A day of reaping...of harvest...

“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” Robert Louis Stevenson

As I was walking up the stage with poise, tears slowly fell on my cheeks and they flowed unabated as the principal reached out her hand to congratulate me. It was indeed a very emotional scene- it should be, because it was my daughter's graduation from grade school. The emotions became even more intense as I was handed my daughter's three awards - Third Honors, Best in English and Best in Science.

I know parents really celebrate during their kids' graduations, but mine was more than a double celebration. Why? For one, of course is that my daughter has successfully hurdled grade school and with flying colors at that. It was also a fulfillment on my part as a parent who single handedly carried the responsibility of raising and sending her to school. I weathered the storms, so to speak yet I know there are more storms ahead as we continue to tread the path of life. Likewise, it is a time to give thanks to our Creator and to all my other kids who have given me strength.
In two months, she will be entering high school, which means facing a new set of challenges, facing a new chapter of her life. I know that would be more difficult for my "little angel" but I pray that she will enjoy her high school days as much as I did.

High school brings back extraordinary memories for each of us. Looking back, I remember those years with nostalgic fondness - my crushes, my friends, my teachers. But if there is something that really makes my high school days special and unforgettable is the thought that I met "my one true love" during those fragile years, and my love for this person never waned until today.

Certain high school experiences may have life-long consequences. Many of the choices students make in high school will lead them into adult habits - so I know, my daughter needs my guidance now, more than ever.

To all the other graduates and parents...congratulations and Good Luck!!!

"Miss Understood"

"Try not to become a woman of success but a woman of value" Albert Einstein

Justifications of women being the "weaker" gender abound in History books and even the Holy Bible. For so many centuries, they have been deprived of genuine rights as human beings and gender equality was a bizarre concept.
Women, regardless of age and social stature, were considered "figures of sacrifice", because while it's true that they really sacrifice for their family, there is always the hidden agenda of exploitation and subjugation by the opposite sex.

She was always expected to blindly follow societal "norms", forget herself as a human being and think of others, men especially, before anything else. Even at times when she goes through physical, emotional, mental and financial violence, the hapless woman would always be advised to persevere, be patient and sacrifice.

It is ironic that the real meaning of the word sacrifice was distorted and sacrifice seem to have been equated with tolerating violence and suppressing freedom. The true essence of sacrifice which is about setting aside certain things while pursuing one's passion and interest that defines and creates who you are, was seemingly kept in the pages of the dictionary for a period of time.

Yet their glorious days have come for after long years of suffering in silence, women from all corners of the world have gained enough strength to stand up for themselves and enjoy freedom as men do. And just as a volcano dormant for centuries activated, women became a powerful force to contend.

Gradually, the stigma of womanhood was erased and being a woman has ceased to be a handicap. However, the battle of the sexes linger to date, still, more men refuse to recognize the value of women, they still refuse to give them honor and respect, they continue to treat them as inferior species. The male populace would always cling to their ego, and shun the idea of equality. This would explain why violence against women in all forms persist.


But with many women already fully awaken, the dark years of women's violence will soon find their last days, this is every Eve's vision. They look forward to the day when they can walk down the streets with heads up high, without fear, fully empowered, respected and honored.

I personally saw this hope in the eyes of the women who joined us during the conference on Women Empowerment early this week, a kick off celebration of Women's Month, which is March. There is so much hope and there is more than enough passion to realize these hopes.

In every woman's heart now is the passion to rise from the bondage of weakness, of violence, terror and inequity - to become true human beings of value and essence.