The Da Vinci Code - Fact or Fiction?

I have been a devout Christian since birth and will always be. When I read the novel " The Da Vinci Code " by Dan Brown, I was really heartbroken. I thought I have never felt such treachery before. That day on, I started not to believe in Gods and in our case, JESUS CHRIST. I was so sad, and angry, and confused too. Was Jesus really married? Who's Mary Magdalene? Questions kept twirling in my head and I wanted answers. Being curious as I am, I read so many informations and I was desperate to find answers to protect the only faith I have loved-CHRISTIANITY. Now, I'll share you what my point of view is.

In my opinion, critiques have always attacked Christianity. I mean, why is it always Jesus they would always judge and criticize? I mean, why would they always do this? What would they want? Do they want us to criticize their beliefs too? I mean, I don't judge people for whom they worship. Religion is free. You can always choose whom to worship. No matter what your faith is, it doesn't keep us from doing good towards others.


However, I do not believe that there is no God. Brown not only critiques Jesus Christ but the Bible as well. Yes! We all know that the Bible didn't go down from Heaven to Earth. It was made by people but yet, it has its own proofs and truths. Lies and theories you might say but, these issues have long been proven. These proofs, I have read in a book I bought from MV Doulos entitled " The Da Vinci Code - Fact or Fiction "by Hank Hanegraaff and Paul L. Maier.

In its foreword by Hank Hanegraaff, it makes mention of Mel Gibson's " The Passion ". It also talks about Dan Brown's novel that critiques the New Testament Gospels as fabrications and deity of Christ as a fable. This alone knocks me off my feet but this ain't half of the revelation. The Priory of Sion in Brown's novel " The Da Vinci Code "which he presented as a fact - which in reality is completely untrue according to Hangeraaff to cast aspersions on Jesus Christ, the historicity of the Gospels, and the uniqueness of Christianity.

Now, you might charge me with plagiarism but I'll only focus here the things that really caught me up, and for once made me nearly reject Christianity. I don't pretend to be a know-it-all and I know you'll know it by then when you'll buy the book or if you're some kind of a religion fanatic. I don't share the evidences here but just my opinions. If you have read The Da Vinci Code, the secret organization, the Priory of Sion has made some intriguing questions and misleading thoughts. Does this organization really exists? Does it really protect a top secret that if revealed will change the whole phase of Christianity?


Do secret societies control secrets that could change the world? Not only that, but there's more unbelievable and twisted intrigues. Who's Mary Magdalene? Is she really a prostitute? Was Jesus really married? What is a Holy Grail? Is it really just a chalice or a cup? Or a woman? And what about Da Vinci's fresco? Everything is twirling! Everybody's making money and exposing lies! Now, I consider someone a great historian if he/she knows and doesn't change a thing. But it seems everyone is!


Now, what's not to trust? Brown's claims or the Holy Bible? What if fiction becomes fact? I'm not taking a side but I just want to know the truth. I suppose you do, right? Writes Brown: " The early Church needed to convince the world that the mortal prophet Jesus was a divine being. Therefore, any Gospels that described earthly aspects of Jesus' life had to be omitted from the Bible. Unfortunately for the early editors, one particularly troubling earthly theme kept recurring in the gospels. Mary Magdalene... more specifically, her marriage to Jesus Christ... its a matter of historical record."(244) I suppose you to have noticed that the Bible has never mentioned Jesus marriage.

What was really the significance of marriage and sex to the Early Times? I don't want to be provocative and malicious but I just want to know if marriage takes away divinity? If God created a woman for a man, why can't he make one for His only Son? Why can't He forgive His Son to have one? If Jesus made miracles, why having a wife is such a controversy? I have also learned that Jews were obliged to get married. So, its possible that Jesus got married, then what? So what? Does that stop us from worshiping Him?


I don't know what's so great about such novel and what's so controversial about Jesus manhood. I don't even think it'll matter if he's married or not. Oh why? Maybe we should know our Savior too needs some loving! Besides, we can always tell whether its lust or love. I'm pretty sure He means no harm if He ever got married. What's the matter if all of these are true? I mean, if Mary Magdalene was meant to continue the Church then fine! Let's fight over it no more.

I don't think its something bad at all. Well, I suppose that its not only Jesus' marriage they're criticizing but also the Blessed Virgin Mary as well. They believe that She's just an ordinary human and that she was not free from original sin. Well doubters, if she wasn't chosen by God, then why would the angels, saints and even God himself refer to Her as " Oh Mary, full of Grace "??? You see, I don't know why everyone should get so busy digging about this. I mean, many threats not just this have Christianity received. But, we're staying stronger.

No matter what they say, no matter what negativity comes about our faith, we're staying here to worship what we believe in. I don't know who's really telling the truth. Everyone's a gold digger. But what's your faith? To have faith in what you believe in, or to have faith in others' beliefs and claims? This is a big test to our faith and it should not hinder us. The Church should not prevent these novels and films from releasing it to the public. This will only make matters worse.

Just leave it be. This is a real eye opener. Let them decide. We shall see who's really faithful and loyal. As it is, religion is free and its up to you to choose. As for me, I would stick to what I believe in. Why is it that everytime I pray to Him, my prayer is answered? Why do I feel such refreshment and relief when I talk to Him? Who's keeping me alive now? Who's giving me these great things? Who protects me from the depths of sin? Who tuck my eyeballs in? Who planted hairs in my head? Anyone out there who can explain???


Just want to let everyone know that I LOVE JESUS. I WILL ALWAYS DO. I WILL ALWAYS WORSHIP HIM NO MATTER WHO HE IS, WHAT HE IS OR WHAT HE'S DONE. Hope this will leave a lasting impression in your soul.

Sophomores' Softball

Intramurals '06 was like a wheel of fortune. Everything went unexpected. We lost to the Freshmen in the cheerdance competition. I knew it then. We lacked actions, stunts, positions and the spirit. But it was our lack of unity and determination that really made us down. Aghast and full of thirst for revenge fill the hearts of the Sophomores. We let the expectations, the supports, and sacrifices futile. We made our teachers so shocked and down.

However, we were able to claim our glory when it came to sports. This time, we saw to it that we should win. I mean, we can't afford to shed tears again. We can't take the pressure. We won't be embarrassed again. So then, we had already accepted the fact that we lost once. Our aim now is to be at least 3rd in the over-all. We knew it would be difficult, especially our lost was such a big discouragement.

But this was only the beginning. Sophomores were always up for action. I knew we would still be champions in volleyball, but I don't know with the other sports. Everyone should contribute. The athletes should be determined to win. The water people should always be there too. Bear with me as I can only share to you our contribution. This is it, the Sophomores' Softball! Let's go straight to the piont rather than have things mixed up.

First day was a softball match between the Seniors and the Sophies. We knew we're hopeless, because they were champions last year; and they're still damn good and professional. We didn't practice that hard. Our force was not strong enough to overcome them, but I had been noticing and impressed with our strong-rocking defense! I mean, when we were still in 1st year, we were so puff-there-goes-the ball!!! How could we be so strong when we never practiced so much???

Even though we realized that we're still going to lose, we were somehow thrilled and happy when we nailed them 0 in the 1st inning. The Seniors were also shocked and nervous when they knew we were starting to play very well. I was a left fielder, and my other teammate was the 1st baser. The flip side is-we never had such good teamwork before! I mean, when the ball always goes to our direction, we always catch it and tag the batter. The funniest though, was with me. Even though the ball was hers to catch, I did. Even though I should pass the ball to her to make it fast, I tag the opponent. I think that's a bit surer than passing it to her when there are chances she might not catch the ball.

It was a close tie for both teams. It was so hot, and all of us were burning and were almost ready to eat. Even though we lost, we got the biggest compliments from the umpires and from the Seniors themselves. The umpires encouraged us and revealed that we had more chances of winning than the Juniors. The Seniors on the other hand, urged us to practice hard and dominate over the Juniors. Such lost was so meaningful. We were so blessed this day came to happen. We knew we've got supporters. After the exhausting but good game, we took a rest.

Next game was Juniors versus the Freshmen. We decided not to take any side, despite the fact that the Freshies, Seniors and us, Sophies, practiced together. We trained the Freshies. We could see them looking so scared and nervous. I pictured us before. That was us before. So nervous and such sore losers. Now, we're stronger than ever. I realized then that as we grow older, we become stronger, smarter and faster. The Juniors won. So, its going to be us versus the Juniors in the semi-finals.

We were not tactless and we took extra care. We knew the competition was very tough. Victory is at stake. Both sides showed no mercy. I think its normal though, but after the match, we would still be friends and pretended nothing happened. The big event will happen tomorrow. We're excited and nervous. We've got shivers done our spine and our bodies are turning blue. The feeling was so frightening, its drove us insane. We couldn't calm down and relax, we thought we were insomniacs that very day.

Tomorrow came and the big event gave us goosebumps. We were determined to win. We brought caps and water. Sink or Swim, we don't care as long as we played fair. We prayed a lot. We prayed that hopefully, this game would be ours for the taking. We prayed that nobody will get injured, and that everybody needs focus and strong determination. We shouted "SOPHIES"!!! We were off for the game.

I was hoping that our 1st baser and I will show our teamwork today. We played offense first. Free walks. Another free walk. Finally, a loud thud of strike. Then finally, it was my turn. I, had never been an expert of batting. Luckily, it was a free walk. We had three outs then, and its time or us to play defense. This is all I'm waiting for, I thought. Everything was so fine when almost every ball went towards the 1st base. As usual, my partner and I, showed the best softball teamwork our batch has ever got.

It was a last chance for the Juniors, but I wasn't listening though. I was focus on the ball and the tags. A batter run and I tagged her. The second one was tagged by me too. I was waiting for more, but I was confused when my teammates began screaming, rejoicing and jumping and hugging each other. We won! We won! We won! I was like so numb to even know! I can't believe it! Thoughts came into my mind. If I hadn't tagged two batters, we might lose.

The feeling was like nirvana! We won because of me?? No! We won because of us! We share our victories and losses. I was so speechless and thankful that time. Rejoicing and still cannot believe what had happened, we rushed and revealed our victory! We finally contributed and showed some guts! Championship came, and we were exhausted. The Seniors were so happy for us, even the umpires. We knew that winning was far to possible, but we'll try our luck.

Bad luck came to me when I suddenly had crumbs. It was so painful and it was killing me! My teammates were so worried. Who'll be my substitute? Well then, they found one. Meanwhile, I was grieving in pain. My classmates tried to massage me so as the other Seniors. But the more it was touched, the more it went worse. It was end of the game and obviously, the Seniors won.

We were in great debt to them for teaching us the right techniques especially Ate Jera. We refer to them as our sisters and teachers. We'd rather lose to them. The events alone left us a track of friendship, hope, determination, and courage. We learned a lot. I learned a lot. We finished 3rd in the over-all ranking. It was bit of a relief. No matter the case, Intramurals is never just about winning or losing. Its about the lessons we've learned and the times we've shared. Those are more memorable than just winning. Winnings and thrones can always be relinquished to someone else, but your experiences can never leave you.

We finished 2nd in Softball. That was the best Intrams ever. I hope the next will be more meaningful and happier. Well, we're looking forward to be Champions in Softball for the next two years. I'm looking forward for more tough challenges. I can't wait to win or lose again!

Football, not just a sport!

This is one of the memories I have always treasured. Unlike any other, this is about my brother and I. I never thought that this would give me a lesson. From that day forward, I realized that everything is possible with love.

It was the last two years when football events like FIFA CUP were the most awaited. I can't really recall but I think it was in August when we started to watch out for this event. I, before never liked football. I had never been interested in such a dirty and stupid sport.

Offsides, red cards, yellow cards, goal kick??? What are those rubbish?! A side that is off-limits? A card that is red? A card that's yellow and what? A kick that is ideal for scoring? Whatever the case, I thought football as the most useless crap in the whole sporting world. Its dirty. You can see athletes getting injured and are sent off. What if they can't play again? Its just a silly sport involving 11 men chasing after a silly ball. I consider football fanatics as nitwits before.

My brother on the other hand, is such a fanatic and acts like a complete lunatic, everytime he watches every game! If I watch football games, rematches and news before, that would be a miracle! Perhaps, the things that only interest me are the goals and the handsome athletes. Why would everyone in England crave for such rubbish sport? How can football be interesting when its played for 90 minutes plus some extra time?? Its so boring,yet, its the famous sport in the world! How could the crowd have different chants and screams, and they seem to beat as unison?? This is all pathetic!

It was Saturday when I thought I could watch the silliest sport of the planet. It was Manchester United versus Aston Villa. Since I have never been interested and fascinated by such sport but only its athletes, I thought I should turn off the television. But wait.. someone caught my eye! An athlete. He was, well, handsome. Luckily, my brother arrived and I asked him the athlete's name. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, he said.

As I kept watching the game, I noticed he was so tricksy. He loves to dribble around opponents. He has a wonderful balance too. From that very moment, I thought, I'm beginning to like football. It was half-time and Manchester leads Aston Villa with a score of 1-0. Happy, I thought the stupid sport was finally over, and that, I could switch channels.

As I was going to push the button, my brother grabbed the control. I was so aghast, as I was going to watch Nickelodeon . He on the other hand wants to continue the stupid game. I mean, I came there first. This is not fair. We fought with cruel words. I don't care. This is not right. I don't think the elder ones need to suffer and lower down their pride! That's so pathetic! From that day on, we hardly spoke to each other. I went out the house.

Sunday came and it was time for the semi-finals. Not interested and never will be interested again, I sat on the floor and watched my family enjoy the game. Envious and full of hatred, I stormed out the house. I went to my room and plotted a plan for revenge. I thought nothing can stop me now, but my conscience just did.

Monday arrived and my brother hardly spoke. I knew it was all my fault. I decided to make the first move. I went near to him and asked him about football facts. He gave me monotonous words. I felt, he isn't going to forgive me. Again, testing my luck and hope, I uttered more questions. This time, he went blank and gave me nothing but a preoccupied smile.

Nightfall came and my brother never talked to me about anything. We were never close. With this situation, its just making matters even worse. I would want to be close to my brother. Trying to forget such sorrow,I drank my milk, took my vitamins and was off to go. Sleeping awake I am. I knew, I was such a bad sister. What will I do now? I asked my conscience. Turning off the lights and pulling up the covers, I fell asleep.

The very next day, I was hoping things would turn out good. "Oh Lord, The Forgiving God, I hope my brother forgives me, when I say the words, hope he does even with just a nod", I prayed. Tuesday, was the schedule of the several games. The only match I remembered was Chelsea versus Arsenal. I don't know what has gotten in my mind when I screamed like crazy when someone scored! I was so shocked! I can't even believe it! I thought, I was going to finally love this sport.

After sometime, my brother appeared in the living room. I knew he was going to snob me and grab the control. To his surprise, I reached the control to him and cried "Hey Pao, Drogba just scored!".
He was so shocked and said "No, not Chelsea again!" I said, "Oh yes! I love Chelsea!" I wanted him to notice me, and gladly, he did. He continued, "Oh, you're supporting Chelsea? I'll be faithful to Arsenal! Let's see who wins!"

I was so happy and I felt my heart was filed with so much heaven that I thought I was in state of nirvana. Afterwards, my brother and I started to talk. It was about football though, but it doesn't matter. All I ever wanted that very moment was for us to grew closer. Our talk with football continued, and that very day, I had already familiarize the foreign terms in football. Terms like dangerous kicks, offside, goal kick, penalty and penalty shoot-out entered my mind.

Meanwhile, the final whistle blew and it was the end of the match. Arsenal lost to Chelsea with a score of 1-0. My brother was so disgusted and said "Revenge for Chelsea". He continued jumping and saying it. After some couple of time, we discussed about our experiences. I knew then that we got close. I thought, I am there to becoming a good sister. It just proves that I am. From that day on, we continued every chapter of our lives, and becoming so close.

This experience still burns in my memory and heart. I learned a lot of lessons. I learned that I should listen before I speak. I realized I should lower my pride too. I knew I had to be loving, patient and a good sister. My brother made me realize that siblings should act as one. He made me realize that change is constant, and the only constant in this world.

He may not have a lot of words to say. but what his words couldn't explain, his actions did. Football made a big impact on this. I know that you know that I am fanatic of football now. I may not play professionally like my brother does, but at least, I loved it for the way it helped me. Its so amazing how it came its way to me. The best part is, it gave me the biggest slap on my face. Now, I've learned a lot, and will continue on learning...

The Black Horse

No, it's not that black horse from a Ferrari car! Its the Black Horse of Dark Arts. Hey, this Black Horse is not an animal. Its honestly a title. "What? Don't play tricks!" you might say, but the Black Horse is the most coveted title of the Dark Arts . Let me share to you a legend, that I knew when I was in 6th grade. For now, let's assume the Black Horse as a male.

It has been foretold that The Black Horse bears the strongest magic powers, even if he doesn't know he is. The Black Horse however, is vile and uncontrollable. He only listens to his true love. Hmm.. sounds like a love story, eh?! Naturally, a Black Horse never seems to be a lovable person. Its almost a miracle to find his TRUE love! Whatever the case, this strong bearer of dark magic has an Achilles heel. That is, the feet! Of course! The horse's weakness is its feet. How can it fight back with its feet bounded or controlled??

Hey, relax ladies! The story also reveals that the Black Horse has to be handsome, quiet, strong-willed, tall, and mysterious. Nevertheless, he has to be mighty, bad, and worst, possessive! Here's another fact: He doesn't fight females more often. His targets are the males. The irony is... the Black Horse as he is, hates horses as he refers to them as slaves and the meeks. He loves ferocious beasts like dragons. He even casts one regardless of the risk. His favorite words: IMPOSSIBLE and DANGEROUS!

Just like a ninja, he moves with the wind. Like a samurai, nobody runs away from him. Like a predator, he slaughters anyone who gets in his way. But wait, this Black Horse sure is a Savior too. He protects his friends, family, and of course, his love! But one treachery act is rewarded with severe punishment. Its impossible to regain his trust. Its also hard for him to leave his love! I'm sure this lucky girl will love him like no other. Its not in his nature to be forgiving.

This guy is also hard to deal with. He wants his own rules. He has NO master. Nobody has ever defeated him, except miracles, God of course, another Black Horse, and possibly his love. I've also heard in that old legend that, he fears nobody. He is also open-minded and optimistic. He solves unsolved problems and I mean stupid, headache-causing problems like Math. Furthermore, he's kinda rebellious and wants to break rules. He could be expelled, you know.

Even though he's that vile and unforgiving, he gives utmost respect to those who respect him back. He hurts nobody, unless you give him a reason to. He loves to play pranks on people, but he doesn't want to be pranked! That's not fair. He's vengeful, only it doesn't seem to be obvious. This Horsey's secretive too. There's so much hidden in him. It seems as though darkness, hatred, and revenge has consumed him. He's a master of spells too.

Astral projections, the evil eye, dream recall, and everything about magic, describes him. If I were the Sorting Hat, I would put him in Slytherin. I don't even know if this mysterious guy exists. It could be that maybe, the Black Horse never reveals itself. It could be that the Black Horse was killed. Maybe, he chose to relinquish his title to someone else. Maybe he doesn't even know yet. Possibly, he might rejected Dark Arts. Or maybe, there's no Black Horse at all...

We all don't know if this legend exists and continues. All I know is that it has been long foretold. Maybe I am the Black Horse... or maybe you..! Ah, we never know. Is it wrong to believe in such rubbish? Or maybe to see and to hear is to believe???