2021 Year in Review: Reunited in Love

It's been a year full 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 become better. 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 by myself and with them by my side makes me feel relieved. I'm glad that they're always there to the rescue when things aren't going well.

This year is extra special as I step into another chapter of my life. This may be the beginning of more challenging life ahead. However, I look forward to more beautiful days to come 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 with contemplation about what life's about. 

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

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

Christmas in our Hearts

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

Christmas time brings us joy as we celebrate the remaining days of the year. This is the time 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're able to bring smiles and joy to other people who visited our home. This is our way to share 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 learned, opportunities, and experiences that made me better. 

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 wonderful 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 just 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. That was a strong typhoon leaving 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, it seems that 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.

Just recently 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 supply for 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 we know how it feels to be a victim of a calamity.

This Christmas is about our positive hopes and wishes for everyone to become more resilient. To be able 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. That no matter what happened, we're still thankful to the Divine for the 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 those moments when we decorated our Christmas tree in our hometown for two consecutive Christmas in 2019 and 2020. That was fun and had 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 in our hearts before the year ends.

This Christmas is about our highest hopes that things will get better 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 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 needed a break or relaxation.

With the hustle and bustle of city life, we often feel depleted with energy due to chaos and pollution. Having a home garden gives off wonderful and healing energy to be able to live our greatest life.

I love how my sister made her dream sky garden come true. She was able to make their roof deck become a great place for a family gathering, for weekend fun and relaxation. 

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

Green space at home is what we need to be connected to nature even when living in City. Coming from a province where nature 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 sister's interest in plants and flowers was influenced by my parent's love of nature. 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 happy even when not on the farm.

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

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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The Journey Continues: From Lambda to Omicron

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

It seems that our suffering is unending with every new variant that's 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 hospital beds due to an overwhelming number of cases and admissions. And this scenario is bound to happen again if the government will not close borders from countries where the Omicron variant originated.

The Philippines recorded 26,000+ all-time high Covid-19 cases when the Delta variant reached its peak. We couldn't afford to match or even reach another all-time high number of cases once the Omicron variant will be 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 will be discovered in every country.

What we've learned from Alpha to Delta variants is still applicable to other variants including Omicron. Basic health protocol must still be observed and having been fully vaccinated gives a stronger 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 not too late to better protect ourselves from the pandemic. We always need to plan ahead and not become a victim of this global health threat. Let's do our best not to become included on the tally of cases by having ourselves inoculated with the Covid vaccine. That's the best thing we could offer to save the world and to put an end to our suffering.

As we welcome the New year 2022, we're now 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 to come. Always think ahead, plan ahead and always dare to survive and thrive.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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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 I was asked how would I 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; for them to unleash their brilliance, and sparkle in the dark.

I was able to train more than 20 groups with 25-35 trainees per group, per week. That was fun and full of excitement, as each week is something new. Each group showed their talents and creativity in every activity. They did their best and they succeed 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 never easy 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 a star, they have to shine wherever they are and even in the darkest moments of their lives. They have to always believe in themselves 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 a great bond as a team of trainers and we feel appreciated and remembered on our special day until our final moment to exit.

I'm glad to have made an impact on my group even in a little way. For a weekday we spent together per group, we learned so many things beyond the PowerPoint. When six years had passed, some of them work 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 have saved our economy when most industries were at a loss. They are the gainers and have proven to be very resilient when other businesses have suffered tremendously.

I highly revere people working in the BPO since they do great sacrifices not only for personal gain but also for our economy. Now, the BPO is the topmost industry in the Philippines and will continue to prosper in the years to come.

I am forever grateful to have met wonderful people in the BPO. The experience and memories will always be cherished and will always be 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 that we used to do. Our energies are drained and we lack 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 serious consequence which is depression.

At times, we feel sad when we feel rejected, disappointed, or don't get the things we wanted. And when people are there to recognize that emotion, we feel comforted and valued. It's only when our emotions are not recognized that we feel sadder than sad and we 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 in the end, we chose 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 have an impact on 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, then we're setting ourselves 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. As we age, our blood sugar levels may increase 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 have a huge consumption of 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 have cravings for a larger amount. I still have to limit my sugar consumption to maintain an ideal blood sugar level. 

Before, I can'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 disease like diabetes is something that can ruin our life and better functioning, and 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 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 isn't much fun for adults. But that doesn't mean we can never have fun as much as little kids do.

When I was a kid, we used to celebrate 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 didn't know about the essence of celebrating Halloween and its hidden dangers. What we knew is that many people especially young children are 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 spooky effect. 

They had fun and that was repeated in 2012 with a more scary look. During those years, we haven't taught 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 the reason why I would rather see them wearing a costume like saints or holy person instead of a scary one. 

We never know about the afterlife, but we have to celebrate the holiness of those who have lived a clean life. 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, that's why we encourage people to celebrate people's holiness and not their negative and evil side. We denounce evil, and we 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 do. 

And this realization about life after death happens when we go through deeply with our lives. When we go to the afterlife, we would want to see the good and the holy people. We would want 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're also looking 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 on so 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 intense day by day.

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

The good thing about being involved is to be aware of our rights as a citizen. The right to vote is a fundamental right of every Filipino. And now people are more aware 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 back in July 2017, I had the opportunity to briefly interview her about her views regarding 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 what we watch and hear are 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 has 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 that will happen 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. Not many people in her profession can be as tough 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 a 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's keeping us more alive. It's the best time to keep 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 on 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 continue to be hopeful on the things we have set out minds into. 

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

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

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

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Birthday Special: Celebrating our Mother's 68th Birthday

What's your most meaningful birthday wishes for your Mother? 

When we were a little kid, 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 when we were at our Mother's side. There are times when we think of happy and fun-filled moments whenever we're down or needs some 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. It's on this day we spend time to gather and give her 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 in raising us well, and now she's actively involved in building up a community. It's her way of giving back to the place where she was born and gave 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 guided by the Divine love and light.

On her 68th birthday, we celebrate her life and we 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?

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

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

I remember in 1998 when my Father decided to be in public service as a Municipal councilor. I just graduated in Elementary back then and was overwhelmed about the world of politics. We were informed by my Father regarding 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 didn't hinder him to run in a public office. Later on we're convinced and we gave our full support on him. He won a seat in the Municipal Council and that 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 improve the welfare of his constituents 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 which I may be lacking. I had fears and doubts although I believe that I have a little confidence. 

It was him who pushed me forward and leave 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 didn't have enough confidence to face the people and the responsibilities of the position. However, I trusted him to be there to guide me. I won and had a seat in the Municipal Council for five years from 2002 - 2007. During those years, I saw how my Father performed and served well in the Council. 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 made a comeback in public service after nine years. He wasn't inactive since he hold a position as Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) President from 2014 - 2016. He ran again for Municipal Councilor and he won. I was not in favor of his comeback since I would want to see him live a more simple life away from the 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 it's the people who calls you to be a leader and a servant, there's an overflowing love and trust and you just follow their call.

In 2019 until the present, he's still serving as a Municipal Councilor and is overcoming several challenges. He fought hard on what he believed is right and for the greater good of the community. He stood up and speak his mind on controversial issues confronting our community. He showed will-power 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 if not holding an office. Always look back and give back. And when people are there to give support and express love, it means you're on the right track and you've done a good job.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

A Moment of Healing and Memories

When you need to unwind, relax and set free, where do you go?

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 be healed.

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

When we feel exhausted and a need to rejuvenate, a travel to a certain destination would help 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 welcomed. The friendliness of the people makes you stay, although, you'll have to leave anyway. With a momentary healing and rejuvenation, you'll be ready to face another race in much 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 their stories, heritage and identity.

If I would choose, I'd rather live in a place where there's a balance between nature and a 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 go back to Baguio, I would love to recreate those memories and visit the finest places it has to offer. The memories creates lasting impact as the place where learning and training had started.

For now, we couldn't go to places as much as we wanted. All we can do is to reminisce 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 new 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 the Filipinos.

And for me, the 2nd of September 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 being loved. I never felt alone, but I always feel being 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, to thrive, and to break through the barriers with toughness and fierceness.

As I continue to battle uncertainty, life has been good to me. The road may still be unclear at times, but I never lose hope. Just carry on and move on. Wishing all the best in life and Living my greatest 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 easily 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. These are Nurses, Doctors, and other healthcare personnel who have shown dedication for service to those who need healing, survival, and recovery.

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

But the stories we watched 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 it's due to lack of support from the Government.

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

I'm a Nurse, and I will always support the call for the right 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 have a better fight on these difficult 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 can also suffer from powerlessness. 

When this pandemic ends, our best salute goes to the silent Heroes who continue to serve for 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 more and we 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 greatest winning, but also our worst defeat.

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 enemy, and oftentimes the hardest to fight. It could be our toughest battle. We win some or we lose some.

But, what if our worst enemy is just ourselves. That we couldn't get out from our worst tendencies, our conflicting personalities, and our 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, to keep on 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 we recognize the bad and the worst contributes to the realization of 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 not the future we've envisioned.

Back on 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 this isn't the kind of journey we've wanted. It's been almost two years of struggles and miseries. Like a roller coaster ride, we experience the ups and downs. Like a dead-end road, we have no choice but a detour or U-turn. And like a crossroad, we're not always heading straight ahead. We may not be always turning right, and we could be turning 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 to have no painful ending, but only meaningful suffering that's 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. In times when we least expect it, life surprises us with a reward for the sacrifices, perseverance, hope, and faith.

When Hidilyn Diaz won a gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she brought a big surprise to the Filipino people. When what we usually hear is the not-so-good state of the nation, Hidilyn Diaz raised the bar to give us honor for bringing the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.

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

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

Now, Hidilyn Diaz ended the longest waiting time for the Philippines to get that gold medal. It's not just an ordinary gold, but it's a symbol of our greatness. It's a symbol of deepest love for the country and reverence to 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 surely win until it's our time and until we can make that golden dreams happen.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Surviving the Pandemic: Resilience and Hope

How resilient can we be when faced with tough challenges such as the pandemic?

Several stories of resilience and hope inspire us day by day for those who continue to face 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 until when shall we suffer? Until when shall we continue to fight? Until when shall we survive? 

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

©️ 2021 Del Cusay