Eid'l Fitr: A Moment of Peace and Harmony

It has been a wish 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, major celebrations commemorating the triumph of good versus 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 faith, 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.

I have met some Muslim brothers in India but was not exposed to their major Religious celebrations. So now, as the world celebrates the end of the Holy month of Ramadan or Eid-al Fitr and declares a national non-working holiday in the Philippines, I have to take the opportunity to be one with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they celebrate their freedom and victory after a month-long of fasting and sacrifices.

My journey started as a simple walking tour heading towards the Golden Mosque found in the busy district of Quiapo in Manila, considered the old downtown of colonial times. I have visited Quiapo several times to visit the Basilica of the Black Nazarene. Still, I haven't explored much on the other side, where the biggest mosque in Metro Manila is found.

The Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, has a similar structure to those found in Middle Eastern countries like the giant dome with a crescent moon, the pointed arches, the columns, and the artistic carvings. This is also common in Muslim Mindanao, where more prominent mosques in the country can be found.

Celebrating Eid'l Fitr, they give their last best shot until they return to regular activities and break the fasting ritual. This is purely a day of fun and happiness, a joyous moment.

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 which 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 great experience about the Islamic faith and culture. The Arabic architecture and culture make me appreciate their confidence even more. Forget about the radical groups involved in wars and terrorism; they would also condemn it since they do not represent honest Islam. I know Islam is for peace, and with great appreciation and understanding, we can live harmoniously without instilling harm, hatred, and fear, but instead, a culture of love and respect for each other.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Beyond the Horizon: A Euphoric Summer Escapade

It's not officially the end of summer or dry season in the Philippines, and people can feel hotter and more humid weather starting on the first day of June. Also, few days left before the start of the rainy season, and for sure many will miss the hot summer days that brought fun and holiday bliss, while others will still catch up before it finally ends.

I love summer, no matter how hot the weather is. That's our reality, and we can't escape it anyway. During this season, my body can tolerate intense heat and even get sunburned while at the beach. Why is summer more fun in the Philippines? Because this is the time that most people get to enjoy the blue waters, the gentle waves, and the footprints in the sand.

I am joyful during summer, unlike during the monsoon season when it rains heavily, which brings a depressing mood. That explains why most people would love to go and have fun at the beach, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes because of the natural healing it brings. Indeed, that would mean that a bright and sunny day makes us fully alive.

I enjoyed my beach hopping in the peaceful coastal town of Zambales before the end of May. Memories of Summer 2019 brought a euphoric experience and a rejuvenated body, mind, and spirit.

The cool breeze of the ocean, the relaxing sound of the waves, and the chirping of the birds are a natural wonder and are part of our self-care; for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

During my precious time at the beach, I would take the chance to do some meditation, bringing stress relief, a lighter mood, and a greater feeling of happiness; that's true bliss!

Sitting on a beachfront for just a few minutes, I breathed out my own negativities considered blockages to my well-being. It has beautiful results, and it truly heals.

Being mindful of our breathing is an essential step for meditation. When we inhale deeply, we prepare to eliminate what is supposed to flush out from our system, the stagnant energy that blocks our path to the success and fulfillment we deserve.

I learned the Power of Meditation from a world-renowned expert, Master Del Pe. He taught us how to be in stillness, quiet our minds, and expel toxicity from energy fields through meditation, powerful physical exercises, and martial arts. I will forever be grateful for the Lessons From Master Del Pe and the powerful life tools and techniques that will be shared with others who may need them most. Anyone can start to learn and practice the ancient science and art of meditation. It doesn't cost a fortune but requires openness, patience, and discipline to achieve the desired results.

The summer season is enjoyable and exciting. Where the road may have taken us, whether on the mountain or at the beach, we still see the boundaries and can always accomplish things beyond the horizon, beyond our wildest dreams.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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