Weekend Retreat at The Farm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2019 Del Cusay

When Christmas Tree Makes You Happy

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Garden I Want For Christmas

Christmas is a time for decorating ideas. It is about transforming the home into something bright and glittering, with a Christmas tree full of lights. It makes people happy as they accomplish their desired theme for Christmas.

But this time, I thought of doing something different. I have improved the landscape of our indoor garden. Several months ago, I had it on my mind and have made the desired transformation. 

Our indoor garden is more than just a place for meals. It's an open space with good air ventilation and a serene ambiance, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

What makes our indoor garden truly unique is that it has become a sanctuary for Eurasian  Sparrow birds. They serenade us with their chirping sounds in the morning for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. It's a soulful serenade from nature that adds a unique touch to our Christmas celebrations.

This garden is not just a visual delight, but also a source of nutrition for our family. With a malunggay tree and a papaya tree, it's a haven for birds. I've also added some tropical plants and a palm tree to enhance its beauty. It's now a tropical indoor garden, a living testament to the harmony between nature and our well-being. 

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it's a fulfilling activity with many benefits for health and well-being. As we bring a piece of nature into our home, we also celebrate the soulful and meaningful spirit of Christmas. It's a win-win situation that you should consider.

© 2019 Del Cusay

What I Love About December

What excites you about Christmas? Is it the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of endless year-end parties, the thrill of giving and receiving gifts, or the anticipation of the New Year's arrival and the fresh start it brings?

At some point, we have all experienced the Christmas mania that December brings. This is the time to mark on a calendar the most important event of sharing good times with the most important people. 

Some may have been planning themed Christmas parties, while others are looking forward to a holiday shopping spree, whether for gift-giving or buying a gift for themselves.

That's a fun-filled activity for the commercial side of the festivity. Perhaps the most expensive season, but one of the most memorable for whatever reason. 

This Soulful Sunday, the 1st of December, is about welcoming a merry and joyous season of love and peace. A heartfelt season to hug and kiss. 

I will spend the Holiday season in my hometown with my family. This is the best place to contemplate the year that was or year-end, breathing out of what is unwanted and what is to be renewed. As I look back on the past year, I'm grateful for the memories and experiences, and I look forward to the new year with hope and anticipation. 

This Soulful Sunday, the 1st day of December, brings calm wind and drizzle, setting the mood for the coming days before Christmas. The wind blows gently with a natural melody; the trees are swaying, the birds are chirping, and the people are singing—Christmas in our hearts is coming. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

A Moment of Contemplation

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

At times, we may be like that. We see places and things as too 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

The Tulfo Justice and Why That Should Bother Us

Image: https://pinastify.com/raffy-tulfo-in-action-grade-2-teacher-melita-limjuco-might-face-child-abuse-case/

When people's advice is 'Ipa-Tulfo mo' or someone utters 'Ipapa-Tulfo Kita,' they are referring to a form of instant justice known as 'Tulfo Justice. ' This concept, popularized by the influential Anchorman Raffy Tulfo, is perceived as a means for individuals to swiftly address their grievances, often bypassing the traditional judicial process.

That would be the case for many Filipinos who would bypass due process to seek the help of an instant justice on-air; a radio show trial by publicity hosted by an influential Anchorman who has been a household name for helping thousands of oppressed Filipinos deprived of social justice and human rights.

The recent judgment of a radio show, 'Raffy Tulfo in Action,' which has gone viral and gained online outrage from Netizens, is one of the opposing sides of seeking instant justice on this popular TV show.

That episode of Tulfo's show may have gone far and damaged the accused's reputation through false justice, with the absence of judicial process on his call to action or outright judgment.

The teacher who was judged by Tulfo and favored the parents' call for the revocation of her license is a one-sided truth, but not hearing the teacher's side is the unheard version of the truth, resulting in false judgment and justice.

The parents who sought 'Tulfo Justice' may just be one of the thousands of Filipinos who believe that the Tulfo is the modern-day 'Sumbungan ng Bayan' or the 'Barangay-on-Air' and that they feel they are genuinely heard and served justice on an instant and free of cost.

Whatever happened to our Philippine justice system? The mediation and conciliation process in the Barangay or even a simple filing of a formal complaint through a Government Agency? How about filing a lawsuit to bring justice in a judicial court? Well, that could be a thing of the past. But how come?

In today's world, people may have become tired and hopeless of a 'Justice delayed is a justice denied' system, a system that is costly and causes too much stress. What could have been more effective for some is to be favored by their Idol for whatever issue they may have against someone. That 'Instant justice' mentality is enough to make them feel a winner for the justice that served them right.

However, the public humiliation the accused has suffered may not be erased in a digital footprint. It stays online even until both parties have reconciled through a mediation process. In the said case, the parents and the teacher have reconciled through the Department of Education Supervisor. The issue between parties may have ended peacefully, but the humiliation and shame may have lasted forever.

Why should all of these bother us anyway? People are now demanding a speedy trial. They want to be heard and favored for their complaints. They are looking at Tulfo as the face of the Philippine justice system—not the police complaint desk, the barangay justice system, or even the higher judicial court justice system.

Will that make our Philippine justice system obsolete? Well, one thing we can learn about the 'Tulfo Justice' is that it can shame the Philippine justice system when millions of Filipinos are already shouting out for 'Tulfo' when they seek the 'Justice and Human rights they deserve.

However, just like the loopholes in our Philippine justice system, "Tulfo Justice" must practice fairness and avoid biases, unfair judgment, and treatment, for nothing lasts forever in a corrupted system.

While the Philippine Judicial System may be losing appeal and trust, one thing is certain: 'Justice-on-Air' will continue to be the voice of the poor, the abused, and the hopeless. However, just like the loopholes in our Philippine justice system, 'Tulfo Justice' must practice fairness and avoid biases, unfair judgment, and treatment, for nothing lasts forever in a corrupted system.

© 2019 Del Cusay

41st Year of Devotion to the Miraculous Medal

We Christians have all prayed for the intercession of the Blessed Mary. We pray the "Hail Mary" to honor the Mother of Christ. Our prayers are heard. We were healed. We are blessed, and we live by Mary's promises.

For our family, we celebrate the 41st year of this annual devotion. It started in November 1978, when my parents initiated it in their early marriage.
Since then, the blessings granted through our devotion to Mother Mary and the Miraculous Medal have not just touched, but profoundly transformed our lives, filling us with awe and inspiration.

As a child growing up in the '80s, I was part of a vibrant community that shared a yearly devotion to the Miraculous Medal. Our relatives, mostly the elderly, would lead the Novena and the singing of praises. The songs and hymns, resonating through the air, strengthened our prayers and our bond as a community, making us feel part of a larger spiritual family.

Our unwavering belief in the power of prayers and intentions is that God is within us and hears us, and this belief is the key to granting our heart's desires.

Ask—Believe -Receive is a philosophy I have believed in for years, and it has been the foundation of our call for the Miraculous Medal. We ask for our intentions, which are granted. Then, we receive miracles, healings, and blessings.

Our devotion to the Miraculous Medal is not just a celebration of the past, but a promise of future celebrations. We eagerly look forward to witnessing the next generations of our family continue this tradition, passing on our devotion to the blessed Mary, instilling a sense of hope and connection to the future.


© 2019 Del Cusay

The Insider's View: Opening of SIDC One Stop Shop in the Visayas

The largest Cooperative in the Philippines, The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), has opened its first-ever one-stop shop in the Visayas. They have chosen our hometown of Jamindan, Capiz.

On October 30, hundreds of Jamindanganons attended the grand opening and blessing of the SIDC One Stop Shop at National Road, Poblacion, Jamindan, Capiz. Our Local Government Unit officials also attended it and welcomed this great opportunity that supports the livelihood and uplifts the economic development of the people and the entire community.

Reverend Father Jeffrey Estrella and Reverend Father Krys Señeres from the Our Lady of  Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish officiated the blessing ceremony. It was followed by a Ribbon-cutting ceremony headed by AGAP Congressman Rico Geron, who played a crucial role in the project, Dr. Angelito Bagui, SIDC Chairperson, SIDC Board of Directors including the LGU officials of Jamindan led by Mayor Mac Valdemar, Vice Mayor Ildy Cusay, SB Members and Barangay Chairmen.

The messages of SIDC and LGU Jamindan officials inspired the people. They have warmly welcomed this newest development in town. They are grateful for the infrastructure project given by SIDC through AGAP Partylist, the Farmer's training center located at Poblacion, Jamindan, Capiz. We also welcome future programs and projects offered by SIDC and AGAP that have economic benefits and social impact through the Barangay Development Fund.

The COOP MART, the largest grocery store in town, promises a modern and convenient shopping experience with the lowest prices for groceries and other merchandise. Its meat shop offers the freshest and highest-quality meat products, all meeting the highest sanitary standards. This is a shopping experience that the people of Jamindan can look forward to with excitement and eagerness.

On opening day, hundreds of SIDC members had their first grocery experience at COOPMART. To become a member, one needs to fill out a membership form and pay a nominal fee. Members benefit from the lowest price and patronage refund. COOPMART is open Monday through Sunday, 7 days a week, from as early as 6 AM until 7 PM, and the friendly and helpful staff is ready to serve the members and consumers. These are the reasons more people and families will love COOPMART.

SIDC Feeds offers the highest-quality products for pig raising and other animal livelihood farming. They also provide veterinary products for quality produce. With SIDC's technical assistance, more families will be able to take advantage of this livelihood opportunity, fostering a sense of optimism and hope for the future.

Another service is the SIDC Koopinoy Savings and Loans. For only 100 pesos, a member can open a passbook savings account and apply for different kinds of loans depending on their needs. There's also a Young Savers Club for those under 18 to start their savings experience. Koopinoy Savings and Loans is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be financially empowered and included.

The SIDC One-Stop-Shop opens various opportunities and benefits for members and the whole municipality of Jamindan. It provides a platform for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and a convenient shopping experience. May it grow in the years to come and improve the quality of living of members and the people through its various quality products and services. SIDC is our partner for local development as we work together to achieve our vision of a Shining Jamindan.

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Insider's View: A Better Living Through Cooperative

Life becomes more manageable, lighter, and brighter when we come together as a community, sharing common goals and interests to uplift and improve our lives. This is the essence of a Cooperative— a group of like-minded individuals working towards sustainable economic development, fostering a sense of togetherness and community.

In our hometown in Jamindan, Province of Capiz, we have welcomed the establishment of the largest Agri-based Cooperative in the Philippines. The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, or SIDC, was founded in Batangas in 1969.

In celebration of SIDC's 50th year, we warmly welcomed their partnership for local economic development. We opened the first-ever SIDC One Stop Shop in Visayas, our hometown of Jamindan.

Fortunately, I applied for a regular membership before the opening on October 30. As a member, I could see firsthand the products and services they offer to the people and community. Becoming a member was straightforward, involving [specific steps or requirements].

As an Agricultural-based Cooperative, SIDC will offer its members products and services such as Organic fertilizer, veterinary products, feeds, and meat shops. It will also provide assistance and partnerships for Hog raising or pig farming. 

SIDC also has the Koopinoy Savings and Loans service for its active members to support their financial needs and growth. Members will have a loan opportunity to start their farm business, with [specific loan terms and interest rates]. They also provide other loan services like vehicle loans, motorcycle/tricycle loans, and micro and enterprise loans for entrepreneurs with no collateral requirement for members.

Koopinoy provides a passbook savings account and time deposit with higher annual interest for member Savers. Opening a savings account was [specific process or requirements]. Even children under 18 can open a savings account to secure their future.

SIDC has a modern look grocery/convenience store that offers the lowest price in town. This is another saving for the members and consumers
aside from the Loyalty rewards as a member.

SIDC will also accept bill payments for various utility bills and has a money remittance service in partnership with Truemoney padala. This brings a sense of relief and convenience to consumers, making the use of these financial services a breeze.

SIDC One Stop Shop in Jamindan will open its doors to everyone, offering a pathway to personal and community growth. May it bring progress in the lives of the people who patronize its products, services, and programs, fostering a sense of hope and optimism for a better local economy and community.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Sunday's Best at Lilia's Sky Garden

It's Sunday, and it's the best time to have a soulful conversation with the people who matter in our lives. Sunday makes us feel thankful for our blessings and the serenity that gives us peace of mind. It's the perfect time to unwind and rejuvenate, making us fully alive as we start our week right.

This Sunday, we joyfully chose to immerse ourselves in the vibrant beauty of our little Skygarden. Here, we plant, nurture, and revel in the splendor of the colorful flowers that never fail to uplift our spirits. There's a unique magic in the garden and its blossoms that never fails to bring a smile to our faces and brighten our day.

Despite our limited space, we've managed to create a tranquil oasis in the form of a sky garden. This serene sanctuary, nestled within our home, not only attracts butterflies and chirping birds but also provides us with a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

This is one of my favorite spots for meditation and reflection. It is also an excellent place to have a morning cup of coffee and get some sunlight for energy. Sometimes, in the afternoon, I would lie down or swing through a hammock while gazing at the blue skies until sunset or dusk. 

My Mother would share how she started her little garden in the 1970s, and she relates it to some level of success through blessings that have come. It may not be the garden and flowers, but the positive energy brings happiness and joy, leading to health, wellness, and fulfillment.

Then I must believe my Mother since it is also in this garden where great plans have been imagined and conceptualized. As I lie down in the hammock, I think of the present moment and visualize the future. This is somewhat of a thought-form building where thoughts become a reality—where the power of positive thinking and visualization can manifest into tangible outcomes. It's a belief that has been reinforced by our experiences in this garden. 

Our Mother's love for gardening has been a profound inspiration for us. Her passion has not only brought her joy but has also sparked our own love for nature and its grounding effect.  As a token of our gratitude and admiration for her, we've named our little haven 'Lilia's Sky Garden. ' It's a constant reminder of her influence and a testament to the beauty that can be created when passion and inspiration converge.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Soulful Conversation: Spiritual Guidance from a Priest

Sometimes, we meet people by chance and then become friends or acquaintances. Often, we have met someone so special to bring enlightenment and guide our way— our spiritual path.

With that particular person, I am referring to a Priest who is our Religious leader with a higher level of holiness. Someone who guides us on our moral actions and the one we seek blessings as God's chosen disciple.

It was a sunny day at the beachfront restaurant a few weeks ago, September 17, when I had a pleasant conversation with our Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Lomboy, Rev. Father Everett Jeffrey Estrella. He has served the Parish since July 2018 and will continue his Religious mission for the next few years. He has a great mission and service to the Parish and the faithful community. 

I was with my parents and shared a meal with Fr. Estrella. It was lunch at our favorite restaurant overlooking the horizon, where the blue sky meets the sea. The gentle waves and the sea breeze were relaxing, and the conversation had a deeper meaning. 

I have had some aha moments before, but this time, it came from our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Estrella. Whenever I have an aha moment, I cherish it and live through its meaning and significance. 

What was that conversation about? It's about present and future living. It's about following our dreams and desires and making them come true. What struck me most was when he said that sometimes we don't get what we want in life because we have too much belief in our human capacity and don't back it up with Divine intervention through our most profound faith and prayer. 

Yes, we pray, but why are some of our wishes not granted? It may be in the process. It may just be a delayed answer, or our intention may not be the best for us and not by God's will.

He then revealed that when other people so dear to us pray for us, God may hear it out loud. God always hears our heart's desires and intentions. For instance, we may be the recipients of our parents' good deeds. That's like spiritual merit. When our parents pray for us, God truly listens. Our parents' deepest love always saves us.

From that moment, I have considered my parents' sacrifices and everything I have achieved because I believe they have prayed for me.

That was a soulful conversation. The message was simple but challenging: keep doing good things, and good things will come to you. We plant seeds of goodness, nurture them, and cultivate them until we reap a fruitful reward.

Our community is blessed to have Rev. Fr. Everett Jeffrey Estrella. He touches the lives of the faithful and deserves the utmost reverence. He is a Divine gift to us, and we are most grateful for his love and compassion for everyone. He may leave the Parish in a few years, but his excellent service and good memories remain in our hearts forever.

© 2019 Del Cusay

International Coffee Day: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2019 Del Cusay