Pasinaya 2017: Arts for Peace

The preservation and restoration of Philippine Arts and Culture are not just significant causes, but also urgent responsibilities for Filipino artists and nationalists. Our cultural identity is at risk as we gradually adopt a Western lifestyle. Our entertainment, from music to dances, is becoming Westernized, leading to a loss of our Filipino heart. It's crucial to act now, before our identity fades into history.

The Pasinaya Festival 2017, the largest multi-arts festival, has been a beacon of hope in our mission to regain Filipino arts and culture in all genres. Over the years, it has not just attracted followers and viewers, but also successfully showcased the beauty of our culture. Through this initiative, we are reviving the glory days of the past in our modern time. It brings a sense of pride and hope, and even a past life regression to some extent. It's a vivid imagination of the refined and beautiful days of the past.

This year's theme is about bringing peace through arts and culture. Filipinos pull the strings that connect us as one nation when we have national peace issues due to political and cultural divisions and beliefs. Our dear brothers, who may have different philosophical and political views, may have caused damage to our cultural identity as they may not have helped our government preserve culture and arts. We have been divided through the years and struggle to fight for a peaceful nation of firm yet gentle people. This year's theme, "Arts for Peace, " symbolizes unity through diversity. We may have different voices, faiths, and religions, yet we can become one nation through arts and culture. Filipino artists and viewers from around the country and worldwide convene together to witness and celebrate our national identity. We are Filipino and proud to say  I Am Filipino in words, deeds, and thoughts.

The Pasinaya 2013 was a previous experience in which Filipino-Chinese culture was embraced. It taught us that we can live in harmony and camaraderie by sharing our culture, no matter how different. We can appreciate and embrace it as part of our culture and tradition. This year, 2017, is no different from previous Pasinaya events. The message is always clear: We can not move forward if we fail to deeply understand our national identity through arts, culture, and heritage. This understanding is not just essential but also enlightening and inspiring.

I advocate for our country's arts, Culture, and heritage preservation, and we deserve a national identity that is truly Filipino. Remember our culture and heritage as we work together for peace and progress. This will be passed on to the next generation of heroic Filipinos. The future generation is braver and more decisive. A citizen who will continue to raise the voice to the world that we are One Filipino-- today and forever.

© 2017 Del Cusay

Good Governance Towards A Better Philippines

Our beloved nation, the Philippines, has not only been the focus of controversies since the beginning of Duterte's presidency, but these negative events have also catapulted us onto the global stage, making us newsmakers worldwide. 

The international community has condemned our president's undiplomatic approach to governance and communications. We may enjoy the attention gained, but we may also suffer the consequences of our president's madness and impatience with solving the social problems of our time: poverty, corruption, crimes... 

What is wrong with our President's government policies? Is he just being misunderstood, or is he confused and incapable of leading a nation of more than a hundred million? How could our President exercise good governance by being undiplomatic, irrational, and showing violent social behavior? 

       Image source:   https://twitter.com/edangara/status/826980193172549632

PROBLEM IN COMMUNICATION

Our people, the Filipino people, deserve and require clear, unambiguous, and serious communication, especially from the president, whose messages and major pronouncements carry significant weight. The president's words to the Filipino people must be precise and not open to multiple interpretations from his communications team.

Since the beginning of his presidency, we have observed some vague statements later interpreted by his secretaries to defend him from further embarrassment. There's a circus in communication, and that has caused confusion among the Filipino people. Is there something wrong with the president's way of communication? 

The Filipino people deserve clearer communication from our leaders. Chaos due to misunderstanding happens when we play with words we don't mean. We can decipher the truth from a false statement. We do not only hear, but instead, we listen and try to understand every single word coming from the most powerful man in our land. 

Great power bestowed on our president comes with greater responsibility to his people. He is responsible for his words, thoughts, and emotions. What is happening to our society now is miscommunication among our government leaders, especially the president.

We are now suffering from a significant mistake in communication. For instance, the president has been clear from the beginning that the war on drugs will be bloody. We have been hearing statements like  "I will kill you" and non-stop cursing, which is highly unacceptable and unbecoming of a statesman.

The President had planted a negative seed of thought in his men -- to the law enforcers on his war on drugs. His thought forms suggest that extrajudicial killing is a must to eradicate crimes due to illegal drug use and trading. He even admitted that he had killed alleged criminals by shooting to show to the policemen that if he can do it, why can't they. 

The president's communication style has not only influenced the minds of our law enforcers but has also directly impacted our lives. The negative seed of thought he has planted has led to the corruption of our law enforcement, resulting in extrajudicial killings and other unfortunate events that we now witness in our country.

The war on drugs accompanied by due process is good. However, abuses like extrajudicial killing are not tolerable. We can't tolerate a lawless society, which will never lead to a peaceful country we want to achieve. 

PROBLEM IN CORRUPTION 

Corruption is a never-ending political and social problem that our country has been facing. It is like a cancer of our society, and it has never been eradicated, just like our problem with illegal drugs and criminality. The president has to focus on solving the root cause of our societal cancer and set an example of a leader who is not only in words but also in deeds and thoughts. He should not corrupt the minds of his people. Corruption is not only in the form of money but also in our moral, emotional, and spiritual beliefs. 

The President has challenged our church leaders who consistently fight for injustices and immorality in our society. He has cursed our priests, bishops, and even the Pope. The President corrupted our principles when he embraced China against our territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea. The President has corrupted our good relationship with our long-time ally, the United States. The President has corrupted the minds of the Filipino people with his stand on morality and the justice system.  

VALUES EDUCATION, MORAL RECOVERY, AND SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION

We have taught our children the correct values in school. However, this approach must be strengthened, and the family must actively participate. Values education enhances one's character and personality. If we can raise well-disciplined and responsible citizens, we can have a better world. 

We can envision a society free from conflicts and wars. For years, we have been at war, and that is a war on poverty, crimes, and now the war on drugs, which is not the ultimate root cause of our social problem. We have to eliminate poverty consciousness and replace it with an abundance mindset. We will tire of fighting our social problems if we do not return to the basics. What is really happening within the family? What about our upbringing? Whatever happened to the teachings of our parents and of the church? 

GOOD GOVERNANCE IS FOR ALL

It's about time to consider what is most important. According to Senator Angara, good governance also means good politics. Since we see something wrong with our leaders' political stance and strategies, we have not yet achieved good governance. It is for everyone, not just for our leaders. Even ordinary citizens have to contribute to good governance.

For years, we have been fighting for freedom of expression, and today's generation is empowered to speak up for truth backed up by good values and character. We deserve a better Philippines and should not wait for our leaders. We can also do it! As we work together for peace and progress, we can leave a good legacy for the next generation, and they will enjoy the just and clean society they deserve. 

© 2017 Del Cusay

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2017: An Auspicious Celebration

For centuries, Chinese immigrants from mainland China have established closer ties with the Filipinos. Since then, we have mutually embraced religious traditions and appreciated the rich culture and heritage that remains solid and lasting. Chinese merchants in the Philippines existed during the early years of civilization and became great trading partners, contributing to a robust economy and fortifying stronger relationships. 

Chinese people who have chosen to live and work in the Philippines were accepted by most Filipinos, and they have greatly influenced our culture and way of living.

Embracing Chinese culture has made a significant impact on our lives. Their beliefs, wisdom, and character are worth emulating. Chinese people have taught us how to live based on their life principles from the teachings of their religions. Buddhism, brought to China, became a foundation of wisdom, humility, and compassion. These traits, which embody Buddhist philosophy, are the same guiding principles on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, a better life worth living. 

Celebrating the Chinese New Year 2013 was a memorable experience in Binondo, Manila. Known as the oldest Chinatown in the world, it has shown great transformation and preservation of Chinese-Filipino culture. The old and preserved houses and commercial buildings symbolize love and respect for its culture and heritage. For years, Manila Chinatown has given positive energy and vibrance to visitors and traders, and they hold on to their beliefs passed on from generation to generation.

The Graceful Dragon and Lion Dance 

Good luck and prosperity are attributed to the colorful dance presentation where dancers have to mimic the movement of a lion and a dragon, a mythical creature. Both symbolize strength, wisdom, and power in Chinese ideology. These dances are more prevalent during the Chinese New Year and in various Chinese cultural, religious, and political events. It is also a belief that these creatures ward off evil spirits and bring luck and fortune in business and life. Dancing graciously in the form of Chinese martial arts is a skill and has entertained visitors for its graciousness.

The lighting of firecrackers and fireworks

Lion dance with firecrackers lighting up on the street makes a joyous and wonderful celebration. During New Year's Eve, the street lights up with colorful fireworks and fireworks, creating noise that is believed to drive away bad luck and attract prosperity. The noise that is irritating some is the same that brings wealth to believers in the new year. This kind of activity initially enjoyed by the Chinese was also adopted by Filipinos and the world — such a significant influence they had.

Ang Pao is a symbol of wealth and abundance

On the busy street is a parade of generous people giving away 'ang pao' to the visitors. These small red envelopes with money on them give luck to the receiver. Financial abundance is significant to the Chinese; a year filled with economic prosperity is a blessing from God. Being poor is a mental disease, and an abundance mindset is the key to success — a belief that brings wealth into our lives.

Chinese people hold many beliefs for personal, career, business, and life in general. Some ideas include a collection of round-shaped fruits for never-ending prosperity. Tikoy, a gelatinous delicacy, is very popular and symbolizes sweetness and a closer relationship with the family. Restaurants offering authentic Chinese foods, including noodles, dumplings, and other treats, are essential for good luck. What else is on the list? Years of Filipino-Chinese partnership have influenced feng shui for prosperity and Chinese martial arts.

In Chinese astrology, the year of the fire rooster will bring positivity to everyone. A hopeful year starts with a positive mindset and clearing off negative past experiences that prevent us from moving forward. 

Faith is essential for success; all the symbolism can bring prosperity if accompanied by hard work and perseverance.

The Filipino and Chinese friendship will remain strong in years to come as we build trusting relationships based on camaraderie and warm acceptance, regardless of one's cultural upbringing and philosophical beliefs.

© 2017 Del Cusay