Press Freedom in The Philippines

This is another attack on Philippine press freedom. The Philippines is crippled and crushed again. The Filipino people are saddened and mourning.

Today marks another tragic chapter in the erosion of press freedom in the Philippines. The country's largest television network has been denied its 25 years of congressional franchise, a move that strikes at the heart of our democracy.

This is a grave injustice. The Philippine Congressmen on the legislative franchise committee have turned a deaf ear to the network and the Filipino people at large. They have not just killed a network, they have silenced a nation. In these trying times, they have deprived us of our right to vital news and information.

While the country is currently surviving the pandemic, the government is losing its priorities. It has turned around and faced the wrong enemy, turning the battleground against its own people.

We demand accountability. Our government has suppressed press freedom and the freedom of speech of those who dare to criticize autocratic leadership and abuse of power. This is not what we deserve. 

We don't cry. We mourn! We suffer! We are not being heard and are made to be silent and not dissent. Why Can't We Speak?

To our fellow Filipinos around the world, we need your support. Our beloved country is under siege. The democracy we have fought for over the years is now in peril, threatened to be plunged back into its darkest history.

Stay strong. This is not over yet; together, we'll regain our voice, our true democracy, the absolute freedom of expression, and the freedom of the press. We deserve to recover what we have lost and are about to lose. We deserve good governance for a better Philippines. 

Be heard!

© 2020 Del Cusay

Weekend Getaway in Boracay

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

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

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

Dream on and go on.

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

It's a hotspot for the world's beach and island lovers. A multi-cultural hub where the East meets the West.
That was my 5th time visiting Boracay in about two decades. And each time I saw it, its ecosystem and culture had undergone several transformations. I the old Island culture I missed.

 I may have seen Boracay during its pristine days when it was less developed and had its Island vibe. So that brings back vivid memories worth remembering. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2020 Del Cusay

Stairway to the Mountain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2020 Del Cusay

Father's Day at The Farm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Journey of A Thousand Miles

Life brings us to the place of our dreams. That's the beginning of a beautiful journey ahead. We dream it, we believe it, and we live it.

We manifest and hold on to that dream; we bring our intentions to life, and it starts with a single with— a single step.

Life may bring us to several places in our lifetime. Some destinations may still need to be planned, but opportunities and destiny take us there.

In 2016, after a thousand-mile journey abroad, life brought me to a lovely place known as the city of love—Iloilo City, Philippines.

I hold a special place in my heart, having lived there for a year, from mid-2002 until mid-2003. It's where I embarked on my college journey in a city epitomizing the region's higher education. The city's charm, with its century-old churches and meticulously preserved ancestral houses, was a sight to behold—a beauty that transcends time.

True to its moniker, the city lives up to the expectation of being the 'City of Love.' But it's not just the name; it's the warmth and love of the people that truly make it a place that captivates the soul.

13 years after I left, I came back to live and practice my profession by working in a medical center near the esplanade, where I used to spend some morning strolls and sunset viewing. I have seen the city's growth as it embraced modern infrastructure development while preserving its old heritage. Now, the city is a fusion of the ancient and contemporary world. It has a more charming vibe among the developing cities in the Philippines.

That journey to the 'City of Love' brought memories to cherish for a lifetime, until one day, another journey began to another place; to the country's capital region of Metro Manila, back to the site where I started to work and discover places and the world.

Today, our world may have stopped. Life may have led me back to my greater comfort and security, to my birthplace, and to be with my family — my loved ones. This return to my roots, where I was born and raised, has brought me peace and stability during these uncertain times.

The thousand-mile journey brought meaning to life but also took me away from my family. Now, a journey of a thousand miles includes a 'home sweet home' closer to my family. Home, where I find comfort, security, and love, is not just a physical location but a feeling of belonging and connection.

Life is good to return to their loving and warm embrace during this crisis, where uncertainty unfolds. I was far away from them for years, searching for a living, but now I am living with them, searching for meaning.

Now, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Wherever we are in this world, no matter how far the distance we've been, we'll always return to the most special place in our hearts-our home, where our family resides. It is the love and warmth of our family that makes any journey, no matter how long or difficult, worthwhile. 

Life will always protect and comfort us, leading us back, even after a thousand-mile journey and beyond. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

122nd Philippine Independence Day: Holding the Line

We can never attain absolute freedom if we're still a slave through the colonial mentality and feeling inferior to other races. The same thing is that we can't be free when our government is terrorizing and putting down its people. 

That may be our very own story today. The state of our current societal freedom. A prisoner of faith and hope.

Our valiant heroes fought not just to free us from foreign invasion and rule, but to instill in us a resilience that transcends generations. The pain and struggle they endured have left an indelible mark on our being, a legacy passed down in the blood flowing from our veins by our Forefathers.

Today, Philippine society may have evolved through the years, but it's crucial that the new generations of young Filipinos remain connected to our history. It's our past that shapes our present and guides our future, not just the modern living of comfort and convenience.

Today's society, however, is still struggling to defend our freedom to express ourselves freely. That freedom of expression is being threatened and taken away.

We can be the most law-abiding citizens, but that doesn't mean we will remain silent and blind to what's happening in the government; how it's being run affects the way we live. We follow the rules and regulations, but that doesn't mean we will also track and have a higher tolerance for wrongdoings, abuse of power, and rampant human rights violations.

Philippine society today is at risk of losing its voice—the voice of the masses—the powerless and the most vulnerable.

People critical of the government are being silenced through harassment and false accusations; the worst is detention. If this can happen to political personalities and mass media, it can happen to almost anyone with the most vital voice of dissent or opposition.

I believe we have a good democracy, but what happens when the government has massive power for manipulation, tripping, intimidation, and control. Slowly, public dissent is being killed. No more voice to speak up, or you may be served a sentence without due process of law.

Democracy is what this country survived and thrived for over a century; otherwise, we may still be a colony and in control of a mighty nation. But, with our excellent resistance to put an end to foreign rule, we became a winner -- we regained our independence and freedom.

People can now discern right and wrong, what is real or just manipulation, and express their thoughts with higher judgment and discrimination.

If the government attempts to silence us, let us remember our power. The power vested in our leaders comes from the people, and we can take it away from them. We must hold the line, knowing that the government's control is always temporary.

When we know how to hold the line, we can protect ourselves and uphold our freedom—the freedom that we Filipinos deserve. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

Lost in a Paradise

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

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

Life teaches us to embrace individual uniqueness and societal differences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The current Pandemic has underscored the importance of preparedness. As we navigate through these challenging times, it's crucial to equip ourselves for the future. The next crisis may be just around the corner, and our readiness will be the key to survival.

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

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

© 2020 Del Cusay

Now Rowing Forward

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

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

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

As I looked at the horizon from afar, where the blue skies meet the sea, I realized that the sky is the limit regarding our life's desires and realizations. Many opportunities and foresight await us to be discovered in total silence.

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

Life's like that. When something big hits us, like an overwhelming challenge or adversity, we can choose how to react: we can panic or stay calm and focused on taking the best action and not getting drowned. This choice is ours, and it empowers us to face any situation with resilience and determination.

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

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

Today, as people and communities have started to mobilize again after isolation, we have learned a harsh lesson and a deeper awareness of our being. We can indeed live alone for some time and depend on ourselves for our own happiness. This realization of self-reliance has made us more independent and self-sufficient, showing that we are responsible and in control of our lives—our destiny.

Life has brought us to a different era and future we never imagined-a world where remote work is the norm, where health and safety are paramount, and where resilience and adaptability are key. This time, we are not only moving on or moving forward. We are now rowing along in the direction of our will, our life purpose. We are the captain and in control of our destiny. The director of our own reality.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Living Our Best Normal

We want to live our best lives. That is not just an aspiration but a realization of our life purpose. Our goals and dreams fuel our being toward not just success but also fulfillment—our heart's desire.

In these times, we are now one world and one humanity, a beautiful tapestry of diversity that used to be divided by the color of our skin, the amount of money in our wallet or bank, and religious affiliation and social status. Our differences now unite us in a shared experience.

Today, we feel the oneness of humanity, that we are united through a shared experience. We are all vulnerable to the global threat to human health; either we survive or continue to suffer—we're all in this together.

We are slowly adapting to a 'new normal,' which is an initiation of how much we have learned about survival skills and the test of our life's top priorities.

In the 'new normal,' people may realize that money may sometimes not save a life, that it isn't our ultimate purpose, and that the health we sacrifice for cash will be gone when we lose the battle. 

Living in the city would start to lose appeal, and people would see the value of life in the rural area-- in the countryside.

The pandemic has been a profound teacher, revealing to us the beauty of the natural world that was once distant. The surrounding mountains, the chirping of the birds, and the clear blue skies, once the privilege of rural areas, have now become a part of our urban lives in isolation.

Now, more than ever, we realize the value of health and wellness over material wealth. Choosing a sustainable life in a safe and peaceful rural area can give us the peace of mind we crave. This shift in mindset will lead to healthier and more vibrant lives.

Between life in the city and in a rural area, the 'new normal' would point the arrow to the less crowded place where one can breathe fresher air and enjoy a fantastic view of the natural environment free from pollution.

And hearing from someone I highly respect, Master Del Pe, a Modern Sage, and an International Life Mentor, inspired people about living not just the 'new normal' but living our 'new best normal'-a life where we prioritize health and wellness, strive to live with our best self, and adapt to the challenges and threats that will arise in the future.

To live our most extraordinary life and our 'new best normal' is to go beyond a safe and secure life to a sustainable one we all deserve. Sustainable living promotes a healthier environment and enhances our well-being, allowing us to live our best lives. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

Life in The New Normal

Life on the beach. That is what people miss on a hot summer day. This is supposed to be a fun-filled dry season for families, groups of friends, coworkers, or solo travelers. But this season has fallen into isolation.

Last year's summer vacation was one of the best vacations ever. I never thought it would be the previous summer to get sunburned, the last time to enjoy the summer breeze and the serenity, the last time to leave footprints in the sand.

After several weeks, our economy and the rest of the world are slowly returning to life, but it may be hard for people to get back to life -- the kind of life we used to live. However, our resilience in adapting to this new normal is not just a testament to our strength and determination, but a source of empowerment and strength.

While viewing my digital photo album, I saw smiling and happy faces. I saw how we used to celebrate family gatherings without physical distancing. I saw how we used to travel and go to public places without a mask. That was just a recent past, but now it feels like we have wholly entered a new world with a new definition of love.

The new normal is tough love. When families at home cannot even give a hug and kiss, when old friends or acquaintances cannot recognize each other due to facial protective covering, when partners cannot hold their hands, and when young kids and our elderly are best protected by staying at home, all these are for the sake of love—love on the new normal. 

But I still believe in a profound human connection. We may still be able to give a smile to someone we know or anyone we meet along the road. A new definition of a smile—a smile of gratitude on the new normal—is in order.

Our new normal is not only about hygienic measures. It goes beyond our new lifestyle—a healthy one to which most people will prioritize. This is a time to focus on self-care and personal growth, which will be crucial in navigating this new world. Let this be a source of motivation and inspiration for all of us.

We will now be more health conscious, eat the right kind of food, get some physical exercise, get some nourishment from the sunlight, plant and harvest our own food, get adequate sleep, pray, meditate...

Activities that nourish our body, mind, and soul are most important. We can engage in activities like yoga for physical health, meditation for mental peace, and prayer for spiritual well-being. We should strive to avoid worries, fears, and anxiety. Though it's normal to feel that way sometimes, we can still escape, regain our best selves, and live our most extraordinary lives.

For now, we may have already learned some tools and techniques as we move on to a new normal. You may now know how to quiet the mind and relieve stress through meditation. You may have learned the art of flexibility of the physical body through yoga or internal stamina exercises. You may have started doing backyard gardening. You may have learned to follow your passion for visual/digital arts like painting and photography. You may have started to love reading books, articles, and blogs. You may have found joy in sharing your passion through vlogging.

At this time, we must have overcome our Fear zone and moved to the Learning zone. As we start living in the new normal, we are entering the Growth zone, where we must learn self-mastery and become a higher version of ourselves. This new normal is not a hindrance but a platform for personal growth and development. Let's embrace this potential for growth with hope and optimism.

A lot has changed in a matter of weeks in isolation. We may now still be dreaming about that planned summer vacation. You may now be ready to explore what awaits you in the new normal. 

Circumstances may have changed, but hoping they will not change our being, our beliefs and values, our humanity, and most of all, our faith in God.
© 2020 Del Cusay

Timeless Loving Memories

Mother. That's one precious and sweetest word we could hear. It's not just a word but brought into action by a remarkable, loving woman. 

The sweetest smile, the warmest hug, the thoughtful gesture, and the selfless love. That describes our Mother. Someone we can truly lean on in good times and bad times. Someone who makes us feel loved and cared for. Someone we can depend on.

Today, the world is celebrating Mother's Day, and we honor and revere them in a unique way of remembering their most significant role in our existence. 

A Mother's value and significance may be felt differently by each of us, but it is a universal truth. The world is indebted to the Mothers who brought us into this world and raised us.

On this day, we not only celebrate our mothers but also our GrandMothers, sisters, Aunts, and all the Other maternal figures who have shaped us. Let's remember their greatness and the timeless loving memories they've given us.

The world may be changing, but our Mother's love remains constant, yesterday, today, and in the years to come, even in our lifetime and beyond.

We express our love and gratitude to all mothers, and to those who have personally impacted or influenced our lives. Your love and guidance have made us who we are today.

This is not just a day of celebration but a lifetime of honoring and remembering our mothers, our greatest love who shows us endless love. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

How Do We Survive and Thrive

It's been more than a month since you were quarantined, isolated from people and the community. But remember, this period of isolation can also be a time for personal growth and reflection, a chance to discover new strengths and resilience within yourself.

Some call it home arrest away from the unseen invader. Others may fantasize about it as an extended vacation, but it should not have been this way— never ever this way.

Our world suddenly stopped, but see! It is healing itself. There are lots of changes in our community and the rest of the world. 

If the world is healing, how can we not benefit from it? We, too, must start to heal, and so, like the healing earth, we can become whole again and ready to see the world again.

Healing our body, mind, and soul can significantly contribute to the world. We may have inflicted much pain on our natural world, so we suffer. We suffer from living in uncertainty... beyond our reality.

Now, the world forces us to reflect and heal our minds and emotions. Unless we heal ourselves, we will be prisoners of fate forever.

However, there will always be an antidote for our suffering. It is when our collective actions come together as a global community that benefit the world and humanity. Each of us has a part to play in this healing process.

There is healing in our love, hope, and faith. That's a healing antidote, not a vaccine.

When we think beyond ourselves and do more excellent service to others, we contribute to healing. And so today, no more fear! No more anxiety! It has been replaced by love and understanding.

Yes, we are surviving! But in our desire to stay, we also dare to thrive, grow, and become better and stronger. Our life journey never ends after these challenging times. Hence, there are endless possibilities for us to learn and be of service— even in our own way.

Don't just survive, but thrive! 

© 2020 Del Cusay