Sunday, December 31, 2017

Quiz for the Whiz: You Better Be Good in Math


Prime Weekly Edition Vol. 2 No. 46, December 31, 1987
On the cover: Janice “Cookie” Velus Gonzalez

In the objective of propagating enthusiasm on the subject of Mathematics, I once in a while make quizzes about the subject, though this maybe the only Quiz for the Wiz published in Prime Weekly Edition with Mathematics as the theme. The answers are given but the solutions are left for the enthusiasts to discover.




“An honest answer is as pleasing as a kiss on the lips.” – Proverbs 24:26, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Wham Bam, Do You Really Want a Piece of Ham?


MOD Vol. 42 No. 1889, December 2011
On the cover: Kimberly Kaye Baculi

This was originally titled “Wham Bam, Do You Really Want a Piece of Ham?” It was editor-retitled “A HAM-my Story” probably to get on with the Yuletide tradition. A paragraph (biblical reference) was removed: First, let us remember that biblically speaking, pork is spiritually “unclean.” God forbade his people to eat swine meat (Leviticus 11:7-8, Deuteronomy 14:18) and the early Christians regarded the hog as the epitome of filth (Matthew 7:6, II Peter 2:22).
 





 
“Now the pig has a split hoof that is completely divided, but it does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat the meat from these animals or even touch their dead bodies; they are unclean for you.” – Leviticus 11:7-8, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Star Wars Reminisced


TV Star Guide Vol. 7 No. 84, December 2006
On the cover: Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker (a.k.a. Darth Vader)

The cover story of TV Star Guide seventh anniversary special – “Star Wars Reminisced”




“Evil people give up trying to escape from the darkness; it has been decided that they will die by the sword.” – Job 15:22, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Celebrity Profiles: Willie Revillame, Ryan Agoncillo, Iza Calzado and Xyriel Manabat


Atlas TV Guide Vol. 11 No. 144, December 2011
On the cover: Michael Trevino,
Joe Manganiello, Ian Somerhalder, Chris Colfer and Nathan Fillion

A short profile of four celebrities – Willie Revillame, Ryan Agoncillo, Iza Calzado and Xyriel Manabat – the “Talk of the Town” for Atlas TV Guide 12th Anniversary.




“Now thanks be to GOD who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” – The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostles to the Corinthians 2:14: Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Charice Pempengco Before Her Transformation


Atlas TV Guide Vol. 10 No. 132, December 2010
On the cover: Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer


Charice Pempengco was on top of the world. This was before her “transformation.”




“GOD’s anger is shown from heaven against all the evil and wrong things people do..... Because people did those things, GOD left them and let them do shameful things they wanted to do. Women stopped having natural sex and starting having sex with other women..... They know GOD’s law says that those who live like this should die. But they themselves not only continue to do these evil things, they applaud others who do them.” – Romans 1:18, 26 & 32. The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

To be an Environmentalist, Start With Your Yuletide Garbage


Celebrity World Vol. 3 No. 177, December 26, 1994
On the cover: Sunshine Cruz

A short article about the December birthstone turquoise.




Mr. & Ms. Vol. 19 No. 35, December 26, 1995 – January 2, 1996
On the cover: Aga Muhlach

On Let’s Save Our Planet section of Mr. & Ms., some suggestions on how “To be an environmentalist.....” You can do it. Everybody can do it. “Start with your Yuletide garbage.” Manage your garbage and recycle!


 
“The observers gave this command; the holy ones declared the sentence. This is so all people may know that the Most High GOD rules over every kingdom on earth. GOD gives those kingdoms to anyone He wants, and He chooses people to rule them who are not proud.” – Daniel 4:17, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.


Monday, December 25, 2017

Top-Grossing Films of 2006


MOD Vol. 38 No. 1829, December 25, 2006
On the cover: Judy Ann Santos

A brief rundown and summary of “The Top-Grossing Films” of 2006.




“My soul waits for the LORD more eagerly than watchmen for the morning. Like those who watch for the morning.....” – Psalms 130:6, The Revised English Bible.

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Avoid Pickpocketeers and Thieves This Christmas


MOD Vol. 36 No. 1732, December 24, 2004
On the cover: Rica Peralejo

Tips on how to “Avoid Pickpocketeers and Thieves This Christmas.”



MOD Girl, December 24, 2004
On the cover: Jaime Valerie Tan

“Yuletide Tidbits.”



“Don’t store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. But store your treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them.” – Matthew 6:19-20, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

The Truth about Santa Claus



Mr. & Ms. Vol. 20 No. 34, December 24, 1996
On the cover: Paco Arespacochaga, Geneva Cruz and their son Heaven

No need for explanation, Virginia, it’s “The Truth About Santa Claus.”



“Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” – The First Book of Samuel, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Math-O'Logics: Newton's Law of Approximation


MOD Filipina Vol. 21 No. 903, December 23, 1988
On the cover: Heidi M. Rodriguez

In Math-O’Logics, the continuation of finding solution to transcendental equation, this time using “Newton’s Method of Approximation.”



MOD Vol. 37 No. 1783, December 23, 2005
On the cover: Iya Villania
 

After mathematics, how about another crossword puzzle. This one has four Eva’s.



“Sovereign LORD, You made the earth and the sky by Your great power and might; nothing is too difficult for You..... You make wise plans and do mighty things; You see everything that people do, and You reward them according to their actions.” – The Book of Jeremiah 32:17 & 19, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Christmas Symbols: How did they comeabout?



Mr. & Ms. Vol. 22 No. 34, December 22, 1998
On the cover: Jomari Yllana, Aiko Melendez and Their Son Andre

Many do not know that most of the Christmas traditions and symbols that they are accustomed to were not based on biblical Christianity.

“The religion of these people is worthless. A tree is cut down in the forest; it is carved by the tools of woodworkers and decorated with silver and gold. It is fastened down with nails to keep it from falling over. Such idols are like scarecrows in a field of melons; they cannot speak; they have to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them: they can cause you no harm, and they can do you no good..... those who make idols are disillusioned, because the gods they make are false and lifeless.” – The Book of Jeremiah 10:3-5, 14, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Tips for Wrapping Gifts of All Shapes and Sizes


MOD Christmas Special, December 2005
On the cover: Charo Ronquillo, 2005 Supermodel of the Philippines


Here are “Neat Tricks for (Wrapping) Gifts of All Shapes and Sizes.”




“They (Visitor from the East) went into the house, and when they saw the child with His mother Mary, they knelt down and worshipped Him. They brought out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and presented them to Him.” – The Gospel According to Matthew 2:11, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Plant a Christmas Tree This Christmas


Mr. & Ms. Vol. 18 No. 35, December 20, 1994
On the cover: Dawn Zulueta


For Mr. & Ms. magazine’s Let’s Save Our Planet section, what better way to celebrate the Yuletide Season than to do something for Mother Nature and the environment. Instead of buying a Christmas tree, why not plant one yourself.




“GOD’s power protects you through your faith until salvation is shown to you at the end of time.” – I Peter 1:5, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Monday, December 18, 2017

12 Things You're Most Likely to Give or Receive This Christmas




12 THINGS YOU’RE MOST LIKELY TO GIVE OR RECEIVE THIS CHRISTMAS

(Here’s a Yuletide article that is quite timeless. Submitted and published in three different magazines. One editor told me that as long as it is not published on the same week, it’s okay with her. Well, I made sure it is not published on the same year, not even on the succeeding year.)

Celebrity World Vol. 3 No. 176, December 19, 1994
On the cover: Dolphy and Vandolph
 




Mr. & Ms. Vol. 20 No. 33, December 17, 1996
On the cover: CJ Ramos and Shaina Magdayao (When they were kids)






MOD Christmas Special, December 1999
On the front cover: Sophie Marceau
On the backcover: Maricel Soriano for the Green Cross Isopropyl Alcohol print ad






“Greet one another with a brotherly kiss.” – Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians 13:12, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Christmas Carols: Enduring Centuries of Tradition & Celebration


Celebrity World Vol. 4 No. 227, December 18, 1995
On the cover: Michelle Gallaga and Lala Directo


“Christmas Carols: Enduring Centuries of Tradition and Celebration.”



“Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to GOD: ‘Glory to GOD in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased.’” – The Gospel According to Luke 2:13-14, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version

Face Off: Gemma Ward vs. Keira Knightley


MOD Vol. 38 No. 1828, December 18, 2006
On the cover: Michelle Salangsang Panemanglor

In MOD’s Face Off, it’s supermodel and “It Girl” Gemma Ward versus hot Hollywood actress and 2006 FHM “Sexiest Woman.”




“Women must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hair-styles, not adorned with gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious.” – The First Letter of Paul to Timothy 2:9-10, The Revised English Bible.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

King Kong (2005)


TV Star Guide Vol. 6 No. 71, December 2005
On the cover: David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel


This was written as a sort of “teaser” for the 2005 film King Kong, a remake of the 1933 film of the same title. It starred Naomi Watts as Ann Darrow, Adrien Brody as Jack Driscoll, and Andy Serkis (with the aid of special effects) playing the giant ape.



“Surely you know that since time began, since mortals were first set on the earth, this has been true: the triumph of a wicked person is short-lived, the glee of one who is godless lasts but a moment!” – The Book of Job 20:4-5, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Math-O'Logics: The Fermat Challenge


MOD Filipina Vol. 21 No. 902, December 16, 1988
On the cover: Michelle “Shelley” Huschel

In  this issue of Math-O’Logics, “The Fermat Challenge,” higher mathematics – transcendental equation – is discussed. (SEE also “Newton’sLaw of Approximation”).





“The person who speaks in strange tongues, then, must pray for the gift to explain what he says.” – Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 14:13, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Fiction: The Yuletide of '92 and Other Poetic Memories


Mr. & Ms. Vol. 22 No. 34, December 15, 1998
On the front cover: Fathers and sons Michael de Mesa and Ryan Eigenmann,
and Mark Gil and Gabby Eigenmann.
On the back cover: Sharon Cuneta for the Alaska Milk print ad.

A short story written in prose and poetry for a special lady from Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.



“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed.” – Psalms 34:18, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Christmas Traditions Around the Philippines


Mr. & Ms. Vol. 28 No. 33, December 14, 2004
On the cover: Hero Angeles and Sandara Park


This write-up, “Pinoy Christmas Through the Decades,” is more of an editorial satire than a Yuletide article.



Mr. & Ms. Vol. 23 No. 32, December 14, 1999
On the cover: Joyce Jimenez

Read this and know the different traditions of celebrating “Christmas Around the Philippines” (pp. 16, 17 & 19).
 
 
Also in this Mr. & Ms. December 14, 1999 issue is an article on “Watusi Poisoning” (p. 41).
 
 

“Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ; because it is in Him that all the fullness of the divine quality dwells bodily.” – To the Colossians 2:8-9, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.