Life in The New Normal

Life on the beach. That is what people miss on a hot summer day. This is supposed to be a fun-filled dry season for families, groups of friends, coworkers, or solo travelers. But this season has fallen into isolation.

Last year's summer vacation was one of the best vacations ever. I never thought it would be the previous summer to get sunburned, the last time to enjoy the summer breeze and the serenity, the last time to leave footprints in the sand.

After several weeks, our economy and the rest of the world are slowly returning to life, but it may be hard for people to get back to life -- the kind of life we used to live. However, our resilience in adapting to this new normal is not just a testament to our strength and determination, but a source of empowerment and strength.

While viewing my digital photo album, I saw smiling and happy faces. I saw how we used to celebrate family gatherings without physical distancing. I saw how we used to travel and go to public places without a mask. That was just a recent past, but now it feels like we have wholly entered a new world with a new definition of love.

The new normal is tough love. When families at home cannot even give a hug and kiss, when old friends or acquaintances cannot recognize each other due to facial protective covering, when partners cannot hold their hands, and when young kids and our elderly are best protected by staying at home, all these are for the sake of love—love on the new normal. 

But I still believe in a profound human connection. We may still be able to give a smile to someone we know or anyone we meet along the road. A new definition of a smile—a smile of gratitude on the new normal—is in order.

Our new normal is not only about hygienic measures. It goes beyond our new lifestyle—a healthy one to which most people will prioritize. This is a time to focus on self-care and personal growth, which will be crucial in navigating this new world. Let this be a source of motivation and inspiration for all of us.

We will now be more health conscious, eat the right kind of food, get some physical exercise, get some nourishment from the sunlight, plant and harvest our own food, get adequate sleep, pray, meditate...

Activities that nourish our body, mind, and soul are most important. We can engage in activities like yoga for physical health, meditation for mental peace, and prayer for spiritual well-being. We should strive to avoid worries, fears, and anxiety. Though it's normal to feel that way sometimes, we can still escape, regain our best selves, and live our most extraordinary lives.

For now, we may have already learned some tools and techniques as we move on to a new normal. You may now know how to quiet the mind and relieve stress through meditation. You may have learned the art of flexibility of the physical body through yoga or internal stamina exercises. You may have started doing backyard gardening. You may have learned to follow your passion for visual/digital arts like painting and photography. You may have started to love reading books, articles, and blogs. You may have found joy in sharing your passion through vlogging.

At this time, we must have overcome our Fear zone and moved to the Learning zone. As we start living in the new normal, we are entering the Growth zone, where we must learn self-mastery and become a higher version of ourselves. This new normal is not a hindrance but a platform for personal growth and development. Let's embrace this potential for growth with hope and optimism.

A lot has changed in a matter of weeks in isolation. We may now still be dreaming about that planned summer vacation. You may now be ready to explore what awaits you in the new normal. 

Circumstances may have changed, but hoping they will not change our being, our beliefs and values, our humanity, and most of all, our faith in God.
© 2020 Del Cusay

Opportunities in Crisis

We feel people's fear. This pandemic teaches us to be sensitive to different kinds of emotions. Anxiety, panic, boredom, anger, irritability, and depression are some of our common reactions. People may not say it, but we sense the negative vibe of people's lower emotions. 

We all share this sense of fear, a collective consciousness that has detected a new threat to our humanity. It's a feeling that's both average and expected, a part of our shared experience.

But how can we escape this threat? How long shall we feel fear? How can we go back to living our everyday lives?

During these times, education experts say we live in 3 different crisis zones.

Fear Zone. This is our initial tendency to threaten. It's normal! Feel the fear. Acknowledge this feeling and not be in denial. Our physical expression can't mask our feelings deep within for one main reason: we are all together. We are wired to feel for each other.

Learning Zone. This is an excellent opportunity in times of crisis. We make use of the time we are in isolation. Most people might still be stuck in a fear zone, but learning shouldn't stop us. Students, working professionals, parents, young kids, and even old retirees can learn something new during this time. New knowledge and skills are our weapons as we return to living a 'new normal' during and post-pandemic.

Growth Zone. This is about taking control of our emotions and mind.
When we achieve a certain level of self-mastery, we grow and transform into a more fantastic version of ourselves. We succeed because we refuse to remain a victim of circumstance and prisoners of fate.

So, in what zone are we now?

From the 'fear zone' during the first few weeks of quarantine, I am now in the 'learning zone' where I feel a lot of positivity and personal empowerment. 

For instance, I have attended several webinars offered by local and international organizations and have learned from Thought leaders about different subjects of expertise. This could be a great opportunity for you to delve into a new field or deepen your knowledge in your current area of interest.

I listen to educational podcasts and read valuable insights from online articles. I continue to learn and audit existing knowledge and beliefs, pondering and updating obsolete information that hinders growth.

There's growth in learning.

Soulful Sunday, a concept I've embraced, is a great opportunity to not get stuck but to learn to adapt and engage in new interests and habits. It's a day dedicated to self-care, learning, and personal growth, and it's something you can easily incorporate into your own routine.

Farming has been a great activity for us even before the pandemic, and we continue to plant seeds for a bounty harvest in this uncertain time. It's about growing food and nurturing a sense of responsibility, patience, and resilience, all essential aspects of personal growth.

This is an opportunity to cultivate, develop, and create sustainable living. Organic farming practices are what we need for a healthier body and immunity to fight the unseen enemy.

Life in the countryside will always be exciting. It's just a matter of changing our mental state and the definition of success. There's a lot of learning and an opportunity to live a more comfortable and healthier life. 

As we journey forward, we'll understand that fear can sabotage and take control of our destiny. But we have an antidote, a potent dose of learning that can help us bounce back, stronger and more vital than ever. The future is not just a possibility; it's a promise of a better, brighter tomorrow.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Positivity in Uncertainty

Energy follows thoughts and intentions. This means that the energy we put into our thoughts and the intentions we set with those thoughts directly impact our lives. It's one of the most essential pieces of wisdom I have learned and adopted for years.

By harnessing the power of our thoughts and embracing optimism, we hold the key to making the seemingly impossible, possible. Our minds have the incredible ability to shape our reality.

But how can we stay positive in a world full of negativity? With the recent global crisis due to the pandemic, people are scared and anxious about what lies ahead of our uncertain future—the coming days and years.

We are all at risk, but at this time, somebody must be ahead of us. Someone must not be as scared as we are. They are our elders, our parents, and our grandparents.

Their resilience is a testament to the power of positivity in overcoming life's challenges.

Yes, they may be the most vulnerable but have the most positive spirit through these times.

They are not the weakest but the strongest because of their faith in the highest Divine power. Their religious or spiritual affiliations and activities make them truly alive. This faith gives them a sense of purpose and a belief that they are part of something greater, which, in turn, strengthens their resilience and positivity.

My Soulful Sunday is spent at the farm, and on this day, my parents show us how to live and survive this crisis.

The striking statement I have heard from them is that extensive farmland only serves its purpose if cultivated for sustainable farming. That's why they put their energy into it.

When I visit the farm after a week of home quarantine, I am glad to see the vegetable farm, where they have spent most of their time and energy.

They may never know what tomorrow will bring but know how to survive and thrive. There are no excuses, only developing habits and a positive mindset.

Our goal is to fortify our immune systems, starting with the nourishing food on our table. Fresh produce from our farm is our recipe for better health and stronger immunity.

There is a lot of positivity for today. There are a lot of flashbacks and realizations. These moments of reflection have brought me a deeper understanding of life and a renewed appreciation for the strength of the human spirit. There is a lot of energy, but there is also positivity in uncertainty.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Transfiguration in the Eyes of A Child

The child grows fast from birth to toddler, from the time they open their eyes until they start walking alone. This physical transformation delights us. A child was born and is yet to live a great life. 

This past Sunday, a day we often refer to as 'Soulful Sunday, 'we had a wonderful time at the farm. We brought our little one to explore a new world, just as we had done on New Year's Day, 2020, when he was just learning to walk. This Sunday also marked the second Sunday of Lent, a time of reflection and spiritual growth in the Christian tradition.

On New Year's Day 2020, when he was one year and one month old, we saw his curiosity to explore his environment. Although he couldn't speak or express his joyfulness, it could be seen in his smiles and actions.

At 13 months, he can walk by himself and is very playful. He can show different emotions. He laughs when feeling happy and cries when feeling uncomfortable.

A child lives in a different world, within our own but seen through a unique lens. They have the remarkable ability to influence our emotions. A child's laughter can brighten our day when we don't feel like smiling. When we feel tired, a child's energy can lift us up. Their powerful energy can transform our moods and emotions, showing us a different side of the world.

There are times when we may feel we've had enough, yet a child can find happiness and excitement in the simplest of things. We may feel weary or bored with our routine, but a child's endless curiosity and resilience can bring a sense of rejuvenation and hope. A child's journey of learning, falling, getting up, and smiling again is a testament to their endless fun and resilience.

This second Sunday of Lent discusses Jesus's transfiguration at Mount Tabor, which was witnessed by his chosen Disciples. Jesus transformed into a bright human being just before the disciples' eyes.

Here on Earth, our God may manifest in many ways through lavish living and even suffering. However, we may become blind in our faith and not see the bright side of life.

Unlike us, children see the world with a depth and gratitude that we often overlook. They remind us to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. A child's perspective can be a source of enlightenment, teaching us to see the world with a profound sense of gratitude.

 Our Quest for Personal Transfiguration begins as we emulate the innocence of a little child, giving us a radiant glow as we live life with happiness, joy, and peace.

When we no longer see ourselves shining so brightly, we can find inspiration in a child's innocence and joy. In their eyes, we can see a reflection of Jesus's transfiguration, a reminder of the hope and potential for renewal that comes with learning to see the world through a child's eyes.

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Windows' Wind Blows

Waking up early in the morning and staring at the window—that's a great feeling when witnessing the timelapse from dawn to sunrise! The purple skies at dawn and the silhouette of the trees are a soulful morning greeting—an experience worth living.

In my hometown, the second half of February is the most incredible day to remember. The calm wind and the foggy morning are perfect for hot coffee.

A rainy day is a perfect time to hibernate and do some pure thinking over a cup of hot beverage. It's all coffee—coffee and unlimited coffee!

So many thoughts coming in, just like the non-stop pouring of the rain. And when it's time to contemplate, it has to be the finest frequency of tuning in. Only the best frequency for healing the body, mind, and soul.

Tuning in to so many frequencies simultaneously can make us feel heavy at times. Whenever our thoughts are in the past, we feel anxious about whether we did our best. We worry about what lies ahead when we tune in to the future. And then, we forget to live in the present moment.

As I stared out the window, I could smell my coffee, hear the birds chirping, and feel the gentle wind blowing. That's how I tune in to the present, and it's just a wonderful thing.

While tuning in at present, I couldn't help but tune in to one of the finest frequencies of the recent past—a heavenly frequency of a great climb to remember.

That's a selective tuning-in for a Soulful Sunday moment. It brings back not just pleasant memories but also relives heartfelt moments.

The wind blows of February will be missed. The foggy mornings will soon be over, and the rainy days will quickly end. But the memories will stay forever and be tuned in to be an excellent frequency for all seasons. 

The next time I stare out the window, it will never be the same again until the same season comes again. However, I have learned to tune in to a healing frequency even when it is raining and the sun is not shining.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Weekend Retreat at The Farm

Highland retreats are more than just a weekend activity for the family. They offer a unique opportunity to step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature, free from the usual noise and distractions.

An excellent way to connect with nature is to feel and embrace silence, to be distant for a while, and to be grounded. That's human nature; we always find ways to heal our bodies and souls naturally. And for us, it will always be our little sanctuary—our farm far away from the city.

A weekend retreat is a nourishment for the soul. We inhale the pure energy of nature, exhaling the toxic negativity that may have accumulated within us. These stagnant energies are like poison that must be released from our body system. Nature, with its cleansing and healing properties, rejuvenates us.

Our coffee tastes even better as we have a soulful conversation. This begins a journey towards the soulful discovery of our capacity for sustainable environmental development. It is in this place that plans and dreams materialize.

As I sip my coffee, I reminisce about when I first saw this underdeveloped site in the middle of 2019. In July of this year, the dream materialized through the capacity of my parents, who have been farming on this farmland for years.

This place is where we can experience solitude as we contemplate or meditate. It teaches us an important life lesson about contentment but being bold and daring to dream and survive.

We are leaving our little ones with a natural environment that fosters family connection and unity. Here, they can continue the legacy of love for nature and enjoy a quality and blissful life. As they grow up, they will learn to love nature and do their best to protect and preserve it, strengthening our family bond.

Our weekend highland retreat is a simple celebration of life. We will forever be thankful to the Divine for a meaningful life— where dreams are alive. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

When Christmas Tree Makes You Happy

Decorating for Christmas is a jolly moment for our family. It gives a joyful vibe and a nostalgic feeling about our childhood. As we decorate, we also reflect on how our decorations evolved through the years. Back then, we did not have a giant Christmas tree, but we made sure to have something to decorate for Christmas.

There's a special magic in the air when our family comes together to deck the halls for Christmas. As we string up the lights and hang the ornaments, we share stories that have become part of our holiday tradition. These memories, like the decorations themselves, add a vibrant hue to our lives as we celebrate Christmas.

For Christmas 2019, we wanted our Christmas tree to reflect how we feel and what kind of life we want. So, we set up sparkling multi-color Christmas lights around the tree and decorated it with glittering accessories.

Even in the midst of life's challenges, our Christmas tree stands as a beacon of hope. It reminds us to let our inner light shine, to cast away the darkness and embrace the brightness that the season brings.

As we gather around the Christmas tree, we're filled with a sense of joy and anticipation. We're ready to bid farewell to the year that was and welcome the new one with open arms. We're hopeful for a brighter year ahead, and we're energized to make it our best yet.

Oh, Christmas tree! You bring light and color to the holidays. You bring smiles to the kids, the family, and everyone. You give meaning to a life worth living. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

International Coffee Day: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

Coffee is one of the topmost beverages in the world, and in the Philippines, it has become a staple drink due to its caffeine-addictive substance that people can't live without. Who wouldn't resist the aroma of freshly brewed coffee served in your favorite café or at home? Globally, it is best served with the ever-favorite cakes and pastries, donuts, and croissants, while in the Philippines—all over the archipelago—it is best served with local bread and delicacies like freshly baked pandesal, puto, and bibingka. 

Like Western Visayas, people drink coffee partnered with suman, biko, and the most popular biscocho, the region's pride. Other areas would have their local delicacy, which is best served with a hot coffee to start the day right and get energized at any time of the day. Whether for breakfast, snacks, or post-dinner, we love having a cup of coffee at any hour and place.

Filipinos have adapted to the global flavors of gourmet coffee. From purely black Americano coffee to frothy cups of cappuccino and latté, we blend with the rest of the world. Now, we have a choice beyond the traditional hot black coffee; we also have a selection of whether to be served cold or iced and blended. No matter how pricey it is, espresso coffee has been our favorite beverage because we are now after the experience. However, let's not forget our unique local coffee varieties such as Barako and Benguet, which are gaining popularity and are a testament to the rich coffee culture in the Philippines. 

Our favorite cafés are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee. They're the backdrop to countless conversations, business meetings, and moments of relaxation. The warm greetings from baristas, the delicious coffee, and the inviting ambiance all contribute to a sense of community and shared experience.

As we enjoy a sip of our favorite coffee, we must remember the coffee farmers who sweat out to carefully plant, harvest, and roast good quality coffee beans. From farm to cup, it is truly a journey of the farmers to give us the most delicious beverage we will enjoy. From Tagum City in the South to Lipa City in Batangas and going up in the mountains of the Cordillera, we have our hardworking coffee farmers who are coffee entrepreneurs. Their dedication not only provides us with great coffee but also significantly contributes to the economy. For every cup of freshly brewed local coffee beans, we help support our local coffee farmers in their livelihood and the growth of our coffee industry.

It is also proven by scientific research that coffee consumption has a lot of health benefits due to the higher level of antioxidants that prevent certain types of cancers, leading to healthier cells and longevity. For health and wellness, a cup of coffee daily gives us energy and protection from free radicals. Others would consume not just 1 cup but up to 4 cups or more daily, and they are certainly well -- just enough caffeine for daily consumption.

Today, the world is celebrating International Coffee Day. Coffee is no longer just a simple beverage; it's now a lifestyle. We help promote coffee and its excellent benefits. Wherever we are in the world, no matter what language we can utter, Koffi, kopi, kape, and Cafe, we just mean one thing: our craving and need for a daily dose of coffee. It has been our trusted health partner and part of our success and life's journey.

© 2019 Del Cusay

When September Ends: Timeless Memories

Here comes September: the beginning of the Merriest season in the Philippines, the start of the Autumn season, or Fall in the West. It is the beginning of many beautiful things and the end of not-so-glorious days.

September is a month filled with joyous celebrations. It marks the addition of another year to my life, the start of a new and extraordinary cycle. Birthdays are special, filled with love and gratitude for the blessings received, the wishes that came true, and the unexpected joys that unfold.

What makes September special is the Birthday of the Mother of Christ. It was on September 8 when the universe conspired for what my heart desired. I prayed to our Divine Mother, so I made this day special. She listens and prays for us all.   Heart's Desire: An Answered Prayer is a testimony of the intercession of the Holy Mother, the Blessed Mary. This day will forever be memorable and to be celebrated.

As September draws close, we have another special occasion to celebrate: Our Mother's 66th Birthday on the 24th. A simple yet meaningful family gathering over dinner made this day unique and heartwarming.

What made this September memorable was the soulful conversation with Reverend Father Jeffrey Estrella while having lunch at the beachfront restaurant on September 17. We discussed life, faith, and the beauty of nature. He shared insightful stories and wisdom that left a lasting impression on me. He is the Parish Priest of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish. 

We also had a family weekend getaway with my grandfather on Sunday, September 22nd, at the beach. That was like extended summer fun. The waves on the shore are so calming, and the sea view on the hilltop is breathtaking.

On the journey to the summit, we visited our beloved Bato Arobo on September 23rd. The natural beauty of the mountains is a sight to behold, pure bliss. Here, we immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature, taking deep breaths, meditating, and basking in the serenity that surrounds us. 

As September approaches, my heart is filled with love and gratitude. I am blessed to have the best people in my life who protect, care for, and support me in whatever I do and to whoever I become. September will always be memorable, and its joy is so meaningful.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Living the Best Life From Metropolitan to the Countryside

Life in rural areas may seem unexciting or tedious to some people, just like my fellow millennials. At some point, they may feel lower energy due to the lack of more significant and better opportunities offered to them.

That's exactly how I felt a little over a decade after finishing college and getting my professional license. Back then, I saw myself working in an urban area, a bigger city that was vibrant and more alive.

That dream became a reality. I lived and worked in Metro Manila, which is the city of dreams for many people, especially my generation. It is a place where we can enjoy the best of the corporate world: working in a great and big company, wearing corporate attire, earning better compensation, and living the best life. Those are the great things about urban living; we have the best of everything.

Despite some success and career fulfillment, my time in the city led to a profound self-realization about what success truly means and what we must sacrifice to achieve our most coveted dreams. It was a period of personal growth and self-discovery that I wouldn't trade for anything.

I have experienced city life, which is highly livable in the Philippines. In Metro Manila, from the former Capital - Quezon City of the north, down to the finest Business District of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The fantastic mountain resort of Baguio City in the Cordilleras and the Finest culture of Iloilo City in the Visayas. Those places where I have lived and worked offer the best life with the highest national livability index. Rural areas or towns are not even considered livable due to a lack of economic development and other factors.

After more than a decade of living and working in the top livable cities in the Philippines, I see economic development and opportunities in the countryside and an emerging local economy through good governance and better planning. 

Despite the economic development and prosperity in more fabulous cities like Metro Manila, people living and working in those cities are experiencing the downside of urban living.

For years, Metro Manila has been having difficulty solving issues on livability. I have experienced problems with public transport as a commuter for several years. I have suffered from falling in a long line on a metro rail due to glitches and a lack of train coaches. Due to traffic congestion, I have endured hours on the bus on the way home after work. We have suffered from days of rotational water interruption. Those are part of the basic needs we have endured, and the cycle seems to go on year after year. We have suffered from it, but that has become our worst reality.

There are more things we have sacrificed. Our health has been at risk due to the stress those problems have caused. More people are getting sick, maybe not due to the nature of work, but due to stress, anxiety, and fatigue caused by air pollution and travel time on the road, from home to the workplace, and vice versa. I endured almost 5 hours of travel time in a day when I worked in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig while living in Caloocan City. That is from North to Southbound and vice versa. I was not alone. I am among the thousands who share the same fate in the Metro. Those are the sacrifices we have to endure for a living. But that may have come to an ending.

Living in the Metro is excellent, but there are options here in a city that is no longer healthy—only for survival's sake.

There's a certain contentment in the countryside, in the Rural area where we used to live. We may have temporarily left Rural living, but it will always be in our hearts. While others make endearing sacrifices just to live their dreams in the Metro, we are fortunate to have a countryside we can return to.

In the countryside, we enjoy vast land and greenery. We have the best natural landscape and scenery. We breathe cleaner air and drink spring water. We are awakened and greeted by the chirping of the birds at dawn. We can see the incredible sunrise while having a cup of coffee. We have a bright sunny day and look up above the blue skies. We see the mountains, the hills, and the valleys. We can swim in a river or waterfalls. We can witness a beautiful sunset. At night we can go stargazing. We go to bed and fall asleep early. We have a good night's sleep. These are not our vacation escapes or fantasies. This is not a dream but our living reality, which best describes the place we love to be.

That's a quality life! Not much extravagance, but only a natural living that rural life offers.

In the city, people can build a fortune amidst chaos and suffering; in the countryside, we can live a life of simplicity and serenity. In the town, we define success by the number of wealth, while in the country, we feel successful when we are in perfect health.

No wonder, in today's time, more people are investing in real estate properties in emerging provincial areas even though they are already established in the cities. Some would acquire a townhouse property. Others would buy a lot for future house construction. More families spend their vacation on an eco-farm. More people patronize farm tourism activities to escape the city life's hustle and bustle.

We developed our family country farm with the Divine's grace and built our dream farmhouse. This family real estate is where we partly live a quality life together. The process of building our dream farmhouse was a labor of love, a testament to our shared dreams and aspirations. It's where we make our dreams a reality and create a better life and community of Divine love and light.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Birthday Special: Love and Gratitude

Birthdays mark a new beginning, a new cycle of life. They are a testament to our resilience, a day to remember how we've weathered life's storms, lived our best lives, and emerged stronger from every challenge.

Life, as I've come to understand, is a series of cycles. There are highs and lows, moments of joy, and times of struggle. Each cycle, like a roller-coaster, has its own unique challenges and rewards. Some cycles have empowered me, filling me with energy and determination to bring my ideas to life. Others have tested me, leading to moments of introspection and growth.

Just before the birthday, the life cycle was a purification time to break negative thoughts and obsolete beliefs. It involved letting go of unpleasant emotions and moving forward for a brighter side, a more excellent cycle of renewal and strong will. 

I was born more than three decades ago on this day, marking the first cycle of life that gives meaning and power. The most critical time of the year is celebrating our precious birthdate. This is when we extend our wishes

 to our loved ones. 

The gift of a good life is the fundamental source of gratitude, and I share its goodness with my family, friends, and dear ones with love and compassion. Their presence in my life is a constant reminder of my blessings.

As I embark on this new cycle of life, one of the best gifts I can give myself is the gift of 'a break'. This break is not about stopping or slowing down but about taking a moment to appreciate the journey so far and gather the energy to continue moving forward. I want to express my deepest love and gratitude for my parents, who have shown me the beauty of a simple, slow-paced life. 

As I embark on another life cycle, I aspire to be a beacon of love and light, not just for my family, but for all those I encounter. Age is just a number, and with each passing year, I strive to live a life that reflects Divine love and light.

Another life cycle will rock my world, but I want to keep my faith and stay above circumstances beyond my control. I have conquered my weaknesses, and this time is the beginning of making the best things possible through Divine power, love, and light. The cycle of life is God's greatest delight. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

Heaven in Our Hearts: Soaring High on Earth

The world is in dire need of environmental protection and preservation. Today, we are constantly bombarded with news of natural and man-made disasters that ravage our environment and disrupt our ecosystem, profoundly affecting our lives. The urgency of this situation calls for immediate action and a collective sense of responsibility. 

Deforestation, illegal logging, forest wildfires, and illegal mining are not just news headlines. They are the harsh realities that we, as a global community, are facing. Some of these activities are natural, but the majority are a result of unchecked industrialization and unbridled greed. We must not only hear about these issues but also empathize with the victims and the environment itself.

In the Philippines, we have several groups and personalities: environmental warriors, environmental activists, and Philanthropists who deeply show their love and concern for our ecological welfare. One of those personalities I genuinely admire and respect is Gina Lopez, who advocated and founded several foundations supporting environmental protection.

I consider Gina Lopez the Mother Teresa of the Philippines. She has been a missionary in Europe, Africa, and India for two decades, developing a Divine consciousness by devoting her time and energy to serving the marginalized, underprivileged, and poor in love and spirit.

With the higher consciousness she attained in her mission abroad, she returned to her origin in the Philippines to spearhead the Foundation of one of the country's largest media companies. She founded the Bantay Kalikasan, which cause is to protect the environment and natural resources. She was also active in the rehabilitation effort of the Pasig River and one of the advocates for the La Mesa Ecopark considered the last and remaining forest in Metro Manila.

Team building at the LA Mesa Ecopark in May 2011

Gina Lopez may not be able to witness how far her efforts have gone since she passed away, but her spirit, as she said, will always be alive. She will remain a well-loved personality since she has touched so many lives through her breakthrough projects and various social development programs.

Gina Lopez was a visionary. She had a great love for Filipino people. Once, she uttered that if 'heaven is made from people's hearts, she thinks that we can build heaven in the Philippines' and profoundly believed that we could fly high and make things happen. This is her vision, and if we think we can do it, we will experience a piece of heaven on earth, not a fantasy but our shared reality.

Gina Lopez envisioned a sustainable natural environment through Ecological tourism, also known as Farm tourism. She was one of those who believed that we could achieve prosperity through harmony with nature.

As an environmental advocate, I support the emerging rise of the country's farm tourism industry, which will become a living trend not only today but in the years to come.

Our love for our country can be shown through the environment in which we live. We envision the next generations breathing fresher air, being under the shade of a tree, seeing the forest, and benefiting from the natural resources we have protected and preserved.

We may have lost a strong leader and Environmental protector, but her legacy will remain in our hearts as she envisioned the heaven we all deserve to live in.

© 2019 Del Cusay