2021 Year in Review: Reunited in Love

It's been a year of surprises, meaningful experiences, and creating lasting memories. That's how I would describe the happenings in the year 2021. 

This is the year we fought hard to survive life's challenging moments. We've been breaking the walls that set boundaries. We've defied restrictions that set limitations. 

We've welcomed the year with a positive spirit that things will improve. And the first quarter of 2021 was a fulfillment of dreams and wishes. There were moments of fantasy-like experiences. Tears in our eyes smile on our faces, and moments of laughter make a rollercoaster of emotions.

A Great Family Bond

Family is love. That's how I feel at the beginning of the year 2021. A warm feeling that opens the heart and radiates light to everyone. 

Family is always there to guide and help along the way. Their overwhelming response and attention are something I would be grateful for. I wouldn't be able to accomplish things alone, and with them by my side, it makes me feel relieved. I'm glad they're always there to the rescue when things aren't going well.

This year is extra special as I enter another chapter of my life. This may be the beginning of a more challenging life ahead. However, I look forward to more beautiful days as I envision what comes next and what lies ahead.

Lessons from the Pandemic

Covid-19 didn't hinder grand plans for this year. We've become more resilient and had increased willpower to push through what we have in mind. 

We celebrated birthdays and special occasions in a simple yet meaningful way. We traveled to places even on a short distance to spend time relaxing and unwinding. We spent our Soulful Sunday moments contemplating what life's about. 

Life shouldn't stop us from doing the things we love despite our challenges. We've learned to adapt to the new normal and accept that Covid-19 will be part of our existence.

In mid-2021, we've done our part by being inoculated with the Covid-19 vaccine. It's a way of protecting our health, loved ones, and other people. It's wise to stay healthy in times of pandemic. We can't afford to get sick and dare to survive this global health threat.

Christmas in our Hearts

I'm thankful to have celebrated Christmas with my family in my hometown. We may not be a complete family, but we feel connected. 

Christmas time brings us joy as we celebrate the remaining days of the year. This is when we're in a lighter mood as we look forward to a brighter new year. 

This year's Christmas may not be the brightest, but we can bring smiles and joy to other people who visit our home. This is our way of sharing something to give back for the blessings received. There are so many sad events this year, so it's good to bring back the smiles on each other's faces.

My "Year in Review" is about looking back on the good things that have happened for the entire year. I'm grateful for all the life lessons, opportunities, and experiences that improved me. 

There are sorrowful moments, but I've learned to let go and move on. What's important is I've gained valuable insights for enlightenment and personal development. 

My gratitude to the Divine for the power, love, and light. I've made it this year and hoping for the best as I welcome the new year with higher hopes and aspirations. And I also look forward to another year full of inspiration.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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👉 Year in Review 2020: Overcoming Great Odds

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Christmas time is the most anticipated season of the year. It brings joy, fun, and laughter. It also brings lovely and magical moments as we celebrate the Year-end.

What happens when suddenly we feel sad about untoward events such as destructive typhoons hitting the country just before Christmas. It's supposed to be a "Merry Christmas" for all, but the natural calamity destroyed people's joyful and peaceful Christmas vibe.

The last time I experienced a stormy Christmas was on the eve of December 24 in my hometown in the Visayas, a few hours before Christmas day. A strong typhoon left us with a power outage after celebrating the Christmas Eve mass. It was supposed to be a happy "Noche Buena," but we had a candle lighting on a dark Christmas night. 

That was my first experience of a stormy Christmas. Since my childhood days, the Christmas season was dry. However, with the effect of climate change, we'll be experiencing a wet and stormy Christmas. It's becoming more destructive year after year. And it has left more families to become homeless for Christmas.

On December 17, 2021, super typhoon "Odette" hit many Philippine provinces in Visayas and Mindanao. It has caused massive damage to properties and businesses. It had caused injuries and casualties. That's a sorrowful moment for those families who have lost their loved ones in celebration of Christmas.

After the typhoon, the devastating situation continues. Many families lost their homes and suffered from power outages and a lack of necessities like food and water. That's prolonged suffering for those affected individuals and families.

Christmas day is approaching. We help affected countrymen in any way possible to lift their spirits and for them to feel loved and cared for. We feel connected as a nation in times of calamity, and we feel the suffering of others because we've experienced it and know how it feels to be a victim of a catastrophe.

This Christmas is about our optimistic hopes and wishes for everyone to become more resilient. To rise again despite the struggles and suffering brought by a calamity. Hoping that people will still remember the essence of celebrating Christmas and putting even a little smile on their faces. 

This Christmas is about expressing our gratitude. No matter what happened, we're still thankful to the Divine for good, the bad, and the worst experience that has shaken our lives. 

We have a shared humanity. Wherever we are, we think about the welfare of others, and this time we send them good wishes of positivity and recovery. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It feels like Christmas. The tall and colorful Christmas trees with sparkling lights make us feel good as they bring back memories of celebrating the yuletide season.

It would be a better Christmas season than the past two years when the threat of Covid-19 brought us fears and anxieties. 

This year's Christmas season feels different as people would visit any place where they would feel the Christmas spirit and bond with their families for a short while.

I remember when we decorated our Christmas tree in our hometown for two consecutive Christmas in 2019 and 2020. That was fun and made lasting and great memories worth reminiscing.

We always look forward to a Merry Christmas. It's the happiest time of the year as we live each day with joy before the year ends.

This Christmas is about our highest hopes that things will improve despite what we've been through for the past two years.

We wish for a meaningful celebration with our loved ones. Our family will always be one of the reasons why we keep holding on and not giving up despite all the odds. We keep our faith that Christmas will heal us and bring out the best in us.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

My Sister's Sky Garden

It feels good when we have a piece of nature at home. It gives us serenity and peace of mind when we need a break or relaxation.

With the hustle and bustle of city life, we often feel depleted of energy due to chaos and pollution. Having a home garden gives off incredible and healing power to live our most remarkable life.

I love how my sister made her dream sky garden come true. She made their roof deck a great place for family gatherings, weekend fun, and relaxation. 

The sky gardens' al fresco vibe is what we like most. It's an excellent place to unwind and celebrate special days and other occasions. It's cool and windy on some days, especially during Christmas. 

Green space at home is what we need to be connected to nature even when living in City. Coming from a province where wildlife is abundant, I often miss being in a more natural environment. To be surrounded by more trees and flowering plants make me happy. However, in the City, we can feel attached to nature simply by creating our little oasis.

During this pandemic, everyone realized the importance of having a clean and green environment. More individuals and families are interested in plants and gardening. And they brought nature home, making them feel happier than before.

My parent's love of nature influenced my sister's interest in plants and flowers. They love to develop a natural place for a happy and healthy family. My Mother also loves indoor plants and flowers, so she would feel satisfied even when not on the farm.

My Sister's Sky Garden is an excellent place to celebrate Christmas with the family. The bonding and happy moments always create beautiful memories worth remembering. A joyous season worth reminiscing about.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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The Journey Continues: From Lambda to Omicron

Just before the world celebrates Christmas on December 25, we are again threatened with the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.

Our suffering is unending with every new variant discovered, and we're about to cover all the Greek alphabets already, from Alpha to Omega. 

The Delta variant was seen as the most contagious and deadliest. However, this newly named, Omicron variant is said to be highly transmissible, with several countries in Africa now affected.

We've learned our lesson with the Delta variant. Several hospitals run out of beds due to overwhelming cases and admissions. And this scenario is bound to happen again if the government keeps borders from countries where the Omicron variant originated.

The Philippines recorded 26,000+ all-time high Covid-19 cases when the Delta variant peaked. We couldn't afford to match or even reach another all-time high number of cases once the Omicron variant is detected in the country.

It's about preparedness and alertness. Several countries have already closed their borders from African countries affected by Omicron, and the Philippines has followed suit. That sense of urgency in the decision-making of our government is commendable. 

We must be better at this time. We've learned our lesson about the importance of securing our border to prevent the transmission of any new Covid variants. However, just like the prediction of health experts, it's a matter of time before the new Omicron variant is discovered in every country.

What we've learned from Alpha to Delta variants still applies to other variants, including Omicron. Basic health protocol must still be observed, and having been fully vaccinated gives a more substantial layer of protection and immunity.

No matter what happens, life goes on. We must learn to adapt to this pandemic, and it starts with an acceptance that it will now become part of our daily lives. We've learned to identify what's essential vs. non-essential. We've learned to prioritize people, events, and things that truly matter. And above all, we've learned to survive.

When this pandemic ends, we're all survivors. We can survive all other challenges and threats that may come our way. This must be part of the Divine Plan for humanity, and those who won't make it just fail to learn about the essence of survival instincts and skills, just like in any disaster.

It's still possible to better protect ourselves from the pandemic. We must always plan ahead and not become victims of this global health threat. Let's do our best to avoid becoming included in the tally of cases by being inoculated with the Covid vaccine. That's the best thing we could offer to save the world and end our suffering.

As we welcome the New year 2022, we're learning to live in a different world. A world that is harsh and full of suffering. And so, we better prepare ourselves for a more unforeseeable crisis. Always think, plan, and always dare to survive and thrive.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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👉 Journey from Alpha to Lambda

Remembering the Stars of the Galaxy

I've never imagined working in a BPO as a trainer. But in August 2015, I had the opportunity to discover the booming industry in the Philippines.

When asked how I would want to give a name to my group, I had to think well of the best description that reflects my personality. Something that I couldn't forget and would remain memorable and significant even in the years to come.

And so, I came up with "Stars of the Galaxy," with the Stars as the group and the Galaxy as its territory. That was the best name I could give since I wanted my group to shine like a star, unleash their brilliance, and sparkle in the dark.

I could train more than 20 groups with 25-35 trainees per group per week. That was fun and exciting, as each week is something new. Each group showed their talents and creativity in every activity. They did their best, and they succeeded in every task.

There were moments of laughter and some moments of tears. A fast and unexpected turn of events made each day a thrill. And the exhilarating moment created a rollercoaster of emotions. Some were able to make it, while others didn't make it.

Working in a BPO is challenging. It's always tricky, and you have to be at a fast pace. Everything moves fast. You need to think and make decisions quickly. 

Aside from giving some inspiration and motivation to my group, I've also challenged them to reach for their dreams and aspirations. Like stars, they have to shine wherever they are and even in the darkest moments of their lives. They must always believe that nobody can dim the lights that shine from within.

It was also a beautiful experience working with my co-trainers and supervisor. We had an incredible bond as a team of trainers, and we felt appreciated and remembered on our special day until our final moment to exit.

I'm glad to have impacted my group, even in a little way. For a weekday we spent together per group, we learned many things beyond PowerPoint. When six years had passed, some of them worked in the same company as customer service/technical support representatives, and some were promoted to team leader and other higher positions.

Together with my co-trainers during the Year-end Party in 2015

The pandemic has not stopped the BPO industry. They saved our economy when most industries were at a loss. They are the gainers and have proven resilient when other businesses have suffered tremendously.

I highly revere people working in the BPO since they make great sacrifices for personal gain and our economy. BPO is the topmost industry in the Philippines and will continue to prosper.

I am forever grateful to have met wonderful people in the BPO. The experience and memories will always be cherished in my heart.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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A Momentary Sad Life

We know the feeling of being sad. It destroys our peace of mind, and we feel bad about ourselves or any circumstances that trigger it.

There are moments when we no longer feel good about the things or activities we used to do. Our energies are drained, and we lack the inspiration and motivation to achieve something worthwhile.

What makes us feel sad? How do we get over it? Life can be a roller coaster of emotions, and we experience all of it, from happiness to sadness.

Feeling sad is just momentary, and the emotion just fades away. We're not supposed to experience it for a long time since that will lead to a more severe consequence which is depression.

We sometimes feel sad when we feel rejected, disappointed, or don't get what we want. And when people are there to recognize that emotion, we feel comforted and valued. Only when our feelings are not recognized do we feel sadder than sad and fight for it to get noticed.

To get over a sad life is to be stronger from the inside. Our inner powers can unleash the giant within us. Yes, people who matter may have a significant impact on our lives. But ultimately, we choose to uplift ourselves even when nobody is there to listen. 

A moment of sadness makes our life meaningful when the time comes we're back to our best selves. Because nobody wouldn't want to be sad. We want to be happy and feel good about our highest self and just be glad.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Coffee in the Sky Garden

What's that one thing you've given up on this year? It may be permanent or temporary, but that decision may impact your life.

A vice, a bad habit, or a faulty diet; are the things we hope to change. And when we start to embrace a new life without much attachment to things we used to do, we're setting ourselves up for freedom.

Setting a resolution usually starts at the beginning of the year. But what happens when suddenly we decide in the middle of the year? 

In May of this year, I decided to stop drinking coffee. This is for health reasons, to limit sugar consumption. Our blood sugar levels may increase as we age due to dietary choices and other factors. Thus, we suffer in the long run.

For five months, I limit my sugar intake. I didn't drink coffee and soft drinks, which I used to consume for several years. And this dietary lifestyle change is a commitment to a healthier body.

After five months, I started to drink coffee and soda again, but I didn't crave a more significant amount. I still have to limit my sugar consumption to maintain an ideal blood sugar level. 

Before, I couldn't function physically and mentally well without a cup of coffee. It helps me stay awake and more energetic. But there's a downside to everything too much. And so, I have to cut it before its irreversible effect happens.

Forming a habit couldn't be easier without the will and knowing its purpose. For me, I had to sacrifice my craving for health. Lifestyle diseases like diabetes can ruin our life and better functioning, so there's a limit to everything. 

When we have a healthy physical body, we can also have a healthy mind. We can achieve freedom from diseases, and illnesses brought about by our bad habits and choices. Yes, we only live once. And so, we also take the chance to live it well and to be well. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Spooky Memories of Halloween

Halloween could be more fun for adults. But that doesn't mean we can never have as much fun as little kids do.

As a kid, we celebrated Halloween by wearing spooky costumes to scare each other. That was a yearly activity for us until it ended when such a thing wasn't exciting anymore, and we were already grown-up individuals.

Back then, we learned about the essence of celebrating Halloween and its hidden dangers. We knew that many people, especially young children, were doing it.

I still remember our celebration of Halloween in 2011. That was the time we introduced it to our nephews and niece. They dressed up in a costume of spooky creatures and characters with scary make-up for an added eerie effect. 

They had fun, repeated in 2012 with a more scary look. During those years, we have yet to teach them the significance of Halloween. All we knew was the fun it brings until the year that follows when we no longer celebrate it.

In recent years as a working adult, I've learned about the dangers of Halloween, especially to young children. That's why I would rather see them wearing a costume like a saint or holy person instead of a scary one. 

We never know about the afterlife, but we must celebrate the holiness of those who have lived clean lives. We celebrate the lives of the saints who have touched so many lives when they are living. 

We don't want to invite negative entities into our bodies and consciousness; we encourage people to celebrate people's holiness and not their negative and evil side. We denounce evil and strive for holiness no matter how sinful we are.

I'm glad to see that nowadays, more people are aware of the dangers of Halloween, and so they would want to correct their mistakes of celebrating wickedness and spooky culture copied from the West. 

Now, our nephews and niece are grown-up children, and they have stopped celebrating a spooky Halloween like we used to. 

And this realization about life after death happens when we go through deeply with our lives. When we go to the afterlife, we want to see the good and the holy people. We would like to see heaven and not hell. We would like to see the Angels and not the demons. Because when we live a good life, we also look forward to a better afterlife.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Last Quarter of 2021

We've entered the beginning of the final quarter of the year. This month of October brings energy and time to ponder many things -- from the pandemic to politics.

In the Philippines, the filing of Candidacy for the May 2022 National and local elections has started, and the political noises and dramas are becoming more intense daily.

That's the political atmosphere in the Philippines, and when people become too fanatic and involved in election campaigns and propaganda.

The good thing about being involved is being aware of our rights as a citizen. The right to vote is a fundamental right of every Filipino. And now, people are more knowledgeable and awakened to the present realities affecting their daily lives and the future.

It's good to see that people are becoming more expressive and active in social and political issues. They discuss politics, have a debate, and can strongly oppose with conviction what they believe in. This is an expression of democracy, and people want to feel that they're part of a democratic society where their vote matters and is validated.

Election time brings hope to every citizen. Most especially to those who wanted change in leadership and those hoping for good governance. And we all hope for a better country, a better Philippines, and better Filipino citizens.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Holding the Line with Maria Ressa

When I met Maria Ressa in July 2017, I had the opportunity to briefly interview her about her views on climate change and disaster resilience.

That's part of her mission with her AGOS Project. She's deeply committed to helping Filipino people build a more resilient and prepared community.

I admired her positive outlook. She was brilliant and a champion of many things. She's not a politician, but she's a journalist whose job is to bring news and investigative journalism to the people.

Many people may not like her, but Maria Ressa continues to embrace prejudice and criticism. From online trolls, detractors, and endless attacks from the Government, she's standing still and bravely holding the line.

To hold the line means not allowing atrocities to happen in a civilized society like the Philippines. When we watch and hear about the drug war killings, attacks on journalists, and suppression of news media organizations, Ressa isn't defeated with her strong voice and stance to fight for justice and truth.

Maria Ressa had a share of attacks from the country where she serves with love. Her role in mass media is beyond ordinary since she does things extraordinarily well.

On October 8, 2021, Maria Ressa was conferred a Nobel Peace Prize. She's the first Filipino individual Nobel Peace Laureate winner. A prestigious global award-giving body for extraordinary accomplishments that have a massive impact on the community. The awarding ceremony will be a momentous event in Philippine history on December 10, 2021, in Oslo, Norway.

Maria Ressa will be my inspiration for holding the line. She will be known for her legacy of fighting against injustices and suppression of fearless journalism, press freedom, and freedom of expression. Only a few in her profession can be as challenging and bold as her. She fights with the giant bullies and the killers of press freedom and social justice.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2021, Maria Ressa, will forever be known to be on the side of truth. She's an ally to keep, a leader with a giant leap. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Welcoming October's Best

When September ends, we feel the more energized moment. It's about welcoming a new month with enthusiasm and positivity.

When we feel good, we attract the best thing in life. It fuels our passion, and it keeps us more alive. It's the best time to maintain the inner fire burning and lasting.

And this month reminds me to live the best days ahead. To be highly optimistic even in the midst of uncertainty. To give a smile, to laugh often, and to feel good.

What's the best thing you're hopeful about this month and beyond? Is it the Yuletide season? A pleasant surprise? Or a new chapter?

We may still be living on restrictions, but we can always move on and remain hopeful about our plans. 

The blue skies, early morning sunshine, a gentle wind blows, and a good conversation. That gives us the energy to feel suitable all-day long. It keeps us youthful, like a playful child who teaches us to be carefree and free.

October's Best is about our mindset. Expectations that can empower our actions and unblocks our limitations.

When October ends, it will be much more intense energy. It requires motivation to keep the fire burning. But, to pursue greater aspirations, remember to keep our childlike nature. To live, to laugh, and to love. That's the best October we expect to have.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Birthday Special: Celebrating our Mother's 68th Birthday

What are your most meaningful birthday wishes for your Mother? 

As a little kids, we remember the most loving moments with our Mother. Someone who nourishes our being. Caring for us and attending to our needs. A Mother who's full of joy in raising us to become complete.

As we get older, we still remember the days we were at our Mother's side. Sometimes we think of happy and fun-filled moments whenever we're down or need inspiration.

A birthday is a special moment of remembering. And no distance separates us from our Mother as we celebrate her day. We give thanks and send meaningful wishes. On this day, we gather and share the joy in her heart. 

We wish her a good life. To spend more time enjoying what she loves doing. And to fulfill her own goals and heart's desires. She devoted her life to raising us well, and now she's actively involved in building a community. It's her way of giving back to where she was born and giving her an opportunity to serve.

We will forever be on her side to accomplish her life's cherished goals. She has a deeper faith and is guided by Divine love and light.

On her 68th birthday, we celebrate her life and feel her love from a distance. We may not be together, but she's always in our hearts wherever we are. We'll always support her aspirations and help her achieve a fulfilled life.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Greatest Lesson I learned from my Father

What's the most valuable lesson you've gained from your Father?

The controversial interview about former Senator Bongbong Marcos flashed back the memories I had with my Father, whom I look up to as a great leader and provider in our family. He's not only a good Father to us, but his love and purpose extend to the people in our community.

To be in public service is a great privilege to influence and make a lasting impact on people. It's about exerting energy and great effort to look after the people's and the community's welfare above the Self. 

I remember in 1998 when my Father decided to be in public service as a Municipal councilor. I had just graduated from Elementary back then and was overwhelmed by the world of politics. My Father informed us about his plans and wanted to hear our opinions. I strongly opposed and perhaps it was unanimous among my siblings. His calling to serve our community helped him to run for public office. Later on, we were convinced and gave him our full support. He won a seat in the Municipal Council, which was the start of his political service.

He ran for the second term as Municipal Councilor and won in 2001 and his third term in 2004. For nine consecutive years (1998 - 2007), my Father dedicated his life to improving his constituents' welfare through public service.

During those years, my Father taught me to have a fighting spirit. To have the perseverance and the will to follow your calling and dreams. Those were the virtues that I may be lacking. I had fears and doubts, although I had a little confidence. 

He pushed me forward and left my fears behind when he convinced me to follow his path when I ran as a Municipal Youth Council President in our hometown. At first, it was against my will since I needed more confidence to face the people and the position's responsibilities. However, I trusted him to be there to guide me. I won and sat in the Municipal Council for five years, from 2002 - 2007. During those years, I saw how my Father performed and served well on the Council. At that moment, I thank him for believing in me and pushing me beyond my limits. He took away my doubts and fears and let me soar high. 

In 2016, my Father returned to public service after nine years. He wasn't inactive since he held a position as Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) President from 2014 - 2016. He ran again for Municipal Councilor, and he won. I did not favor his comeback since I would want to see him live a simpler life away from politics. He was unstoppable and full of energy. His passion and support of the people motivated him to serve. He listened and didn't turn them down. When the people call you to be a leader and a servant, there's an overflowing love and trust, and you just follow their call.

From 2019 until now, he's still serving as a Municipal Councilor and is overcoming several challenges. He fought hard for what he believed was right and for the greater good of the community. He stood up and spoke his mind on controversial issues confronting our society. He showed willpower to get things done and to achieve more for the progress of the community.

I learned from my Father to never give up and never to surrender when you're right. Always speak up and believe in yourself. When it comes to public service, you can always choose to serve even without holding an office. Always look back and give back. And when people are there to support and express love, you're on the right track and have done an excellent job.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

A Moment of Healing and Memories

Where do you go when you need to unwind, relax and set free?

In Baguio City, people would go for a reason. It's a place like no other in the country. It relaxes the body, mind, and soul. It liberates from worries and fears. And it helps get revitalized and healed.

That's the highlands in the Northern Philippines. A City of Pines and strawberries. A historically rich and vibrant city where people would go for a beautiful journey.

When we feel exhausted and need to rejuvenate, traveling to a particular destination helps us recover. It changes our mood and uplifts our spirit. Then, we feel good again and do great things again.

In Baguio City, you feel welcome. The friendliness of the people makes you stay, although you'll have to leave anyway. With momentary healing and rejuvenation, you'll be ready to face another race in a much more challenging place.

Not just for friends and lovers, but Baguio City is also for the family. A getaway for fun, learning, and appreciation of arts and culture. Baguio City's charm invites everyone to learn about their stories, heritage, and identity.

If I choose, I'd rather live in a place that balances nature and city life. Living in Baguio is like living in a mountain resort, surrounded by natural wonders for healing and relaxation.

Amidst uncertainty, when time permits to travel a long distance and return to Baguio, I would love to recreate those memories and visit the finest places it offers. The memories create a lasting impact as the place where learning and training started.

We couldn't go places as much as we wanted for now. All we can do is reminisce about the good times. And when we're set free, we can travel again endlessly.

©️  2021 Del Cusay

Birthday Special: Life's New Chapter

A birthday is a moment in life when we celebrate a new beginning. A fresh start that fuels our dreams and desires. A further goal to achieve and a new mission to fulfill.

September 1st has been the most anticipated date for most of us. It's when we look forward to a happier and merrier Christmas celebration. The earliest Christmas for Filipinos.

And for me, September 2nd is a celebration of life. It's when I feel grateful for reaching another year. A year that may be full of ups and downs. But, a year that's full of love and happiness. 

What makes this day extra special is the presence of my family. They're always there to celebrate with me on my birthday. They've witnessed how I live my life. And they're always a source of happiness and contentment.

I'm forever grateful for the years when I felt loved. I never felt alone, but I always felt guided and directed. 

This pandemic won't stop us from celebrating a new life. Because life must never stop despite threats and obstacles. We face it, and we live it. We choose to be brave, thrive, and break through barriers with toughness and fierceness.

As I continue to battle uncertainty, life has been good to me. The road may still be unclear sometimes, but I always have hope. Just carry on and move on. Wishing all the best in life and Living my most extraordinary life.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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The Silent Heroes of the Pandemic

Do you believe in Superman? Does he exist? Does he have supernatural power? Today's Superman is the one who doesn't wear a cape. They don't fight a big enemy. And they don't possess physical and mental strength at all times.

Today's Superman can be defeated by an invisible enemy. They could suffer from low stamina and endurance. They could not quickly heal themselves. And worst is, they could die.

When I worked at The Medical City Iloilo, I saw the different faces of Superman. The health care workers whose mission is to save lives. Nurses, Doctors, and other healthcare personnel have shown dedication to serving those who need healing, survival, and recovery.

Today's pandemic has revealed our healthcare workers' real value and worth. They are the silent Heroes who have saved thousands and even millions of lives from Covid-19. They have made a big sacrifice to extend the lives of the sick and the dying. 

But the stories we watch and hear about our silent Heroes may not be good. In some countries, we see them almost giving up, not because they are overfatigued or suffering from burnout and depression, but due to lack of support from the Government.

In the Philippines, we see the effect of the Government's negligence regarding our healthcare workers' welfare, especially the nurses who are already losing hope and morale. They are the modern-day Superman, yet they cannot even protect themselves the way they protect and care for their patients. They extend people's lives, yet they die inside from frustrations and disappointments. They are Superman, yet sometimes they couldn't rise up but fall.

I'm a nurse and will always support the call for the proper treatment and support for my fellow nurses and others in the healthcare profession. We don't need recognition, but all we need from the Government is to be just and uplift the welfare to stand still and better fight these challenging times of health crisis.

We are Superman, but we are also human. We get tired and burnout. We can be hopeless and depressed. And we are not limitless, but we can also suffer from powerlessness. 

When this pandemic ends, our best salute goes to the silent Heroes who continue to serve the health and well-being of the people. Give your best gratitude and appreciation to them. That's the greatest gift that can open their hearts. Because it's when we have an open and big heart that we give and love more.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Life's Toughest Fight

When asked about your life's toughest fight, what would it be?

Is it about your fiercest opponent? Is it your unexpected defeat? Or your victorious winning?

When we're punched hard by struggles, it's easy to be defeated. It gets harder to rise up and give our best counter punch. Life's even harder to get up when we're knocked out. We lose and do not even shout out. That's the reality of life; we learn not just from our most remarkable winning but also from our worst defeats.

However, at times our toughest fight comes inherent; from within. It could be the most challenging to be defeated. It's the internal conflict. It's about our lower emotions that fight us inwardly.

Our tendencies for resentment, grudge, and rage are our worst enemies and often the hardest to fight. It could be our most challenging battle. We win some, or we lose some.

But what if our worst enemy is just ourselves. We couldn't get out of our worst tendencies, conflicting personalities, and lower emotions. After all, it may be just us. How could we escape? How could we cope? How could we win the battle, our internal fight and greatest struggle.

We may lose some fights, but the toughest fight gives us the courage to keep on fighting and moving, even when we're struggling and not even close to winning.

In the end, all our emotions are valid. It may not be all good, but recognizing the bad and the worst contributes to realizing our true essence of living. And we continue to live and hope for a triumphant winning.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Journey from Alpha to Lambda

Would you rather be an Alpha, Beta, Delta, or Gamma?

We've come this far. From the unexpected painful beginning in early 2020 until the second half of 2021. This is not the joyous journey we've imagined. This is different from the future we've envisioned.

Back at the year-end of 2019 and the welcome of 2020, that was all fun. Who would have thought we'll all suffer a sad fate of uncertain life and future. 

Yes, we've come this far, but we wanted a different journey. It's been almost two years of struggles and miseries. Like a roller coaster ride, we experience ups and downs. Like a dead-end road, we have no choice but a detour or U-turn. And like a crossroad, we're only sometimes heading straight ahead. We may occasionally be turning right, and we could be riding in the wrong direction.

Yes, we may have aspired to be an Alpha or Delta personality type. But given the title associated with a deadly unseen enemy, we may just want to be a Nada. To have nothing to worry about. To have nothing to suffer. To have no fear and no painful ending, but only meaningful suffering turned into a blessing.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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👉 The Journey Continues: From Lambda to Omicron

Making Golden Dreams come True

Dreams do come true. When we least expect it, life surprises us with a reward for our sacrifices, perseverance, hope, and Faith.

When Hidilyn Diaz won a gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she greatly surprised the Filipino people. When we usually hear about the nation's not-so-good state, Hidilyn Diaz raised the bar to give us the honor of bringing the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.

We saw her dedication, fighting spirit, and willpower, which made us all proud that Filipinos can achieve great things. We can make things happen if we believe in ourselves and have Faith. 

Hidilyn Diaz did not quit. She waited for more than a decade to achieve her dreams for herself and the country. She may have experienced her worst setbacks and down moments but took it as a challenge to keep fighting until the end.

Hidilyn Diaz ended the longest waiting time for the Philippines to get that gold medal. It's not just ordinary gold but a symbol of our greatness. It symbolizes the most profound love for the country and reverence for the Filipino people. 

Hidilyn Diaz is an inspiration to the Filipino people. We may not be fully supported from the start and may have been ridiculed for our deepest desires, but nothing could stop us from achieving our golden dreams. 

So in this time of the pandemic, we may stop momentarily, but we keep the fire burnin' and make that dreams happen. It may not be our moment for now, but with perseverance and willpower, we can win until it's our time and until we can make that golden dream happen.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Surviving the Pandemic: Resilience and Hope

How resilient can we be when facing tough challenges like the pandemic?

Several stories of resilience and hope inspire us daily for those facing their greatest battle. It's when people have the fighting spirit and the will to live that makes them a survivor. They survive and thrive.

To be a survivor of this pandemic isn't about social and economic status. It's not about the healthiest body and the highest intelligence. To be a survivor is about our resilience to different struggles and miseries. It's about faith and hope amidst difficulty and sorrow. 

When life presents a bitter taste of suffering, then no one is spared. We all share the same fears, doubts, and uncertainties. We share daily life struggles and negative emotions.

But when shall we suffer? Until when shall we continue to fight? Until when shall we survive? 

This pandemic makes us find time to ponder our life. If we have limited time to live and survive, how can we live our best life? If we die tomorrow, what are the good things we can do today? 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay