Name: William Andrew G.

Bulaquea

Date: February 12, 2013

In every country, in every region, in every culture and race, comes different people with each a different point of view in life. Americans have different views from the Mexicans, Mexicans have different views from the Africans, Africans have different views from the Chinese, Chinese have different views from the Koreans, and also, Filipinos have different views from each of the races. The situation goes the same in our religion. We have our own stand on each of our faith, whether we are Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, Buddhists and the like. We have strongholds with which we acquire security from what we believe. What is the basis of your faith? What are the requirements for it? Do you have any religious leader? Have you ascertained that what religion you are now satisfies your spiritual needs? The question goes like this: How, as a Filipino, do you view Christ? Do you view him as an innocent baby sleeping soundly in the manger? Do you view him as a suffering portrait of man nailed on the cross bath in blood? Do you view him as a teacher/leader/instructor/friend/companion? Do you view him as purely divine with that unconditional love and almighty power whose image makes you kneel before Him? Indeed, the essay that Ive read does not speak falsely. It was right when it said that most, if not all, Christians tend to picture Christ according to their own ideals. The Filipino Christ that it spoke of was somehow a result of a convergence of the Spanish Christ and Latin American Christrationally true. And moreover, most of us see him as Santo Nio and Santo Entierrothe tragic victim on the cross or in the

tomb. In short, his dominant image to us is only his birth and death, not included is his manhood life. Our views on him differ. Some people may have the same thoughts, but, in particular, most people dont coincide with their opinions on Christ. What version of Christ do you have? Do you view him only in the point of his birth and death? How is our Filipino Christ? For me, I do view him as a teacher, a model, powerful almighty God, and a human at the same time divine. I attend masses every Sunday; I take the Holy Eucharist; I pray; I kneel; I ask; I request. I attend Santo Nio festivals in our area. During fiestas, decorations, foods, dances and masses are held. I attend processions during holy week. It is true that somehow we are filled with celebrations of Christians and it may seem that Christianity somehow arises seasonally. It may seem that Christianity is seasonal. But, as what I have observed that predominated during these occasions, is the great faith that the Filipinos reflect during these celebrations. I can feel their love for the Santo Nio and their respect during the Holy Week. Im a catholic and Im proud to be one. It is my religion since I came to see the beauty of the world God has created. It is this religion that God had given me. We have different essays on a particular topic; different solutions to every problem; different shortcuts to long paths; different preferences on clothes; different foods we like; different colors that we prefer. Every human being was given the right to freedom: the right to choose and the right to perceive things that are around us. Summing up, my Christ is what I have perceived him to be and what he wanted me to perceive him. And if, only if, he does want me to view him on a way that would make him glad then Im able to change my perception for his will. My strong faith in him is enough; following his commandments is enough; Being guided by his presence is enough; even his presence is enough to feel his love. He is my Christ, the Son that was born, helped the poor and the lost and died to save us from our sins.