Wellness in the Green Village

 

If there's one profound lesson the pandemic has taught us, it's the necessity to shift to a futuristic mindset. This experience has prompted us to reflect on our lives, choices, and impact on the world, leading us to embrace a more sustainable and mindful way of living. 

I want to create the next big thing, a sustainable farm village, out of a soulful desire to live a better and more comfortable life in a peaceful and green rural setting.

I call it the next big thing since sustainable farming is one thing that would thrive in the next pandemic or any future financial and health crisis.

During this pandemic, we've awakened the power of our intuition and creativity. We're making use of our productive time while in quarantine. It may not be easy; it requires passion, endurance, and perseverance to accomplish the plan and make things possible, even when times get rough.

After eight months of quarantine, we've achieved a significant milestone—the creation of a green village that will be our additional source of sustainable farm living. This accomplishment fills us with pride and inspiration, as we know we can overcome challenges and bring our dreams to life.

We've built two traditional Filipino farmhouses that serve as a rest house whenever we visit and do some farming activities. We plan to establish farm infrastructures such as concrete roads, multi-purpose halls, villas, ornamental gardens, and a tree park.

My parents dream of having a place where they can live a simple, serene, and meaningful life, and they're making it possible with their strength, willpower, and Divine guidance.

When living in Manila, I always considered returning to our hometown and presenting my parents with some dream farm ideas. Fortunately, they've accomplished some of them. Even if there's more to develop, I'm happy with what they've started.

We're looking forward to seeing a growing family within the decade and hope that the green village will bring us closer. We express a deep love of nature and a deeper connection to the Divine and its creation.

While I may be living away from home and unable to witness the physical development in the years to come, I'm filled with hope and optimism for the future of our green village. I'm grateful to have seen its humble beginnings and look forward to the futuristic glimpse of what it will become.

This pandemic might be a blessing in disguise because we have learned to keep going and believe there is always a great opportunity in adversity.

The making of a green village is not just about health and wellness. It's also about building a lasting legacy with our environmental responsibility and contribution. We protect the Greenville country farm with the love of nature. And a conscious connection with the Divine love to nurture.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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Walking Tour in Mumbai

I had a terrible experience in Mumbai, but it was unforgettable. Mumbai is India's financial and cultural capital and one of its finest and wealthiest cities.

But behind Mumbai's glamour lies the unique rhythm of city life for the Mumbaikars. Like other major world megacities, it's a bustling metropolis where chaos and order coexist. I was drawn into this vibrant tapestry of good times and bad during my month-long stay.

My stay in Bandra, a vibrant hub of street commerce, was filled with unique experiences. The streets, adorned with various businesses, offered a shopping experience. My limited wardrobe from New Delhi led me to local shopping, where I found a few shirts and a new pair of shoes at a Nike outlet store. These purchases became my companions as I explored Mumbai's streets and downtown areas.

In Bandra, I would take a daily walk along the bandstand and pass by the mansion of Shah Rukh Khan, one of the famous Bollywood actors. The Bollywood "Walk of Stars" was newly installed then. The names of stars like Kareena Kapoor, whom I've known from the movie "3 Idiots" and other celebrities whose expressions and body marks are inscribed and molded-- their version of the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."

On certain days, I would take a cab from Bandra and traverse the awe-inspiring Bandra-Worli Sea Link. This majestic bridge, a symbol of modern engineering, connects Mumbai's two most essential districts and serves as the gateway to the downtown area, where the world heritage sites are located. This structure's sheer scale and beauty never left me in awe.

During my explorations, I often passed by the tower mansion of the Ambanis, India's richest family and business tycoon. The sheer opulence of this million-dollar house in Mumbai's most expensive real estate location never failed to intrigue me, leaving me with a sense of wonder at its grandeur.

As I reached the old downtown area, my walking tour started with appreciating the old European structures like the Gateway of India and the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which was rich in colonial history and built during the British Raj.

I enjoyed the gallery viewing inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. From its construction, the Royal visits, and the terrorist attack, I learned a piece of its glory and gruesome history.

One day, I decided to delve into Mumbai's local train system. I embarked on a journey from Bandra to Christchurch station, but my experience was marred by a misunderstanding with the ticketing system, resulting in a fine. This incident underscored the importance of understanding local transportation rules. Despite this setback, I continued my exploration, enjoying the sight of students playing cricket, a popular Indian sport, around the University of Mumbai and the nearby areas.

I spent more days in Bandra, and so I explored the streets. Some days, I enjoyed a cup of cappuccino in a café, and some days, I visited the nearby churches to pray. I went to a church on a hilltop, and it was a short car ride via Hill Road.

Before I left Mumbai, I had yet to find Bollywood. It's not a place, but it's a film center. I understand they're the largest producer of films in the world. I've watched some of Shah Rukh Khan and Amir Khan's films not in Mumbai but in Delhi cinema. There's more to Bollywood in Mumbai, but I needed more.

During that month-long stay, I learned about the place and its people, culture, food, music, and lifestyle.

Mumbai has a colorful heritage and history; whenever I have a chance to return in the future, it will be much more wonderful and truly memorable.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

His Eminence the 9th Filipino Cardinal

The announcement of the Archbishop of Capiz, Most Reverend Jose Advincula, as one of the new 13 Cardinals of the Catholic Church by Pope Francis was a delightful surprise to many.

It's a tradition that the Vatican appoints an Archbishop to elevate to the title of Cardinal from the Archdiocese of Manila and Cebu. But this time, our very own Capiz Archbishop Advincula was chosen by the Pope to join the College of Cardinals. It's the second highest position in the Catholic Church, next to the Pope, and also an elector to the conclave of the next Pope.

On November 28, 2020, the Pope confirmed the appointment of the new 13 Cardinals, including His Eminence Most Rev. Jose Cardinal Advincula.

Cardinal Advincula's new role, as confirmed by the Pope on November 28, 2020, holds immense significance for the Catholic faithful of Capiz. The Holy See's recognition of our growing faith and devotion to the church is a source of immense pride and honor.

Pope Francis's message was powerful and meaningful because he went beyond the peripheries, choosing neglected areas away from the traditional centers of power.

It's a blessing and a heartwarming experience for Cardinal Advincula as an Archbishop. He was the principal celebrant on the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish on June 27, 2019, in our hometown in Jamindan, Capiz.

Cardinal Advincula of the Archdiocese of Capiz started several Catholic Mission Stations and Mission schools in Capiz. 

In 2012, the Archbishop of Capiz planned to establish a Mission Station on the Hill Road of Linambasan, Jamindan. On January 13, 2018, it was elevated into a Parish. From a Mission Station, it's now called the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in honor of the blessed Mary, the Mother of Christ.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish will continue growing in faith, love, and service today and future generations.

The church becomes better for spirituality and religious service to the faithful.

We continue to grow in faith in Christ Jesus and in the blessed Mary to become the children of God and Mary.

As a community, we stand united in offering our prayers to Cardinal Advincula. We hope he'll continue to be a beacon of hope and faith to those who need Divine love and light, knowing we are here to support him.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay 

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