Celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño 2016

On this day, we celebrate the feast of the Child Jesus all over the Philippines. Venerating the holy image has been part of our culture and tradition since it was brought over by Spaniards to our country. Since then, Filipinos have embraced Christianity and made it their way of life.

The feast of Santo Niño is one of the most celebrated events in the Philippines, and millions of devotees all over the archipelago would join activities in honor of Him. From the oldest city of Cebu and the busy streets of Manila, the festivity is alive; it is vibrant, colorful, and energetic.

Today, I witnessed how we celebrate this famous religious event. Thousands of people participated in the parade as they marched to the beat of the drums. The long procession was full of energy as they carried the holy image while waving it in the air. Some holy images are uniquely dressed to portray occupations like policeman, nurse, doctor, and others. This concept has been a tradition among the faithful who believe it will bring them blessings and guide their living.

The Santo Niño de Tondo 2013 feast was memorable to me as I experienced a crowd of devotees celebrating the mass and having their holy image blessed with sacred water. I sacrificed falling in line to reach the top of the church in Tondo, Manila, where the divine image of Santo Niño is placed. Touching the sacred image and saying prayer is a symbol of faith and devotion—faith that is unique among us and will forever be observed with our grateful hearts. 

The Holy Child Jesus, in his image we call Santo Niño, reminds us of innocence and vigor. When we were young, we were full of wonders and had genuine happiness; we were robust and genuinely present. We don't mind negativity and feel we are being guided. Just like Santo Niño, it reflects the child within us. Our humility, graciousness, and innocence lead us to live a positive life despite the struggles and challenges we are going through.

With our faith, we learn to be strong and keep moving forward. The strong Divine force -- our God is there to watch over and guide us. When we are fearful, we turn to become fearless. When we are weak, we develop strength; when we are about to quit, we suddenly hold on and keep the faith. 

© 2016 Del Cusay

Nazareno 2016: Celebrating The Feast of The Black Nazarene

The feast of the Black Nazarene, or in Filipino, 'Pista ng Poong Nazareno,' has been a significant religious event in the Philippines. The Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, is more than a cultural symbol. It represents courage and faith in God Almighty. The statue is believed to have miraculous powers, and Filipino devotees have venerated and shown piety for centuries through this holy image at the Quiapo Church in Manila.

I first celebrated the grand feast of the Black Nazarene three years ago. It was a solemn event near the church, where devotees flocked to celebrate the mass and have their religious items blessed with holy water. Despite the rainy weather, which we considered a blessing, I was caught in a sudden downpour. But instead of seeking shelter, I embraced the rain as a symbol of purification and a test of my faith. It was a sacrifice and a show of perseverance despite the unexpected obstacle. This experience taught me the value of endurance and the power of faith in overcoming challenges.

As I remember Nazareno (2013), the crowd around Quiapo church was more peaceful and orderly than in 'traslacion.' This annual procession, known as 'traslacion,' marks the transfer of the Black Nazarene image from its original place in Luneta (now Rizal Park) to its current home in Quiapo church. During the traslacion, millions of devotees brave the massive crowd along the streets where the procession passes. It is a powerful display of faith and devotion, with some devotees having the endurance and courage to hold the piece of long rope attached to the image, which they believe brings miracles to their lives. Others would have their hankies wiped over the image, assuming it can bring healing power.

Numerous stories have already been shared by devotees who could testify to the miraculous power of the divine image of the Black Nazarene. Even famous Filipino celebrities would also share the blessings they received from their devotion. However, the event is for everyone regardless of societal status; rich or poor, healthy or sick, young or old could show their faith and devotion.

On this day, the 9th of January 2016, I once again witnessed the deep sense of community among the Filipino devotees of the Black Nazarene. The vicinity of the Quiapo church was filled with the faithful who gathered to celebrate the mass and novena. For about 2 hours, I stood among them, listening to the holy sacrament and praying for my personal intentions. Individuals and families prayed together, united in their faith. Some parents even brought their little children, demonstrating the inclusivity of this spiritual event. And amidst the crowd, those who were physically sick endured, their sacrifice a testament to their unwavering faith.

Those who did not go to the traslacion or procession have just visited Quiapo church to celebrate the mass. A crowd of volunteers and devotees go barefoot, which symbolizes humility. They have been serving the Black Nazarene for several years to show their faith and more profound personal devotion.

While I may not be an active devotee of the Black Nazarene, I believe that God hears our prayers and intentions when we approach Him with all our hearts and humility. I am just one of the millions who have experienced Divine blessings and interventions. This journey is deeply personal, filled with hardships and struggles that ultimately lead to a sense of fulfillment. It's a journey we undertake in our own way, facing unique challenges and finding our own moments of grace.

The feast of the Black Nazarene is not just a display of religiosity. It is a transformative experience, a test of faith that we endure and sacrifice for. We find strength and completion in our moments of weakness and despair in God. It takes courage and humility to be part of this massive gathering of the faithful, to give thanks, seek forgiveness, and pray for our personal intentions. This is a spiritual journey for a day, a lifetime, and beyond. It's a journey that requires us to be brave in our faith and humble in our prayers.

 © 2016 Del Cusay

New Year 2016: A New Beginning

What an incredible year 2015! This might be the most straightforward statement of what I've been through for the previous year. There were ups and downs, but I was still able to conquer challenges and reach another milestone in life. 2015 brought me to another chapter of extraordinary living, where I stretched myself beyond my limits.

When I've been to places where my thoughts have brought me, it has been a fascinating journey. It is indeed a law of attraction that works whenever I need it. Years ago, when I started to believe that we become what we think, I learned to practice and incorporate this belief regularly to achieve whatever goals I desire. 

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that if I had believed in the power of attraction earlier, I could have achieved even more. This year, I've ticked off several goals from my list, with others well on their way to becoming reality. Life has taken on a magical quality, and with creativity and passion, I've experienced an unprecedented turning point. 

Embracing tough decisions has been a catalyst for change, leading to a fulfilling transformation. After a long period of service, I'm now embarking on a new adventure with a team of vibrant, confident individuals, all striving for a new level of success. 

The previous chapter has always been challenging; hence, it was full of challenges that made me a better person. I've been polished like a gem—a precious one that illuminates and sparkles. It is a product of enlightenment to a certain level and my deepest gratitude to the master of life that I once knew. 

Every lesson learned becomes a stepping stone to the next chapter. Each experience, when approached with honor and dignity, holds significance and merit. Gratitude for past successes paves the way for more abundance and blessings, a truth I hold dear. 

Life isn't always about reaching the pinnacle of happiness and success. There have been times when circumstances beyond my control have thrown me off course. But these experiences have taught me the value of resilience and the importance of moving forward. Life's challenges may be like hard rocks, but they can be transformed into polished, refined stones with the right mindset. 

It's genuinely fantastic to face obstacles toward success. It takes passion, courage, and desire to make it. Along the way, there are rough roads and intersections that will eventually lead in the right direction. It may seem like a very challenging year, but with perseverance, I surpass the trials that will launch a newer, more extraordinary version. 

© 2015 Del Cusay