Be Intentional!
338 words
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV
Did you know…? GOOGLE was originally named “BACKRUB”? The domain Google.com was
registered on September 15, 1997 by founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. However, they had
another name for their search engine. They called it “BackRub”. – (source:
https://gizmodo.com/the-evolution-of-googles-iconic-logo-1582297667/1605435217)
Google today is one of the most widely used web source of knowledge and information.
Students run to Google for their assignments.
Albert Einstein once said, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to
acquire it”. Many people put in their prayers to God, “Lord, give us the heavenly wisdom to
know what is right from wrong”. Just like in the prayer of Solomon, when he was called to be
the king of Israel after his father David, he asked one thing from the Lord – wisdom. He felt his
unworthiness to be the king of God’s nation. Because of that act of humbleness, Solomon
became the wisest king in his time.
In our case, especially in this last days, the deception of our greatest enemy becomes very
deceptive. For a long time, he had already mastered his methods to trap the people of God. If
we do not have enough wisdom, then there will be a possibility that we may fall into deception.
We are now living in a very critical time. We need the wisdom which is from above to guide us
always. But how? Can we get it from constant prayer without a diligent study of the word of
God? No we can’t.
The Bible is a very important textbook in Adventism that God left to be our guide and standard.
We need to study it to show ourselves approved unto God. “For My people are destroyed for
lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Let us not reject the knowledge from God and continue in
fervent prayer and Bible Study. Let us be intentional in our spiritual walk!
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
Life Plan Insurance
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“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10, KJV
Did you know…? Mayflies spend two to three years as nymphs at the bottom of lakes and
streams and then live for as little as one hour as winged adult before dying. – (source: Guinness
Book of World Records 2009)
Nobody knows about tomorrow, that is why many people today have been paying for their Life
Plan Insurances.
Planning is an essential part of life. Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are
preparing to fail”. Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled.
They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest.
“Purpose” is an important element in the planning process. However, seeking God’s will for us
is foremost. When planning, try to ask yourself: Is this God’s plan for me? Will God approve this
plan of mine? Christ in His life on earth made no selfish plans for personal human agenda. He
accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we
depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our
ways to Him, He will direct our steps.
We do have plans which we think it is the best place for us, where we tend to think it is the only
work we can do. Well we can do more with that. Let God set our limitations. Try to commit your
works to God. The Bible says, “Commit your works to God, and your thoughts shall be
established” (Prov 16:3). Let God’s will be done in your life. When we include God in our plans,
we have the best and the most insured life plan. Remember, you could have the better plans,
but God always have the best. Life is too short to follow our desires. Seek God’s agenda.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
Love Talks
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“And this is love that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, that, as you
have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.” 2 John 1:6, KJV
Did you know…?
When we speak of things about love, teenagers get excited. Teenagers love to listen to love
stories. However there are also young minds who claims that they are “bitter”. “Walang
Forever”, they say. What really is love?
There are two good types of love: love to man (filial) and love of God (agape). The bible says,
“For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another”
(1 Jn 3:11). “He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now” (1 Jn
2:9). Respect, acceptance and forgiveness are the best ways to show our love for our fellow.
Mocking, judging and also trifling with hearts are a contrast to God’s will.
Love originates from God. Love is a blessing! If not because of love, we won’t acquire
redemption from the killing grip of sin. Love is the highest commandment. “The end of the
commandment is love out of a pure heart” (1 Tim. 1:5). But, Satan, a very clever enemy,
introduced lustful love (eros) to this world. Beware of this! We are warned! 1 John 2:15 says,
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the
love of the Father is not in him”. Beware! Satan might take hold on you.
God loves us so much. He offered His life for us. What have we done in return? Have shown our
love for God? Do we love Him in return? Well majority will strongly say, “yes of course!” But, is
it genuine? Love to God requires obedience to His commandments. John 14:15 says “If you love
Me, keep My commandments”. And love is the essence and foundation of God’s
commandment.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
Hello Strangers!
338 words
“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unaware.” Hebrews 13:1-2, KJV
Did you know…?
Do you believe that angels are everywhere? Well, in fact, angels could be everywhere. Aside
from the third (1/3) part of the angels in heaven who were cast down here on earth due to
rebellion to God, we also have been assured that God also sends His angels to guide, guard and
protect His people on earth.
One text that assures us of the presence of Holy Angels is found in Exodus 23:20. It says,
“Behold I send an angel ahead of you, to guard you along the way, and to bring you to the place
I have prepared”. As long as we are doing the will of our heavenly Father, we are assured of the
companionship and protection of His angels. Holy Angels are present: and they are always at
your side. Though you can’t see them, but you can feel them if you are willing enough to feel
their presence and be under God’s leading.
Angels are God’s representatives. If we continue to read Exodus 23:21, it says, “for my name is
in him”, God said. Now, our key text for today focuses on “hospitality”. Some if not most of us,
sometimes, when we meet strangers, we treat them differently. Because they are strangers to
us, we could not find a single moment to greet them a good day. May our key text for today be
a lesson for us. We might not know that the stranger you met was an angel, who knows? You
might miss the blessing. 3 John 5 says “Beloved, you do faithfully whatsoever you do for the
brethren and for strangers”.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
From Where are You?
336 words
“For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus.” Philippians
3:20, ASV
Did you know…? Mr. Mark Zuckerberg is the CEO of the social networking site Facebook, which
he founded in February 2004. Today, he is the youngest US Dollar Billionaire. – (Source:
Guinness Book of World Records 2009)
Life on earth today is tough. Aside from the rising rate of immorality and violence, competition
and greed is widespread. Maybe not true to all, because there are still good and generous
people out there. But commonly, this kind of environment is present in our society today. The
focus of many is more on improving their life. They work hard to acquire this and that. They
strive to have unending supply of money and resources for their daily consumptions. Man is
focused primarily on surviving.
I can find no fault in acquiring stuffs of our modern days. There is nothing wrong with enjoying
the technologies we have today. But to forget our true identity and purpose, now that would be
a very big problem. The Bible says, “For our citizenship is in heaven”. Everything in this world is
but temporary. The sad thing is that, many people today thinks of earth as a permanent home.
They enjoyed all the things in this world. They have considered earth as their residence that’s
why they keep on having fun time with worldly pleasures, and forget their true citizenship. They
settled themselves in this world so much that they tend to forget their relationship with God
due to too much enjoyment.
It is high time to wake up and see the reality. Let us stand to our true identity. No wonder why
the Lord Jesus told us to lay our treasures in heaven (Luke 12:33) it is because our real home is
there. Don’t let the world own you and hold you from returning to your real home which is
Heaven. We are citizens of heaven so act like one.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
Chalked Up
336 words
“If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put that on my account.” Philemon v18, KJV
Did you know…?
Slavery was very rampant in the ancient times as far as world history is concerned. Selling of
human slaves is common in the past. Wealthy people before, buy slaves for themselves. Most
of the slaves experience oppression, maltreatment, physical, and even sexual harassment from
their masters. And once you are a slave, you have no right in any societal privileges. If you do
something wrong against your master, he can put you into immediate execution.
Onesimus was a runaway slave, a hunted fugitive whose life was in constant danger. Because
he had wronged his legal owner, Onesimus became a hiding man from his master Philemon.
But, things changed when he met Paul in Rome. Onesimus’ conversion to Christ through Paul’s
ministry greatly affected the life of this runaway slave. He knew he could not hide his whole life.
So when Paul knew everything about it, he wrote a letter addressed to Philemon. Paul’s letter
of intercession became a powerful channel of reconciliation for Onesimus and Philemon. Paul
wrote to Philemon, “If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he has
wronged you or owes anything from you, put that on my account”.
We have the nature of being enslaved to sin. When our fore-parents fell into sin, all the human
race were affected and is separated from God. Human, instead of experiencing the peaceful life
of their unfallen nature, suffered the consequences of a fallen nature. But here comes Jesus,
pleading to the Father for the forgiveness of our iniquities: willingly offered Himself as the
sacrificial Lamb to redeem us. He put our sins on His account. Christ already freed us from the
bondage of sin, but why do we keep sinning?
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
Facebook
336 words
“Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth
before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore”. Ecclesiastes 12:1, NLT
Did you know…?
Modern technologies brings good and bad effects in every human life. Well, life is at its best
with the new improved machines today. Technologies makes life easier and comfortable. It
makes our work faster and lighter. They give us easier access to details and information at our
immediate need. But, however good these technologies are, they also bring bad effects to us.
Procrastination, laziness, complications and illnesses, lack of sleep, unrest, uncontrolled
temper, too much usage of energy, maybe these are just some of the degrading effects of
technologies. Students no longer value the essence of books and manual labor. They have
replaced the habit of reading with playing Mobile Legends and other mobile games. And do you
know what the worse is? It is when these modern technologies steal our time with God. Try to
compare. How long do we spend time for Facebook compared to our personal bible reading?
Do we also spend sleepless nights in prayer like we also spend with our gadgets?
Jesus’ life was as busy as our lives could ever be, yet He was often found in prayer. We are told
that many times Jesus left the disciples to go off by Himself to “to seek retirement and
unbroken communion with His Father” (DA 363). Let us develop the same relationship with
God. It is only through constant prayer and study that we can maintain our connection with
Christ. Spend less of our time in Facebook and other social media. Let us spend more time in
seeking His FACE, and reading His BOOK. When we need strength for a task, wisdom to solve a
problem, forgiveness when we have fallen into sin, or peace for our feverish lives – God is there
waiting for us to open our hearts for communion with Him.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
Work Partner
336 words
“But you will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses
unto all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the world.” Acts 1:8, KJV
Did you know…?
Before Jesus left for heaven, He gave several instructions to His disciples. The well-known
gospel commission recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 were some of the last words and instructions
for His followers. Each of disciples were given by God the task to go and make disciples,
teaching all nations the things God taught them. Then the book of Matthew came to a close.
The continuation of the story in the book of Acts. After Christ’s ascension, it was not mentioned
that the disciples immediately preached after the commissioning. Why? Don’t they know the
message they are to preach? Don’t they know to whom they are going to preach? Don’t they
know where they will preach? All of these things they know. But why?
Acts 1 tells us that right after Christ’s ascension, they gathered together in the upper room and
“continued with one accord in prayer” (v14). Then, Chapter 2 of Acts tells the events wherein,
the Holy Spirit filled the lives of the disciples and they started to speak in unknown tongues.
After this event, they started to evangelize effectively. A strong evidence to their effectiveness
is found in Acts 2:41 that goes, “and the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls”. Imagine?
You might be good in your work right now, but you will be more effective if you let the Holy
Spirit accompany you. You might be powerful in your ministry now, but it will be a momentous
experience if you will be working with the Holy Spirit. Indeed, there is a big difference in
working with the Holy Spirit. Ask for the Holy Spirit and experience the new version of you.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
The Foundation
336 words
“For no other foundation can a man lay than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ”. 1 Corinthians
3:11, KJV
Did you know…?
The word “foundation” could have a lot of meaning. Say for example, “It is difficult to take up
music courses, if you don’t have any foundation about the subject matter”. In this statement,
the word could mean “background knowledge”. The same word is used as a terminology in
carpentry. “In order to have a strong structure, the foundation must be strong also”: which
applies to the base of the structure.
Having a proper foundation of your faith is an important ingredient to being an effective
laborer of Christ. We need to have a background knowledge of the mission we are in. For us to
have an effective ministry, we need to have a properly founded faith and knowledge of God
and our mission. How can we build such foundation?
The Bible says, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Another thing to ponder: 2
Corinthians 3:9, 16 states that, “For we are laborers together with God: you are God’s field, you
are God’s building… Know you not that you are the temple of God?” Since we are God’s
building, we need to have a strong foundation so that when tempests of trials and temptations
come, we will not fall down. How can we have one?
“For no other foundation can a man lay than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 3:11). The
text implies that, to be a solid and a strong building of God, Jesus must be our foundation. Let
us put Him on top of our priorities, the center of our daily living, and let Him rule our lives. With
Christ as the foundation of our faith, our Spiritual and Christian life will be a meaningful one.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
Get Up Buddy!
348 words
“And let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and
perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1, 2, KJV
Did you know…?
Have you heard about Derrick Redmond? He was a European champ in the 400 meter dash in
His time. He broke the British record twice (years 1985 & 1987). However, his career was
consistently interrupted by injuries.
Redmond participated in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. In the elimination rounds,
he posted the best time record. He was favored to win the event. However, in the semi-finals,
250 meters on the run, he hobbled to a halt and fell to the ground in pain. His hamstring tore.
Medics came, but he decided to get up. He hobbled along the track determined to finish his
race.
How many times in our spiritual race that we also hobbled into a halt? Have you ever counted
the times you stumbled down along the track? Or maybe until now you still weren’t able to get
up? There were members of the church who were very much active in participating every
church programs and activities, but then, they hobbled into a halt, and you haven’t seen them
in the church anymore. They fell to the ground in pain due to hurtful words, discouragements,
conflict with fellow members, and other reasons. Some stumbled down due to their darling
sins. This is a reality we cannot neglect.
We are already nearing the finish line. Do you see members who are in a halt? Help them stand
up. Or maybe you yourself is on the ground? Get up buddy if you are! The race is not yet over
so don’t you ever give up! Get up from where you fell, and finish your race. God is waiting for
you in the finish line!
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
Bought at a High Price
344 words
“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold… but with the precious blood
of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19, KJV
Did you know…? Tokyo, Japan is the most populous city in the world as of 2019, resided by
over 37,468,302 individuals. (Source: worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/)
Cities today are rapidly populating. Globalization is at its peak. And you know what a greater
challenge is? Worldly pleasures are just within reach. Try to observe around you. Most people
today are getting so much attached to the world and show lesser interest on God anymore.
They prefer to go on night clubs, live band concerts and others. What is even sadder is that,
even Seventh-day Adventists, especially young people are being carried along their peers.
We may study the love of the Father in that He gave His dear son to die for a fallen world. If we
study this inexpressible love in the light of the cross of Calvary, we will be filled with wonder
and amazement. We will see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended harmoniously with
justice, dignity and power. The gulf of perdition opened by sin is bridged by the cross of Calvary.
The precious gift of salvation and the redemption for all those who will accept it seemed so
marvelous, so far beyond our finite conception. The burden of our sins and of our sorrows was
laid upon One who is merciful to pardon, mighty to save.
Then why are we so cold? Why are we worldly? Why are we so careless? Why don’t we let the
love of Jesus burn upon the altar of our hearts? He carried the burden of our sins, of our
sorrows; why do we not trust fully and receive by faith the salvation from that hand which was
nailed on the cross? Look in faith to Jesus. Look and live. There's no reason to be worldly. You
are no longer your own but Christ’s, for he already bought you at such a high price.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
No Pain, No Gain
342 words
“You therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3, KJV
Did you know…? The modern Olympics was started on April 6, 1896 in Athens, Greece with 43
events in 9 sports. It was participated by 241 male athletes only from 14 countries. (Source:
https://www.history.com/.amp/this-day-in-history/first-modern-olympics-is-held)
Former American athlete Edwin Corley Moses dominated the 400m hurdle event for a decade.
Since 1976 Olympics in Montreal June 1987, Moses remained unbeaten winning all 122
consecutive races and was able to set the world record in the event four times. When asked
about his secret, he explained that the secret of his success lay largely in his approach to
training (https://ethw.org/Edwin_Moses_and_the_Engineering_of_World_Records).
In order to excel in any sport, athletes must spend hours in training. No one achieves excellence
in any field without tremendous self-discipline, hours of rigorous training, and a willingness to
suffer great hardship in order to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. Training is a very
important thing for an athlete to excel in a certain sport. No athlete had undergone training
without experiencing pain and hardships. Athletes have their saying, "No pain, No gain".
Being servants of God, we also need hard trainings, not physical, but a spiritual one: improving
our relationship with God. Just as an athlete training hard for an upcoming game, we also need
to train ourselves with discipline as we prepare for heaven. Make a personal commitment with
God. Make the Bible as your training manual and your communion with Him your workouts. Do
away all the things that hinders your training. If we cannot give up all the things that hinders us
in our spiritual training, we will not gain any. If we remain captives of our earthly and physical
desires, we might lose the eternal things which are in Heaven. We might lose in our spiritual
race.
Well, it might be a tough training course, but, just like an athlete, training hard to improve, let
us also endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
A Sweet Perfume
347 words
“And He said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:50, KJV
Did you know…? The DKNY Golden Delicious Million Dollar Fragrance Bottle costs one million
dollar, and is the most expensive perfume in the world as of 2019. (Source: https://finances
online.com/7-most-expensive-perfumes-in-the-world-chanel-no-5-is-not-the-top-one/)
Many times, perfumes and fragrances play a very important role in creating memories which
linger forever. “Perfume is the key to our memories” – Kate Lord Brown.
When in Bethany, Jesus was invited to dine at the house of Simon who is a Pharisee. Together
with His disciples, Jesus accepted the invitation. As they were enjoying the food, Mary
Magdalene, having a reputation of being an adulterer, came with a pound of a very costly
spikenard perfume. She fell on Jesus’ feet, anointed it with the ointment, and wiped it with her
long, flowing hair. The Bible mentioned that the whole room was filled with the sweet aroma of
the perfume.
That perfume that Mary poured unto Christ's feet costs 300 denarii, or a one year labor in their
time. If converted to our time today, it will be amongst the top expensive perfumes in the
world. But, not minding the cost, Mary Magdalene poured it to Jesus' feet. She didn't left any.
She poured it all. It is assumed that the perfume Mary poured was her medium to attract
customers. Nevertheless, her act of pouring it all to Jesus’ feet marked the restart of her life. It
signifies her willingness to leave the world and live a life in total surrender to Christ.
In our daily life, even the very costly things are nothing if we are full of sins. Brand new gadgets,
expensive cars, fashion clothes and all other luxuries; these are just nothing if we have not
turned away from sinning. A life full of sin is a life of no direction. These things will not lead us
to Heaven. Mary Magdalene decided to commit her life to Christ. How about you? Have you
made the same commitment already? If not, then make it today.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
A Lifelong Quest
347 words
“For the poor always you have with you; but Me, you have not always.” John 12:8, KJV
“Tomorrow is never promised, so love and appreciate the people who are in your life” -
Anonymous.
People come and go. It is a matter of fact that nobody stays with you forever. Nobody knows
what the length of one’s life is. Do you know what is painful? It is when the people you love,
may it be friends, family member or whoever, will no longer be there when you need them.
That may be one of the greatest lesson we can learn about life. While they are still around,
value their importance. Express your love while they are still within reach.
When Mary Magdalene poured the perfume unto Christ's feet, somebody reacted. It was Judas
Iscariot. He said, “[What a waste!] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence,
and given to the poor?” (John 12:8). Shortly, Jesus opened His mouth and said, “For the poor
always you have with you; but Me, you have not always.” (John 12:8). Jesus made His point. As
His followers, the Lord gave us a lesson that we should prioritize God. For everything that we
have all around us, will always be there.
It sad to think that most of us only come to God when we need something. But when we have
everything, it seems that we have not known God. Brethren, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Seeking
God should be our top priority. Let us take time to value His importance in our life. Let us spend
time with Him and make memories with Him until eternity.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
A Call to Farming
347 words
“Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already for harvest.” John 4:37, KJV
Farming is a patient process. It is a regularly repeated cycle with different stages and different
work for different people at different times. It takes several months of hard work, sacrifice and
patience. Farming is no joke. Farmers go out in field, sometimes under the heat of the sun,
sometimes under the drops of a heavy rain. A farmer’s life is never easy. But when the day of
harvest comes, everything is paid off.
Our work of preparation for the final harvest of God’s vineyard is analogous to farming.
Laboring in God’s vineyard is also a patient process. It also takes hard work and sacrifice.
Laboring for God is of no joke. With Satan running after you, that is not an ordinary task. But for
sure, everything will be worth it when Jesus comes.
There is a battle in the heart and mind of every human being, and God is calling us to help these
people choose Him. We don’t know how the Holy Spirit has been working in their lives. We
need to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the providence of God with regards to
how we can be used by the Lord in the process of preparing the ground, planting seeds, and
reaping the harvest.
Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Join the
workforce! Together let us labor in preparing the harvest. We might not all be doing the same
tasks, but that work is still a crucial part of the process of reaching and winning souls. And
though we are to be used by God in various capacities, in the end it is God alone who can bring
about the conversion of soul.
ELDWIN KEITH PANTALLANO NEMENZO
Bachelor of Theology
4th Year/Graduating Student
Contact #: 09051458920
