it is love which kept and is keeping us alive. Yes, love might have the most irrational reasons and ways we would never understand. Yes, love makes us do the things we have thought impossible. But love makes us realize that life is, and will always be a mystery, a colorful blinding light which allows us to, in an ironic manner, see the goodness of everything. It reminds us of how exciting and surprising life is.

Love and death? Heck, it doesn't even end there. The more we give ourselves to others, the more that we understand what life is all about. The more that we give, the more that we appreciate everything as a gift, hence the more that we receive and thank. Indeed, our own experience of loving is our own experience of death and resurrection. It is an experience of new life altogether, as we gain a new and richer idea of who we are and what we could be, as tightly bound to the other, as connected to Him who is the giver of everything.


And may we learn this from the way Jesus loved us and gave His life up for us. Indeed, Christ shed light upon our lives in more ways than possible. An advanced Happy Easter!

Up next, a reflection on the road to Emmaus.

A Few Thoughts on Holy Week

Because this was the first in four years that I wouldn't be too busy for Holy Week (due to serving at the Cathedral), so I took some time off to write something about this year's holy week.

A few points though, could help.

1. I believe it was timely to reflect on the priesthood for this year's Chrism Mass. Remember that they are alter Christus, reflecting the character of Christ as priest, prophet, and king. Amidst all the present scandals that swarm the Church, do we men of the cloth still allow the people to see Christ in us?

2. Fasting and abstinence seems to be things that are taken too lightly. But then, we have to remember that these are not mere requirements. These are acts of compassion - suffering with. We do this to remember how Christ suffered for us. But more importantly, these two things would teach us to genuinely love - to learn to give up something for another, just as Christ gave His life for us.

3. And most importantly, we remember that the next three days is a celebration of love. We remember how we have been saved by love, to the point that God Himself came down, accepted us for who we are, and died for us on the Cross, that we might share life with Him. Indeed, the greatest love of all, and I believe that all of us ought to respond to this great act of love.

Have a meaningful Holy Week (which looks forward to Easter) everyone.