Memories of Summer 2019

That was endless summer fun! From March during the Holy week until the blooming flowers of May, a season in the sun that is hotta fun. For about 3 months, we have experienced and collected another memory we will cherish forever.

Summertime in the Philippines is a celebration of vibrant life. We enjoy the waves on the beach with fewer worries of getting tanned or sunburned skin. It comes once a year, so we want it to be more fun and the most memorable experience ever. That's the kind of summer I want... get burned and just be alive!

I spent 2 weeks in our hometown to support my father's candidacy as a Municipal councilor in the midterm election last May 13. We celebrated Thanksgiving for a Victorious Journey along with the Christening of my nephew, J. Frenz Matthew. That was a joyous occasion and a celebration of a new life.

A day after the winning moment, we visited my mother's birthplace in the highlands of Bato-Arobo in barangay Pasol-o. That was about 2 decades ago since my last visit. Memories of Mount Bato-Arobo reminded me of a hiking experience to reach the place with a fantastic mountain view and a place that offers serenity and peace of mind.

We live in a landlocked town and only have natural wonders like rivers, parks, and waterfalls. No sea and beaches. Malinamon falls is one of the best we could offer tourists and nature lovers. It is located inside the military conservation known as Camp Peralta in Jaena Norte. We had an excursion with my family, a respite from the summer heat. We love the natural environment, and we had a great adventure, surely worth reminiscing about.

Back in Manila after a 2-week vacation, I knew that my summer was only complete with a visit to the beach. I traveled to the coastal town of Zambales to enjoy the remaining hot summer days.

Crystal Beach in San Narciso is one of the finest beach destinations offering the best scenery and accommodation. On a mid-day sun, I was seated on a modern beach-type nipa hut while watching the seashore and meditating. That was a stress relief; to be at the beachfront and in a meditative state. Truly a blissful experience!

A day at the beach is too short, so I had to beach hop in the nearby town of San Felipe. That was my beach destination for the previous year. Memories of the Summer of 2018 at Camp Rofelio began my fascination with this peaceful and uncrowded beach of Liwliwa.

On the second time around, a new accommodation, El Zamba resort in Liwliwa, may be at the farthest end of the group of alternatives, but it offers the best view of the sunrise and the sunset. The water is greenish-blue, and the waves are perfect for surfing.

That was my summer adventure. Truly captivating and soul-searching. I left the place smiling, and the distance traveled was worth a million bucks of pure bliss. I am feeling good. I feel blessed, and I am feeling grateful because life has been so wonderful.

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Summer Waves and The Agoho Trees

What makes summer memorable is fun under the sun, getting sunburned, and a natural tan. And the end of May is just perfect for the sunny beach escapade. This is a great time to feel the summer breeze of the sea, unwind and enjoy the serenity. 

In the peaceful town of San Narciso in the Province of Zambales in the Western Philippines, I have found one of the finest beach resorts; Crystal Beach. The ash-grey sand turns white on a sunny day and into glittering sand at night.

I was in love with the beach in Liwliwa, a nearby town, but I was amazed by the relaxed ambiance of Crystal Beach in San Narciso. In this place, I can sit on a seashore for hours while staring at the horizon and watching the waves. 

A deep inhalation is like breathing in the air that would bring complete relaxation and healing. That's the power of nature. It's the power to heal and transform. It's a natural medicine and must be prescribed by modern medicine. 

I  feel the calm wind with a mist when the waves get stronger at night. As I lay down on the chair facing the sea, I could hear a relaxing beat of acoustic music, bringing an upbeat vibe to a soulful night.

From the healing waves of the sea, there's one thing that gives off fresher air hundreds of Agoho trees not far away from the shore. The trees are of a pine tree family, naturally pleasing to the eyes. The gentle swaying of the Agoho trees helps rejuvenate after a moment of silence.

The Agoho trees would be on my mental picture of the place. It's quite a different ambiance. It cools off the surroundings amidst the hot summer day. It excites me as I wake up to breathe in profoundly and glimpse the shore.

Crystal beach will always be one of the best on my list. I would love to return and spend it with my loved ones. We have a lot more to explore in this Philippine archipelago. And this is achieved one place at a time— one beach at a time. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

Sunday Thanksgiving: A Victorious Journey

A milestone was achieved when we worked together for a common cause; a strategic operation that is mission accomplished. A thousand miles, yet a fulfilled journey. 

It was in 1998 that it all started when a Divine calling for public service was initiated. My Father was chosen and called to serve the people. At first, there was resistance, a protest due to fear. However, in the end, we all agreed and listened to the Divine call. 

As a three-termer legislator, my Father showed courage and perseverance. He may have had his fair share of struggles but he stood up and fought for the common good. 

He was never frightened of those in the higher authority with the values he upheld and the principles he instilled. 

In 2007, after his 3rd term of public service, he returned to business and enjoyed farming as a hobby, a source of joy and serenity. 

In 2013, at 61, he was back in public service and became the head of our town's Office of Senior Citizen Affairs. 

He advocated for the rights and benefits of the elderly in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. 

On May 14, 2016, after 9 years since his last public service as a Municipal councilor, he decided to make a comeback to answer the call of his constituents. On May 15, a day after the midterm election, he was declared for another seat. He actively serves the public's interest through local legislation and resolutions that will benefit the general public and uplift the people's lives. 

On May 13, 2019, Mid-term election, my father was declared a winner for his 2nd term. He will continue his public service, speak out, and fight for the rights of his constituents. He will continue to advocate for our town's agricultural economy and livelihood and stand up for the welfare of the public transportation sector - - his major committee chairmanship. 

My father is forever thankful for his constituents and everyone who supported him on his political journey. His love of public service remains even when he is not in the position. He speaks loudly about his advocacy for general assistance in the community. He is leaving a legacy for his love of society. He is forever grateful to God for his victory. 

© 2019 Del Cusay