“Ito ang Pinoy!” at the 32nd Manila International Book Fair

From electing a new president to showcasing unique talents in sports, arts, and other forms of expression, we Filipinos have definite reasons to stand proud and to appreciate our worth as a people.

As this year’s 32^nd Manila International Book Fair re-opens a new chapter to local publishers and book enthusiasts, Church Strengthening Ministry also chooses to strengthen the Pinoy spirit as we bring you, “Ito ang Pinoy!” CSM values our Filipino roots as we feature Filipino-authored books, audio books, and videos sold at a very affordable price of P100 each!

With a lineup of materials crafted in the light of God’s Word, CSM seeks to provide a stream of resources for readers to find encouragement and affirmation amidst the storms that batter us.

The 32^nd MIBF is happening on September 14-18, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay (beside Mall of Asia). Visit Church Strengthening Ministry at booth numbers 40-42 and get better value for your money.

Meet our local authors like Rex Resurreccion, Ed Lapiz, Eric Maliwat, Joey Umali, and more, and witness the launch of CSM’s newest titles on September 17.

Sale items are limited to 200 copies for each title only. Free entrance passes for the book fair are available at the CSM office at Pascor Drive, Sto. Niño, Parañaque City. Call 851-0521 & 25 for more details.

Pre-ordering will be from September 5 to 9 only via email at order@csm-publishing.com. Check out CSM’s website at www.csm-publishing.com for the pre-ordering guidelines and to see the list of available resources for sale. 

Who Wants to Be Rich?

I guess the right question to ask is, “How does one become rich?” Most people would probably not shy away from being rich, or at least from having more than enough, of having the ability to buy whatever one needs and desires. There are too many books out in the market sharing secrets and tips on how to get rich. I haven’t read most of them, but there is one book that I was eager enough to buy and read—the book The Power to Create Righteous Wealth by Rene Resurreccion.

The author is an entrepreneur and a well-sought motivational speaker and trainer who believes that it is possible to create wealth the right way, and that wealth management is not merely for one’s own material gain. Wealth is something to be used and shared for the glory of God.

In his Preface, the author promised to train and motivate the readers to earn more, save more, invest more, and give more. The first three actions of earning, saving, and investing are common principles in money management. The book’s chapters on life planning, work ethic, saving, and business offer insightful ideas with biblical perspectives. No matter what phase of life you are in, the chapter on life planning will challenge you to consider how you are currently spending not only your money, but also your life. And don’t jump right away into thinking that going into business is not for you; jump instead to the chapter on business to unlock your personal entrepreneurial competencies.

But I think the more revolutionary thought in the book is the idea of giving more. The author proposes that we are blessed to be a blessing to other people and to the kingdom of God. That’s why he includes giving as part of wealth management. How to give and to whom to give could be an eye opener to those not familiar with the practice of giving. But let it not just open your eyes. Let it also open your hands to give.

The Power to Create Righteous Wealth is so rich in ideas you’ll be excited about getting rich. This title is  published by Church Strengthening Ministry (CSM). It’s available at CSM Bookstore, PCBS, and National Bookstores. 

A Trip to the Post Office

After several years, I made a trip back to the post office to mail a receipt to a distant client. I used to go to the post office to claim packages of books, make money orders, and yes, mail letters. But with the advent of courier services, credit cards, and emails, I didn't have a reason anymore to go back there until the other day. Although what I saw was not surprising, it still hit me. It's finally sinking in. 

Whereas before, there were many tellers simultaneously feeding envelopes into the metered machines while chattering with each other, now there were only a handful of employees. There were only three or four tables inside, and there was much space unlike before when big boxes and piles of mails were all over the place.It wasn't as noisy as before when I used to frequent the post office. That day, aside from me, there were only two other ladies doing business at the post office, applying for a postal ID. Before I left though, a few students arrived to inquire about stamps. 

An old lady approached the window where I lined up to get stamps. I recognized her from my past visits. All these years, she has stayed at the post office. She looks thinner and her hair has turned gray. Cheerfully, she handed me three tiny stamps which I paid promptly for a very small amount, definitely cheaper than the fee for a courier service. Within less than 10 minutes, I had finished my transaction with the post office. 

I read a note just about three weeks earlier that we must be ready to imagine a world without the post office. Technology and innovative services have undoubtedly replaced the post office because it can deliver services faster and more conveniently. I myself have stopped going to the post office until the other day. I felt a bit sad, though, for something that will soon be disappearing. I think we feel that way most of the time for people and things that mean a lot to us. But when something or someone goes away, another thing comes along. Hopefully, that something or someone is much better.