Thursday, December 26, 2019

2019 Year in Review: The Greatest Love

The year 2019 is about to end, and it's the time of the year to review another roller coaster ride of life events and milestones.

This year 2019, is like a deep slumber. I am in a deeper state of rest and slow-paced living. As I experience this life, I learn life lessons about simple living and natural healing.

Religious Devotion

It was my first-ever experience seeing the flock of thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene on its feast day in January 2019. That was followed by the feast of Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, in the same month. These religious events strengthen my faith and belief in a Supreme higher Divine power who does miracles in our lives.

It was also my first time celebrating the feast day of The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish on June 27, 2019. The Blessed image is known to bring miracles for those who believe and pray through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, the Mother of Christ. 
I may not be able to celebrate the feast day of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish in the coming years. Still, my parents and loved ones will be there to express devotion through prayers and religious activities.

Personal Development

  • Health  This year I have learned to listen to my body and slow down. A balanced and healthy diet gives nourishment and healing from illnesses. Although it's hard to fully commit, it teaches me about health consciousness for a better living. 
  • MeditationAs I swing through a hammock, I am relaxed and at peace. While sitting on a chair and seeing the sunrise and sunset gives a beautiful feeling about God's loving presence. That's my meditation. Feeling great and sometimes in a trance state but with eyes wide open. 
  • Developing HabitsWaking up early morning and early at bedtime makes an excellent daily habit. I didn't have the luxury of quality sleep in the past years, so I feel great upon waking up fully recharged. 
Celebrating Victories

On May 14, 2019, our father was elected by the people to serve another term as a Sangguniang Bayan Member in our town. This is his 5th term in service since he started in 1998-2007 and returned to do in 2016 after 9 years. We are part of my father's victory as we fully support his candidacy and commitment to helping the people. 
Welcoming Opportunities 

On October 30, 2019, the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, or SIDC, was opened in our Community at the R&L Commercial building. We're grateful for this excellent opportunity to serve the people through various products and services offered by the country's largest Agricultural - based Cooperative. This is the greatest blessing not only for my family but also for the whole Community. We're blessed and hoping for more opportunities in the years to come. 
Sustainable Farm Development 

My parents have finally initiated their plans for sustainable environmental development. The newly developed integrated farm features Mahogany trees, different kinds of fruit-bearing trees, and plants that help cool off the surroundings. This is where we unwind and have a good conversation while having coffee. In the years to come, this farm will achieve sustainability as we open some livelihood opportunities.
Some of my Soulful Sunday moments were inspired by the farm. A natural environment is truly a gift from God, and we're healed naturally from being connected with nature. 

Christmas in our hearts

We gathered again as a big family. It feels great to see the kids growing up as a teen. We had a grand Holiday celebration over the past years, and that was memorable and meaningful. This year we celebrate the Christmas eve mass or Misa de Gallo at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish, followed by a Noche Buena, a good night meal to share with the family.
Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ as the center of our faith, and it's the time to get together as a family. This is the best time to enjoy the year-end and renew old habits and beliefs. 

We may have a stormy Christmas day and a shaky earth experience, yet we're comforted and saved by His Divine Mercy. We remain resilient through the calamities we encounter, and it'll help us deal with future crises. 

One thing that moved me was the Christmas message of Pope Francis when he shared about the unconditional love of Christ, saying, "God continues to love us all, even the worst of us. You may have mistaken ideas, but you have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you." and that's the expression of His greatest love. 

We all have wronged with our thoughts, intentions, and actions at some point, but God continues showing us His love and mercy. He cleanses our spirits and uplifts our souls, so we may continue showing our love to others.

I celebrate the holidays with the people who matter in my life. We may have differences and life choices, but we bond stronger as one family. This Christmas is about love and understanding; we would want a New year with a new beginning. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

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Sunday, December 22, 2019

Weekend Retreat at The Farm



Highland retreat is a soulful activity for the family. And the weekend is the best moment to take a deep breath and experience the solemnity of nature away from noise and distractions.

An excellent way to be connected with nature is to feel and embrace silence. To be distant for a while and be grounded. That's our human nature; we always find ways to heal our bodies and soul naturally. And for us, it will always be our little sanctuary our farm far away from the city.


A weekend retreat is a food for the soul. We breathe in good energy as we breathe out the toxic negativity. These stagnant energies are considered a poison that must be released into our body system. And nature has its way of helping us to cleanse and to heal.

Our coffee tastes even better as we have a soulful conversation. This begins a journey towards the soulful discovery of our capacity for sustainable environmental development. It is in this place where plans and dreams are materialized.


As I sip my coffee, I reminisce about when I first saw this underdeveloped site in the middle of 2019. And in July of this year, the dream materialized through the capacity of my parents, who are into years of farming on this farmland.

This place is where we can experience solitude as we contemplate or meditate. It teaches us an important life lesson about contentment but being bold and daring to dream and survive.


We are leaving our little ones with a natural environment for them to continue on this legacy and enjoy a quality and blissful life. As they grow up, they will learn to love nature and do their best to protect and preserve it.




Our weekend highland retreat is a simple celebration of life. We will forever be thankful to the Divine for a meaningful life where dreams are alive. 

© 2019 Del Cusay




Sunday, December 15, 2019

When Christmas Tree Makes You Happy



Decorating for Christmas is a jolly moment for our family. It gives a joyful vibe and a nostalgic feeling about our childhood. As we decorate, we also reflect on how our decorations evolved through the years. Back then, we did not have a giant Christmas tree, but we made sure to have something to decorate for Christmas.

It is more fun when a family gathers to help each other do Christmas decorations. We reminisce wonderful stories worth sharing as we put on those Christmas lights and hang the Christmas balls. Those memories last forever, adding color to our life as we celebrate Christmas.


For Christmas 2019, we wanted our Christmas tree to reflect what we feel and what kind of life we want. So we set up sparkling multi-color Christmas lights around the Christmas tree with glittering accessories.

Life has been challenging and a bit dark at times, but the Christmas tree reminds us to stand out and unleash our inner glow to increase our brightness and uplift our souls.



This is a season to be jolly, and it is so true. As we gather around the Christmas tree before the year ends, we would want to give our last best shot. We wish for a brighter year ahead and renew our energy to make it more refined and powerful.

Oh, Christmas tree! You bring light and color to the holidays. You bring smiles to the kids, the family, and everyone. You give meaning to a life worth living. 

© 2019 Del Cusay