Starting The New Year Right: Wisdom from Master Del Pe

Two weeks after the New Year's Day celebration, people may be gaining momentum on their New Year's resolutions. It's overwhelming! It takes discipline to keep going and lots of patience to wait for the desired result. Remember, patience is not just a virtue, it's a key to success that should encourage us to keep going.

Our 2019  goals may not be immediately within reach, but with a positive mindset and unwavering determination, we can make them a reality. There are no shortcuts to success, only the commitment to learn from our past and strive for self-improvement. 

For this year, I've decided to start my first week right. That means eliminating or avoiding those negative thoughts that harm or jeopardize my goals. The first week after the new year determines how long we can hold on to our resolutions.

New Year 2019: Sunshine After The Rain talks about my goals for this year. I may have set it subconsciously a few years back, but I would want to regain the power back. When you lose, you get to start again, and willpower becomes activated with the intense and pure energy of the body, mind, and spirit.

Balanced Energy

To achieve our goals, we must have balanced energy at all levels. I've learned this from Master Del Pe, a world-renowned life coach and spiritual guru. Master Del Pe, known as "MDP" to his students, teaches about balancing our energy on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. This balance is not just a concept but fundamental wisdom from a modern sage, Master Del Pe, that reassures us that we are on the right path.

Together with Master Del Pe at Baguio City, Philippines, in May 2011

To learn more about Master Del Pe and his services, visit his websites at http://www.masterdelpe.com and http://www.masterdelpe.com. There, you will discover his breakthrough programs for health and wellness.

Better Health

A positive and healthy mental state starts with a healthy physical body that is achieved through physical exercises and a proper diet. I started to like eating a vegan diet in 2011 when I joined Master Del Pe and was quite active in physical activities like powerful stamina and essential martial arts. I was slimmer during those years compared to the present when it's hard to eliminate unwanted fats on the tummy. Now, it's also hard to lower bad cholesterol. I just can't take those "Statins" and would rely on physical activities and a balanced diet.

To start my new year right, I resolved to avoid soft drinks and consume less sugar. I am now into lemon water, a natural colon cleanser or detox. I also like turmeric for its anti-inflammatory effect. I have been eating too many sweets, and reducing my consumption before it leads to foreseeable health problems would be good.

Personal Development 

I read many self-help articles which are beneficial for growth and success. It was also through the books of Master Del Pe that I learned about personal development most practically and efficiently. One of the best tools I have learned is meditation, and it was Master Del Pe, a master of 8 types of meditation, taught us how to meditate effectively with the use of "mudra," sanskit term for hand seals chanting those sacred mantras for transformation. 

When life gets tough and triggered by so much noise, it's good to spend at least 20 minutes meditating 2 to 3 times a week to regain life and have peace of mind. 

In Manila, where traffic congestion is the worst in the world, I would close my eyes, breathe in, and breathe out along EDSA as I ride the bus from Ayala, Makati, to Monumento Circle, Caloocan City. Meditation has saved me from enduring the long ride, and it doesn't cost a thing, but the benefits are priceless. In fact, my first-ever blog post is about The Power of Meditation. It has dramatically changed my life, and I believe this world would be a better place if more people would learn to practice the art and science of meditation. 

To start the year right, I would have made some time for pure thinking, as advised by Master Del Pe. Before and after blogging, I think and reflect deeply; that is also a great mental exercise and good for mental health. 

Starting the new year with a positive spirit and higher hopes gives an overwhelming feeling of joy. I feel Joyful whenever I overcome a challenge and continue doing so until I've made it. It's a commitment made for the entire year. It may not last or may have been broken, but willpower can help to make it happen. As I strengthen my personality, I prepare myself for something coming my way. I may never know it yet; it may be cloudy for now, but I know for sure that I can help myself rise up and break through the barriers of my personal journey to success and fulfillment not only this year but for a lifetime.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Nazareno 2019: Celebrating the Traslacion

Just a week after the New Year 2019 celebration on January 1st, Filipinos gather to celebrate one of the most prominent devotions to Jesus Christ—the feast of the Black Nazarene. This event, deeply rooted in Filipino culture and Catholic traditions, is a testament to the unwavering faith and devotion of the Filipino people.

My journey with the Feast of the Black Nazarene began in 2013. It was the first time I attended the mass at the Minor Basilica on its feast day, accompanied by my sister, whom I had persuaded to join me. Little did I know that this experience would mark the beginning of profound personal and spiritual growth. 

That was a solemn event on the church's facade as it was not so crowded that people could move freely. I missed it the following year in 2014 and 2015, and celebrated it again for 2 consecutive years in 2016 and 2017.  Compared to my experience, Nazareno 2013: Celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a bit crowded, but devotees are well disciplined to follow the rules inside and outsideNazareno 2013: Celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a bit crowded, but devotees are well disciplined to follow the rules both inside and outside of the church.

Nazareno 2016: The Feast of the Black Nazarene was a peaceful celebration of the faithful and devotees of the Holy Image. As I remember, it was well organized, and people were guided well by the Hijos Del Nazareno, or the "Sons of the Nazarene," who are the chosen ones to actively devote their time to protecting the Nazarene until their last breath.

Nazareno 2017: Devotion to the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a meaningful celebration as I contemplated the event's significance for our faith as Catholic Christians. It was also peaceful near the Minor Basilica as I heard the mass.

At this year's celebration, I brought my sister with me to hear the mass. It was so crowded outside the church that we could not get inside, so we preferred to stand outside to listen to the pack while watching on a big screen. After an hour, as the group ended, a drizzle of rain just poured over our heads. That was a blessing, as people would have believed it, and even I have asked for a Divine miracle through the rain to calm people down from the warm weather.

What's unique about this year's celebration was the incredible experience of witnessing the traslacion in Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. Many devotees joined and saw the grand parade of the original image of the Black Nazarene, followed by other pictures from different churches and local sectors. People shouted "Viva" to honor the Nazarene as they waived their white and maroon-colored hankies.

As the faithful glorified the Holy image, we've also witnessed untoward events like those needing medical attention. The sheer number of devotees and their fervent desire to get closer to the Holy image sometimes lead to situations where people need medical assistance. However, these incidents are often handled swiftly and efficiently by the authorities, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

We can't get too close to the Holy image and are just content to see it from afar. In reality, seeing the event gives a particular emotion of happiness and fulfillment. I've only watched the traslacion as being reported live on TV for years, but I'm blessed to have been part of it this year.

Others may have questioned the event as a form of fanaticism, a term often used to describe excessive or irrational devotion to a particular belief or cause. However, for a devotee, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is a profoundly spiritual and personal experience. It's not about blind faith or irrational behavior but about a profound connection to one's beliefs and a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity.

This event is beyond tradition. It is already embedded in our consciousness to strengthen our faith and get closer to God. We long for God's presence when we feel unloved, uncared for, and desperate.  When we think unsecured and in danger, we call for protection. We call for healing the body, mind, and spirit whenever we are sick.

We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the Black Nazarene for his Holy Image, which has fortified the faith of millions of Filipinos. Despite the challenges that the church may face, our faith remains unshaken. We stand united, unwavering in our devotion, and undeterred by those who question our beliefs.

May the Holy Spirit be upon us daily and protect us from evil. May God enlighten us so we can speak our truth and inspire others to draw near to him. May we all be united to glorify Jesus, the divine image of the Black Nazarene. In this time and our lifetime, today and forever— even until our last breath.

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Epiphany: Lessons From The Three Wise Men

It was a long Christmas season for us Filipinos. It started as early as September 2018, and today marks its end as we celebrate the Epiphany or the Three Kings. I discovered its Christian significance after reading and understanding some of the published online articles. As a childhood story, I remember that the newborn Jesus was visited by the three wise men who were Kings and offered their gifts to Jesus, the Messiah, and the future King.

My knowledge about Catholicism as my religion is minimal. We had a Religious Studies subject when I studied at St. Paul in Iloilo City in 2002. We had the book entitled "Catechism for Filipino Catholics," which, until now, I could remember how I read through the pages but could not fully understand its writings. I didn't even bother to finish reading the entire book due to its thick pages, and the sad reality was I didn't pass my final exam on that subject and was given a chance to take it one more time.

Guest at the inauguration of St. Paul Hospital -
Cancer Center on October 19, 2016, Iloilo City

That was about fifteen years ago today when I couldn't even lead the Holy Rosary or memorize some essential prayers that my classmates and people of my age had mastered already. I wasn't prayerful back then, but I religiously attended the required First Friday Masses and religious retreats at school. It was even so hard for me to attend church to celebrate Sunday Mass in my childhood.

The time has changed, and the new generations of Christians are less deeply devoted to their religion. Parents may send their kids to a Catholic or Christian school, but their values may not reflect what they must have been taught. It might have started with my generation, but I don't know. We were the generation who enjoyed playing on the streets and being offline compared to the online world that the younger generation wants nowadays.

While I may not have fully appreciated the Catechism book in my youth, I have since matured in my religious contemplations. I now possess a deeper understanding of the significance of events in Catholicism and Christianity as a whole. Returning to the St. Paul Hospital Iloilo, I had a flashback of my religious teachings. The Catechism truly comes to life when we incorporate Christ into our lives through service to humanity.

The most profound interest in my religion started when I traveled and worked in India between 2011 and 2014. I could compare and contrast different religions founded by great men who are considered God. In India, I've watched videos about "The Bible" and read articles related to Christianity. I genuinely appreciate films about "Jesus" and the Christianity he founded. I remember it was just after the beginning of the millennium when I watched the movie "Passion of the Christ," Those kinds of films give meaning when what was written in a Holy scripture is put into real-like reenactment.

With the advent of technology, I no longer need to carry the thick, dark-page Catechism books. I now enjoy reading online articles about Christianity and watching Biblical films through online streaming apps. My understanding of the teachings is no longer tested in a written examination. Instead, my thoughts and actions are the true measure of my Catholic faith. I may have faltered in my Religious studies, but the real test lies in how I apply the teachings in my daily life through deep reflection on Religious articles and biblical films.

Whenever we celebrate any Catholic event or feast, I learn to read and understand its significance. I know its relevance in today's time when more people are becoming diverted and distracted by their faith.

Today, the King of nations may be acting or playing like God; the worst is denying or not believing in God. This is the test of our time, whether we will remain faithful or abandon our faith just because of the words or orders coming from our King. Today, we have our modern version of King Herod, who is envious of someone's light and Divinity. We are reliving the olden times, just like the stories in the bible. Our modern society is like reenacting the biblical films I've watched. It is happening again, and my time is tested as a Catholic faithful. My time, my loved one's time, and the next generations' time.

Even the kings with vast powers who may have belonged to other faiths have paid respect and gratitude to the newborn Christ. It shows humility in spirit and an honorable act to someone greater in power. If only our nation's great leaders had acquired those virtues like the three wise men, we would live in peace, like a paradise or a promised land. We need a King who shows courage, willpower, humility, compassion, and faith in his people.

It may be the end of the Yuletide season, but many Catholic events will be celebrated in the days and months to come.

May this journey to a deeper Catholic understanding lead to spiritual growth, maturity, and enlightenment. May it inspire us to serve beyond the digital world we currently live in. Let us hope that the younger generations will be taught to be responsible 'Kings' capable of influencing others in their thoughts and actions. As we go through our Christian initiations, may we fully accept and embrace God through the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, paving the way for a more faithful and enlightened future.

© 2019 Del Cusay