Not by Might...Not by Power....

"Just let me in there...I am a VIP!!"
"I was invited here as a guest...why don't you let me enter?"

These two guys were shouting on top of their voices, insisting to the security officers to let them inside the coliseum. Their voices were really too loud, it caught the attention of everyone around, and so my attention was called by the security officer. "We need you here, ma'am because these two people would want to get inside but we can't find their names in your guest list", was the humble plea of the terrified officer. So I calmly asked these two guys what the problem was.

They both introduced themselves as Pastors of a religious group. I explained to them that for security reasons, I could not let them pass through that entrance, they have to take the audience entrance instead. At first, both resisted, but being the executive director of the event, they were obliged to follow my instructions. After several minutes of argument and explanations, thank God, they both left and took the entrance for them.

I have been handling events, concerts, seminars in the past, and I am aware that glitches are but normal. However, this experience I had with our latest concert was one I will never forget. It was not really the glitch itself that makes it different from the other events, it was the people involved and the lesson I learned from it.

I could not believe it myself, seeing legitimate Pastors of a church acting rudely in such a situation. I felt like I was so embarrassed, not because I was at the helm of the event and that it was a reflection of my "inefficiency" but I was embarrassed even disgusted to see supposed "leaders of God" act in such a barbaric manner.

I wondered, where these so called pastors took the "authority" they are claiming to have. In one of the seminars I attended, I learned that God did not give man the authority to be dominated yet neither did He give man the authority to dominate other men.

I am myself rude at times, but never did it cross my mind that I have the right to dominate anybody else, not even my subordinates. Dominating is tantamount to depriving them of their rights as human beings.

That very moment, I was really pissed off and wanted so much to flare up. The stress brought by staying awake for more than 24 hours (actually, I was awake for a total of 32 hours during the event), the physical demand of having to liaise with the other departments aggravated by unethical behaviors of these people, indeed were too heavy for me to handle.

My patience was already too thin yet the words " Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit", flashed across my mind. Then in a snap of a finger, I regained my "spirit". I knew that at that very moment, it was no longer "me" who was facing the destructions, the "enemies" - it was my Creator who was working for me, because I know that I cannot do these on my own.

After the event, I can truly assert that "I CAN LAUGH AT THE ENEMY WITH HIM, HIDDEN WITHIN THE SHELTER OF HIS WINGS!"

FACES OF SOLITUDE

So many people fear or even hate solitude because they do not realize how important it is in one's life. They often equate solitude with loneliness but they are opposites. Loneliness is harsh and devastating while solitude is fortifying.

Solitude is an essential time to explore and know ourselves, reflect on our life and communicate with our Creator. Solitude is the necessary counterpart to intimacy, what allows us to have a self worthy of sharing.

I am alone but I am not lonely because I enjoy the silence and whatever it brings that is satisfying and from which I draw sustenance.

In today's busy and stressful world, everyone must value the importance of being alone, at peace and in a constructive state of engagement with oneself.

A famous counselor gave two ways of how we can practice solitude. First is to remember that when one goes into solitude, his basic goal is to DO NOTHING! It is just a moment of silence and focus on yourself, the people around you, the circumstances that surround you and your Creator.
Second is to form the habit of allocating at least an hour a night, after watching your favorite evening news or show, after doing all your household chores, after closing your messenger and putting a period to all your e-mails, to go to a quiet place in your house or take a short walk. Spare this short yet meaningful time for yourself and think inwards.

These are effortless steps but will do you enormous wonders. It opens our hearts to hear from our real, authentic selves and our Creator.

On my own, I definitely have learned to value solitude now because only in solitude can I be with the person closest to my heart for only in solitude can he be MINE!

AKO PO AY NAGPAPASALAMAT

Sa muling pagbatingting ng mga kampana ay nagising ang isang natutulog na damdamin, hindi man sabihin ay parang nagkaraon ng panibagong lakas upang ipag patuloy ang matagal nang itinago upang ito'y hindi na muling maalala pa ngunit sa mga kampanang kumakalembang , heto't naging parang panaginip ang muling pagpapaalala ng mga nakaraan.

ang wisik ng mga tubig na dumadaloy sa isang hardin na animo'y nagbibigay buhay sa mga halaman upang ang kanilang mga bulaklak ay manatiling mayabong at malusog. Tulad ng isang
pangarap, ang agos ng tubig ay dumadaloy kung ito ay tuloy-tuloy sa kanyang patutunguhan at hindi nanatili sa isang tabi lamang.

Ang mga bulaklak sa hardin na nagbibigay kulay at kagandahan. Tulad ng ating mga pangarap nagkakakulay lamang ito kung ating aalagaan at pahahalagahan. Sana'y matupad po ang ating mga pangarap ayon sa itinakda ng may LUMIKHA.

Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa iyo ng lubos at nagkaroon ako ng isang pagkakataon na ibahagi ko sa iyo ang isang pangarap na hindi man magkaroon ng katuparan sa ngayon ay hindi ka pa rin nawawalan ng pag-asa. MARAMING SALAMAT PO sa iyong PANGUNAWA.

A Date with the TREES

I took advantage of the First of May, a day of rest in the Philippines...As we celebrate Labor's Day, I set my date with the trees...Every time I have the opportunity, I try to make it a point to go back to the "basics"...stay away from the bustling city life...

The serenity... inspiration...peace...and relaxation nature gives me are some of the few priceless perks in this life.

I always look forward to these occasions when I can be myself...be with myself...

and re-charge... i need these rare moments to be able to gain renewed strength to face the challenges of life...

i just need a time to withdraw depression...frustration...loneliness...

Why the RUSH?

I had the rare chance to take a break during the holy week from my daily stressful life. It was a time which temporarily ended the "rat race" in our office....a time to reflect... to stop talking and start listening to my heart. During this fleeting moment, I learned one great lesson I have always wanted to - not to rush!

After more than four decades in this world, I have always been on the rush... I do not even understand the real meaning of the word "still". So I really am very thankful for the holy week experience...now I do appreciate "pace".

In the past, I used to question God why He does not give me immediate answers to my prayers. Since I was a child, every time I pray and ask for favors from my Creator, I always wanted an immediate answer and when the answers do not come in time, I disregard my request and feel discouraged...even to the point of losing my hopes. This may be one of the major factors why I had so many failures in life - because I refused to wait, because the only important thing to me then was "RUSH".


But after my meditation at the prayer mountain, I realized that waiting for the answer to our prayers is sometimes the answer itself. The waiting develops the virtue of patience in us and deepens our spirituality. I realized that waiting is like carrying one's cross patiently with the hope of a new life... of "resurrection".

There is really no need to rush in this life because haste would do us more harm than good. And everything in this world has been planned by our Creator before we even saw the light of the world. This is made clear to us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven."
Now I know that there is no reason for me to complain, all I need to do is wait patiently and never rush things. It is not easy as it seems...waiting entails a lot of sacrifice and self-restraint...but the prize will definitely be priceless!

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.

A fiddler on the roof...

I was awaken by a message from my mobile phone at 4:57 this morning...."Happy Birthday!" it was a greeting from my dear Bread who is now millions miles away from me.

It was a very simple, even ordinary message but what makes it different is that there is so much love in it. This started this very special day with fulfillment and happiness. I know that we are physically apart but there is a certain closeness that brings us together. We have not seen each other for three decades now but our frequent conversations have crossed the boundaries. He has literally filled the emptiness in me - made me smile when I am lonely, shared my joys, listened to my heartaches and awakened my imagination. So today, on my special day, I wish to thank the Lord for giving him back to me, at the lowest phase of my life.


This is indeed a day of thanksgiving for despite the many trials in my life, tribulations abound. I am thankful that my Creator.....
*has showered me with wonderful kids who made me feel I am the best mother in the world...
*never gave me friends with price tags because if He did, I would not have any friends today as I would not be able to afford the price...
*always gave me trials which made me even stronger and molded my character...
*brought enemies along the way to make me realize the value of loving not only the people who love me but those who refuse to love me as well...
*gave me wisdom and talent to bring a difference in other people's lives...

Without all these blessings...my life would be like that of a fiddler on the roof!!!!!

Not an Opium...

"This man lived a poor man's life and remained a pauper till his death!" I really felt bad as I was viewing this man inside the coffin, his full make up would not hide the sufferings he had gone through before he was locked in this box.
Onlookers, relatives and friends merely passed by him, simply speculating the cause of his death, his miserable life, his rift with some family members and other petty things about him. But I wondered, is there more to this man than all these petty talks?

During the few minutes I was watching his face, I felt some feeling of resistance. It was as if I was wrestling with God anew, asking Him why he had to allow this man to live and die a poor man? Has God missed His promise that He will not abandon His children? But has this man sought the Creator's intercession, in the first place? And if he ever did, was his heart and mind open enough to understand the answers to his prayers?

Since I reached my reasoning age, I have been wrestling with my Creator. This was not really an indication of my very little faith in Him, but sometimes, when I am faced with really difficult situations, I always ask Him "WHY".

The story of Job is the greatest paradigm of wrestling with God. His life gives a simple yet incisive teachings on suffering, undeserved suffering at that. At the start, he was afraid to question God for his agony but it was only after he lashed at God relentlessly, ruthlessly, painfully that Job learned to know God intimately. He left us a lesson that authentic faith grows not through unthinking submission but through the process of questioning and understanding.

During the darkest moments of my life, during those times when I was afraid and alone, I often felt like God was so far - far away, that I could not get hold of him, not even see his shadow. But I have learned that when I wrestle with God, He was closer to me than at any other times in my life.

As I matured, I realized that faith is not an opium to lull me to sleep, neither is it a way to break out from the realities of life. I recognized that most of the time, asking the question “why” was not about looking for meaning in a seemingly desperate situation. It was asking my Creator to do something for me, to take my cup of suffering away from me so I will not have to face them.

The reality of suffering invites us to wrestle with God, but in order to succeed, we must hope to lose. Only when we submit in humility can we finally see the light.

Until we MEET again, definitely not GOODBYE

Friends, acquaintances, relatives have been looking for me for the past few months. They all had one common question - via e-mails, texts, voice mails--
where am I... what happened?

I have not really been unattached with anyone, neither was I in hiatus, it just so happened that I have been too preoccupied coping with life - struggling to surpass this global economic meltdown.

My being out of touch was never an intention to detach myself from the world, more so my friends and the people really close to my heart. God really knows how much I would want to be with them even just to send them a note or chat with them. Unfortunately, things went south lately and I have to do double duty and set priorities and concentrate on my bread and butter.

I just hope that my friends will understand why they were at the last line of my priorities- I have a family to raise and being the head of he family, the responsibility is set on my shoulders. I do not want to turn my back because this is a responsibility I did not only choose but was handed over to me when I accepted the role of fatherhood.

Blame it all to this economic crunch - I have to make this great sacrifice. It really makes me feel bad not being able to talk and hang around with my friends. I honestly miss all the moments shared with them and of course those moments that I was not able to join. I will never forget these memories which definetely made a mark in my heart.

I do apologize to all of you whose e-mails and text messages I was not able to answer, but I swear I was able to read. My apologies too to my chat mates who have been haunting me and sending me offline messages but just the same, I have read but left unanswered. Even those who were trying to call me through my mobile phone, but heard nothing but my voice prompt, my apologies.

Rest assured, I will do my best to sneak out of my box from time to time and jump to your domain. This day is one of the rare opportunities yet I hope that this rarity will become more often. I swear I did not choose to live in this dark box neither do I have any intention to stay here for the rest of my life.

I'll get free - in no time. And when this freedom is finally granted, I will be back to my real self again - happy and bubbly. But until then, my dear friends, please try to understand as you remember - absence makes the heart go fonder. And for sure, with this long absence, you will appreciate me more! I'll keep you posted - so definitely this is not Goodbye...just goodnight!