Garp in the One Piece Live Action

In contrast to the manga, Garp played a prominent role in the action. Spoilers ahead: in the last episode, Garp tested Luffy’s resolve to change his dream in Luffy’s own terms.

This is different to trapping someone to commit mistakes. There are times when we test the competency and resolve of others because the task at hand requires utmost commitment.

Rather than entrap, our tests should empower.

Luke 6:6-11. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-254: SEPTEMBER 11, 2023]

On giving fraternal correction and life in higher education

Being a department administrator is very, very, very challenging. When I served as the Vice-Chair of my department, I was exposed to many stakeholders. It is not unusual to hear about issues from faculty members, staff, and students that may be at odds against each other. I wouldn’t lie – there were many times when I felt that I am caught at a crossfire.

It is very difficult to manage relationships. I needed to be close to my students so they could be confident that they can raise concerns to me without reprisal. Yet I also needed to have boundaries so that I could remain professional.

I also had to be collegial with my co-faculty members yet maintain a semblance of authority worthy of their respect.

My dilemmas would often involve instances when students would candidly share with me concerns about a faculty member yet would want to maintain anonymity or hold back in filing formal grievances. It is hard to act in these contexts, so I am forced to give vague forms of fraternal correction to my co-faculty member. The challenge is since I cannot be very specific, the change in their behavior cannot be reasonably expected to be significant.

There were also times when in my desire to arrive at a win-win resolution, I encountered a situation where the student thought I was protecting a faculty member because they were my friend.

Being a department administrator can feel like a job full of dilemmas. Sala sa init, sala sa lamig. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

So I had to find solace and meaning in the vocation. I remember my former professor who shared how being an administrator in any capacity at a higher education institution is an act of service, and I tend to agree. A rational cost-benefit analysis would show that if we take the role of an administrator seriously, it would eat a lot of time from one’s work that could have been spent doing research or preparing for classes.

But when done right with a little bit of luck and faith, the sacrifices unlock a deeper meaning that hopefully makes the workplace and classroom more beautiful than before.

This has been a cross I have been carrying, and I commit to support our department’s current administrators and coordinators. As more full-timers join our ranks, I am optimistic that our fraternal corrections towards each other can cover our blind spots and make us thrive fully and authentically.


Matthew 18:15-20. If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-253: SEPTEMBER 10, 2023]

The spirit of the rules

Rules and regulations are implemented to maintain order and ensure fairness. However, strict and mechanistic adherence to rules can sometimes restrain or prevent genuinely good acts. Rules are intended to enable positive outcomes, but following them mechanistically rather than ethically can undermine their purpose.

Rather than blindly following, we should thoughtfully discern each situation and act accordingly.


Luke 6:1-5. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry?

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-252: SEPTEMBER 9, 2023]

Inheriting wills and passing it on

We all stand on the shoulders of those before us who forged progress, and have a duty to continue that work. The goals and dreams of our ancestors and mentors are lent to us. We honor them by making our lives matter through service. And we pay it forward, bequeathing purpose to future generations.


Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23. The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-251: SEPTEMBER 8, 2023]

Both hard work and faith are needed

Achieving aspirations requires intense effort and perseverance. But belief in the value of our work and in our own abilities provides the fuel to persist. Working doggedly is not enough without faith that the labor is worthwhile and confidence we can accomplish it. The two together maximize our potential.


Luke 5:1-11. Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-250: SEPTEMBER 7, 2023]

The dangers of either veering away from the light or being distracted by other lights

Staying focused on one’s goals and ideals is crucial but difficult; we may lose sight of them or stray off course. False lights capturing our attention lead us astray. But refusing to explore new ideas and doubling down on beliefs without question also limit our vision. Discernment, open-mindedness and commitment to our principles are key.

Luke 4:38-44. And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.”

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-249: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023]

Authority emanates not from the role but from one’s authenticity

True leaders gain respect through integrity, empathy, and caring for people. Their authority stems from living their values. The power of position means little without character. An authentic approach inspires trust and motivation. Leadership is earned each day through interactions, not granted by a title.


Luke 4:31-37. What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-248: SEPTEMBER 5, 2023]

The cross of a changemaker

Those driven to make a positive difference must be willing to sacrifice, face opposition, challenge the status quo, and persist despite obstacles. Making real change is not easy; it requires vision, courage, and determination to transform ideas into action.


Luke 4:16-30. Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-247: SEPTEMBER 4, 2023]

Heeding the challenge to be beyond our impulse

Often our initial reactions are driven by emotion, instinct, or convenience rather than reason or ethics. However, we have the capacity to pause, consider the greater context, and make wiser choices. Meeting the challenge to override impulse with conscious thought elevates us.


Matthew 16:21-27. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-246: SEPTEMBER 3, 2023]

It’s better to fail than to not try at all

Attempting something bold or challenging provides valuable experience and lessons, even if we fall short of the goal. Not trying precludes any chance of success and prevents growth. As long as we reflect on failures and let them guide us, we haven’t truly failed. The only real failure is in not striving to reach our potential.


Matthew 25:14-30. Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-245: SEPTEMBER 2, 2023]