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

Happiness in Our Hearts

What could be more important in life?
Biggest dream, achieved goals, a success...
A dream job, a dream house, a fancy car
A dream destination in the farthest nation

When success means a million-dollar
Yes! I have a lot, but not feeling enough
Giving it all but no contentment at all
No happiness, no pure joy. No bliss

Success is the presence of happiness...
When I get successful, I'll be happy... Nah!
When I am so glad, I feel successful... Yeah!
Happiness is positive psychology... Aha!

Happiness comes from a natural thing.
Not so expensive and not an elusive thing
A glimpse of dawn, a beautiful twilight...
A magnificent sunrise, a morning exercise

What else could make us truly happy?
A morning cup of milk, coffee, or tea
A chirping sparrow... A Nightingale's song
A mist in the garden, a drizzle... A blessing!

Happiness is within us... Within our reach
The morning ritual of gratitude makes us rich!
A good morning greeting... A morning hymn
Thank God for the happiness... I am lovin'

© 2019 Del Cusay

Highlands' Sunrise: A Heaven's Call

There's a certain tranquility that sunrise brings. In the moments just before it emerges, waking up to the serenity of a peaceful morning, with the natural sounds of chirping songbirds and a fresh morning mist, is a truly calming experience.

To rise as early as 4:30 and be up by 5 A. M. is to feel the pure anticipation of a new day. It's the excitement of a fresh start, a brand new day that brings new hope and the promise of incredible adventures and opportunities.

Each morning in my beloved highland town, I would awaken to a scene of breathtaking beauty. Watching the sky transform with vibrant hues from the terrace was like witnessing a live painting. This natural masterpiece slowly turned into a bright light and ultraviolet rays, inspiring me and brightening my mood for the entire day.

The video above; click the arrow to view

What makes me fully alive is the healing energy of the sunrise. It nourishes the physical body with the required Vitamin D for the absorption of calcium, providing more muscular and healthier bones and energetic vibes for productivity.

The sunrise is not just a physical event, it's an emotional experience. It fills us with a sense of joy and happiness, warding off any negativity that might try to spoil our day. It's a reminder of life's beauty and the wonders of our planet.

A deep breathing exercise absorbs prana or chi, a life force for healing and longevity. Simple yoga-like and internal stamina exercises loosen up a stiff body and shake the soul.

A cup of coffee, especially a strong black one, compliments the sunrise and completely awakens the senses for daytime alertness.

The sunrise is more than just a daily occurrence, it's a gift from the divine. It's a reminder to start each day with gratitude and energy. It's a call from heaven, a promise of a better day and a brighter tomorrow.

© 2019 Del Cusay

A Beautiful Sunrise

A magnificent dawn
Staring at the garden
Hearing the music
Nature's so fantastic
Is it real, or is it magic

The birds are chirping.
The flowers are blooming.
A gentle wind is blowing.
Thank God I am awake.
I have a beautiful morning.

It's the bird that flies.
It's the cloud in the sky.
It's the sun on the rise.
Giving energy so wise
Truly endearing sacrifice 



© 2019 Del Cusay

The Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Our Love and Devotion

In July 2012, a Catholic Mission Station, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, was founded in a peaceful Sitio of Lomboy in Barangay Linambasan, Jamindan, Capiz. This was a significant moment for our community, as it was established upon the order of the Archdiocese of Capiz through the efforts of Reverend Father Rowelyn Langurayan, the outgoing Parish Priest of San Sebastian Parish during that time. 

Reverend Father John Denosta was the first Priest assigned to celebrate masses and care for the faithful's spiritual needs.

Father Denosta, who served for 6 years until July 2018, is deeply cherished by the people for his sense of community and Spiritual leadership. His love and respect for the parishioners were evident in his every action, and he built and transformed the Mission Station into a beautiful  Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish on June 27, 2018. Just a few days before his service ended, he celebrated his success with the Parishioners, devotees, and hundreds of Catholic Faithful, further strengthening our unity and belonging.

Today, June 27, 2019, on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, we have the successor of Father Denosta in the name of Reverend Father Jeffrey Estrella. For a year, he has been serving the faith community of Barangay Linambasan and people from different barangays of the town of Jamindan.

On this feast day, our Archbishop of Capiz, Most Reverend Jose Advincula, officiated the mass with our Parish Priest, Father Estrella, and other Parish Priest.

Reverend Father Krys Señeres, the co-parish Priest, commissioned a large-scale iconic portrait of Our Mother of Perpetual Help through the contributions of the faithful. This iconic portrait, placed on the left side of the front wall facing the altar, constantly reminds us of our spiritual connection. It was blessed by Most Reverend Father Advincula on this feast day, uplifting our spirits and strengthening our faith. 

The Redemptorist Fathers made the icon famous worldwide, and it has attracted flocks of devotees due to her known miracles of healing and granted special intentions.

I am a living testimony of Our Lady of Perpetual Help's miracles, and I am grateful for my blessings. Wherever I visit a church in her name, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Cubao and the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran always grant my petitions.

We give the Mother of God the highest honor in her blessed Title, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 

Today and in the years to come, the Parish will continue to accommodate and serve the ever-growing faithful community beyond our generation. 

We will preserve this spiritual sanctuary so that future generations can witness its glory and miraculous powers and live in their hearts forever.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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The Pathway to Kindness

At any unexpected moment and wherever we may go, we may meet people who may be familiar faces or strangers to us. To travel far distances with fewer resources and feelings of emptiness, but relying on people's kindness.

Whether at home in the countryside or in a busy metropolis, on the chilly mountain top or the ocean's summer breeze, in our homeland or even in a foreign land, we experience a different level of kindness from the people we meet on the road. For instance, a local in a foreign land might offer directions or a warm meal, or a fellow traveler might share their umbrella during a sudden downpour.

Sometimes, we feel the need for a soulful reflection in a different direction. Our desire to be alone lacks inspiration and motivation. We feel alone and pitied, with doubts and fears that nobody is there with us willing to sit and hear, rescue, and care. 

These encounters, whether fleeting or enduring, often leave a lasting impression, shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. Along the way, some may reach out to lend a helping hand, while others may walk away. Others may listen, while others don't even care. It takes a little act of kindness to open one's arms, hear, and embrace. Initially, the kind of person unknown to them may become someone with a heart as endless as it seems.

Some cultures totally different from ours make us seek kindness from their hearts. We want to be friends with them and get to know them better. We want to plant a seed of service and harvest gratitude with gladness. 

In our travels, some will challenge us, some will rob us, but there will always be someone who will teach us. These challenges, though difficult, are opportunities for growth. They teach us to stand when we have fallen, to fight when we are frightened, and to love and give hope from despair to gladness.

We take a different pathway on the road we choose. Sometimes, we get lost but often regain the cost. We may take a shortcut to reach the destination with ease and less stress. We may take the common and the known road. We may take the road less traveled and be the most traveled person.

All these experiences happen due to different people on the road, some that will hurt and some with a heart. We laugh, we cry, we jump, and we try. A shoulder to lean on, a back to carry on, a cheek to kiss, and the memories that will be missed.

Kindness in our hearts will always be the pathway to fulfilling our desires. An open heart, a big heart, and a great heart. You are not a stranger but a lovely dear and sweetheart. Let this kindness guide your journey and inspire your actions.

© 2019 Del Cusay

World Refugee Day: In Memory of President Quezon

Photo courtesy of America Public Television 

A striking and heartfelt statement was uttered by President Manuel L. Quezon during the Philippine Commonwealth Period in the early 40s. And he said, 

"The people of the Philippines will have every reason to be glad that when the time of need comes, their country will be willing to extend a hand of welcome."

That statement was in response to the firm intent of Quezon to accept thousands of Refugees during the Nazi Germany Holocaust, where millions of European Jews were persecuted under the powerful command of their leader, Adolf Hitler.

Despite his physical weakness and impending death due to a pulmonary disease, Quezon displayed remarkable courage and chose to be a humanitarian, providing social justice to those persecuted. Of the potential 10,000 refugees that Quezon was willing to accept, about 1,200 were given shelter. We opened our doors and welcomed them wholeheartedly, providing them with a piece of land and a livelihood for security and survival.

Quezon's foresight was indeed accurate. In our present day, the impact of his actions is still felt. In 2018, a film was produced in his honor, titled 'Quezon's Game.' This film, shown to the world in December and the Philippines in May 2019, showcased our solidarity and compassion and reaffirmed our open-door policy for accepting refugees. It is a testament to our nation's proud history of humanitarianism.

I watched the film this month, and it made me proud to be a Filipino. We are indeed a Nation of kind-hearted people with a sense of humanity and social dignity.

When the world turned down those refugees, only one nation embraced them with open arms: the Filipinos. We gave them not only shelter but also helped them regain their identity and sense of humanity. That goodwill was recognized by the Jews when a statue of Quezon was built in Tel Aviv, Israel, in his memory and the friendliness of the entire Filipino nation.

When some of our present-day leaders would utter words of killing his own people, President Quezon was different and indeed a gentleman with the highest regard for human life by saving more than a thousand lives.

Today, we need a leader who is tough and values and upholds the sanctity of human life. Hundreds of millions of stateless people are currently seeking refuge due to wars, armed conflicts, persecution, and even economic downfall. They are sick, dying, and unwanted by their own people. However, they are still hopeful for a miracle for the second life they deserve.

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day of reflection and action. It is a celebration for Filipinos of our dignity and pride, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the hundreds of millions of stateless people currently seeking refuge. May our sense of humanity be upon us all for those who are abandoned, unwanted, and persecuted. We are Filipinos, and we have a proud history of saving lives. Let us continue to uphold this legacy.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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👉 A Weekend Stroll at Quezon Memorial Circle

Father's Day Special: Greatest Life Lesson

I have followed and learned from the world's best teachers, who inspire and motivate me to live well, with dignity and a sense of purpose. 

From the Dalai Lama to Deepak Chopra, both world-renowned teachers have guided me on the path of spirituality through powerful knowledge and wisdom.

Master Del Pe, a modern Sage and life mentor, has also significantly impacted my life and led me to a higher consciousness and balanced life.

But today, I give my highest honor and gratitude to the one who gave me life in this world and continues to lead my life through his words and actions. He is none other than my Father, my great teacher and life mentor, whose role in my life cannot be overstated. His guidance has been a beacon of light in my darkest moments, and his wisdom has shaped my understanding of the world. 

My Father is  Leading the Way when I am frightened and don't believe in myself. He gives enlightenment when the path seems dark. He pushed me when I didn't feel like standing up for myself. He saw my struggles, but he let me do it my way. He believed in my capability and that I could always make it as he did. He taught me the greatest life lesson; to believe in myself when nobody else does. His guidance has been the cornerstone of my personal growth, inspiring and motivating me to overcome my fears and believe in my potential.

For 3 decades of my existence, I have been grateful for the great life I have been given. I may not have had the gift of a more comfortable and luxurious life when growing up, but I know that I am filled with love and affection.

Today, I feel so blessed that God has given us a responsible and loving Father. I will forever be grateful for all his sacrifices to fulfill our needs and his continued guidance even up to this time. His selfless sacrifices have been a testament to the power of family and the importance of putting others' needs before our own.

© 2019 Del Cusay

121st Philippine Independence Day: Our Struggle for National Identity and Unity

The present-day "Pearl of the Orient Seas" underwent a massive transformation in terms of Socio-cultural, political, and economic factors, but since the beginning of Philippine civilization, we may have had one of the greatest challenges of all time: to learn about our identity and to achieve national unity.

Las Islas Filipinas, under the Spanish regime, has made a great effort to map our thousands of islands, naming and renaming the places and trying to unify the Filipino people while imposing on their culture and religion.

Spanish influences, as evidenced by our religion, festivals, food, music, and dances, have thrived through centuries. We have celebrated cultural and religious fiestas in honor of Patron Saints. We serve Spanish dishes like Adobo, Afritada, Caldereta, Menudo, Mechado, Arroz Caldo, and Arroz a la Valenciana. We have Spanish influences in our folk dances like the Fandangos; we have the most popular Pandango sa Ilaw, or Dance with Light, which originated in Mindoro province. Another is the Pandango Oasiwas (Wasiwas), which originated from the fishing town of Lingayen, Pangasinan. We have several La Jota dances like La Jota San Joaquiña, which originated from San Joaquin, Iloilo. And we also have an affectionate dance, Cariñosa. These are some of the Philippine folk dances I had the opportunity to be part of in High school until College, which made me appreciate our Philippine Arts and culture even more and up to date.

With the treaty of Paris in 1898, Spain sold us to the United States for 20 million dollars, which concluded the Spanish-American war. Then came the declaration of the first Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, headed by Emilio Aguinaldo at Kawit, Cavite. We thought Americans were on our side, but we suffered a significant defeat in the Philippine-American war from 1899 until 1902. We had been under their rule until they granted us independence on July 4, 1946 ⁠—our absolute independence.

During American rule, we started a modern way of living and had our new identity Americanized. We had free education from the Thomasites and learned the English language. The Filipinos had religious freedom by establishing new religions founded by Filipinos. Today, there are several American influences on our culture; we eat hamburgers, sandwiches, and oatmeal. We dine at fast-food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and KFC. We wear polo shirts, belts, tennis shoes, baseball caps, coats, and ties. Filipinos love American culture as we continue to speak English, which is also a great job opportunity for workers in the Business Process Outsourcing industry. We appreciate American music and dance, and some Filipinos covet the American dream of living and working in the land of the free —Uncle Sam.

During World War 2, the Japanese occupation came in 1941 and invaded our Islands and had contributed little cultural influence for about 3 years. Still, they have left us with painful experiences, struggles, and deaths. For the shortest time of Japanese occupation, the most significant influence would be 'discipline' due to the imposition of curfew. Today, Japanese influence has been part of our culture as we have embraced their martial arts like Karate, Judo, and the Filipino version, Karatedo. We have Japanese elements in our gardens. We eat sushi, sashimi and Ramen. Some Filipinos are eager to visit Japan because it is an ultra-modern nation with natural wonders and a better way of living as a first-world country in the East.

Over three centuries of Spanish settlement, four decades of American rule, and three years of Japanese occupation, we have absorbed and integrated various elements from these cultures into our own. While painful memories of the past may haunt us, we can also appreciate the richness and diversity these influences have brought to our Filipino identity.

Today, foreign invasions have not ended yet. Trade wars are happening between economic giants from the East and the West. Religious wars are endless in different cities of the world. There is bullying of a more enormous country over a dot on a map in the Pacific. In the face of these threats, it is more crucial than ever that we, as Filipinos, stand united.

We Filipinos may have a world-class spirit and be globally competitive people. Still, with the current trend of globalization, the desire to be different, a colonial mentality, and confusion about our identity, it is our responsibility to preserve and uphold our unique Filipino identity in this 21st century.

This day, June 12, 2019, marks the 121st anniversary of Philippine Independence. It's my first time celebrating a momentous event in Rizal Park's historical place. Witnessing the flag-raising ceremony on this day gave me a glimpse of a nostalgic past and a vision of an uncertain future. 

Today, retaining our real Filipino identity is indeed challenging, and achieving unity for all Filipinos is even more difficult. From the Katolikos (Catholics) of the North down to the Moros of the South. The fight of the Manobos and the killing of the lumads. The struggles of the Aetas, Igorots, and Mangyans. The differences between Tagalog and Bisaya. The war between the Philippine armed forces and the local terrorist groups. Diverse groups and cultures strive to establish and secure their local and indigenous identity while striving for significance with national identity —to be a Filipino and be proud to say that I Am a Filipino. 

The solemnity of the flag-raising ceremony on this day signifies our unity in diversity. We may come from different Philippine Islands, but we aspire to raise our voices even in silence, to raise our dignity, and to raise our humanity. With Freedom in Our Hearts, we can achieve lasting peace and unity by instilling a sense of national pride and distinctive identity.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Descrip Among 

Eid'l Fitr: A Moment of Peace and Harmony

It has been a wish of mine that one day, I will glimpse an Islamic religious celebration and have a deeper understanding and experience of the faith of our Muslim brothers and sisters. Today, that wish came true. 

I am a Christian, but I have celebrated and been immersed in other religious holidays, particularly Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi, which commemorate the triumph of good over evil. That was a few years back, when I could work and travel in India from 2011 until 2014.

In this new world age, we have started to better understand different faiths, and slowly, we have gained experience, wisdom, and enlightenment. We have begun to embrace the world of secularism not because we have a wandering soul but because we desire to stop interfaith conflicts and wars, prejudice, fanaticism, and misunderstanding. We have one big desire in this world of numerous faiths and creeds: world peace that is achieved through acceptance, humility, and love.

There is so much misconception about the Islamic faith since some radical Muslims are tagged to be involved in terrorist activities, mainly in the Middle East and other countries. The negative actions of a few do not define the character of a greater whole, so it is time to discover more about Islam and break the barriers to understanding their faith.

As the world marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan with Eid-al Fitr, a day of celebration and victory, I find myself drawn to this significant event. It's a chance to stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters, to share in their joy after a month of fasting and sacrifice.

My journey to the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, began as a simple walking tour. I was familiar with the bustling district of Quiapo, having visited the Basilica of the Black Nazarene several times. But I had yet to explore the other side, where the largest mosque in Metro Manila stands.

The Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, is a sight to behold. Its architecture, reminiscent of structures found in the Middle East, features a grand dome with a crescent moon, pointed arches, columns, and intricate carvings. This style is also prevalent in Muslim Mindanao, home to many significant mosques.

Celebrating Eid'l Fitr, they give their last best shot until they return to regular activities and break the fasting ritual. This is a day filled with pure joy and happiness, a moment of unbridled celebration.

Starting at dawn, just before sunrise, they would prepare their physical bodies and wear new clothes before heading to the mosque for prayer and sermon, after which they would do house visits to their relatives and neighbors with greetings like Eid Mubarak or Blessed Eid, have some gift-giving or cash gift and sharing of foods and sweets.

Christians and Muslims share the same creed, and I have found some similarities, which is also the center of our Christian faith. In Islam, their teachings include almsgiving to the poor, giving food to the needy, and helping the poor uplift their lives, an act of compulsory giving that is one of the pillars of Islam similar to the Corporal works of mercy among Christians.

Since it is a feast day for Muslims, I had lunch at Pamanganan Malaysian Halal food just a few steps from the mosque entrance. Other Halal-certified restaurants nearby, like Junaira and Landap café, offer Mindanao cuisine.

We may have read the word "halal" on some food labels in the supermarket. For Muslims, it means 'food that is permitted or allowed according to Islamic law' and the term "haram" is the opposite and would mean 'food that is forbidden,' This shows how strict a Muslim diet could be for the sake of physical and spiritual health.

My day trip to the Manila Golden Mosque was a profound experience that deepened my understanding and appreciation of the Islamic faith and culture. The beauty of Arabic architecture and the richness of their culture have left a lasting impression on me. It's important to remember that the radical groups involved in wars and terrorism do not represent the true spirit of Islam. Islam is a religion of peace, and with greater appreciation and understanding, we can foster a culture of love and respect for each other.

© 2019 Del Cusay