Showing posts with label Nature & Environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nature & Environment. Show all posts

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Weekend Getaway in Boracay


I need a vitamin sea. That's how millennials or young travelers would say whenever they need a break.

The sea is medicine, prescribed not by physicians but by none other than our very own friends, our colleagues, or people closer and special to us. We feel calm and relaxed when we are in a body of water. Our mind becomes clear, and our soul is uplifted. Our well-being is healed and rejuvenated, and that's the ultimate goal to achieve.

The truth is we want to escape reality once in a while, to live in a fantasy land where there are no pains and stresses. We pause, pack our things, and go on a travel and adventure.

Dream on and go on.


In April 2016, I had a breathtaking weekend getaway on a small island on the west coast of Panay Island in the Philippines—Boracay Island, a true gem of the world.

It's a hotspot for the world's beach and island lovers. A multi-cultural hub where the East meets the West.
That was my 5th time visiting Boracay in about two decades. And each time I saw it, its ecosystem and culture had undergone several transformations. I the old Island culture I missed.
 I may have seen Boracay during its pristine days when it was less developed and had its Island vibe. So that brings back vivid memories worth remembering. 


Last year, when it underwent temporary closure, it became like a ghost Island. Only a few tourists and businesses closed for about half a year. If we humans deserve a break, a busy Island deserves a much-needed break too.

When an ecosystem is damaged by commercialization, it has to clean and heal itself before serving people again. Other more popular Islands in the country and Southeast Asian region followed suit. They also rehabilitated their Island paradise. That's a great move, made with great sacrifice and love. 

Take a break from the crowd. The party. The noise. The pollution.

I love Boracay. It has a different vibe from other Philippine Islands and beaches. So, I am pro-rehabilitation if needed so it can breathe again and rejuvenate—just like us human beings.


The Nami Resort will take you over the hills and allow you to experience exhilarating fun from an old-style elevator reaching the hilltop. Nami Resort had the best view of the Island, which was just fantastic. The food, the music, and the ambiance are great. The experience was magical.


When people can travel again without restrictions, Boracay will open its paradise for responsible business owners and kind travelers who understand the importance of preserving its beauty.

Boracay is for everyone, and I look forward to the day when I can once again swim in its water, witness its captivating sunset, see the sandcastles, and leave footprints in the sand.

© 2020 Del Cusay


Sunday, June 28, 2020

Stairway to the Mountain


Nature's spring is nature's best. That was a tremendous and meaningful adventure on the foothill of the Mountain, Mount Arayat National Park.

For most city dwellers, being closer to nature is a weekend and holiday destination. It is an escape from noise pollution and the hustle and bustle of city life, an escape from the real world of unending work and tasks, an escape from reality, even for a short while.

An adventure worth sharing led me to the enchanting and tranquil town of Arayat in the Province of Pampanga, on Central Luzon Island, the Philippines, six years ago. It was a journey of discovery and exploration that I will never forget.


Two months after arriving in the Philippines after a year of living abroad, I experienced a profound adventure and soulful healing. It was April 2014, a time when I was yearning for a deeper connection with nature. That was when I finally had a closer glimpse of Mount Arayat, which can only be seen from a distant highway when going to the country's Northernmost provinces.

Nature's retreat at Mount Arayat National Park offers excellent healing results for the body, mind, and soul. The fresh air, the serene environment, and the physical activity of a day hike all contribute to a sense of rejuvenation. This is all we need after a long and tiring work week. And for the physical grounding, a day hike to the Mountain feels like rooting to the earth. It's Nature's Way to reconnect to the world as our mind wanders and boggles, accompanied by anxiety, worries, and fears.

At the park's entrance to the hilltop community, you will be greeted by a serene environment and the soul-soothing sounds of nature. The park is also a sanctuary for a variety of bird species and wildlife under conservation, adding to the peaceful ambiance. 


The park is an excellent escapade for families, team building, and even solo retreats. There are cottages, picnic areas, playgrounds,s and campsites for everyone's needs.

A hundred-step stairway to the hilltop community is a great calorie-burning and offers a stunning view of the Mountain. Closer view to the roof of Pampanga -- the province's highest peak.

Take a deep breath and a little more hike, passing through the treehouses and all the Way to the Arayat Bikers Club. A solemn spiritual community awaits, where one is closer to nature. Truly, it is a heaven on earth for the residents and visitors.



Before heading down to the lowlands, I paused, meditated, and reflected on the Divine presence and a meaningful journey ahead.

The Mountain of Arayat and its Natural Park provides excellent service for people seeking respite from suffering, loneliness, stress, and grief.

As we navigate the 'new normal' and emerge from the pandemic, there is a collective yearning to reconnect with nature, take a deep breath, release the toxins of the body and mind, and cleanse our souls. And when we need to reset or start anew, there will always be a mountain to climb for soul-searching—to heal our being and inspire hope for the future.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Father's Day at The Farm


Life at the farm is the best news every day during this Pandemic. We benefit from a clean and green environment for healing and rejuvenation.

Today, we bask in the joy of celebrating a special Father's Day. We've chosen to spend this Sunday at the farm, a sanctuary we've lovingly nurtured over the past year. It's a day filled with warmth, love, and the beauty of family bonds.

As I swing through a hammock, I reminisce about how it all started in June 2019, from when it was conceptualized until it materialized.

Today, a year after the pandemic, we're literally reaping the fruits of our labor. The fruits and vegetables my parents started to plant after the lockdown and home quarantine are now ready for harvest. Even in adversity, their unwavering commitment to organic farming is genuinely inspiring. This journey of growth and harvest is a testament to our resilience and determination, a beacon of hope in these challenging times.


Our farm is a cornucopia of nature's bounty. We have various vegetables like eggplant, bitter gourd, string beans, spinach, and squash. And that's just the beginning. We also have fruits like Philippine lime or Calamansi, tomatoes, avocado, banana, watermelon, and coconut. These and many more in weeks to come as we expand and develop other areas for planting.

We aim for sustainable farming practices to provide our own food on the table in this time of crisis and as a way of life—a new lifestyle.

In previous years, I may not have celebrated Father's Day at home, so this year is a precious opportunity to be present and to show gratitude and appreciation to our dear Father. It's a chance to create lasting memories and strengthen our bond.


I'm filled with gratitude for the love and inspiration that has guided us through this crisis. It's been a time of profound learning, allowing us to plant, grow, and harvest not just food, but also personal growth and resilience. We've learned to appreciate the simple joys of life and the power of family bonds.

Father's Day isn't just a day; we celebrate it throughout our lifetime. Wherever we are, he will always be in our hearts—our Father, our hero, our motivation, and our source of endless inspiration. 

© 2020 Del Cusay


Sunday, June 7, 2020

Lost in a Paradise


If there's one profound lesson that this Pandemic has taught us, it is the invaluable art of embracing stillness and being fully present in the moment. This realization can inspire us to live more intentionally and appreciate the beauty of each passing moment.

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

Life teaches us to embrace individual uniqueness and societal differences.


Life's journey often leads us to moments of solitude, where we may feel lost and disconnected. However, these periods of isolation are not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to rediscover ourselves and emerge stronger. They teach us resilience and the power of self-discovery.

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! In 2015, I trekked a muddy road less traveled to the Island Province of Guimaras in the Philippines. It was a journey of self-discovery, a chance to step out of my comfort zone and experience life in a new way.


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 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 cause sadness, loneliness, and grief. If there were no internet and social media, 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 a 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 current Pandemic has underscored the importance of preparedness. As we navigate through these challenging times, it's crucial to equip ourselves for the future. The next crisis may be just around the corner, and our readiness will be the key to survival.

Being stuck in an Island Paradise is just one learning experience that I have benefited from in the present and the next crisis. It taught me the value of adaptability, the importance of basic survival skills, and the beauty of simplicity. It also showed me that the most challenging situations can sometimes lead to the most profound personal growth.

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

© 2020 Del Cusay

Sunday, May 31, 2020

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 last year's retreat on a beach was one of the most solemn and soulful experiences ever. It gave me a profound realization about how I lived my life. It was a preview of how to live and survive in silence, without a crowd, and just a moment of detachment and social isolation. This self-discovery was empowering, showing me that I can thrive even in solitude.


As I looked at the horizon from afar, where the blue skies meet the sea, I realized that the sky is the limit regarding our life's desires and realizations. Many opportunities and foresight await 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 can panic or stay calm and focused on taking the best action and not getting drowned. This choice is ours, and it empowers us to face any situation with resilience and determination.

Fast-forward to today, a year after 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. We can indeed live alone for some time and depend on ourselves for our own happiness. This realization of self-reliance has made us more independent and self-sufficient, showing that we are responsible and in control of our lives—our destiny.

Life has brought us to a different era and future we never imagined-a world where remote work is the norm, where health and safety are paramount, and where resilience and adaptability are key. 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

Sunday, November 24, 2019

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 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 created a little sanctuary—a place to retreat and contemplate life and what lies ahead. At first, it was like a wilderness, but through their vision and hard work, it was transformed into a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and potential livelihood. This is a testament to the transformative power of personal sanctuaries, inspiring us to see potential in the seemingly ordinary.

While swaying in a hammock, I enjoyed the serenity of the environment and the chirping birds' natural music. The gentle wind made 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 from home and the town center. It is nestled in a highland village with a breathtaking natural landscape and a unique view of the mountains. The beauty of this place never fails to connect us to nature and its calming effects.

Soulful Sunday is not just a day of rest but a time of blissful moments 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. This emphasis on spiritual renewal is sure to make the audience feel spiritually uplifted. 

© 2019 Del Cusay


Sunday, September 15, 2019

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




Sunday, August 25, 2019

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



Sunday, July 14, 2019

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



Sunday, June 30, 2019

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


Saturday, June 1, 2019

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!

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

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.

Living in a landlocked town, we may not have the sea and beaches, but we are blessed with natural wonders like rivers, parks, and waterfalls. Malinamon Falls, located inside the military conservation known as Camp Peralta in Jaena Norte, is a testament to the beauty of our town. 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. In the mid-day sun, I was seated in a modern beach-type nipa hut while watching the seashore and meditating. It was a stress relief to be at the beachfront and in a meditative state. Truly, it was 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.

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


Reflecting on my summer adventure, I am filled with fulfillment and gratitude. The journey was truly captivating and soul-searching. I left the place smiling, and the distance traveled was worth a million bucks of pure bliss. I feel good, blessed, and grateful because life has been fantastic, and I hope you feel the same after reading about my experiences.

© 2019 Del Cusay





Sunday, March 3, 2019

Farm Life: Young Farmer's Dream


The Philippines is now taking on the challenge of how it could revive the glorious days when it was once an Asian leader in Agriculture, back in the 1960s, when our parents' or grandparents' generation was born.

It's alarming to see the rice industry, a key part of our agricultural sector, in a state of decline. The 2018 report revealed that it contributes very little to our economy, a stark contrast to its former glory. This not only reflects a failure to improve our agricultural industry but also a failure to uplift the lives of our farmers. The younger generation's lack of interest in farming and their reluctance to inherit this noble profession from their parents is a worrying trend. 

Reviving interest in Agriculture

Farming requires a lot of effort, time, and patience, and these could be the reasons why our youth choose to pursue non-agricultural studies as their profession. Another reason could be the misconception that there are no better opportunities in agriculture and that 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 reminisced about when I was just a young kid playing in a rice field during the harvest season, and as I grew up, I learned to appreciate and express my gratitude to our farmers. Our local rice farmers made a significant contribution to my college education. Also, the money they receive from 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 by 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 finances 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, which will reap greater rewards. 

Agripreneurship or Agribiz is now the trend in the hope of reviving our love for Agriculture. We have heard some inspiring stories of former OFWs who started farming in their province and became wealthy. We have heard about a former corporate employee who turned to 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. These success stories show us that there is a bright future in agripreneurship, and it is a trend that can bring new life to our agricultural sector. 



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 you could own the newest farm destination, 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 Filipino Farmers so that they will be more empowered. It's our collective responsibility to ensure that the future of agriculture is in good hands, and supporting our young farmers is a crucial part of that commitment.

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. The potential of the farming lifestyle is immense, and it's a career path that can inspire and motivate the younger generation to consider a future in agriculture.

© 2019 Del Cusay



Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Memories of Summer 2018


There's a unique joy that only summer can bring. While some may find the heat oppressive, for others, it's a season of pure bliss. As February draws to a close, the anticipation of summer's arrival fills us with excitement. It's a time for out-of-town adventures, or even a simple staycation to unwind and recharge. The most delightful moments of the year are often spent at the beach, a waterfall, a river, or a mountain resort, seeking relief from the intense heat.

The summer of 2018 will always be remembered for the journeys we took. No matter how far the destination, the beauty of the scenery always captivated us. The gentle breeze, the allure of the ocean, the breathtaking sunrise in the east, and the stunning sunset in the west all stirred our spirits. It's in these moments, when we're surrounded by the wonders of nature, that we experience a happiness that's truly unforgettable.

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 enjoying the little things that matter. We enjoy being outdoors and experiencing life on the street. We want 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.

Summer is a time for preservation and revitalization, a much-needed pause before the rainy season. We bask in the sun, returning home with renewed gratitude and peace. It's during these travels that we often come to realize the importance of work-life balance. We deserve these breaks and these opportunities to relieve stress and burnout. And the reward? A deeper appreciation for a life well-lived. 

© 2018 Del Cusay



Thursday, July 27, 2017

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've learned to adapt to almost every calamity. We've shown the world the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit, a spirit as strong as titanium yet as gentle as a pearl. We've learned to recover and stand up again despite the miseries we've experienced. We struggle, we cry, we laugh, and we smile. That's the cycle of life we're meant to live. In the Philippines, that's our reality. We are waterproof, no matter what challenges we're facing. We Filipinos are tough, but our souls feel the pain that makes us feel helpless, meaningless, and lacking direction and purpose. We become lost and wanderers in body, mind, and spirit, but we always find our way back.

The destruction of humanity caused by climate change is the greatest challenge of this century. We have caused significant damage to the earth and suffer the consequences; hence, disaster is becoming a regular occurrence, and we must learn how to fight to survive. Yes, we are survivors of 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, which is what we develop in our character. We became fearless, and we endured all the pain.

As a survivor, I've learned to acknowledge the crucial importance of saving our environment, our nature, and the habitat we live in. We must preserve the forestry that is becoming denuded and create awareness for those who don't care. It's easy to become greedy and busy with the destruction of nature just to gain wealth. But for us, that path leads to suffering. Those who are careless and don't think about the welfare of others are contributing to the destruction of humanity. It's our responsibility to protect our environment and ensure a better future for all.

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 have made me stronger and made me think extraordinarily. My Life's Greatest Challenge prepared me for a more significant role in serving humanity through personal transformation and 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 events based on current trends. 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. It's within our power to transform ourselves and positively impact the world. 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