The Mighty and The Candle in The Wind

There were so many untoward events in January 2020! From natural disasters to pandemic health issues, we have experienced a crisis, a threat to our health and well-being. However, this continues and is within our control.

The start of the year may not be good, but it gives us tough lessons about our strengths and weaknesses—our vulnerabilities as human beings.

We can not be sure about what will happen next, but one thing that can help us survive is faith in things beyond our control—that a higher and Supreme being is in charge.

We feel mighty at times, feeling powerful. However, there are moments when we are crushed in spirit.

When we are weak and feel helpless and powerless, our Divine master is there to rescue us. And when the road is rough, and the surroundings are dark, we seek the Divine light.

When we feel blessed and grateful, we always see the guiding light. And so, in bad times and good times, we need the Divine light. We never stop following and seeking the truth and life.

Today, the 2nd of February, is the Feast day of Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, or the Our Lady of the Candles. Known as the Patroness of the entire Western Visayas, Philippines.

The Holy Image, canonically crowned in 1981 by St. John Paul II, brought miracles, healings, and blessings to the people in the Region and the entire country when flocks of faithful from every place visited the blessed Marian image and prayed to God for Her intercession.

Back in 2016, when I lived and worked in Iloilo, I always felt the serenity of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles. I had celebrated Sunday masses and Holy Week, which was brought to light when I was a Candle in the wind, weak and vulnerable.

The devotion started in recent years, in the late 90s, when our dear mother brought us to celebrate the feast day mass. Years after knowing its miracles, I visit to offer a prayer and thanksgiving. That is faith: to continue the devotion for years and for a lifetime.

Our Lady of the Candles is just one of the many Marian titles given to the Mother of Christ. We always pray for her intercession for all our wishes and whatever our hearts desire.

For the happenings in the world today, we go beyond our personal intentions and petitions. We pray for our people, our country, and the world. We pray that healing will take place and peace will reign in the world and our hearts forever. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Moment of Solitude

You need some time to be alone in addition to your basic physiological needs. It is a time when you can be yourself and know yourself better and more profoundly.

I have enjoyed a moment of solitude since I discovered its healing powers. Nature does healing wonders for those who walk alone and seek life and truth. There are moments of self-discovery of who we are and what we can do—our purpose of living.

With the sound of silence, we go through the deafening stage until we get used to it. There is a miracle in silence, and being in a state of solitude, we can hear our voice out loud from deep within. We are quiet and in stillness. We listen and respond to our being. That's a fundamental truth of our soulful desires of being.

There are always great things about having some moment of solitude. Our 'me time', a term often used to describe the time we spend alone, reminds us that we must heal ourselves as we return to the present reality of dealing with the most important people. It's not about being selfish or neglecting others, but about recognizing our own needs and taking the time to meet them. This 'me time' is what really matters for our personal growth and well-being. 

For many years, I have lived in solitude. Although not entirely, I find meaning in silence, just being alone. And when I share my precious moments with people, I glow and show what is hidden in me. It is a soulful time spent connecting, expressing, being heard, and understanding.

Each day, as we wake up, we have personal moments of reflection. We listen to our inner voice and to the Divine's voice. We get back to our goals—our dreams, ambitions, and wishful desires.

In our busy day and for those living in bigger cities and dealing with so much noise and distractions, there is time to walk away and experience absolute solitude. Some would live in the more relaxed countryside. Others would have a weekend getaway in the mountains and on the beach to contemplate. A homecoming holiday vacation even once a year. Such a thing contributes to soulful healing. For instance, you could start your day with a few minutes of quiet reflection or take a solitary walk during your lunch break. These small moments of solitude can have a significant impact on your well-being. 

A moment of solitude is what we all need to keep us alive and always living in the present. It improves our ability to focus and increases our awareness and consciousness. But more than that, solitude can lead to self-discovery and personal growth. It's a time when we can reflect on our lives, choices, and values and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. And from that moment of solitude, we can stand still and walk straight, knowing who we are and our self-worth.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020: Love, Peace and Harmony

Tikoy (Nián gāo) and Ampao (Hóngbāo) are famous Chinese symbols of good luck and prosperity. These two are a must-have in the Philippines and among the Chinese-Filipino community during special holidays like the Lunar Chinese New Year and other special occasions. 

Ang Pao, or the red envelope, evolved into an all-season object for gift-giving. It is given during the Chinese New Year and during birthdays and weddings. In the Philippines, we have adopted the giving of Ang Pao during Christmas and other events. 

I always like special delicacies, so I also enjoy eating Tikoy, which signifies harmony and closeness among the family. Its stickiness symbolizes bonding and togetherness. 

The past couple of years in Binondo have been truly auspicious, as I have had the joy of immersing myself in the vibrant and enchanting Chinese New Year celebration. The streets of Binondo come alive with the best of Chinese culture and tradition, passed down from generation to generation. 

I remember the kilometer-long street of Ongpin in Binondo when fun-filled activities happened during the Chinese New Year. The lion and the dragon dance are always colorful and graceful, giving positive energy to the watchers. The firecrackers ward off evil spirits and negativity, as they would believe. It's fun, and the excellent vibe would bring in a positive mindset and emotion, and that's the essence. 

The Chinese influence my beliefs about prosperity, so I follow the feng shui and the Chinese zodiac in some ways. They just guide us to a positive life. 

These past years have been more than just celebrations; they have been live-action experiences filled with stories that will forever be etched in my memory, and I'm thrilled to share them with you.

• Celebrating the Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2017: An Auspicious Celebration

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2018: Prosperity and Abundance

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2019: Luck, Prosperity, and Faith

Those were the years of celebrating abundance and prosperity. And so, for this year and the years to come, while I may not be able to celebrate in Binondo, I am eagerly open to embracing the culture and tradition that gives life meaning from different perspectives, and I look forward to the new experiences that await.

But above all, this year is not just about prosperity; it's about love, peace, and harmony that must reign in our hearts. That's what we all need at this very moment.

© 2020 Del Cusay