So You Wanna Go Out? (Dating 101)

Where does the term 

“dating” come from?

1. The Bible NEVER mentions the word "dating".

2. Dating is CULTURAL.

Seven Habits of Highly Defective Dating

1. Dating that doesn’t have God at the CENTER

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. - Matthew 6:33

2. Dating that is with a NON-CHRISTIAN

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness. - II Corinthians 6:14

3. Dating that skips the “FRIENDSHIP” stage

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. - Romans 12:10

4. Dating that ISOLATES a couple from other vital relationships

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. - Galatians 5:13

5. Dating that distracts a person from thinking about the FUTURE

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future. - Proverbs 19:20

6. Dating that has someone trying to OWN the other person

You were bought at a price ; do not become slaves of men. - I Corinthians 7:23

7. Dating that mistakes a PHYSICAL relationship for love

For this is the will, your sanctification: that you should abstain form sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor; not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God. - I Thessalonians 4:3-5

Why Should I Date?

1. Dating helps us to GROW as individuals

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6

2. Dating helps or allows us to contribute to the GROWTH and betterment of another person

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. - Hebrews 10:25

3. Dating helps prepare us for the “RIGHT” MARRIAGE partner

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. - Ephesians 5:31

Present choices affect future marriages.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. - Galatians 6:8-9

What To Avoid In Choosing Your Date

1. The first AVAILABLE syndrome

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. - Hebrews 10:36

2. Being fooled by the EXTERNALS

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” - I Samuel 16:7

Setting Standards Before You Go Out

1. Start with setting standards from the BEGINNING

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. - Matthew 6:33

2. Never allow the two of you to be ALONE in a house together or have “DEAD TIME” on your date

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. - I Peter 5:8

3. PRAY before and at the end of each date

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Mark 14:38

5. DRESS in a way that encourages your date to treat you with respect

Abstain from all appearance of evil - I Thessalonians 5:22

6. Don’t COMPROMISE any of your standards to make them happy

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “ We ought to obey God rather than men.” - Acts 5:29

Why Should I Set Standards

1. Setting standards shows that GOD is important in your life

Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” - Matthew 22:37

2. Setting standards shows that your future SPOUSE is important in your life

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. - Ephesians 5 31

3. Setting standards shows that you care about YOUR OWN life

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. - I Corinthians 3:16-17

One Last Thought

God wants us to HONOR Him in every area of our lives, including our dating lives. One way to do that is through setting STANDARDS and then sticking to those standards.

-Randy Harp-

Birthday Series: Balay Negrense, Silay City

The Balay Negrense was originally the ancestral house of Victor F. Gaston, a son of Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and Prudencia Fernandez. Built in 1897,[2] the structure housed Victor Gaston and his twelve children from 1901 until his death in 1927. Left unused by the family, the structure was abandoned in the mid-1970s and fell into disrepair until a group of concerned Negrenses formed what would later become the Negros Cultural Foundation and managed to acquire the house from the heirs of Gaston through a donation. With donations from prominent individuals and later the Department of Tourism, the structure was repaired and furnished with period furniture and fixtures. The museum was officially inaugurated on October 6, 1990.

This museum/ancestral house is in the same city as with the airport so this is the nearest tourist spot that you can visit from the Silay-Bacolod Airport. T'was our last day in Bacolod and we had an early flight the next day so we opted to visit Balay Negrense before leaving.

You will see the house's original furniture and decorations inside, but we're not allowed to touch any of the antique items on display. The reception area at the ground floor is spacious and airy. 

We came there around 4:30 pm, almost near closing time. Entrance fee is PHP50.

Music is an integral part in the lives of Silaynon (natives of Silay). They say most houses there have pianos. The city is known to have produced several Sopranos like Conchita Gaston, granddaughter of Victor Gaston.

Once you get to the second floor, you will immediately see a wide window with the view of Silay and the San Diego Cathedral Church.

This table shows the genealogy of the Gaston Family from Yves and Filomena down to the current descendants.  

We went inside the Museum Gift shop to buy souvenirs.  

They also sell artworks of Silay artists there.

We bought refrigerator magnets and key chains, as we usually do when we visit a new place. 

It's our tradition.

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Note: 

Balay Negrense is open from Tuesdays to Sundays. 

Closed on Mondays, and also on holidays. 

Birthday Series: Calea Cake House

The cakes inside the glass chiller were overwhelming. I stood there staring at the cakes, God knows how long and I couldn't decide which to pick. 

Travelers consider the place a must-visit, and its cakes a must-have! 

I never thought that the prices were really that affordable! Compared to the other coffee shops I tried Calea offer not just enjoyable treats but also pocket-friendly delights. Mygewd! i love it!.

Their cakes are perfect partner for their coffee too.

The rich velvety texture and the simplicity of its cheesecakes, probably the only one of its kind in the Philippines. Yummy!

Calea, serves probably one of the most excellent and cheapest cakes in the WORLD! Chos. 

A place you shouldn't miss when going to Bacolod! I swear! 

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And while i'm making this blog, right now, I just wanna book another flight back to Bacolod to have a taste of their cakes again. Oh em!

Take me back to Calea!!! K. Bye.

Birthday Series: Mambukal Resort

Mambukal Resort lies 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as a gateway to Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park. Originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927, the resort started as a bathhouse and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses and their guests.

After a 45-minute trip, we arrived at the gate of Mambukal Resort. (Fee: 50PHP)

What a refreshing sight! It’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

We rented the ordinary tourist lodge for PHP 600. 

And once again, this place is all about "walking", kapagod! Haha

The best known feature of Mambukal Resort is the Hot Sulfuric Pool located near the Camping Grounds. 

 Water's boiling hot, like me. HUH? Haha! Kidding! You can boil eggs there, and if you're annoyed at someone just push them in the pool. Haha 

For more intimate encounters with nature, try the Canopy Walk, with its hanging bridges. Or go all-out and challenge yourself on the Wall Climbing or the Slide for Life. Unfortunately for us, the activities were not available that day. :( Huhu So sad, it's my birthday! WHY? oh WHY? chos.

The only activity available was, well, boating. -__- Why not? It's my birthday!!! LOL

My sister looks happier. Haha

Uhm, hey sis! im not so sure about this! A lil help please! :p

oh so happy!! yey. Haha

galing naman ni Kuya tour guide kumuha ng pics, kasama yung dalawang lovers. Haha Thanks kuya!

Itigil na natin toh! chos

Water from the Sulfuric Pool is channeled and cooled to bearable limits for the Dipping Pool.

Mambukal Resort is also a sanctuary for the Philippine Fruit Bat or the Flying Fox. A rare mega-bat and one of the largest bats in the world.. If only I had a longer lens, I could have captured it. Charing

Here's a pic from google.

so cute! Haha

So much for batman, hehe. Let's proceed to the waterfalls. Yippeee!

 Mambukal Resort has a guided trail that will lead you all the way to the Seventh Falls up in the mountain.  Just be careful especially during the rainy season. If you are afraid to get lost, you can hire a guide for PHP150

The Sixth Falls, is usually the last stop for most trekkers, but we didn't get that far. Hahaha! It was a long day, we got tired! (lusot) :p

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It's a vacation so I wanted to relax, and relax some more!!! ZzzzZZz, and it's my birthday! K? :p

And to make the experience extra special, we paid PHP400/each for a full body massage at the Blade Spa. 

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Buses are outside Mambukal Resort. 

Headed back to Bacolod City the next day.