GOD BE WITH YOU

SETTING: (At a train stop - the sky has a warm glow - like that of Spanish impressionist painting)

EL: Well, Coach, I never knew that this day would come.

COACH: I know, son. It's been good.

EL: (His countenance reflects strength - a far cry from the young man who came out of the saloon - it is very obvious that there is a new film score to his life) Goodbye, Coach.

COACH: No son. There are no goodbyes. Instead, God be with you. I'll see you soon. And don't worry about the prayer garden. The youngens will take care of that. It will be here waiting for you.

(Sound of a train whistle)

EL: (Seems excited and at the same time wanting for this moment to last forever)

COACH: Son, the page has to somehow come down you know - so the story will continue. New page, new chapter, new adventures. The Master knows what He's doing.

(train whistle)

EL: (Runs towards the Coach and hugs him like a little boy would) Thank you, Coach!

COACH: You're very welcome, son. Now go!

EL: (Dashes in to one of the cars of the train and quickly positions himself by the window so he could see the Coach - now waiving)

(A view of the train station and the train going away into the horizon. The sky - with a warm Mediterranean glow.)

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING
Words: Psalm 103: 15-18 ESV
Music: David L. Talaguit
© COPYRIGHT 2010. DAVID L. TALAGUIT

As for man his days are like grass
He flourishes like the flowers of the field
For the wind passes over it
And it is gone
And its place knows it no more

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from
Everlasting to everlasting on
Those who fear Him
And His righteousness to children's children
To those who keep His covenant
And remember to do His commandments

Z UP

(The sun has now risen in full view. The magic of the sunrise has passed - the sun is now in full force as if announcing that the day's work has officially begun. The sky - all in one shade of blue.)

EL: (Steps inside his classroom and looks at his students as if he is seeing them for the first time, as if he is so lucky to be there in the room with them.)

STUDENTS: (All wondering why EL was looking at them the way he was)

MARRIO: Mister L, are you okay?

SANDRA: We didn't think you were going to be back to work today.

EL: Why not? This is Main Event right here. (School bell rings) Speaking of Main Event... (turns off the lights and starts his presentation - he likes to make movies to introduce a new lesson to the kids).

(music begins)


THE CLASS: (All gather near and around the projection screen.)

(The sky - all in one shade of blue - looks over the school where El works.)

(In the meantime, a news paper flies by showing the picture of Joe Tumba on the headlines which says: TUMBA STRIPPED OF CHAMPIONSHIP BELT, then another with Tumba's face looking disgusted - it has the headline: CHAMP INVESTIGATED BY WBF).

From a sparring session with Insight for Living's December 24, 2010 Podcast (Luke 2) and Dr. Russell Diwa's sermon THE ZEAL OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY (Isaiah 9:6-7)

PROPHETIC PERFECT (FOREVER SUNRISE)

music begins

(El and the Master kept pedaling through the slumbering city, only a few people here and there have begun their hard work for the day. By now the scenery was beginning to change. The noise of the city died down - they were in the out skirts of town and then into the nearby countryside. The sun greeted and lathered them with its rays.)

EL: (As if discovering the beauty of a morning like this for the very first time. He has seen this a million times before - but everything was different in the presence of the Master. It was as if you were listening to Bach's Air in G String with him sitting beside you in the car.) (Like a little boy) Lord, which one do you like better sunrise or sunset? If sunrises and sunsets are so beautiful, why not make the whole day a sunrise and a sunset? Why did you choose the sun to be the sun - aren't there millions of other stars to choose from? What was so special about the sun? Why are sunrises and sunsets so brief? Do you plan these things out, or do they just happen? How about the moon? Why do we only have one moon and other planets have more? What inspired you to do all these? (Confounded with his thoughts) You are so awesome, Lord!

(The Master simply smiled and listened to all the questions El spilled out.)

MASTER: El, the beautiful sunrise is almost over. Let's stop at this diner for some breakfast. Before we do, is there anything else that you wanted to ask me?

EL: (Paused with eyes gazing down) Master, why did you choose me? Out of the millions - why me?

MASTER: The same reason why I chose the sun for the earth. My son, Bach, would say the very same thing why he chose certain notes for his masterpieces: because it's what the Masterpiece needed.

EL: (Head hung low, as if struggling to ask certain questions.)

MASTER: El, there will come a day when it will be forever sunrise. This is just a prelude. Until then, remember that I will never allow anything unless it's just what is needed for the Masterpiece to be complete. (Put his arm around El's back while he held his bike with the other.)

(Both men walked towards the diner)

From a sparring session with Isaiah 9:6-7 MSG, Starbucks on Spring Creek and 75, 4:09, December 27, a few days after El's Title Match with Joe Tumba - of which outcome doesn't really matter anymore

SUNDO

NARRATOR: It didn't even seem to matter anymore what happened to the fight. When the crowds have died down, when all the hoopla have passed, when the cameras stopped flashing, when the enemies who seem to matter so much are only but a haunting - the hopes and fears of all the years have been met by the ONE who welcomes weary warriors with open arms.

EL: (Walking out of the church building wheeling out a bike. He is met by a Man who seem to quiet one's every longing - the ONE who will make you say, "I really don't need answers to my questions anymore - why would I when the ANSWER is here, in flesh and blood." All of a sudden, once He has helped you navigate through all the illusions of this world, you realize that a bike ride with Him is all that matters.)

EL and THE MASTER: (Biking off into horizon).

(Music begins)

My dad used to take me and my brother on long bike rides when we were little. My dad and I kept on doing this through elementary and high school. Here's what I learned are some of his most powerful tools to Godly parenting: strong legs for pedaling and a good working bicycle.

Sundo is a Filipino term for someone sent to bring a person or a group of people back to a certain destination.

BICYCLE SONG

SETTING: (You could see the stadium from bird's eye view - lights are flashing everywhere - this is the most anticipated fight. Everyone seems to be at the edge of their seats with one question in their minds, "Who is going to be the Champ at the end of night?")

(Scene from a sports bar - the usual crowd has gathered to watch the title match. Suddenly, in comes a father and son - two characters whom you would not think would come to place like this.)

THE DAD: (His gate and mannerisms are a blend of blue and white collar - his rough hands are like a roughened Ford Truck yet his eyes speak of deep intellectualism.) Two, please.

WAITRESS: (pleasantly surprised by the man's cordiality) Okay - go ahead and sit anywhere you like. (Suddenly stops) Wait. (Then she leads the way to the best seat in the house - where the energy of the crowd and the best view of the fight are both evenly mixed.) Here. Sit here. (Looks at the young teenage boy.) Okay, handsome, what can I getcha?

TEENAGE BOY: (Good in stature but lacks the usual air of a teenager his age - a bit embarrassed and flattered at the same time. His face shows that he's not used to being called handsome.) Root Beer, please, mam. (Turns to his dad for approval.)

THE DAD: (Gives him the most subtle nod of approval - one that only two people who share a deep bond can understand almost instantaneously) I'll please have a cup of coffee.

WAITRESS: (Has a glimmer in her eye for an idea) Hmmm. How about we make that into a Root Beer float, whadya say, cutie pie?

TEENAGE BOY: (Looks at his Dad again with eagerness in his eyes as if saying "Could I, could I, please?")

THE DAD: Okay - yes - please.

(The TV announces the main event. The crowd in the arena goes wild, and so do the ones in the sports bar.)

WAITRESS: (Comes back with the coffee and the Root Beer float.) Here you go! You two are rooting for the Champ?

THE DAD: Oh no. We're going for Elroi.

WAITRESS: (Suddenly gets an attitude, but harnessed - she could sense that the two guys are not used to that kind of treatment - or that they just bring out a kinder side to people they come across with) Hon, there's only one champ, and that's El. Actually, my daughter goes to the same gym as he does. He is quite the gentleman. He's even helping Rosita, my daughter, to pass her GED. He teaches school, you know?

THE DAD: (smiles) We know. My son, Davy...

WAITRESS: Oh, so that's who you are. Well, nice to meet you, Davy. And you are?

THE DAD: I'm Jeb.

WAITRESS: Well, nice to meet both of you. My name is Elena - I haven't seen the likes of you around here. So what were you saying about El?

THE DAD: He used to be Davy's teacher.

WAITRESS: Oh really now? I bet you loved him.

DAVY: Yes, mam - he was very cool.

WAITRESS: Do you know how to box, Davy? You look like you could be a good boxer.

DAVY: (grins in embarrassment - as if trying to hide his love for the sport - or perhaps -he just couldn't see himself as the type who would.)

ELENA (WAITRESS): You know, El reminds me of you when he was your age.

DAVY: (Eyes brighten up - suddenly he sits up higher - a glimpse of a desert lion thundering in the distance.)

(All the usual things that happen at the beginning of a match ensues - now we go to the part that matters the most)

THE FIGHT: (The earlier rounds definitely are in favor of Joe Tumba. He is up to his usual dirty antiques. El has taken a beating, but he is holding strong. He has a sense of awareness for all of Tumba's moves. Tumba looks like he is getting the upper hand, but El seems lost in symphonic movements inside his being. The fight continues. El seems to be doing really well, winning enough rounds that give him a chance for draw or maybe even a win.

(As the fight progressed, Tumba was able to counteract El's moves. El lost another, and another. By now, there is no chance for a win - if we go by the score cards. El perseveres to the very end.)

(The crowd goes wild in the bar and the arena.)

ELENA: (checks up on Jeb and Davy) Oh.

(Davy and his Dad left a good 20% tip - Davy even drew on a piece of napkin in fancy lettering and an honest but flattering caricature of Elena: THANK YOU. WE HAD AN AWESOME TIME!)

ELENA: (Tries to run to the door to thank them. She opens the door of the bar, but she was too late.)

JEB AND DAVY: (Riding off into the night in their bicycles)


From a sparring session with 1 Peter 3:8-22

KULOG

From a sparring session with 1 Peter 3 MSG, and the thought that Jesus was no Mister Rogers

SETTING: At the gym El is still on the canvas, out cold. Everyone hovers around him.

(Scene changes)

(In slow motion - one can see the Master leading El out of the burning Saloon, or "spiritual brothel", as described one theologian.)

(Scene changes - setting: a dark crowded apartment, like those in inner cities.)

ROSITA: (Walks in to her apartment and sees her Mom sitting by the lamp, holding a Bible and crying out to God in soft tones in Spanish. Goes close to her mom) Mama, you're crying again. Did he hurt you?

MAMA: Shhh, Mija. These are tears of joy. God is changing your father. I know it.

ROSITA: That's impossible. He will never change. Mama, I swear to you, I'm going to get us out of here.

MAMA: Mija, Jesus has done that for us, once and for all. As much as I love you and believe in you, my hope is not resting in you. Only Christ holds my hope.

ROSITA: But, Mama...

MAMA: Mija, I'm going to be late. You're father is coming at 5. (Pauses and looks at El) He is going to Prayer Meeting.

ROSITA: (stunned)

MAMA: Would you like to come with us?

ROSITA: (pauses, hesitates) Okay, give me ten minutes. I want to see this.

(Scene changes - in slow motion - Master leads El out of the burning Saloon - then finally out into an open place surrounded by dunes. The sky glows with a different kind of light - light hanging on as long as it can - finally, it sets and the sky is illumined with billions of stars.)

EL: (Finds himself alone in the desert - out in the distance he could see a cross - he runs towards it) I have seen this before. It looks like a man with open arms, but it's a cross.

(As he runs closer and closer to it, he slows down - cam shot shows his face - astonished - the cross that he has seen before is really the image of a man of strength and stature - His stance echoes those from a ruddy shepherd turned king, and one from slavery to ruling an Empire)

EL: (face lights up like the moon) Master! It is you!

MASTER: (With his arms wide open)

EL: (Now in tears) (Falls into the arms of the Master as if a child to his father)

MASTER: Elroi, my son.

EL: (EL's fears seemed to be quieted by the Master's embrace)

MASTER: I am all that you will need, EL. I will win this fight for you. My name is on the line. Rest in me. The power that runs behind Joe Tumba is the same dark power that I defeated long time ago. Tumba is working for a kingdom that is crumbling and decaying even as we speak. BUT MY KINGDOM NEVER CRUMBLES. THAT'S WHY GET UP, SUIT UP, AND FIGHT WELL, FIGHT STRONG, FIGHT BOLDLY!

(From the desert one hears a rumble) (Shockwave theme music begins)

HEALED

SETTING: Crowded gym - it is the peak hour - one can almost feel the electricity in the air. El is beginning to feel the pressure for the rematch with Joe Tumba. He is feeling a bit on edge. You can tell by the way he moves - he's a bit mechanical and stiff - reminiscent of the night when Tumba crushed him in the ring. Lacking is fluidity in motion. Usually one can hear music when he moves in the ring, but not lately. He knows it - and it terrifies him. He is afraid that he had lost the magic.

The Coach notices this and talks tells El, "Kid, come with me - you need to hear the music as you move in there." He tries to get through to El, but it's to no avail. El is too preoccupied with the looming fear over his fight, that he could not hear the wise counsel of The Coach.

EL: (Turns around and sees Vlad. He feels compelled to fight the best fighters in the gym to give him an edge over his opponent.) Vlad, you and me. (His voice sounding strained than usual.)

VLAD: (puzzled) No, man. (He knows that El is no match for him.)

EL: What, are you chicken? (spitefully)

VLAD: (Resisting) Don't push me, El.

EL: I knew it, you're scared of me. (Goes inside the ring and continues to taunt Vlad.) (Talks to the other people in the gym, shouting) Hey, ya'll, have you ever seen a Ukrainian chicken before?

OTHERS: (Puzzled and embarrassed)

VLAD: (looks at the Coach as if asking what to do)

COACH: (gives Vlad a nod of approval)

VLAD: (hesitantly goes into the ring, but with ever growing resolve to fight El because of his continuing assault on Vlad.)

(The whole gym gathers around the ring - some curious as to what's going to happen - but some already know how it will come about.)

ROSITA: Das okay, y'all. Dis won't take but a minute. mmhmm.

(The two men meet face to face in the ring as both have been suited up. They square off and walk in circles around each other. El, the smaller and faster one, begins his combination assault - pretty impressive - but lacks magic. Vlad seems to be unfazed by the hits from El, until one that hit him in the face.)

EL: (overconfidently) What! Want...

(Just even before he could finish his muffled talking through his mouth piece, Vlad lays one on him.)

(Cam shot shows a mouthpiece flying in the air in slow motion.)

(fade out)

EL: (opens his eyes and finds himself back in the saloon. He can see other clowns whom he used to be like before.)

MASTER: (Comes from behind him) This is why I fought, El - to free you from this, once and for all. By my wounds you have been healed. I have healed you. I have given you a new name. I have placed a new song in your heart. Don't be afraid, my Son. You are a son of the King, Elroi.

(fade out)



From a Sparring Session with Chuck Swindoll's message "Imagine You Were One of the Temple Rabi" Luke 2 and fighterverse song The First Christmas Tree 1 Peter 2:24 ESV

FLOWING THROUGH MY VEINS

SETTING: Dawn - not even a glimpse of sunset - just when it becomes darkest. Camera shot from the garden - one could see the window of El. Light comes on.

EL: (Camera shot revealing El's feet touch the cold floor. He walks across the room.) (Close up shot of him putting on his running shoes. He bundles up.) (He runs across the garden.) (He stretches in front of the Church steps.)

(There is a glimpse of the city bustle out in the streets.)

DELIVERY GUY: (Stops his work when he sees El.) THAT'S IT, BABY! THAT'S MY BOY! I KNEW YOU WEREN'T GONNA BACK DOWN!

EL: (Waves at Delivery Guy)

DG: Hey, Champ! I'm counting on you.

EL: (Gives DG a grin and starts running.) (Flashbacks from Joe Tumba's press con still lingers in his mind, scenes from his defeat keep resurfacing, the Coach's story of the Master echoes in his head.) (He takes the turn and begins to run with more intensity.)
(He reaches the Gym. The Coach was already there waiting for him.)

(Cam pans out revealing the whole Gym, and finally the sky now in striations of red, orange, azure and navy.)

From a sparring session with Proverbs 29:11 and Chuck Swindoll's Dec. 22, 2010 radio broadcast "An Imaginative Christmas".

DEVOTION

SETTING: (Camera flashing - crowd gathered for a press conference. The entourage of the New Champion of the World rushes in as if they own the world. Reporters are scrambling to get a picture of the one who defeated El in one of the most devastating matches of his life.)

EL: (Giving a bunch of boys and girls, including Dai, boxing lessons at the old downtown gym.) One. One, two. One, two, three. Don't forget your boxer's feet. Yeah. That's it. Good job, Dai. You're getting the hang of this.

(Vlad, Enzo, and the other usual inhabitants of Pride of Champions Gym are all there. Some of them training or just got done training, but most just find that place as an extension of their homes. They are like a family.)

(There is a TV that's always on in the gym, usually tuned in to a sports channel - suddenly, the press conference of Jose Tumba, the one who crushed El in their last championship bout, and the one who took his crown, interrupts normal programming.)

ENZO: Hey, hey, hey. Quiet down, y'all. It's Tumba!

VLAD: (growls and punches his left palm as if wanting to crush Tumba)

REPORTER 1: (directed to Jose Tumba) The general sentiment is that you won the title match from Elroi DeLeon with an unfair advantage - that the referee, who is now missing for questioning, repeatedly ignored fowl moves from you. What would have happened if you fought clean with El? Would you be the Champion right now?

TUMBA: (Confident and condescending) I won this match from ELROI DELEON fair and square. I am the new Champion of the World, and if you don't believe that, I am challenging ELROI DELEON for a rematch, so I can show the world once and for all what kind of a pathetic loser he is.

(Back at the gym - the whole place freezes in silent outrage.)

VLAD: (Turns off the TV) Don't pay attention to him. Back to work.

(Everyone tries to ignore what they just heard on TV.)

(The Coach remains in his office - the door always swung wide open except for occasional closed door meetings)

THE COACH: (Stops what he was doing and walks towards the frozen crowd in the gym. He walks towards the ring, and stops the whole gym from what it was doing.) I've seen many fighters like Tumba. (As if cueing the gym that it's story time - they all gather round the ring, from the biggest to the smallest). But this exact one was the father of them all. Everyone who tried to stand up against him ended dead or good as dead.

DAI: Did anyone stand up against him? (Excitedly)

VLAD: Of course, Dai. The Master did. Oh, sorry, little friend. You've not heard this story yet.

ENZO: Shhhh. I love this.

FLASHBACK 1

FLASHBACK 2

FLASHBACK 3

FLASHBACK 4

FLASHBACK 5

FLASHBACK 6

FLASHBACK 7

FLASHBACK 8

THE COACH: Jose Tumba has no idea what he's getting into. Just remember the Master's love for you, El, and for all of you.



From a sparring session with Hebrews 2

ONCE AND FOR ALL

Setting: Early morning - the sky has a hopeful glow - it is bright with light yet one cannot see the light source. The air is crisp with possibilities. The whole city is full swing, like a young stag who just awakened. Dai walks out of the rundown apartment complex to go to school. He walks with a new spring to his steps.

(orchestral music - allegro - major / then suddenly a turn in the music)

(The group of bullies come into view as Dai takes a turn at the corner.)

DAI: Oh no. (quickly hides)

BULLIES: (already saw Dai) There he is! Let's get him!

(The boys run towards Dai who is hidden around the corner. Music escalates. Their backs are against the camera as they get near the corner. They slow down. As they turn the corner they bump against a wall of bodies - big guys who are standing strong.)

BIG GUYS: (Who are still in their boxing work out clothes - ALL HEAVY WEIGHTS - NOT THE KIND OF PEOPLE YOU WANT TO MESS WITH - each take a boy bully and grabs them by the collar and raises them up from the ground.)

VLAD: (In thick Ukrainian accent) OH GOOD! BREAKFAST IS HERE! (Sinisterly) IS THIS THEM, DAI?

DAI: Yes - that's them.

VLAD: (Holding the boy bullies face close to his face, with spit spilling all over the boy bullies face, and speaking angrily and with finality) LISTEN, PENCIL NECKS, AND LISTEN GOOD - DAI - IS ONE OF US FROM NOW ON, AND IF EVEN A SINGLE STRAND OF HAIR ON HIM GETS BOTHERED BY ANY OF YOU, LOW LIFES, WELL - I DON'T WANT TO SPOIL IT - I'LL KEEP IT AS A SURPRISE! BUT HERE'S A LITTLE CLUE - IT WILL BE BLACK, BLUE, AND RED, LOTS OF CRUSHING NOISE ALL OVER. HE HE HE! (Smiles to show his gold teeth.)

(Bully boys are thrown quite a distance. Once they hit the ground, they went running the other way, terrified.)

VLAD: (turns around and looks at EL.) Now, that's how you take care of bully problems once and for all. With heavy weights (boisterously) (High fives the other heavy weights, and then high fives Dai and messes up his hair.)

EL: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Sparring session with Incarnation

TRANSPOSED

SETTING: In front of the steps of the old downtown First Baptist Church. The bustle of the city never stops even if it is well into the night.

EL: Where do you live, Dai?

DAI: I live with my grandma, about five blocks over.

EL: What are you doing out in the street at this time of the night.

DAI: My grandma is the only one who takes care of me now, and she got sick, and now I'm trying to take care of her. I was going to buy her something for her headache and cough.

EL: Did those boys take your money?

DAI: Yes.

EL: (Crushes the box of Chinese in his hand)

DAI: I better get going, Mister El. My grandma must be worried about me by now.

EL: Let me go with you - in case those bullies decide to come back.

(Both get up and make a quick stop to the local drugstore, and back again to Lucky Chan's. Once more, as they leave Lucky Chan's, the store owner and staff start laughing.)

DAI: Why are they laughing, Mister El.

EL: (nonchalantly) Oh, hyenas. That's what they do.

DAI: Hye... Hyenas?

EL: Yeah. Until you THE KING OF THE JUNGLE has moved in to the neighborhood, you're not part of his pride.

DAI: What do you mean? KING OF THE JUNGLE?

EL: THE KING. THE LION JUDAH! JESUS. Have you heard about him?

DAI: Oh, we're Buddhists.

EL: Jesus came 2000 years ago. He is God and He became flesh and lived among us, ordinary folks. He came in the form of a baby. That's why we celebrate Christmas.

(Suddenly, Christmas ornaments become more apparent in the scene. They've always been there but downplayed until now.)

(Both stop at a store front with a Manger Scene)

DAI: Is that Him right there? (Pointing to a statue of Jesus as a baby.)

EL: Yes, that would have been Him two thousand years ago but He didn't stay a baby. He grew up.

DAI: How is HE the King? The King of the Jungle?

EL: He grew up, and at the proper time, He died for you and me.

DAI: Why would he do that?

EL: Have you seen the Lion King?

DAI: Yes.

EL: Do you remember when the whole pride was taken over by the Hyenas?

DAI: Yes.

EL: What happened?

DAI: Everything started becoming dark, and messy. It was like all of Africa was dying. Just like when those gangs took over our neighborhood. It's like it's always dark.

EL: That's what happened to the whole world when sin entered the world, death came into the world. Everything started dying, but what's make it worse is, we have been separated from GOD. But GOD loved us so much, that He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. It's only through Him dying that we can be saved.

DAI: So, if He died, how can He save us?

EL: Well you see, He didn't stay dead. The head Hyena thought that He was down for good. Go ahead, man, you be the ref. Give Him his count.

(Both stops in the middle of the busy street as if looking down at the ground)

DAI: (Acting like a boxing referee) One, two, three...

EL: STOP right there.

DAI: (Excitement on his face) Why? What happened?

EL: Then (dramatic pause), HE ROSE.

DAI: And then what?

EL: So from then on, everyone who believes in JESUS is no longer a Hyena but is transformed into a LION, just like the KING.

DAI: So, what's so bad about being a hyena?

EL: Well, when you are meant to be a LION you can't be a Hyena. And Hyenas don't live forever, but LIONS do - forever with GOD.

DAI: (suddenly sad that they have reached their destination)

EL: Why are you sad?

DAI: I'm not sure what I am?

EL: You can be a LION right here, right now.

DAI: Really?

EL: Let's talk to God right now.

DAI: But I don't know how.

EL: That's okay. I'll lead you in prayer. Say this prayer after me. Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and that I am separated from God. I ask forgiveness for my sins. I believe that You are the Son of God, and that You came to die for my sins. I also believe that You rose from the dead and defeated sin and death once and for all. I receive this free gift of life that you are giving me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

DAI: Jesus, thank you that I'm not a hyena anymore. (holding a bag of chinese of food and some medicines in both hands, runs up the steps of his ran down apartment building) Thanks, Champ!

EL: Yes, Jesus.

DAI: No, mister El, I meant you.

(Escalating orchestral music begins as camera pans out to show the whole city scape - Lion's roar at the end of sequence.)

SPARRING SESSION WITH JOHN 1 MSG

DAI

Setting: Cold dark alley, around 8:41 PM.

THE POSSIE: (Running towards The Man)

(The Man drops the bag of Chinese food he was holding. He assumes the posture of a fighter. The group of young men charge toward him. The Man sees all of their moves, and with mechanical precision, seems to put them into measures in his head. He starts to move as in a Tarantella that he knows full well - even in the back of his mind - anticipating where the moves of the young attackers were going even before they made it. He hesitates to hit them - he just gave them enough to give them a good scare. One by one the young attackers begin to fall to the ground. Once they hit the ground, they ran away from that alley as fast as their feet could take them.)

THE MAN: Are you okay, boy? (He picks up the bag of Chinese food on the ground.)

LITTLE BOY: No, I'm not.

THE MAN: Are you hurt?

LITTLE BOY: Not now. But what happens if you're not around. They're going to be back for me, and they are going to be madder.

THE MAN: (taken aback) Is this... I was just trying to help.

LITTLE BOY: (Vulnerability and hardness mixed in - as if he is trying his hardest to let someone in to the dungeon that he is in) This is the story of my life. Day after day after day - I'm always afraid of when they are coming for me. I wish I could be like you. Then I won't have this problem anymore. Maybe then, they will leave me alone.

THE MAN: (Looks at his bag of Chinese, and then hears his growling stomach once more.) Have you eaten?

LITTLE BOY: (Keeps silent, but holds his stomach as if to silence it from growling)

THE MAN: I... I think I ordered a bit... too much? Would you like to help me finish this? Chinese is never good the next day. But we better get away from here... in case they decide to come back.

LITTLE BOY: Not after the licking they got from you, they won't.

(Both start walking to the Church.)

LITTLE BOY: Are you a fighter, Mister?

ELROI: Elroi - my name is Elroi.

LITTLE BOY: Are you a fighter, Mister Elroi?

ELROI: (A sudden look of sadness in his eyes) Yes... No... I used to be.

LITTLE BOY: (Turn his gaze towards the face of Elroi and seem to recognize him) I know you. You used to be the champ. Man, you got robbed.

ELROI: No - not really - I wasn't robbed of anything.

LITTLE BOY: But that other guy was playing dirty, Mister. He was.

ELROI: (Adamant) No - that was all my fault. I allowed for him to get the better of me. I should have been wiser.

(Now sitting in front of the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH stair steps, both are eating a box of Chinese food.)

ELROI: So, what's your name?

DAI: Dai.

ELROI: Dai? Do you know what your name means?

DAI: Nope - do you?

ELROI: It means GREAT!

DAI: I wish. There ain't nothing great about me.

ELROI: (Extending his hand to Dai) It's great to meet you, Dai.

DAI: (Puzzled - shakes Elroi's hand)

LIGHT IS BREAKING THROUGH

SCENE ONE
Setting: The Old Downtown City Church - late one evening. The neighborhood that once was at the brink of dying is now bustling with life. In just a span of a few years, a host of migrant workers have moved in to the inner city neighborhood. The Man is now the main care-take-care of the Church since Mrs. Johnson had to move in with her sisters. Her health is now beginning to fail her and needed the help of her sisters to take care of her.)

The Man can be seen through a window overlooking the garden. The garden now teeming with life. It has become a canvas for The Man. Different colors break though the dark night and make themselves visible in the moonlight.)

THE MAN: (Tired from the days work, throws his stuff on the coach, opens the window overlooking the garden. As he does, the beauty of the garden welcomes him - a gentle breeze flows by - it brings with it noise from outside the safe walls of the Church and the garden. In it, he could hear music of foreign syncopation, muffled conversations of different tongues. He sits on the window frame, looks out over the roof of the old Church, and looks as if he is imagining what's happening out there.) What could they be talking about? What kind of lives do they live? I know the lives of my students when they are at school, but once they go home, I never know what kind of stuff they deal with.

(Then he hears the sound of stomach growling. He turns to look at his kitchen.)

THE MAN: Great - I don't have anything to eat. (Grabs jacket and dashes out of the house.)

(Scene ends)

SCENE TWO
Setting: The man passes the parsonage where the Pastor and his wife live. He tries to be quiet so as not to awaken them.

(Opens the door to the outside of the Church yard - camera shot reveals a stark contrast from the quiet monastic atmosphere of the Churchyard to that of the neighborhood outside. Camera shot reveals people of varying nationalities walking the streets, some selling, some just talking, some making vague deals. He walks through the crowds.)

(Camerashot revealing marquee LUCKY CHAN CHINESE RESTAURANT)

(Camerashot of The Man looking through all the colorful stuff laid out as menu - seem to suggest a dizzying frenzy of colors - beautiful, but in disarray. He finally makes his choice of what to get, and acts generously but just wants to get out of there.)

STORE OWNER: Mistah, yoh change.

THE MAN: Oh, keep it. Keep it. Thanks.

STORE OWNER: Oh, dis is tip?

THE MAN: Umm... I guess so.

STORE OWNER: Oke, oke, thank you, thank you.

THE MAN: (Quickly dashes out of LUCKY CHAN'S)

STORE OWNER: (Speaking to other store attendants in Chinese)

STORE OWNER and STAFF: (Laughs)

(Camerashot from car's point of view showing man walking back to the Old Downtown Church. He passes by an alley, and suddenly stops. Camera shot from behind The Man as he lowers his arms to his side holding the bag of chinese food. From far-sight of the shot one could see silhouette of teenage boys surrounding a much younger boy.)

THE MAN: (Shouting) HEY, IS EVERYTHING OKAY?

THE POSSIE: (Turns their head towards the Man)

TEENAGE BOY 1: (Says something in a different language angrily.)

THE POSSIE: (Seem to be turning their attention on The Man - they begin to walk closer towards him)

LITTLE BOY: (Only in silhouette and his eyes in terror).

(To be continued)

From sparring session with John 1:1-5 and 14 MSG

IT AIN'T EASY BEING A LION

From a sparring session about Injustice and God's Sovereignty

Setting: (Late one evening, at the Old City Boxing Gym - Camera shot comes from outside of the building into the office of The Coach. They were watching a dvd of the fight where The Man lost his Championship belt.)

THE MAN: (Still in his slacks, polo-shirt, and cardigan - an outfit you wouldn't usually see at a boxing gym - such a juxtaposition from the high-roller or gangsta look of its inhabitants. He leans up against a desk with the other thugs and highrollers behind him. The Man has become a favorite among the other men there - they go to him for help on legal matters. They see him as a go to guy. He quietly watches the footage.)

LORENZO: (A young and upcoming fighter who has come from the barrios. He works as a dishwasher at several restaurants. A hard worker, but could hardly read. He falls victim to corrupt employers who take advantage of him.) Bro, did you see that? Dis guy is playing dirty on you, and da rep didn't even say nothin'.

THE MAN: Didn't say anything, Enzo - remember? Double negatives?

LORENZO: Aww - my bad, Bro. (Slowly) And di rep didn't say anythin'. Bro, it sure did sound better di oder way.

THE MAN: Enzo.

LORENZO: I know - I know. Stay by the rules.

VLAD: (A Ukrainian immigrant who is making waves in the Heavyweight division. He has embodied the high roller look - dress pants, pointed shoes in snake skin, leather jacket - the works - but when he speaks, he speaks with collegiate eloquence, and thick unapologetic Ukrainian accent.)

JUANITA: (Another young fighter who grew up in the streets. She finds boxing as her only way out of the life she fell into.) Yeah, and you become their puppet - to the point that you almost feel like you don't have a voice anymore. Those who play dirty get the upper hand, and we who try to play by the rules become their punching bags.

(Scene ends)

(Later that evening - the gym has cleared out - only The Coach, The Man, and Lorenzo, who always helps put away all the stuff, remains.)

THE MAN: Coach, how do you put up with this business?

THE COACH: I don't.

THE MAN: What do you mean, Coach?

THE COACH: In this world, there are the hyenas and the lions. Always remember which pack you belong to. Those who scavenge get to laugh and holler for now, like those silly Hyenas. But there's only one King of the Jungle, my boy - and He gets the last roar.

LORENZO: Yeah, man. I don wanna be no Hyena.

THE MAN: Enzo.

LORENZO: Aww, my bad, my bad. Man, it ain't easy being a lion.

THE THREE MEN: (starts laughing at what Lorenzo said.)

(Camera pans out of the Gym and into the night sky. Music heightens.)

IN SPITE OF NATURE

Setting: Up in the dusty attic. A lonesome yellow light bulb lights up the room. There is a draft of cold air coming from outside. However, the Man finds solace in the quiet of the night. There, it is safe to cry - it is safe to be a child - it is safe to ask questions - it is a safe place to be instructed and to be made right.


THE MAN: (Down on his knees, clutching the news paper close to his stomach, reverently seeking to understand, tears rolling down his face) (FLASHBACK BEGINS)

Setting: (Dressing room with the Coach.)

THE MAN: (Lying down on the doctors examining bed, holding back the tears, although there seems to be a tsunami that's waiting to burst out of his chest. He remains sportsmanlike in the presence of the examining doctor and Cornerman.)

DOCTOR: You have a slight concussion. You're staying at the hospital for observations overnight, and you will need some stitches for that deep gash near your left eye. (Pauses, and looks on with sympathy as if to a fallen hero) You fought well, Champ. (Looks at the Coach)

THE MAN: (Graciously acknowledges what the doctor said) Thanks, Doc.

CORNERMAN: (Wanting to console The Man and to show solidarity) Hey, Champ - you fought a good fight tonight, and there's no shame in that, you hear?

THE MAN: Thanks, Bro. Sorry for letting you down.

CORNERMAN: Let me down? What the heck are you talking about? That's none sense, bro. (Pauses) (Looks at the Coach, and then The Man) Well, I better get going here. The Mrs. is waiting for me. (Exits the room with the doctor)

(Camera shot shows the room full view - showing the emptiness of the room - the vastness of it - the quietness of it. The Man is still lying down on the medical bed, the Coach standing by. All of a sudden, the tidal wave of emotions find their opening)

THE MAN: (Begins to sob uncontrollably, and struggles to speak) What happened, Coach? Why did I? Where did I go wrong? All I want is to do good - for my students. Why did I lose? We worked so hard, Coach. Why, did I?

(The rooms falls silent after the Man's outpouring of emotions)

THE COACH: (Allows the man to let it all out. He waits, and then, gently and firmly) Get dressed. We need to get going, Kid. (Smiles) You barely won that last round; we need to make sure you win the next one, too.

THE MAN: (As if someone poured a cold bucket of water on him, startled, a bait puzzled, and yet mysteriously refreshed) O, okay, Coach. (rises from the medical bed)

(Camera shot shows The Man, left eye closed shut, bloody nose - a wreck, walking towards camera, as if going about everyday business, as if nothing ever happened.)

THE COACH: (Smiles) Good boy!

From a sparring session with Proverbs 29:11 MSG and Dr. Constable's commentary on Genesis 26: 19-26 at Soniclight.com

WIDE-OPEN SPACES

Setting: Gray light is sparsely scattered throughout a dusty attic.

THE MAN: (Still in his work-clothes, steps into the room, his silhouette blocking the light from the lamp posts outside. He looks around as if compelled to face a ghost from a humiliating past. He hesitates, but he finds the courage to face the burlatero. He goes in deeper into the room making his way through the clutter of old stuff, yet his gait seem to indicate that he knows just where to go to find what he is looking for. Tension in the music rises as he gets closer.)

(Camera up-shot of The Man's face.)

THE MAN: (With excitement and dread mixed together; he mutters under his breath) There it is.

(He reaches for a pile of news papers. As he lifts up the pile Flashback begins...)

(Sounds from he glorious past: cameras clicking, people shouting out his name, applause, crowd cheering, round bell going off)

(FLASH BACK)

RING ANNOUNCER: (Booming voice) And the winner, and still is the Champion of the World, (Shouts out name).

CROWD: (goes crazy) Go, champ!

(The news paper pile seem to echo what is no longer there.)

THE MAN: (... painfully and slowly goes to the bottom of the pile. He slowly pushes the others to reveal the bottom newspaper.)

(Music stops suddenly)

THE MAN: (Look of dismay in his eyes, mixed with anger and fear.)

(FLASHBACK)

MRS. PEPPER: (Looking away) I can't look! Can't they stop the fight!

(FLASHFORWARD)

THE MAN: (Cornered - covering his face with his gloves, although arms are slowly lowering leaving his head exposed - left eye already closed shut, blood flowing down the side of his face.)

ANNOUNCER: The Champ is taking a beating! What a humiliation!

(The Referee finally steps in and stops the fight.)

THE MAN: (Arms finally falls to his side in relief, but shoulders sink in defeat. His head falls on the referee's shoulder as he steps in to block the other fighter from continuing the punishment.)

THE REF: (Wraps one of his arms around the badly beaten Champ, and with the other, orders the other to go to his corner.) IT'S OVER! GO TO YOUR CORNER!

THE MAN: (...now finds himself at the mercy of the Referee.)

THE REF: (Looking at The Man's corner men) Take him. Take him.

ANNOUNCER: This day will be remembered for years. What an upset! Many fans are broken hearted right now to see their Champ go through a beating like this.

THE MAN: (In disbelief - his corner men helps him get back to his corner.)

THE COACH: (Rushes to meet him - catches him with both arms open wide)

THE MAN: (Slumps into the Coach's arms, and begins to sob)

THE COACH: (As a father showing compassion to a child, holds The Man's head closer as if consoling a little kid.) It's alright, boy.

(The Man hears those words a lot, but when they come from THE COACH they are like the Rock of Gibraltar, to a man cornered a prelude to wide-open spaces).

Inspired from my sparring session with GENESIS 26: 19-26 MSG.

THE HOPES AND FEARS OF ALL THE YEARS

SETTING: Early evening. There is a glow in the Winter Sky. Although a blanket of thick clouds covers the sky, the Sunset radiates from behind. As if it is saying, "I'm here."

THE MAN: (Comes out from the school front doors to his car. One could tell that the day has been filled with stress and challenges. He takes a glimpse at the glow in the sky. His face indicating a sense of hope - as if there is magic in the air. He throws his teacher stuff inside the car, and then pauses some more to marvel at that moment. He knows that moments like these are rare - he might never see a Winter sky like this again.)

(Camera focuses on the sky, which is now turning more nightly)

(Then to the face of the man - camera shot showing his eyes as if indicating the years that have passed in his life - his eyes looking tired and disappointed. The man takes a deep breath as if a sigh of regret for the moment that passed. He rubs his eyes, and then goes on with life. He utters under the breath...)

THE MAN: Okay, old man, time to get on with life.

(Camera shot shows him turing on ignition - changing the gear in his car - he looks at the rearview mirror - camera shot focuses on mirror where FLASHBACK begins )

THE MAN: (looks at the rearview mirror showing the inside of a packed arena with the crowd on its feet. Two fighters are slugging it out in the ring. The crowd goes crazy. Camera shot zooms in on the fight.)

FLASHBACK or FLASHFORWARD)

FIGHT SCENE: The fight shows The Man as one of the prizefighters. He receives a wicked right hook to the head and falls to the canvas. The ref counts him off, but he gets up on his feet and resumes the fight. The crowd goes crazy. He feels a sudden surge of energy and moves in on the other fighter. He throws combination after combination. LIGHTING MIRRORS THAT OF THE GLOWING WINTER SKY IN THE OPENING SCENE. The man moves with precision and and eloquence. The other fighter is overwhelmed with the fury of The Man's counter attack. The other fighter is now on the ropes - then slow motion - camera from behind the other fighter - The Man finishes with a left hook - the other fighters head turns to the direction of the punch and then falls to the canvas revealing The Man standing FRONT CENTER looking as if he had just used up the last bit of energy in him. The crowd jumps to their feet.)

(Camera shot pans out of the rearview mirror)

(Car honking)

The Man: (Seems to wake up from his day dream and gives an apologetic wave at the car behind him, and then drives away.)

(Sound from the car radio playing a 50's version of O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM - singer is singing the lines, "The hope and fears of all the years, are met in the Thee tonight.")

(Camera pans out from above showing long stretch of the road with The Man's car driving off into the distance. Music goes from a muffled radio sound to full sound.)

Inspired by: Genesis 26:19-26

UNSHELLED

World Hope International started because of the desperate cry of two ordinary women. The Lord heard them and unshelled them. Because of this many people have been freed from a life of 21st century human slavery. Unshell us, Lord.

https://www.worldhope.org/

HOMELIFE IS WORDLIFE

I wonder if Dedan had any inkling that the Ashurites, Letushites and Leummites were all going to come from him (Gen. 25). Makes me wonder what groups of people are going to come from me, Lord permits. What kind of descendants would you like to have? The Word of God gives us prescriptions on how to ensure we pass on a good lifeline.

"Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children. And shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ESV).

First thing to do is to worship, and worship passionately. Second, hide God's words in your heart - memorize - Fighter Verse 2011, here we come! Thirdly, teach what you have hidden in your heart to your children - not sometimes, but all the time. Consider how much time they spend on the computer or TV, then match that, or maybe even, surpass that. Live the Word of God in your household - when you sit, when you walk, when lie down, when you rise - that's every moment of the day. Ask God for creativity. Man, this is exciting!

THE PROMISE

Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise. Zechariah said in his song in Luke 1:72 about Jesus' coming birth:

"... to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant..."

Christmas is a time to remember how God fulfills what He has promised. In Numbers 23:19, it says:

"God is not man that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has he said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not fulfill it?"

As we give gifts this Christmas, and as we fulfill promises that we have given our loved ones, let us remember the ultimate fulfillment of a promise - one that was given to Abraham a long time ago. God still fulfills His promises today.

UNLEASHED

BAIL OUT PLAN

God is the only and real BAIL OUT PLAN.

ENTER THE DRAGON

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely. And let us run with endurance the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1 ESV). Lay aside. The enemy, Satan, has us right where he wants us. We see these parasitic sins as something much bigger than what they really are. We have allowed for maggots and worms to bully us into believing that we do not have power against them. Notice the language of the writer: lay aside - such a contrast from the adrenalized words of the rest of the chapter. One lays aside picnic baskets, or books, or pencils, or teddy bears, or poodles. We are to do the same thing about sin. The chapter goes on to say that Christ's passion happened so that we wouldn't give up and lose hope. He's already beaten the bully, and has reduced it to miniature size.

I used to travel to a school in the "rougher side" of town. The kids there can be intimidating. When I walk down the hallway, I could hear some of them saying things that they shouldn't be saying to anyone, let alone a teacher. I could hear some say China Man, or Jackie Chan. A teacher in their right mind would have stopped and brought that child to the office, or reprimanded the child right there. But I let the roughness of the place intimidate me so I kept quiet. Until one day, I had enough. I remembered who I was. By golly, I'm A TEACHER in this school and it's my job to TEACH. As I walked down the hallway one morning, I heard it again, "Hey, Jackie Chan!" I slowly turned around, honed in on who said it with calculated precision, pointed at him, and I said, "You!" Then in Bruce Lee fashion, with an outstretched arm, signaled him with my fingers to come. The child, stunned, left his possy and came closer to me. What happened next was nothing like Enter The Dragon. I simply TAUGHT. I proceeded to tell the child that my name is Mr. Talaguit and that he is to address me as such from now on, and not all Asians are Chinese, and that some might find it offensive to be called what they are not, which in this case, I'm a Filipino.

In Romans 5:17 it says:
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
The reign of the bully called SIN is over. Now God's children get to reign through Jesus Christ. Let us remember who we are in Chirst, and tell that SIN, "Step aside, I have a race to finish."

LIFELINE

Turn off the TV. Stop checking your iPhone. Eat together. Disagree a little. Make up. Talk. Pray. Drive together. This is how the lifeline is passed along from one generation to another.

MIRACLE MILE

Let us run with endurance the race set before us - knowing that Jesus will strengthen us. Fatigue does not stand a chance against my God. Burn out melts before Him. With God there is hope even at the end of the rope. He can make a way in the wilderness. He can turn the Red Sea into a "miracle mile".

IN IT TOGETHER

Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses let us also lay aside every weight, and sin that clings so closely. We are not alone in this race. Our sins do not only affect us, but it affects others.

HEART, SOUL AND MIGHT

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. God made our heart, soul and might. That is why all these three, which make up the whole person, are to love the Lord our God.

ONE

Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God, the Lord is one. There is no other God besides our God. He is the only One. He has no equals, and no one is a threat to Him. Our allegiance needs to be focused on Him alone. Superman has Lex Luthor, Democracy has Communism, Lions have Hyenas, but God, nothing and no one poses a threat to Him. He is above all. I rest me in that thought today.

"LIGA"

words and music by:
David L. Talaguit
© COPYRIGHT 2010. DAVID L. TALAGUIT

NOTHING BUT NET

In Genesis 24 God guides the people involved in the choosing of the wife for Isaac. God was there every step of the way so that His choice for Isaac will be chosen by Abraham's servant.

I've been a Christian for a long time, but I still have wrong concepts about God that I am not aware I still held in my head. One of them is this "Mt. Olympus" kind of god concept of our Father in heaven. Somehow I still think that He is like a god on Mt. Olympus who is detached from us and would come down from time to time to intervene in the lives of the mortals. I was so wrong.

That's why making choices becomes a scary experience that leads to procrastination and indecisiveness. As long as I am walking closely with my God then I can be sure that I am getting the best guidance there is. When I sometimes lose my way, He faithfully leads me back close to Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7 ESV).

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

God strategically places His children in different mission fields just like He placed Paul, Peter and the other disciples where they introduced the Heaven agenda into the existing cultures of their time. The world has never been the same since. It is wonderful to know that in someway or another, I am making a difference in this part of the world that God has placed me in. Abraham did the same thing in Genesis 23. The people he dealt with knew that he was functioning from a foreign point of view, a higher point of view.

My community is the school where I work, the grocery store where I shop, the coffee house where I hang out, my neighborhood, my coworkers, the shoe repair shop, the dry-cleaners, the boxing gym, the local PTA, the after school program, the county hospital, the neighborhood crime watch, - the harvest truly is plenty, and it's right in my neighborhood.

TIME TO LEAVE

Pastor used Psalm 120 last Sunday to set the setting for our Worship:

Psalm 120 (MSG)
1-2 I'm in trouble. I cry to God, desperate for an answer:
"Deliver me from the liars, God!
They smile so sweetly but lie through their teeth."

3-4 Do you know what's next, can you see what's coming,
all you barefaced liars?
Pointed arrows and burning coals
will be your reward.

5-7 I'm doomed to live in Meshech,
cursed with a home in Kedar,
My whole life lived camping
among quarreling neighbors.
I'm all for peace, but the minute
I tell them so, they go to war!


God is our deliverer from the troubles of this world. To Him belongs our desperate cries for help. Not even the most cunning deceptions of men can get pass our God. We live in a war zone, but we are hidden inside God's pinions.