His Eminence the 9th Filipino Cardinal

It was a surprise when Pope Francis appointed the Archbishop of Capiz, Most Reverend Jose Advincula, as one of the new 13 Cardinals of the Catholic Church.

It's a tradition that the Vatican would appoint an Archbishop to elevate to the title of Cardinal coming from the Archdiocese of Manila and Cebu. But this time, our very own Capiz Archbishop Advincula was chosen by the Pope to join the College of Cardinals. It's the 2nd highest position in the Catholic Church next to the Pope. And also an elector to the conclave of the next Pope.

On November 28, 2020, the Pope confirmed the appointment of the new 13 Cardinals, including His Eminence Most Rev. Jose Cardinal Advincula.

His new role means so much for the Catholic faithful of Capiz. The Holy See recognizes us by our growing faith and devotion to the church.

The message of Pope Francis was powerful and meaningful in that he went beyond the peripheries. To choose the neglected areas away from the traditional centers of power.

It's a blessing and a heartwarming experience for Cardinal Advincula as an Archbishop. He was the principal celebrant on the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish on June 27, 2019, in our hometown in Jamindan, Capiz.

It was Cardinal Advincula of the Archdiocese of Capiz, who had started several Catholic Mission Stations, and Mission schools in Capiz. 

In 2012, the Archbishop of Capiz planned to establish a Mission Station on the Hill Road of Linambasan, Jamindan. It had elevated into a Parish on January 13, 2018. From a Mission Station, it's now called the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in honor of the blessed Mary, the Mother of Christ.

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish will continue growing in faith, love, and service today and in future generations.

The church becomes better for spirituality and religious service to the faithful.

We continue to grow in faith in Christ Jesus and in the blessed Mary to become the children of God and Mary.

We offer our prayers to Cardinal Advincula that he'll continue to be a beacon of hope and faith to the lost in need of Divine love and light.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay 

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The Captivating Mantalinga Island

What captivates the soul more than a small island on the coast of Roxas City, Capiz, known as Mantalinga Island.

It's a tiny island just a kilometer from Baybay Beach's shore. It's famous for its long stretch of beachfront restaurants.

The place is popular in the entire Western Visayas region as the best food trip destination and gaining national recognition as one of the best sources and suppliers of seafood in the top restaurants in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila.

The Seafood Capital of the Philippines. That's the title awarded to Roxas City since it has abundant marine products like fish, shellfish, oysters, and many more. It serves fresh seafood every day at an affordable price compared to the high-end restaurants they supply in Metro Manila which is about triple or quadruple. In Baybay Beach, Roxas City, you get unlimited fresh seafood day and night.

Aside from the sea's soothing waves and cool breeze, one of the most captivating sceneries is Mantalinga Island. It's the most famous background and natural landmark in Roxas City.

Due to its closer distance to the Mainland of Roxas City, hiring a pump boat service or a kayak to see it closely is easy.

The fishermen also call it "Good Luck Island" since they believe it brings good luck once they inscribe their name on the rock before fishing. And also when they write their name on their boat before its main voyage. 

We all want good luck. We want a good journey in life. And when you visit this laid-back city in Western Visayas, see Baybay Beach and experience the enigmatic charm of Mantalinga Island. You'll come for sure, and you'll ask for more.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay 

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Bollywood and Mehandi Night in New Delhi

An Indian wedding would last for three days. That's a very long celebration, and yes! It could also be expensive if too grandiose.

In New Delhi, I was invited to attend the Mehandi night, like a pre-wedding celebration, a day before the main wedding ceremony.

The Mehandi night is a fun and colorful celebration of love between the couple and their families, relatives, and friends. 

In Hindu culture, the bride has to apply a red-orange Mehandi or a henna tattoo on the back of her hands, palms, and feet. I have witnessed the actual application of Mehandi, which takes time. It's an art for the bride. It's attractive to the groom's eyes for sure.

The Mehandi night was a joyous moment for everyone present at the event. Dance and Bollywood music all night long, with the couple being the center of attention as they made a Couple dance surrounded by family and friends.

I love Bollywood music. It's upbeat and so alive. The live performances from invited Bollywood artists were fantastic. I had fun. It was an enjoyable and unique wedding experience to remember.

Of course, an Indian wedding is also about food and delicacy, with the finest cuisine from all over India. The buffet meal was great while listening to the soulful Bollywood music and getting entertained.

Mehandi Night has a casual lounge feel with colorful pillows and clothes everywhere. I had a wonderful conversation with other guests and learned more about their Indian wedding culture.

The Mehandi night is full of vibrant colors, from traditional Indian clothes to decorations. It's an extravagant but meaningful moment.

The wedding venue was full of decorations with fresh flowers all over. It's like a night of fantasy -- a fairytale.

That was a fantastic and magical night. It was a pure and magical delight.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

The Japanese art of Forest Bathing

When it comes to natural healing, the Japanese know better. They came up with a term, "Shinrin-yoku," popularized in Japan in the '80s and later introduced to the world. 

Forest bathing isn't taking a bath in the forest in a literal sense. It simply means reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from life's stressors -- causing diseases.

It's been a year since I've lived in a rural area; in my hometown. It's countryside living away from too much noise and chaos.

Since the beginning of the pandemic and due to the lockdown, some plans weren't able to happen, and since then, I wasn't able to come back to Manila.

I'm living my best life away from distraction and pollution; forest bathing on weekends is my healing wonder. It's all we need in times of stress and whenever we need to relax and rejuvenate. It cleanses and purifies our physical and mental bodies.

So Japanese people are considered world leaders regarding health and longevity. Their approach to health and wellness is just holistic and admirable. Hence, they're a world record in having supercentenarians. 

We Filipinos adapted to this Japanese form of natural healing. Forest bathing is slowly gaining recognition, especially among health and fitness enthusiasts.

Hikers, trekkers, mountain climbers, and yoga and meditation practitioners are among those groups gaining from the healing benefits of forest bathing.

In the Philippines, there are places I've done forest bathing on a day trip.

In the Philippines, there are places I've done forest bathing on a day trip. Camp John Hay in Baguio City is where you can find the most pine trees. And has the most forest cover in the area.

At Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Philippines

That was a refreshing forest bathing experience as I felt the foggy place's mists. It feels so great to be surrounded by trees, which give off natural cleansing energy.

Bucari Highlands in Iloilo, Philippines, is one of the best mountain resort destinations in the country.

When we visited, it was rainy on the way up and with a foggy and misty climate. Like Baguio City, it has many pine trees making the environment more relaxed.

Bucari, Iloilo, Philippines

There are other places where I've enjoyed forest bathing. The Mount Arayat National Park in Pampanga, Philippines. The La Mesa Eco-park in Quezon City, Philippines, and Naddi Village in Dharamshala, India.

My parents were inspired to develop our farm over a decade ago, so they planted Mahogany trees, making it a mini-forest. Now the trees have reached their peak maturity and are tall, giving a cool shade in the surrounding. 

 

Our Mahogany tree park

And so, every time we visited the farm, I would do forest bathing. I walk barefoot and remain under the trees until I've reached a meditative state. Feel the serenity and inhale the life force. 

Anyone can do it. When life gets tough, we must take slow and find a greener space to unwind and re-energize. 

The Japanese people are doing it as a lifestyle, so we can learn and adopt their healthy and balanced lifestyle.

©️2020 Del Cusay

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Living with the Gods in McLeod Ganj

A balanced living where nature meets progress and development. It's a place that's a blend of culture and faith.

These are the Indians and the Tibetans, living in harmony with the Gods in McLeod Ganj.

In February 2013, I traveled a distance to be with the Gods in McLeod Ganj. They call it "Little Lhasa" since it had had a large population of Tibetans-in-exile" since 1959 when the Indian Government accepted them and gave them a place to put up their Government while in exile. 

That's only in India. They're accepting refugees in a warm embrace and protecting their rights, safety, and security. 

And the greatest love is the Indian Government's support with their expression of faith -- Tibetan Buddhism.

In McLeod Ganj, I met The Dalai Lama, the Spiritual leader of the Tibetans-in-exile. I was lucky to have met him at his residence when he gave a talk about "Jataka Tales" to the local and international pilgrims.

I'm a Christian, but I've studied Major religions in India for over a year. And incorporate the beliefs into my faith.

The world would be better if we were not too fanatic about our religious affiliation. When people would tend to fight for their faith as the best and the only truth, I would try to learn and understand others' faith deeply.

I befriend people of different backgrounds and faith in India. It's about respect and understanding and not about prejudice and religious superiority. 

With the universal God, we're all equal. It just happened that God appeared in different places and times in a completely different image depending on the culture and language unique to each country.

When I was in India, their Gods were my Gods. The Gods and the Goddesses in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. All are Gods, but also a universal God.

In McLeod Ganj, I felt the Divine Beings, the Gods of the Tibetans and the Indians. It was different images, but I prayed to their Gods on its universal form.

As I entered the Namgyal Monastery, it was a heaven-and-earth experience of being one with the Divine. It didn't make me less of a Christian, but it helped me strengthen and appreciate my faith even more. 

That's why Major religions thrive in India, and they learn to live in harmony with reverence to each other's faith.

My visit to Himachal Pradesh was Divine- inspired. It was solo travel with my faith in the Divine guides. 

Whether you're a Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, or Christian, we're all brothers and sisters here on earth. We have a shared humanity. Your suffering is also my suffering.

And so what we need most during these difficult times is shared humanity where we pray for each other with no boundaries, no religious affiliations, no prejudice, and no discrimination.

Just love.

Because our love for humanity is our highest reverence to God. 

So it is.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Strolling at the Garden of Dreams

A Garden in the city makes life more balanced and achieves a healthier lifestyle. It's a breath of fresher air amidst the toxicity.

And with an urban garden in the city center, I was fortunate to have an afternoon stroll in the fully restored Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu, Nepal, in August 2013. It reopened to the public six years after several decades of closure.

Kathmandu's lifestyle may be less lavish than in big cosmopolitan cities. But it has the best culture and its people. 

The entire city of Kathmandu blends cultural heritage and a modern society due to its preserved structures like monuments and temples and the restoration of public places like the Garden of Dreams and other modern infrastructures.

As I strolled inside the walled garden, I suddenly experienced serenity due to the absence of noise surrounding the bustling city. It was 5 minutes from the hotel where I stayed, so I got to visit and unwind.

The Walled Urban Garden

What's noticeable about the garden is its European-style architecture since its restoration with the help of the Austrian Government. It has features like six pavilions representing the '6 seasons of Nepal' and where the place got its second name, the "Garden of the Six Seasons." 

The garden has a veranda, fountains, and a pergola, giving it a European vibe. Also, the Amphitheater is where visitors can sit or lie down to chat or read a book. Such a relaxing scene.

The Amphitheater

European-inspired pergola

The flowers, shrubs, and trees make it greener. And it's beautiful since well maintained by several caretakers. It's clean, green, and rejuvenating.

I appreciate art, so I spent time at the gallery and conversed with the locals. That was a meaningful encounter as I learned more about their culture. 

Café by the garden

That was a delightful afternoon stroll at the Garden of Dreams, and before leaving, I had a cup of cappuccino as I reflected and planned for my next journey around Kathmandu.

The Garden of Dreams is true to its name. It's a sophisticated garden of its time and became more beautiful after its restoration. Urban dwellers need green space for leisure, and hopefully, more cities will adapt to this kind of garden that offers respite to the people from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Garden of Dreams. The Garden of the Six Seasons. A garden for the soul.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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The Gaddi Tribe of Naddi Village

When I step foot in Dharamshala, I'll have a pleasant vacation with its friendly vibe. That was a long 12 hours bus ride from New Delhi, India, and I promised my stay would be worth it, like a lifetime vacation.

The emotion is still alive whenever it flashes back to my soulful journey in the lower Himalayan foothill of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Seven years have passed, but the memories still live on.

A little rain greeted me at the bus station in McLeod Ganj as I looked for a taxi heading to the hotel in Naddi Village -- the home of the Gaddi Tribe.            

That was a cold and shivering early morning check-in at around 7 a.m., so I unpacked my things, had a little rest, enjoyed a cold shower, had my first breakfast, and got ready for my first day of tour and adventure in the land of the Tibetans-in-exile in McLeod Ganj.

I spent four days exploring McLeod Ganj and saw and heard from The Dalai Lama when he talked about his place in the Tsuglagkhang temple.

McLeod Ganj was the town center, but it was in Naddi Village where I enjoyed the serenity. That was a blissful experience.

Just a few steps away from the hotel where I stayed in the home of the sweet and gentle Naddi tribe. I've met several Gaddi people, including children and adults, and learned about their culture, livelihood, and living conditions. A little interaction but a meaningful observation.

An effortless yet joyful and soulful living in the mountains. When I met them downhill, the Gaddi people, mostly shepherds, took care of their flocks and did their morning activities.

Little kids are courteous with their rosy cheeks and smiling faces. They are now grown up to be a refined young lady and gentleman. 

In Naddi View Point, near the hotel, I finally had a closer view of the Dhauladhar range. I had never seen such a beautiful mountain. A solemn moment, so peaceful, and the snow-capped peak is just incredible.

Even when I'm back at the hotel, I can't get over that experience. I've been to some of the mountains in the Philippines, but seeing the Dhauladhar range is purely captivating. 

I was finally in the Middle Himalayas. A dream turned into a reality.

A heaven and earth experience that I'll cherish and reminisce about for a lifetime. From then, I promised I'll be back in the future, and I just hope it will come true.

The hotel's roof deck restaurant is where I get the most beautiful view of the Dhauladhar as I have breakfast. It's a picturesque view as if heaven is real. India is genuinely the Home of the Gods, and I felt the Divinity of the place. A soulful solitude in a paradise closer to heaven.

I will never forget Dharamshala. A wondrous place in the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. I will always remember the beautiful and natural scenery and never forget the Naddi people of Naddi Village.

India has a prominent place in my heart. I have learned much about the places and met soulful and endearing people like the Gaddi of the Naddi Village. When the Kingdom of heaven is on earth, it would have been there in the Dhauladhar, and I've met God there and live forever here in my heart.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Sweet Smiles of the Negrense

The Negros Island in the Philippines. Home of the sweet smiling people, or we call them Negrense or Negrosanon.

In December 2014, after my Journey in the city of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, I took almost 7 hours of land travel going to Bacolod, the capital city of Negros Occidental. 

From the Eastern to Western Negros, I had a journey after a fulfilled short visit to the "City of Gentle People" in Dumaguete.

I was undoubtedly in the land of the 'sweet and charming' people since I was at the sugar center of the Philippines... The Negros Island. 

From Dumaguete to Bacolod, you'll see the massive plantations of sugarcane on both sides of the road, passing by several cities.

Yes, Negros Occidental is the province of the Philippines with the most cities, primarily due to its prosperous sugar industry. 

The sugar industry is so huge that they supply the entire Philippines and even exports it to other countries.

Arriving in Bacolod after a long journey on a bus, I was greeted with a Negrense brand of hospitality, a sweet smile, and a pleasant melodious voice.

I'm in Bacolod! The City of Smile and the home of the famous "Maskara Festival."

That was my 5th time visiting Bacolod, and I love returning to one of the most highly urbanized cities and one of the most livable cities in the Philippines.

In Bacolod and the entire Negros, people live a good life no matter what challenges they may be going through; they still keep on surviving and never forget to smile.

My highlight of the visit to Negros Island was a day tour of "The Ruins," which is an Italian-inspired architectural mansion built in the early 1900s and was burned during world war 2.

Garden by the ruins

A mansion built with the love of a wealthy Sugar baron to his Portuguese wife. The love story is just as romantic as the heritage of "the ruins." 

Sweet as the Negrense, they produce sweet products, most of which are my favorite. Muscovado sugar is the healthiest of its kind and an ingredient in making sweet delicacy like "Piaya and Pinasugbo," which is two of the most popular and a-must try delicacy if you visit Bacolod and Negros Island. 

After the pandemic, I hope to try the sweet smiles again. When the world loses its smiles, the Negrense will always give their most adorable smiles to anyone. During this time, that's all we need -- a sweet smile.

The people of Negros Island are some of the most refined and kind people I've met. Beyond their sweet smiles, they deserve a precious life. A life that is full of hope, meaning, and inspiration.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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Campus Tour at the Silliman University

In Eastern Negros Island is where you can find the "City of gentle people" and it's the city of Dumaguete in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines.

In December 2014, I fulfilled my desire to visit Dumaguete and see the first American learning Institution in the Philippines and Asia- Silliman University.

Upon the invitation of the student government organization, I delivered a talk about "Balancing Life Strategies" and "Stress Management" to their officers and select staff.

That was a memorable talk with full attention and the desire to learn from the student leaders. If I had more time, I could have given another speech to some faculty and staff members. 

But a day visit to Silliman University is only complete with a campus tour. The different departments, historical and iconic buildings, chapel, open grounds, and library are from the entrance to the exit gates. The campus is truly an ideal and conducive place for higher learning.

At the Silliman University Library

At the Silliman Hall

I was impressed with the clean green campus. The tree-lined Acacia provides cool shade plus the windy breeze from the sea; indeed, they have the best campus in town and one of the best in the country.

Silliman University faces the sea. You can stroll the baywalk along Rizal Boulevard with just a few minute walks. That windy breeze makes a good place for walking along the boulevard. That's the place where I reminisced about the time when I was a student in college. Those times when I had full of hope and dreams, just like any student would.

I hope to revisit Dumaguete and enter the famous Silliman University. To experience the politeness and friendliness of the students and their genuine hospitality.

As I remember, in higher learning, we aspire for growth and have the burning desire to achieve our most cherished hopes and dreams. Those times when we have enough energy and passion for learning.

Those student leaders I've met may now achieve excellence in their chosen fields. They may now be living their dreams and unleashing their untapped potential. They may now live their most extraordinary life and follow their ultimate heart's desire.

Learning continues after stepping out of College or University. It's a continuous process and a lifelong journey. We continue to learn along the way as we embark on challenges and achieve new career and life milestones.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Serenity at the Nan Lian Garden

I find serenity wherever I go. In the hustle and bustle of city life, there's still a piece of pure calmness and soulful paradise. 

A pond... A rock formation... A waterfall... All that can be found in an oasis of pure joy; a magnificent city garden.

A bustling megacity like Hong Kong isn't just about a magnificent and stunning skyline. It also boasts some of the most beautiful and refined traditional Chinese landscaped gardens.

The entrance of Nan Lian Garden

In the busy area of Diamond Hill in Kowloon, Hong Kong is where I've found a peaceful ambiance of an ancient Tang dynasty-style complex; the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nan Lian Garden.

That's a refined piece of ancient Chinese architecture brought back to life in Modern-day Hong Kong, with towering residential skyscrapers and a mountain range in a backdrop. 

Nan Lian Gardens' Wooden Gate

An entrance to the complex makes you feel welcomed with the garden's natural elements of lush greenery, ornamental rocks, and a wooden gate. That's a blissful and truly welcoming sight to behold.

Passing through the wooden gate leads you to one of the beautiful attractions: the golden pagoda with an attached red-wooden bridge. Colors that bring good luck and prosperity according to Chinese beliefs.

The Golden Pavilion/Pagoda

A few steps from the Golden Pagoda is the Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist temple converted into a school, library, and home for the elderly.

The Chi Lin Nunnery is an impressive Chinese architecture with a surrounding koi-filled pond. The wooden structure is a work of art from ancient times (618 AD to 907 AD), revived in modern times.

The Chi Lin Nunnery

To better understand ancient Chinese architecture, I had a solemn moment inside the Chinese Timber Architecture Gallery. It's a place to discover the different Chinese architecture in other cities of China in a different period.

The Nan Lian Garden is a Tang Dynasty-inspired garden built in modern times. It's reminiscent of old but refined Chinese architecture with a balance element of nature.

The Chi Lin Nunnery

The garden's tranquil ambiance offers visitors a great sense of peace and rejuvenation. It's not just a typical Chinese garden, but it's filled with learning about the Chinese way of living back in the old days -- the earliest civilization.

Heritage and culture must be preserved for the world to see and experience. The Nan Lian Garden is not a typical attraction; it has an old soul Chinese ambiance in a modern setting -- teleported back in time.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Sunset Viewing at the Manila Bay

A reddish-gold hue. That's the best sunset I've ever seen. Stunningly beautiful, romantic, and just wonderful.

There's something mysterious in the silhouette. A seeming work- of art. But it's real!  

What you see in the picture is what you get when witnessing it.

That's the Manila Bay sunset. Indeed one of the world's best, as many people attest, includes foreign tourists. It's a famous attraction when visiting the Philippine capital city of Manila.

At Harbour Square baywalk, CCP Complex

The stunning glow until dusk, before it disappears, makes the Manila Bay sunset beautiful. And so you get a picture-perfect 'silhouette,' a mysterious shadow against the background that glows.

On June 6, 2019, I enjoyed strolling at the Harbour Square baywalk at the Philippine Cultural Center complex. After having an afternoon coffee at the café, I waited to glimpse the sunset. That was my last sunset viewing at Manila Bay before returning to my hometown on Panay Island.

While strolling, I can't help but appreciate this natural wonder before my eyes and with the hundreds of other people who share smiles and happiness.

The Harbour Square baywalk

Families, groups of friends, and even local and foreign solo travelers may have forgotten their worries and relieved their stresses. It does healing wonders to the soul. It captures' emotions and captivates the mind.

Manila Bay may not be perfect. It has its flaws and needs some healing too. And only people who have been there could understand the problem and how to fix it.

A year later, despite the pandemic, Manila Bay is at the center of controversies.

With the beach nourishment project that aims to beautify a portion of Manila Bay with artificial white sand, the question is, 'Is it timely?' or 'Is it necessary and appropriate?'

It's not authentic white sand like in Boracay or Palawan, but it's from a crushed Dolomite rock transported from the island province of Cebu.

Just recently, in just a few days, a portion of Manila Bay turned into a white sand beach and was partially opened to the public on September 19, 2020.

Manila Yacht Club

Thousands have flocked to witness how the area transformed from natural black sand to coveted white sand.

People have different opinions on the issue of the filling in of white sand. With no Environmental Impact Assessment conducted, things can go wrong. 

The main attraction is the natural and charming sunset view of Manila Bay. It's not the color of the sand, after all. 

The Manila Bay skyline

Yes, we have several years to go before we can revive the ecosystem and beauty of Manila Bay. But we see the excitement of the people who want a transformational development and a beautiful personal experience when they stroll on Manila's famous baywalk.

When I return to Manila, I will be glad to witness the alluring sunset again. I would be enjoying a soulful moment. And just like last, seeing people's happy and smiling faces. 

Manila Bay is a precious jewel of the Philippines. We care for it. We show our concern, and we love it.

The Manila Bay sunset

As we slowly regain Manila Bay, we take pride as Filipino in showing the world a better Philippines. The "Pearl of the Orient Seas," today and beyond.

© 2020 Del Cusay