When September Ends: Timeless Memories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2019 Del Cusay

Birthday Special: Celebrating our Mother's 66th Birthday

When born into this world, we are blessed with the gift of life, which is something to be grateful for. We are bound to a journey of knowing our life purpose. 

Since birth, our Mother has guided and raised us well. She nurtures and protects us until we live our own lives. She made many sacrifices for us to have a brighter future. She loves her family and us, and her energy is about having a family to love and care for and guiding her children to know our life purpose and follow our path.

As we grow to adulthood, our Mother is still there to support us and share life lessons and wisdom. Her years of life experiences have made her stronger and wiser, and she is always there to listen and provide guidance. She is our best counselor, always ready to offer her wisdom and support in times of need.

Today, we honor our Mother as she celebrates her 66th birthday. She deserves the best for her selfless love for our family and the religious community she had chosen to serve. 

Her love has grown beyond self, creating a ripple of goodwill to us, her children. She will be our guiding light and our strength. As we age, we understand her selfless sacrifices and her fight for a better life.

We wish our Mother the best of life as she celebrates her 66th birthday. May she continue to follow her dreams and make them come true. Her goals and visions of the future are bright, and we are hopeful to catch a glimpse of that light as we grow and move further for a meaningful life.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Living the Best Life From Metropolitan to the Countryside

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2019 Del Cusay

Heart's Desire: An Answered Prayer

If there is a tool that hears and grants our dreams and wishes, that tool would be the power of prayer to the Almighty. God hears, God listens, and God answers our heart's desires.

Prayer, a spiritual tool residing in the hearts of people, transcends religious boundaries. Whether it's in a Holy place, a mass, or a thanksgiving, these acts affirm our faith in the Divine, regardless of our religious affiliation.

In the Philippines, people sincerely believe in the powerful intercession of the Divine Mother, Mama Mary, the Mother of Christ.

At school, in religious studies, and in catechism, we were taught about Mama Mary's holiness for her obedience to God's revelation and plan. That virtue made her the most incredible Mother we adore.

Through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Mary, we find solace in our faith. The National Shrine of Mother of Perpetual Help, a beacon of hope, attracts thousands of Devotees and faithful due to the countless answered prayers and petitions. It is our unwavering faith that our prayers are granted, just as a loving mother fulfills her child's wishes.

In our hometown, where people and families flock in a peaceful sanctuary in her honor, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Lomboy has blessed many people who call her name in her intercession.

As we joyfully celebrate Mama Mary's birthday, we give her thanks and praise for all the answered prayers to God. The Blessed Mother of God, a beacon of love and compassion, never fails a child who kneels and prays. Her Divinity inspires and blesses our hearts' intentions and desires, filling us with joy and gratitude.

At this moment, I am filled with gratitude for another answered prayer. My personal connection to the Divine Mother, whom I praise and adore, is a testament to her unwavering love and intercession. Our love for our earthly mothers is a reflection of our love for the Divine Mother, our Mama Mary, who loves us and prays for us. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

Birthday Special: Love and Gratitude

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

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

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

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

 to our loved ones. 

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

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

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

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

© 2019 Del Cusay

Journey to Self-care and Personal Development

In 2013, I had a profound encounter with a wise man at an Elderly Home Care in New Delhi. Despite his immense wisdom, he was physically frail, a stark reminder of the importance of holistic well-being.

The volunteers, residents, and Founder of Panchvati Elderly Care Home, Ms. Neelam Mohan, in New Delhi on June 27, 2013.

During that conversation, he shared his mental and spiritual consciousness and life experiences with me. It was one of the most profound conversations I have ever had, and I am so thankful that I met someone like him. What an aha! Moment and a blissful encounter.

So yes! Some people may have reached the level of "intelligentsia, a Saint or a Sage," which is a developed mental and spiritual level of consciousness, but some have failed in physical health. However, some people may just be of average intelligence, but they are physically fit and enjoy what life can offer.

As I left the wise man's room, I was struck by the transformative potential of self-improvement. I realized that we can all strive to reach his level of consciousness, while also maintaining our physical well-being, enabling us to fully embrace the extraordinary lives we've been given.

Just like the elderly residents that I met in that home care, most of them had medicines for their health conditions. They used to become active in their younger years but later experienced some pains and suffering on physical, mental, and emotional levels of health.

During a health talk and practical exercises session I conducted at the home care, I witnessed the residents' strong desire to reclaim their physical health, a testament to the universal need for self-care.

Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is our shield against the physical suffering that often accompanies aging. No matter our life's successes, neglecting our health can lead to stress, anxiety, fatigue, illness, and imbalance.

Self-care is about activities promoting health and wellness; sometimes, we only have a little time and effort because we think we have limited time and must work harder and aspire for more to live more comfortably and successfully.

Self-care is about healing our well-being after a stressful day. It could also be healing our emotions when we feel sad or depressed. It is also about clearing our minds when troubled. It uplifts our souls when we are lost and in the dark. So, everything in life is a balancing act to soar high. We must balance physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health for complete well-being.

Are you thinking that self-care is selfish and expensive? That weekend treat in a spa and wellness center could be costly, but some things in life are worthwhile for a bit of expense.

That weekend travel getaway with your family or friends could lead to rejuvenation. Spending time at the beach, river, or lake is like breathing out your inner toxicities, making you feel lighter and calmer. Barefoot walking in the sand or river stones promotes earthing or grounding, feeling more attached to nature and earth. Nature is lovely; spending time on it cleanses our souls and revives our spirits.

In our travels, there are some things we could do. We can meditate and do breathing exercises to relax and heal our body, mind, and soul. We can do some pure thinking while having our favorite cup of coffee or tea. We can have a meaningful conversation with family or friends. We could do some strolling in the garden or nearby park. We could appreciate historical sites, the arts, and cultural heritage. We could visit a church or chapel for a prayer or a mass.

Also, occasionally, even a little thing relaxes our senses and can have positive effects. For example, a body massage, aromatherapy, music therapy, and journaling. You see? That completes a meaningful and soulful journey. It promotes balanced health at all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. That is the essence of self-care! to bring back our holistic being.

Returning to our homes or jobs, we feel renewed and whole again. However, self-care never ends. It is a lifestyle! It may be a struggle, but we need at least 8 hours of quality sleep, eat foods with nutritional value, and have some "me time" to evaluate ourselves. These self-care activities are essential for personal development.

Self-care isn't just for weekends or vacations; we should practice daily, especially in the workplace. By prioritizing self-care, we can protect ourselves from physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. It also gives us the power to remove ourselves from toxic situations and harmful influences that can erode our self-worth.

Self-care is doing little things that matter to keep our balance and in perfect health. We must look into our being before extending our services to others. More excellent service comes with a great self, a love of beingness, and our holiness.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Heaven in Our Hearts: Soaring High on Earth

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

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

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

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

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

Team building at the LA Mesa Ecopark in May 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2019 Del Cusay

Road to Summit: Unloading Our Emotional Baggages

There are times when we feel stuck in our lives. A heaviness in our hearts causes us to slow down or quit, to end the game and breathe out the pain.

That heaviness on our being may result from past traumas, such as a difficult breakup or the loss of a loved one, anxieties like fear of failure or social anxiety, guilt from past mistakes, and toxicities from people and the environment, such as a toxic work environment or a toxic relationship. We call it 'emotional baggage,' which is unwanted and causes us to pay the price.

Like in our travels, we never wanted to pay for excess baggage at the airport counter, which costs us more. It causes us inconvenience, stress, and a bad experience. I remember that, sometime in 2014, when I was at Kathmandu Airport in Nepal, I was going back to New Delhi in India when the airport counter lady charged me more for my excess baggage. Without much cash in my wallet, I left to withdraw from the ATM for a while. From that moment, I was uneasy, but luckily, I could get my money to pay for the price of my excess baggage, and I felt so bad.

From that horrible experience, I can relate it to the present reality of carrying for more and paying the price. Our lower emotions like anger, jealousy, pride, and rage take away the peace in our hearts. That heaviness from the inside prevents us from moving fast forward since we are distracted by so many rumbling thoughts and the roller coaster of emotions.

One of the reasons we are stuck is because of the attachments we have to someone or something from somewhere. Or it could be the other way around when someone is so attached to us that we suddenly become mentally connected.

When this excess emotional baggage affects our well-being, there's a way to escape before we become totally stuck. This escape involves acknowledging the emotional baggage, understanding its roots, and then actively working to let it go. When we recall in detail what went wrong, we start to be guided by a compass in the right direction toward the desired destination.

When we decide to escape the burden, we experience a profound emotional freedom as we ascend to the Summit. There, we take a deep breath, immerse ourselves in the present moment, and savor the tranquility. Without even realizing it, we shed the weight of emotions that once caused us pain and sorrow. This is a significant step towards our mental health and overall well-being, a feeling of liberation that is genuinely empowering. 

At the Summit, we exhale what is unnecessary, what doesn't add value to our lives. And when we feel the lightness, we are prepared to embark on the next adventure on our journey to forever. We are ready to love again, for this is the right thing to do, and we have made the right choice. To live and laugh again, to love and be whole again. This readiness to love again is a beacon of hope, a sign of our emotional growth and healing.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Eid'l Adha: Its Interfaith Significance

This day marks the Islamic celebration of the 'Festival of Sacrifice', known as Eid-al Adha. Despite being declared a holiday, this festival was unknown to me for many years, and I hadn't understood much about its religious significance until recently when I participated in an Islamic and cultural immersion at the Manila Golden Mosque in celebration of the end of Ramadan or the Eid'l Fitr: A Moment of Peace.

Community Immersion at Manila Golden Mosque during the celebration of Eid'l Fitr on June 5, 2019

Eid'l Adha is when Muslims from around the world commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham to sacrifice his son. What's interesting about this festival is the similarity of the same story in Christianity found in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament.

In the Quran, God appeared to Abraham and was told to make a sacrifice for his son, Ishmael. In the Bible, the son of Abraham to be sacrificed was Isaac. Then, just before Abraham ended his son's life, a lamb was replaced by God instead of his son. That was a test of faith given by God to Abraham, and he passed it faithfully.

In a deeper sense and in today's significance, the son of Abraham may not be just a literal person but something valuable in us, a part of us that we are most attached to. It could be an attachment to someone, a worldly possession, or obsolete thoughts.

These attachments take away our precious time with God due to divided attention. When God tested Abraham to sacrifice his son, it was like God's telling Abraham to pay attention to Him and obey His will so that Abraham could follow wholeheartedly when his attention was undivided and to God alone.

In our reality today, God may be talking to and commanding us on what to do, but we choose to ignore Him or simply don't focus on listening to Him. We are preoccupied with daily activities, work, or building relationships with our family and the community. Still, we only give him a little time and attention due to many physical, mental, and emotional distractions.

It's also a reality that God may take away something valuable or someone we love and that we have nothing to oppose but to accept it wholeheartedly because that is His will, which is the Divine plan. Then we realize that God is in total control of everything, even the breath we take and our last breath on earth. 

Eid'l Adha is not just significant among our Muslim brothers and sisters because all of us, regardless of faith, may have learned about the sacrifices that we have to make.

Today, we may be sacrificing to save us and uplift our souls. We may offer a relationship with someone, a friend, or a group. This is where we let go of things that do not give much value to our being but just give us pain and sorrow.

When we let go of old habits and obsolete beliefs, we take on a fresh idea, accept a new relationship, and nurture what is ideal for God's glory and Divine love. That's an interfaith significance we all can learn from our Muslim brothers and sisters.

We do not hate but cultivate more profound understanding, acceptance, and belonging. We do not fear, but we face reality stronger and more steadily. We do not ignore but co-celebrate with humility and love to our Humanity. We live to co-exist and can live harmoniously, peacefully, and happily.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Year of The Youth 2019: The Pilgrim Youth Cross

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Lomboy, Linambasan, Capiz, has been home to a strong Youth Ministry community since Reverend Father John Denosta, the first-ever designated Parish Priest. The community is even more substantial today as the Religious Community grows under the Parish Head, Reverend Father Jeffrey Estrella, and co-parish Priest, Reverend Father Chris Señeres.

Since the early years of the Mission Station, before it was elevated to a Parish status, I have witnessed the Religious presence and dedication of the youth in their Church service. The youth choir's melodious and angelic voices touch the people's souls during the regular Sunday mass and special occasions like Christmas. We see a growing Parish Youth Ministry as the bearer of light and hope not only today but also in the years to come until they fully bloom in their Community and Religious service. The Youth Ministry is an integral part of our community, and their service is deeply valued.

In celebration of the Year of the Youth this 2019, The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish welcomed the Pilgrim Youth Cross on August 3, 2019, facilitated by the leaders and members of the OPH Parish Youth Ministry. 

The Youth Ministry of San Vicente Ferrer Parish transferred the Youth Cross to be venerated at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish for about a week. The Youth Cross was brought to the neighboring barangay of Lucero and welcomed by the Lucero National High School youth. It was then brought to Macario Bermejo National High School in Jaena Norte, where hundreds of youth have embraced the religious symbol of the Catholic faith.

At the end of a week-long Pilgrim Youth Cross, it was time to pass on to the next Parish in the nearby town of Tapaz. On August 10, the Youth Cross and the Youth Ministry members headed to San Nicolas De Myra Parish and were welcomed by their Youth Ministry.

The National Youth Cross was specially made for the Philippine Catholic Youth Ministry and is being circulated in different Parishes nationwide. It was inspired by the founder St. John Paul ll since it was introduced in 1985 and presented during the celebrations of World Youth Day, where thousands and even Millions of Youth Pilgrims came to celebrate and profess their faith. 

2019 has been a memorable journey for the Pilgrim Youth Cross, which reached the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. May the Youth Cross bring them closer to Christ by reminding them of the personal cross that they carry within.

When darkness invades the souls of the young ones, the cross symbolizes hope and faith that no matter how challenging life is, they will come to defeat the darkness and unleash the light from within.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Resilience of the Filipino Spirit: The People of Guimaras Island

The Island Province of Guimaras in Western Visayas, Philippines, is a gem of natural beauty and thriving ecotourism. This enchanting island, with its serene atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes, has a magnetic pull that draws many to its shores.

My first visit to the Island of Guimaras in March 2014 was a heartwarming experience. I was warmly embraced by the Religious Community in San Lorenzo, particularly the Iglesia Filipina Independiente or Philippine Independent Church. Their hospitality made me feel like a part of their family, even during my brief two-hour stay.

Apart from meeting with the Religious Community, I could enjoy swimming at the beach with its semi-white sand and clear waters, so I promised to return to explore the other side of the Island. In December 2014, I returned and enjoyed a day on the islet called "Tatlong Pulo" in Jordan. That was my first camping experience in a cove and my second and last visit to the island I call a paradise. 

WellLife Program in San Lorenzo, Guimaras in 2014

On August 3, Saturday, I was saddened by the news about the tragic incident of the 3 passenger boats that capsized in Iloilo Straight, just in the middle of the waters of the province of Iloilo and the Island of Guimaras. This happened despite the absence of a typhoon signal but the presence of strong wind and water currents. There were reported survivors of more than 50 passengers, but the sad part is the number of casualties and the missing passengers whose lives were not saved.

I feel their loss and empathize with the stories of some survivors and those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. Who could have imagined the sudden death from a tragedy that could have been prevented from happening?

My participation in the AGOS forum on Disaster Resilience in July 2017 was an eye-opening experience. The discussion on the three goals of Prepare, Respond, and Recover highlighted the crucial role of preparation in preventing tragedies like the boat incident. It's a lesson we must all learn and apply to ensure our safety in the face of potential disasters. 

While responding and recovering from a disaster is crucial, we must not overlook the importance of preparation. The tragic incident in Guimaras serves as a stark reminder that such events will continue to occur without proper preparation. 

This would be one of the most tragic maritime incidents in the Iloilo Strait, and we can better prepare so that this will be prevented. Accidents do happen no matter how careful we are, but there are things that we are in total control of. Hence, we can improve our proper judgment, leadership, and sense of responsibility and accountability.

On a personal level, one lesson would be a need for enhanced survival skills like swimming to avoid drowning, and this could be part of our preparation for a possible maritime incident. We can't always play the victim for something that we can do. Nowadays, we can't predict or anticipate an accident to happen, but one thing is that specific survival skills and techniques will go a long way if we value life and become survivors. 

The people of Guimaras and Iloilo and those families affected may not be able to recover quickly and may need our deepest sympathy and prayers. I have known them to be deeply spiritual people, and they will remain strong and rise again from this sad fate.

As Filipinos, we will always rise above tragedies and natural calamities. Our resilience remains amidst sorrows and pain. But one thing is sure: We may be able to recover but not cover the pain. We can live again with the best learnings and wisdom we can gain.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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👉 Island Hopping in Guimaras

Reliving the Memories on The Road to Bato Arobo

It's been more than a decade since I reached the mountaintop of Bato Arobo, a place that brings pleasant memories of my childhood days. Back then, we used to hike for more than an hour just to reach it if we were coming from Sitio Lomboy in Linambasan, province of Capiz. The landmark is the present-day Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. 

Visiting Mount Bato Arobo with my family is a journey filled with nostalgia. After the midterm election on May 13, 2019, we embarked on an adventure to witness the ongoing road construction from the Parish to the road to Bato Arobo. The sight of the mountain ranges from afar, the fresher air, and the memories of the old days all came rushing back, making it a genuinely sentimental experience

The road to Bato Arobo is like a roller coaster ride: There are ups and downs and fantastic scenery ahead, with tall Coconut palms and greenery. The less than 2-hour hike can now be reached by a vehicle in less than 15 minutes.

Two months later, on July 24, a day before my grandfather's 89th birthday, we decided to bring him to revisit the Road to Bato Arobo when the roadside development was nearing its completion. Due to the hilly slope on both sides of the road, a concrete hillside cover is needed to protect from untoward soil erosion, the same thing we can see on the hilly streets of Baguio City.

Along the Road to Bato Arobo are farmlands planted with rice and coconuts, which make the surroundings calm and pleasant. There are few houses on the way, and they are even a distance apart on the foothills of the mountain. In a few years, perhaps over the next decade, more houses will be built, considering the accessibility of the road to the town center.

The natural landscape of the mountains is a sight to behold, with occasional fog adding a touch of mystery when it rains and the cool, windy climate, making it perfect for unwinding over coffee and tea or a bowl of hot noodles or batchoy. Bato Arobo's beauty is truly awe-inspiring.

                       The video above; click the arrow to view

Nature has a healing wonder for our souls, and the Bato Arobo mountain view dramatically appeals to the senses. This is similar to soul-searching in the Highlands of Tagaytay and Baguio. Though the place is on its way to development, it is still pristine and naturally beautiful.

Bato Arobo holds a special place in my heart, a place I conquered when it was just a trail. Now, as we witness its development, I feel a deep sense of connection and belonging. The barriers to reaching the mountaintop are disappearing, and we can all relive its scenic mountain view. Bato Arobo is a natural wonder of all time and also a natural heritage in our time. We preserve, protect, and recollect memories that will last a lifetime. 

© 2019 Del Cusay