Lost in a Paradise

If there's one thing that this Pandemic has taught us, it is to embrace the stillness. To be present.

Life teaches us about what is essential versus what is luxury or leisure.

Life teaches us to embrace individual uniqueness and societal differences.

Life teaches us to be alone, lost, and regain ourselves.

What would happen if you got stuck on an Island. How would you imagine living?

There are no convenience stores, cellular phone signals, or internet.

You only have basic survival needs and equipment; tents, hammocks, cooking utensils, and just enough food good for two days.

I dared! I trekked a muddy road less traveled back in 2015. And my destination was the Island Province of Guimaras in the Philippines.

In just two days, I enjoyed the serenity of the place away from the people. The water was clear, and I jumped off a cliff. That was a safe jump rather than a risky dive I never dared. And I survived!

Now I'm living in the present. I am thinking about the time in our lives when we go on an adventure of a lifetime. There's no attachment to things and people. And the absence of one of the most essential things today -- getting online and social media.

Today, during this time of Pandemic and social isolation, our connection to the online world is our most important survival tool. We go online for news updates which sometimes can be toxic and causes sadness, loneliness, and grief. If there's no internet and social media in the present time, how would we live everyday life?

Our survival tool in the new best normal is connecting to the online world. For most of us, being offline is not alive since, nowadays, everybody seems to go digital, going online to communicate with coworkers, families, friends, and special loved ones.

I learned to be detached and offline, even for a short while. To go on social media detox. Honestly, I have lived in that present moment, living in stillness. That adventure taught me a lesson about basic survival skills and survival when the most essential thing is out of reach even for a while.

The next Pandemic may come in our time, and how we prepare for the worst is essential for survival.

To be stuck in an Island Paradise is just one learning experience that I have benefited from in the present times and the next crisis.

And today, we can always learn not to just survive. But, just be alive.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Now Rowing Forward

We can't wait to move on. We've been stuck for some time, and we want to move forward and be able to live our life's next chapter. A life where mystery meets uncertainty. A life of ups and downs -- our current reality.

Today, I've seen how we go a few steps backward. When the Pandemic struck, we froze, could hardly move, and went on to reminisce about our past life. We remember the good old times and learn from the bad times. We have time-traveled, and it just feels so good.

Rowing on a small boat from my last year's retreat on a beach was one of the most solemn and soulful experiences ever. That gave me a lot of realization about how I lived my life. That was a preview of how to live and survive in silence, without a crowd, and just a moment of detachment and social isolation.

As I looked at the horizon from afar, where the blue skies meet the sea, indeed sky is the limit regarding our life's desires and realizations. There are a lot of opportunities and foresight waiting for us to be discovered in total silence.

As I walked closer to the shore, the horizon seemed endless, even when I reached the deepest sea. When a big wave is coming to hit me, I may either swim as fast as I can back near the shore or just go with the flow as calmly as I can.

Life's like that. When something big hits us, like an overwhelming challenge or adversity, we can choose how to react; we panic or stay calm and focused on taking the best action and not get drowned.

Fast forward to today, a year after, comes the Pandemic. I remember how I enjoyed the silence and solemnity of a place where I said I could survive in that environment for a long time.

How many of us could live without a noisy and distracted world? How many of us can enjoy being detached from worldly possessions and relationships? How many of us can survive alone, having just enough and with no luxuries but only a natural world of purity and simplicity?

Today, as people and communities have started to mobilize again after isolation, we have learned a harsh lesson and a deeper awareness of our being. That we can indeed live alone for some time and depend on ourselves for our own happiness. That we are responsible and in control of our life -- our destiny.

Life has brought us to a different era and future we never imagined. This time, we are not only moving on or moving forward. We are now rowing along in the direction of our will, our life purpose. We are the captain and in control of our destiny. The director of our own reality.

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Moment of Contemplation

Have you ever been to a place where you frowned the first time you saw it? Have you thought such a place is far from development and almost impossible to transform? to make it wonderful and habitable?

At times we may be like that. We see places and things as too much underdeveloped and tagged as ugly until someone transforms them into beautiful sanctuaries.

In December 2013, I was invited to beach camping on the Island of Guimaras. From the drop-off point along the road, we hiked for almost 30 minutes, and I never thought of walking on a narrow and hilly road while carrying my backpack and some camping stuff in one hand. That hiking gave me the impression that the place would be better due to the bad road experience.

However, to my surprise, when we got near and overlooked the sea, I was mesmerized by the beautiful and relaxing view from afar. I was wrong to give a negative first impression, and I have learned that a beautiful day is waiting on a road full of suffering,' and this is a good life lesson worth remembering.

That was one of many times I judged a place that turned out to be a fantastic and great experience.

In my hometown, my parents have made a little sanctuary. A place for a retreat and to contemplate life and what lies ahead. At first, it was like a wilderness, but later it was developed to be a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and potential livelihood.

While swaying through a hammock, I enjoyed the environment's serenity and the chirping birds' natural music. The gentle wind makes the trees sway, giving off 'Prana,' a vital life force.

As I contemplate, I couldn't be more grateful for a beautiful life and for the blessings that come. It was just a fantasy, but now a living reality. I used to dream of having our retreat sanctuary; full of flowers and trees and doing meditation and spiritual work.

Now, we have our little farmhouse where we can spend a weekend getaway or a Soulful Sunday -- from not a faraway place from home.

This little sanctuary, a peaceful haven, is about a 10-minute drive away from home, from the town center. It is in a highland village with a beautiful natural landscape and a unique view of the mountains.

Soulful Sunday would be the most uplifting activity I will ever have. It's a time of a blissful moment with the Divine and higher consciousness. It's a time of higher connections and renewal of being. This time, not in a sea or a beach, but in a highlands full of love and serenity. 

© 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, and at some point, having a feeling of 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 see myself working in an urban area, a bigger city that is vibrant and more alive.

That dream became a reality. I lived and worked in Metro Manila. That 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. Living the best life. Those are the great things about urban living; we have the best of everything.

Despite some levels of success and career fulfillment, there comes a time of self-realization about what success means and what we must sacrifice to achieve our most coveted dreams.

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 place I have lived and worked offers 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, 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. For several years I have experienced problems with public transport as a commuter. 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 but only for survival's sake.

There's life in the countryside, in the Rural area 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 goodnight's sleep. These are not our vacation escapes or fantasy. 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 invest 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 would be where we partly live a quality life together. We make our dreams and build a better life... and a better community of Divine love and light.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Heaven in Our Hearts: Soaring High on Earth

Environmental protection and preservation are what the world needs. Nowadays, we hear about natural and man-made disasters affecting our environment and ecosystem, which significantly affect how we live. 

We may see or hear about deforestation, illegal logging, forest wildfires, and illegal mining from the news. Some of these activities are natural, while others may result from massive industrialization and greed. We may hear about it and have witnessed some of it.

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 as the Mother Teresa of the Philippines. As a missionary in Europe, Africa, and India for 2 decades, she has developed 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 has a great love for Filipino people, and once she uttered that if 'heaven is made from people's hearts, she thinks that we can build heaven in the Philippines' and profoundly believes that we can 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 natural environment that is sustainable through Ecological tourism or known as Farm tourism. She was one of those who believed that we can achieve prosperity through harmony with nature.

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

Our love for our country can be shown through the kind of environment that we live in. 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

Happiness in Our Hearts

What could be more important in life?
Biggest dream, achieved goals, a success...
A dream job, a dream house, a fancy car
A dream destination in the farthest nation

When success means a million-dollar
Yes! I have a lot, but not feeling enough
Giving it all, but no contentment at all
No happiness, no pure joy. No bliss

Success is the presence of happiness...
When I get successful, I'll be happy... Nah!
When I am so glad, I feel successful... Yeah!
Happiness is positive psychology... Aha!

Happiness comes from a natural thing.
Not so expensive and not an elusive thing
A glimpse of dawn, a beautiful twilight...
A magnificent sunrise, a morning exercise

What else could make us truly happy?
A morning cup of milk, coffee, or tea
A chirping sparrow... A Nightingale's song
A mist in the garden, a drizzle... A blessing!

Happiness is within us... Within our reach
The morning ritual of gratitude makes us rich!
A good morning greeting... A morning hymn
Thank God for the happiness... I am lovin'

© 2019 Del Cusay

A Beautiful Sunrise

A magnificent dawn
Staring at the garden
Hearing the music
Nature's so fantastic
Is it real, or is it magic

The birds are chirping.
The flowers are blooming
A gentle wind is blowing
Thank God I am awake
I have a beautiful morning

It's the bird that flies.
It's the cloud in the sky
It's the sun on the rise
Giving energy so wise
Truly endearing sacrifice 



© 2019 Del Cusay

Memories of Summer 2019

That was endless summer fun! From March during the Holy week until the blooming flowers of May, a season in the sun that is hotta fun. For about 3 months, we have experienced and collected another memory we will cherish forever.

Summertime in the Philippines is a celebration of vibrant life. We enjoy the waves on the beach with fewer worries of getting tanned or sunburned skin. It comes once a year, so we want it to be more fun and the most memorable experience ever. That's the kind of summer I want... get burned and just be alive!

I spent 2 weeks in our hometown to support my father's candidacy as a Municipal councilor in the midterm election last May 13. We celebrated Thanksgiving for a Victorious Journey along with the Christening of my nephew, J. Frenz Matthew. That was a joyous occasion and a celebration of a new life.

A day after the winning moment, we visited my mother's birthplace in the highlands of Bato-Arobo in barangay Pasol-o. That was about 2 decades ago since my last visit. Memories of Mount Bato-Arobo reminded me of a hiking experience to reach the place with a fantastic mountain view and a place that offers serenity and peace of mind.

We live in a landlocked town and only have natural wonders like rivers, parks, and waterfalls. No sea and beaches. Malinamon falls is one of the best we could offer tourists and nature lovers. It is located inside the military conservation known as Camp Peralta in Jaena Norte. We had an excursion with my family, a respite from the summer heat. We love the natural environment, and we had a great adventure, surely worth reminiscing about.

Back in Manila after a 2-week vacation, I knew that my summer was only complete with a visit to the beach. I traveled to the coastal town of Zambales to enjoy the remaining hot summer days.

Crystal Beach in San Narciso is one of the finest beach destinations offering the best scenery and accommodation. On a mid-day sun, I was seated on a modern beach-type nipa hut while watching the seashore and meditating. That was a stress relief; to be at the beachfront and in a meditative state. Truly a blissful experience!

A day at the beach is too short, so I had to beach hop in the nearby town of San Felipe. That was my beach destination for the previous year. Memories of the Summer of 2018 at Camp Rofelio began my fascination with this peaceful and uncrowded beach of Liwliwa.

On the second time around, a new accommodation, El Zamba resort in Liwliwa, may be at the farthest end of the group of alternatives, but it offers the best view of the sunrise and the sunset. The water is greenish-blue, and the waves are perfect for surfing.

That was my summer adventure. Truly captivating and soul-searching. I left the place smiling, and the distance traveled was worth a million bucks of pure bliss. I am feeling good. I feel blessed, and I am feeling grateful because life has been so wonderful.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Farm Life: Young Farmer's Dream

The Philippines is now taking the challenge on how it could revive the glorious days when it was once an Asian leader in Agriculture back in the 60s, which was our parents' or grandparents' generation.

It's hard to believe that the rice industry, which is one of the Agricultural subsectors, is dying in the Philippines when it was reported recently that the sector has very little statistical contribution to our country's economy in the 2018 report. This revelation seems an admission of failure not only to improve our Agricultural sector but also a failure to uplift the lives of our farmers. This could be why our younger generations do not see the future in farming and do not accept the challenge of inheriting this noble profession from their parents. 

Reviving interest in Agriculture

The reality is that farming takes a lot of effort, time, and patience, and these could be the reasons why our youth would choose to take non-agricultural studies to be their profession. Another reason could be the misconception that there are no better opportunities in agriculture and it is not highly profitable compared to working as a corporate employee in a big company.

I may belong to the Healthcare sector as my primary profession, but I am interested in agriculture and looking forward to embracing a farm life. Back in 2008, just after I graduated from college, I was able to help my parents in their business of buying rice grains (unmilled) from our local rice farmers. I was a cashier back then, and it gave me a sense of joy to see them receiving their hard-earned money from their produce. I reminisce about the time when I was just a young kid playing in a rice field during the harvest season, and as I grew up, I have learned to appreciate and express my gratitude to our farmers. In my heart, our local rice farmers had a significant contribution to my college education, and also the money they received out of their products is to finance the education of their own children. 

The future of Agriculture 

Nowadays, we see agricultural farms converted into shopping malls and subdivisions or townhouses, which were acquired from our farmers. If this is our present reality, we must be alarmed as we will soon be losing the farmland that gives us food to eat and finance our children's education. We can never control the future and its fast development, but we can do something if we learn to cultivate love in the soil that will reap greater rewards. 

Agripreneurship or Agribiz is now the trend in the hope of reviving our love for Agriculture. We have heard some stories of former OFWs who started farming in their province and became wealthy. We have heard about a former corporate employee who became farming and earned a better income. We also have people in the city who are now into urban farming despite the limited lot area, and it is their source of organic food on the table. 

Farm tourism is the Next Big thing.

As we grow our love and passion for Agriculture, we also get to share it with people through farm tourism, which is a tremendous societal contribution. If there is a strawberry farm in La Trinidad, a grape farm in La Union, and Garin Farm in Iloilo, then the newest farm destination could be owned by you, and you can help promote your town and the province by attracting tourists to visit and patronize the farm produce and various farm activities. 

Support our young farmers

Let us continue to support our Agricultural sector so that our younger generation will appreciate what their parents have started. Let us help revive our school of Agriculture to allow students to acquire quality education and become the next Agriculturist and Agripreneur who will bring quality and healthy food to our table. Let us continue to hear The Voices of The Filipino Farmers so that they will be more empowered.

The farming lifestyle may be challenging, but it is gaining attention from the young ones, and many people in rural and urban areas are still attracted to it. It's easy to believe that the future is in Agriculture, and there is a future in Agriculture, and that future starts today.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Memories of Summer 2018

There's nothing that compares to the feeling of happiness that the summer brings. Some may hate the hot and humid temperature, while it is truly bliss for others. Whenever the favorable temperate month of February ends, it excites us. It looks forward to out-of-town trips, adventures, or a simple staycation to unwind and rejuvenate. The most joyful time of the year is spent at the beach, a waterfall, a river, or a mountain resort to relieve intense heat.

What makes the summer of 2018 memorable is the journey on the road. No matter how far the destination is, we still enjoy the scenery and can't wait to experience what the place offers. The calm and gentle blow of the wind, the allure of the ocean, the amazing sunrise in the east, and the beautiful sunset in the west are the things that awaken our spirit. When we recognize the beauty of the natural wonders, we experience ultimate happiness that is truly memorable.

There's a feeling of great relief and a sense of renewal for even a short while once we temporarily escape from the everyday work. Natural healing cleanses and purifies us to make us complete and ready to face a more complex world with calmness and peace. I always believe that our body always finds its way to healing itself. It's as if our soul wanders around, and our physical body brings us somewhere. Our soulful desire makes us live our purpose to stop for a while and take a deep breath as we enjoy the precious moment.

Summer Food bazaar at Bonifacio High Street

Summertime is about the enjoyment of little things that matters. We enjoy being outdoors and experiencing life on the street. We want the food accompanied by upbeat music. We appreciate the vibrant and positive energy that gives us a sense of accomplishment as we reflect on our victorious plans and actions. We made it! We succeeded! and we express our gratitude for it.

Summertime is the preservation phase of the year and a great time to energize and revitalize before the onset of the rainy season or monsoon. We enjoy the season in the sun and return to our place with much gratitude and peace in our hearts and mind. During our travel, we develop realizations about work and life balance that we deserve a much-needed break once in a while to relieve stress and burnout; the prize is an appreciation for a meaningful life — a life well-lived. 

© 2018 Del Cusay

Hope For Humanity: A Life Worth Living

2013 was probably the worst disaster that hit the Philippines, my beloved country. The day when the most destructive typhoon killed thousands of lives and families left homeless. November 8, 2013, was a nightmare to consider. Several lives were lost instantly, and many people suffered from post-traumatic stress. They were helpless, didn't know what to do, and felt abandoned and neglected. It killed innocent lives, the hopes and dreams of many people, families living simple lives, and those who have just started building their lives. It was all gone due to a significant impact caused by Typhoon Yolanda, internationally known as Haiyan.

As a disaster-prone country, we learned to adapt to almost every calamity. We brave the storm, proving the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit that we are as complex as titanium but as soft as a pearl. We learn to recover and stand up again despite the miseries we have experienced. We struggle, we cry, we laugh, and we smile. That's the cycle of life we are meant to live. In the Philippines, that's our reality. We are waterproof no matter what challenges we are going through. We Filipinos are tough, but our poor soul experiences the pain that makes us feel helpless, meaningless, and lack direction and purpose. We became lost and wanderers in body, mind, and spirit.

Destruction of humanity caused by climate change is the greatest challenge in this century. We have caused significant damage to the earth and suffer the consequence; hence, disaster is becoming a regular occurrence, and we must learn how to fight to survive. Yes, we are a survivor in this archipelago of stormy seas. Our survival instinct guides our actions to escape from harm and danger. Our bodies may have become weak, but our spirit still has the energy to live. That is Perseverance in Times of Despair that we develop in our character. We became fearless, and we endured all the pain.

As a survivor, I have learned to acknowledge the importance of saving our environment; our nature; the habitat we live in; keeping the forestry that is becoming denuded, and creating awareness for people who don't care. People are becoming greedy and busy with the destruction of nature just to gain wealth. That's their way to survive and their life path. For us, we end up suffering. Those people are careless not to think and feel for the welfare of the people. Truly, destruction against humanity.

A simple way of expressing disgust for environmental destruction and supporting the ecological protection drive would mean a lot. I believe there are still better leaders with a voice and influence to beat the destroyers, the environment killers. I give my support to those who care for humanity and the world. There's nothing more worth living than a peaceful and heaven-on-earth experience. When we sleep so deep and wake up with higher hopes and goals to accomplish. When we live in harmony with nature and keep our balance as we progress. There is nothing more in life than to keep everything fair and just.

My previous life experiences made me stronger and think extraordinarily. MyMy Life's Greatest Challenge prepared me for a more significant role of serving humanity through a personal transformation through higher consciousness. I've been prepared for disaster preparedness for a possible worst-case scenario. The world is ever-changing and unpredictable. However, we can always foresee the events based on the current trend. Today, we are Dealing with The Impact of Climate Change. That's our reality, and we are now living in it. We can't stop it, but we can prepare for the worst thing to come to entirely survive. I mean not only on a physical level but also on emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.

Life is good, and it is worth living to have a negligible influence on others. We can make an impact in our own way based on what we believe is right and for the betterment of other people. Our humanitarian actions will go a long way, creating a ripple of kindness and goodwill to improve the world. Our Heart's Desire: To live a Humanitarian Life Heart's Desire: To live a Humanitarian Life that will influence others to stand up and act for better mankind. We have higher hopes for ourselves, but we are also hoping more for humanity's future. As I remember, service life is a life worth living and well lived -- the humanitarian way.

© 2017 Del Cusay

The Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: Dealing with the Impact of Climate Change

The recent environmental issue of climate change significantly affects humanity and the world. We are all living testimony of how our lives have changed in many ways; we either adapt to it or become victims of circumstances. This is more than just the present situation since we look forward to its massive destruction in the succeeding years and generations.

With the most significant issue of global warming leading to climate change, how can we foresee the future ahead of us? How can we ensure that the next generations will live harmoniously with nature? Is the human race losing the battle and on its way to extinction? We may never know, but one thing for sure is that we now live in uncertainty due to the destructive Power of Nature and the consequence of greediness and negligence for personal gains.

The great debate on climate change started several years back. It has become a significant issue confronting several nations, especially the Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries in Asia and the world. This small archipelago of brave Filipinos have suffered tremendously at some point in time due to significant natural calamity; typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, and storm surge that have killed thousands of Filipinos. 

Natural disasters may be inevitable. However, the  Resilience of the Filipino Spirit made us more robust, and we became the ultimate survivor. Our survival instinct enables us to better prepare ahead and anticipate more destructive forces beyond our control. We may have a bended knee, but that's only temporary, as we can bounce back to live a fully recovered life. 

Philippine Government, NGOs, and even private companies and organizations are doing their mandate in response to their environmental duties and contribution to a more livable community. Media Company, Rappler has been a leader in its humanitarian effort concerning the effect of climate change.

Their AGOS project, in partnership and coordination with several Government and  Non-Government agencies, calls for an action to raise awareness among every Filipino that we can do something in our very own simple ways. We can be empowered to send and receive reports about calamities and disaster-related occurrences through social media.

The AGOS project introduced a way of making a difference through a practical and achievable 3-way goal: to "Prepare - Respond - Recover" applicable before, during, and after a disaster or calamity. 

The 2-day AGOS Disaster Preparedness on July 14-15 was a remarkable achievement of the Government and Private organizations working together for a common goal to achieve zero casualties in times of natural disaster. Rappler, in partnership with Humanitarian Organizations, was successful in attracting members, followers, and volunteers willing to spend their precious time and devote positive energy to a humanitarian cause. 

Present at the event is our Philippine Senator, Richard Gordon, who is the Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross. He shared about the power of volunteerism and what they can achieve to alleviate the suffering and restore the dignity of calamity victims. Senator Loren Legarda also shared about the environmental law she has authored since the early 90s. Her concept of zero waste management, "Reuse - Reduce - Recycle," is her environmental advocacy teaching people to save our environment from further damage or harm. Other invited speakers talked about their respective offices or agencies' role in minimizing the effect of climate change and our ways of adaptation and survival. 

Together with Maria Ressa, CEO, Rappler

The initiative of Maria Ressa, CEO of  Rappler, and her whole team is truly commendable as they have proven their leadership in disaster management and advocacy for a more resilient community.  Maria's approach to public-private partnership doesn't need a huge budget but to empower Filipino people, especially the younger generations, to become active change agents capable of influencing others to have their commitments to Environmental causes.

The Summit was empowering, inspiring us to have a voice even in digital media. We can actively communicate ideas and solutions that benefit disaster management through social media. The humanitarian drive creates goodwill among its followers and will further influence young people to actively participate in nation-building.

The great thing about being Filipino is that our 'Bayahihan' culture has become digital. Its evolution enables humanitarians and advocates to continue living with a sense of purpose and direction. We have already proven the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: A Year After Typhoon Yolanda, and unfortunate events may hit us no matter what. Still, we're ready to break the barriers for a smooth-sailing journey to recovery.

We join hands together, and our soul-purpose will lead us to uplift the lives of other Filipinos who are lost, misguided, and victims of this sad fate. A resilient spirit will always be unshakable and always create a ripple.                                                                

© 2017 Del Cusay

Resilience of the Filipino Spirit: A Year After Typhoon Yolanda

"Today, we remember the innocent lives that were lost, the cry for help, the desperate actions, but we also remember the unsung heroes who have sacrificed in helping our countrymen to start another chapter of their lives. We thank those who have shared their sympathy and delivered humanitarian services to our people. We are not alone and are blessed by your kindness and generosity."


A year ago, the Philippines experienced one of the worst catastrophes ever experienced. Typhoon "Haiyan," with the local name"Yolanda," became our land's deadliest calamity. Thousands of people risked their lives. However, some were not lucky enough to survive. Several families lost their loved ones. They also lost their homes, properties, and sources of living. It was perhaps the most unforgettable and painful emotion ever felt by those greatly affected by the tragedy.

On November 8, 2013, almost the entire Visayan region was severely hit by a massive and destructive force that others wouldn't have expected to happen or even experience. Even when there was enough preparation by the local government and the announcement of the weather bureau, the effect was so strong that has washed out the coastal village and destroyed the entire city of "Tacloban" in the province of Leyte located in the central Visayas region. This place was severely hit by the onslaught of the typhoon. 

I was in a foreign land when the calamity happened, and what I could do is to offer a prayer to the people and the place and also to my loved ones who are also residing in the affected region. It could break a heart to see images and videos on television about the aftermath of the typhoon. Some people might have survived, but they are not totally a survivor since they fought for food, water, and shelter and died from hunger. Although they may have survival instincts, others have sacrificed dignity and virtues and resort to looting and fighting to feed their family to survive.

Regardless of our calamities, Filipinos will still rise and live as survivors. Two weeks after the catastrophe, I described how Filipinos fought one of the most significant challenges in their lives. The Resilience of the Filipino Spirit would have proved to the world that we are brave enough for any battles in life. We may have been deeply wounded from within. However, the painful mark will leave a lasting memory of bravery and valor. 

A destruction phase was experienced; however, a year later, we built our land again. We've put a smile on our faces and learned to laugh hard as if we have forgotten the worst nightmare. We are now rising above adversity and even prepared for a more substantial force beyond our control. 

We have witnessed the signs of destruction happening here and there and are learning something from all these things. This may only be the beginning, but we must prepare for the worst thing to come. We are now dealing with uncertainty and may never know when another life will be lost. If there are lessons we need to learn, we must ponder profoundly and do our best to share. We are not only responsible for our own lives; we have something to do with our environment, nature, and our precious land. There's a more powerful message about why we must learn about adversity and reform. After all, we don't want to risk thousands of lives again and experience miserable lives. 

Today, we remember the innocent lives lost, the cry for help, and the desperate actions. Still, we also recognize the unsung heroes who have sacrificed to help our countrymen to start another chapter of their lives. We thank those who have shared their sympathy and delivered humanitarian services to our people. We are not alone and are blessed by your kindness and generosity. 

The Philippines may be a small archipelago, but Filipinos have bigger dreams and significant global contributions. We are becoming stronger and wiser; we will rise again when we join hands together. In our hearts, we do not commemorate struggles and misery but celebrate a life full of gratitude and mercy. 

© 2014 Del Cusay

Resilience of the Filipino Spirit

"Filipinos worldwide are united as one and will continue to do so to be able to live a good life and the greatest life that we truly deserve."

The Philippines experienced another calamity that was considered one of the strongest and deadliest typhoons in the world. Typhoon "Haiyan," or the local name "Yolanda,"  brought misery to the Filipinos affected by the devastation it caused. 

In the Central Philippines, where the typhoon hit, thousands of people were victims of this natural calamity that has extended to several regions in Visayas Island. Some have survived, while others have lost their lives. 

Weather disturbances are common in the Philippines, and the Filipino people have learned to embrace this uncontrollable phenomenon. It had existed for several centuries, even before the talks about climate change started. This would be massive destruction of property and the loss of lives. It happens, and we are not in total control of these so-called acts of God.

Filipinos are known to have a strong spirit in times of calamities, and the world somehow acknowledges this, considering the numerous typhoons and earthquakes experienced. However, no matter how strong we are, our being still has limitations. Filipinos still suffer from anxiety and post-traumatic stress despite being resilient. We can put smiles on our faces, but there is still some pain inside that we carry. Filipinos are like that; the entire archipelago would share the same attitude when life faces challenges... when life seems unfair.

In any challenge, good or bad, there is something to learn. It is the time to reflect on our ways of dealing with life. Both the strongest and the weakest are tested, if you have   Perseverance in Times of Despair, you remain strong, but if you play as a victim and do not take responsibility, you may want to become one of the weakest links.

There are several talks and debates about climate change and its global impact. Some would be interested in the subject and take action, while others would ignore it and let it be. Indeed, what we do to our environment could bounce back on us. If people still seem careless and continue with their business interests, not minding its environmental effect, then we are in danger. 

We have already seen the effects of climate change, and it continues to manifest its power of destruction to the nations and the people. We've seen how it affected so many lives in several countries, and now the same fate happened in the Philippines. How many lives will still be at risk? I believe it's time to ponder on our simple yet meaningful gesture of care for the environment.

People are now starting to realize and believe that there is a natural force beyond our control from The Power of Nature, and we have a call to action to make. There may be many factors why this massive destruction happens, but Filipinos will continue to rise up and begin a new life again and again.

Let's help each other and do our share to serve and show love and affection. We can learn how to Get Ahead of Life's Adversities and believe that something good is coming to our life after we have survived the most significant obstacle that has shaken our spirit. Filipinos worldwide are united and will continue to do so to live a good life and the most extraordinary life we truly deserve.

© 2014 Del Cusay