VOID

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Have you ever felt a void in your life? That no one can fill the space, not even yourself could substantiate the missing? 

Truly, it is hard to come out from that void as I had been there for some time years back. As often I was alone in the house I would ask myself why the emptiness? 

As I try to find an answer to that void I also would question God. And in doing so I would attempt to see what else is there in me. Of course, the physical side is much easier to fill while the hardest is what's in the mind that cannot be supplemented with words. 

Many people have succeeded in taking their own lives leaving the public with a big question--why? Such is the case of the very good character actor and comedian Robin Williams. But little did the public know that Robin Williams even before his death had already been suffering from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Any person with LBD would eventually have problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. 

Today, while everyone in the world was busy attending to their own concerns, suddenly shaken by a news report that Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst jumped from her Manhattan apartment building and was pronounced dead on the spot. This is no doubt a story of grief and sorrow. No one should be blamed. But perhaps, from this experience, each one could take a step further and check anyone you knew who is showing signs of depression or likely suffering from stress.

I believe anyone who is having anxiety issues or depression should be taken with utmost concern because they can be self-destructive. If you think you cannot always make time for them, help them by finding something that could entice attention and focus, then later ask them how the day has gone or how well the activity went. 

I don't categorically say that it will work for everyone because each has their reasons for their behavior. However, what works for me may or may not be applicable to you. But it has been a bridge to me every now and then when I am going through something in life. In the absence of time from that special someone back then, I turned to novel writing. From that avenue, I was able to pour in all the emotions and everything that was being avoided at that time. Because, I, too, have no best friend to consider. Therefore, it is much harder to explain and to confide to others what is going on.

Try. Reach out. Who knows there is an unsung hero to you awaiting to be brought out. Anyway, it will not make you less of a person to check and to ask how you are. Besides, it is more pleasing not only to the heart of a man but in the eye of God.

CHOOSE TO BE

Standing from right forward Kaye, Verna, Faye, Iram, and Syamii

True, it is rather hard to understand than to submit to irritation especially when favor turns against you. That forgiveness is not easy when you know you are being fooled. When nursing pain and fear are quicker than moving on. 

Be kind to yourself. You see everyone in this world has their share of ups and downs. And not because you see them laughing or posing with friends, dining in, drinking hot or cold beverages does not mean they are not battling their own personal challenges. 

Be humble. Choose to celebrate life rather than be miserable. Choose to understand than be envious. Choose to live in peace with yourself. Choose love over hatred. Choose to forgive. Choose to be good. Choose faith.

From being high school batchmates to friendship.

Be grateful. Not everyone is like you. You may lack many worldly possessions but you are still here, alive. Because God believes you are worthy of His blessing. 

Be loving. Believe when people show kindness. Show empathy rather than conviction. Believe that you are important. That you are worthy of a chance. Laugh when your situation asks for it. Reciprocate love to mankind. Bend a little if you must, for life is short and no one knows when you would be called for the final judgment. 

Be appreciative. Celebrate love and friendship that chose and opted to stay amidst the odds of life and challenges of time. Because not all are privileged to find love and friendship during this chaotic era.

CALL TO FAITH

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How has life been treating you lately? Do you feel left out and unvalued? For sure you have tried many ways to reach out to your circle at least for support, yet the effort appears to be insufficient. Stop blaming. Be calm. Listen not with your ears but with your heart. 

Before you throw out huge what's and why's, you should know that you are not alone in this phase. Maybe it is God's way of calling you. His way of asking you to slow down by blocking every possible opportunity you needed because He wants you to pay attention. Attention to what he is saying like include Him in your life. He wants you to organize your priorities, to keep you away from people that could influence your judgment, to take care of your health, to take a closer look at life, to your purpose, to give you time, and to enjoy and appreciate every waking moment. 

There is no denying this pandemic has brought huge challenges to the life of everyone, but it also opened opportunities. However, not anyone could see the present accorded to them as they refused to listen. You and everyone else have to go through this certain phase to better yourself as a person. You see even celebrities like Aurora Sevilla, former beauty queen, actress, and businesswoman went through the toughest of times before receiving God's reward. Another example of God's work is the actor Eric Fructuoso who after his huge success as part of the trio Guwapings, movies, and tv shows eventually went broke but later on, lifted by God. 

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I am not promoting any religion here rather I am speaking of faith itself so whether you are a Catholic, Protestant, Christian, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Baptist, Seventh-day Adventist, Pentecostal, or Islam and a lot more other religions, what matters is your belief, your communication, and relationship with God. Many people are at a crossroads because they want so many things to fill their life such as a job, relationship, fame, and stability yet, they always fail to search for God in their lives. It's good to have a dream and work towards that goal but please make Him a part of your life's journey after all at the end of these all you will also report to Him on what you have done today.

APPRECIATION

 

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Is there really a need to be present at all times?

 

Social media is a platform for entertainment, news, and information including the latest trends. In fact, it has already been there long before the pandemic, but while not everyone is into social media, there are people who got hooked up to these digital platforms either gradually or instantly. 

 

The last two years that the world was under the Covid crisis, the public was somehow lured to further depend on digital media not just for news and information, and entertainment but also for banking, government transactions, and deliveries, among others. And the various levels of quarantine restrictions that the country had been put into, the higher dependence of the people have become. Thus, limiting the mobility of the public outside their homes, as an attempt to control the spread of the infection indeed added to the significant challenges experienced by many.

 

The eventual unavailability of freedom to move, wearing of face masks, and social distancing have started to build chaos, anxiety, stress, and fear to many. Hence, for some people, the need to connect, to be relevant, and to sustain day-to-day life is by being present and available online has become part of the new normal. While there are people who channel their boredom to reading, cooking, yoga, and dancing, there are those who resort to social media for diversion.   The extroverts would likely prefer to be visible and join the wagon of Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok, Twitter, and Whatsapp.

 

However, unknown to many of these friendly platforms it also has a consequence. As you strive to make a niche, the pressure also grows. The more people you convince to spend their minutes with you, there is  corresponding responsibility attached to it, which must be observed. And this holds true even for people who grew up in the limelight such as the daughter of beauty queen and actress Gloria Diaz, member of the IT Girls Isabelle Daza who is a model, actress, vlogger, and social media influencer yet eventually developed a problem in coping with stress.

 

So, what's the reason for stating this? That it is okay to use and be associated with these platforms for as long as you are entertained. But the moment you feel something is wrong, perhaps it would be better to take a break, rest yourself and revisit the reason why you are in the circle of digital media. Because in anything that a man does, the pressure comes in, the moment you put pressure on what you do. So be kind to yourself. Just enjoy the moment and do good and appreciate the beauty that comes with the moment rather than worries about something that does not really exist.

 

 

 

 

​PURPOSE

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Indeed, not everyone in this life is given second or multiple chances in life itself or in personal circumstances. As there are people who when poked by tragedy or sickness eventually succumbed to death. But there are people who were blessed and gifted with extra life to live.

But to those granted to live a little longer, what could have they done with their life extension? I posed this question because today, exactly five years ago I almost lost my life because of a stroke. Fortunately, a doctor in the family convinced me to go to the hospital before my condition got worse as I was hesitant at that time due to financial considerations. That day, I thought I fell asleep for a whole week but apparently, it was an eight-hour or so to t perhaps allowed me to rest my mind and body from all the troubles of the world. That was when I woke up with a slight physical condition that I still carry to this day I felt very light and relaxed.

Moving forward from that tragedy, and this goes also to all those who woke up from comatose, those who go through crucial surgeries, those who were stabbed multiple times, as well as those thrown from the creeks and bridges yet survived to live, were the extra life given to you were put to good use especially for the benefit of other people? 

I remember Fr. Jerry Orbos SVD, in one of his Sunday homilies and reflections, he discussed the Four Loves in every man's life. These according to him is the love for the human body, possession, family and friends, and the soul. Fr. Jerry explained that no matter how you cared for your body including the amount of body treatment and wellness you give to it when you die, your skin would eventually die. As for the human possession, such as achievement, work and money would also be left behind and passed on to others when you are gone. And while your family, friends, and loved ones profess their unconditional love they could only take care and attend your funeral ceremony but will not die with you. Lastly, and often the neglected kind of love is the love for the soul that goes with everyone who perishes from this lifetime. 

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So in general, men are called by the church to share their precious time and be of service to other people while time still available as this is God’s way of nourishing our spirits.

And as Fr. Anton CT Pascual MDM, puts it in his homily earlier today, serving God also allows man to know his true self. The same reason that men are called to worship Him in the church is that God wants men to see Him as their purpose. Fr. Anton likewise talked about how God wants everyone to belong to His family through church. This is precisely the reason why people are called to attend a mass on Sunday, to join Him in a fellowship. He said God wants you to grow in spiritual maturity. He wants men to be better than what they are today than yesterday because no one is sent in this life to be greedy and to sow violence but rather to live an attitude of Christ.  He said God also wants men to be of service to others. Because organized service if put together with other efforts becomes a ministry, a ministry of charity, to provide assistance for the needy. 

And so is my purpose, that I have realized upon waking up from that long sleep, that I can use the skill in writing to ask you to communicate with Him, to include God in your life, and to be a service to others through this blog writing. Because in this post-truth era, men are often caught up in chaos due to misinformation, fake news, and revisionism. Thus, we need to keep God at the center of everyone’s lives for peace. 

How about you, have you found your purpose?

 

 

MEDICAL FRONTLINERS

Personally, I would like to commend the perseverance and commitment of Filipinos particularly those in the frontline services. Because if not for your sacrifices the businesses and industries in the country will not thrive today.

 

Selflessly, the frontline workers put behind their personal issues and fears in order to continue to perform their duty amidst the threat of the pandemic. And these are all for the love of their family and the community they serve. The motivations that these frontline services keep surely is effective as they continue to hold up to the challenges of time, in helping the demand of the nation during its most trying times.

 

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But while the current period has presented modern-day icons, there is no denying that these people from the frontline industries are also suffering from Covid fatigue, and some of them started to lose empathy to people. 

 

This writer is fortunate to have a cousin who is a doctor, her husband is an emergency nurse, and have met a good neurologist long before the pandemic, as well as friends from the public health sector who managed to maintain good relations with others despite their own personal battle. Admittedly, due to lack of medical manpower, despite testing positive of Covid there were doctors who despite testing positive but found asymptomatic were asked to continue to provide service to patients via teleconsultation. 

 

However, while these actions are truly commendable, the government must ensure that the mental and  psychological well-being of health workers are taken care of, as some of them have started to show sign of loosing empathy, understanding and consideration for people who seek medical assistance. Thus, it is my understanding that it is improper to hear a doctor say, "Wala na akong magagawa sa stroke mo dahil matagal na iyon at new record na kami. Ang kailangan mo ay magpa-test", another doctor said, "Bahala kayo kung ayaw ninyong gawin ang sinasabi ko, basta ang sinasabi ko lang sana magawa ito before the end of the month". 

 

This is not to cast judgment on these doctors, I would assume that if such doctors are given sufficient rest and debriefing they would be able to stand up to the challenges of this health crisis. And would be able to come up with a more diplomatic approach to patients attending the teleconsultation. In case people are forgetting, those seeking medical help mostly, are patients with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart ailment, stroke survivors, and a lot more others. Therefore,  they must be accorded with consideration. 

 

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Perhaps, they opted for a consultation to ensure their health's safety as they would not have to leave the comforts of their home. That they would avoid going out to undergo medical tests at nearby hospitals and clinics for fear of infection because the enemy has no face. 

 

I would like to think that the incident I cited as an example was an isolated incident, but while isolated this is a symptom that health workers also need attention that is detrimental in the country's overall fight against the Covid pandemic. As such, this issue would hopefully land in the attention of the Department of Health or any agency that would merit the welfare of those in the health and medical services. This way, the people could be assured that the attention these doctors and nurses provide the public is indeed for the protection and not to take away lives. 

​​GOOD ​KARMA

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Have you heard of the story from Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines, where an 80-year-old grandfather was arrested for picking mangoes? 

 

Lolo Narding claimed that the tree which he picked about 10 kilos of mangoes was his tree. The old man said he had planted and grown the mango tree in Barangay Bantog until after some time their neighbor decided to put a fence that included the mango tree. Notably, Lolo Narding's action wasn't received well by the neighbor because instead of accepting the payment that he offered the owner preferred that Lolo Narding pay the P6,0000 and be jailed.

 

I cannot imagine what is in the mind of Lolo Narding's neighbor that they rather see him in jail than settle the issue quietly. And what has happened to the Barangay Officials of Barangay Bantog? Is this case not supposed to go through first the attention of the Barangay Peace and Order Council in charge of settling disputes among barangay residents before it reaches any court including the 7th Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Asingan-San Manuel last December 20?

 

Obviously, there is power play here. Imagine an 80-year-old man sent to jail in a week? Is it really that hard to bridge communication and camaraderie that one would rather use the power of the law to stress a point?

 

As a believer of the power of the almighty, I often say that on matters man has no control of--God lifts His hand to take charge of everything. And so is in the case of Lolo Narding. Thus, I believe Karma is taking charge and covering up for the mistreatment he received. I don't say that Lolo Narding's action is just but this was supposed to be a minor problem amongst neighbors, yet it escalated and has now become a social issue. 

 

But look now, Lolo Narding has overwhelmingly earned the support and sympathy from people who were touched by this story. Currently, Lolo Narding Flores was out of jail following the Bayanihan and the outpouring reinforcement of people from Asingan, Metro Manila, and internationally including the members of the Asingan Police and the provincial Public Assistance Office (PAO). However, let us not forget the good lesson that could be learned from this story. Reflect and perhaps you can ask yourself, does your ethical value conform with the rule of law? ​

 

EMERGENCE OF PANDEMIC TO HUMAN LIFE

 

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​How have you been coping with the stress brought by the pandemic? 

Others would claim that since the emergence of the pandemic they preferred to stay at home. As some private and local offices temporarily shifted the regular work set up to hybrid and work from home (WFH).  And to people who are caught up by the pandemic at home, they would eventually turn to social media for information. 

In fact, these people who before the pandemic were already social media savvy are now on the brink of addiction without them knowing it. The opportunity to browse the digital network whether social media sites, entertainment pages, gaming rooms, or delivery channels has become even more accessible. 

During the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a struggle to transition the public to online platforms, as most would prefer person-to-person learning, work set up, meetings, and even social gatherings. 

 

However, as the public adapts to what others call the new normal it is now a challenge to take them away including the attention poured by these people to digital channels now that they have adjusted.

 

Truly, these social platforms indeed helped people get by from the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, but it has also taken them away from themselves. Others have turned into a shopaholic or someone who buys compulsively. As for the industry that despite the challenges brought by the pandemic managed to thrive is online gaming. Many if not most people hooked up to online gambling such as sabong, tongits, pusoy, and poker, amongst others. While as for viewing in the absence of cinemas has become easier as there are media channels like Youtube, Kumu, Netflix, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, and many other platforms providing social entertainment.

Others would likely say these are all temporary, yes to some, that may sound true.  But most often than not, people who get too attached to these so-called pastimes overlook the essence of why they are doing it. That eventually it become their way of life. Why not instead of turning your extra minutes into adding expense to your monthly budget, you rather use these free minutes to a silent retreat, to communicate and feel the reassuring presence of God.  

 

Athlete and TV personality Gretchen Ho, publicly admitted that she is in self-isolation, not because she tested positive for Covid, but for safety reasons as many people close to her were infected. She said the opportunity to be alone and away from people that means to her is also an opportune time for quality silence and prayer.

 

Many would not agree with me, but perhaps, everyone is guilty of letting the phase of the universe take its toll on human life. The same reason also why up to this day, the Covid pandemic continues to be there poking at everyone as if asking to slow down as you ride the roller coaster of life

 

​​SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

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Have we learned from the two years that the COVID-19 pandemic has been insistent in taking control of our life? How about the number of frontliners who succumbed to death in pursuit of their duty to the public? And those people you knew, friends, relatives, and even family members who tested positive for the pandemic? 

By this time, people must have realized that they have a shared responsibility to the community and the country in winning the fight against covid. That personal right must sometimes take a backseat and consider others such as your immediate family and the person around you including those you chance upon in simple transactions of your day-to-day life.

Imagine the likes of actress, model, and vlogger Ivana Alawi who despite a conscious effort to stay safe has recently tested positive along with her brother Hash and mom, and a lot more others such as actress and tv host Iya Villania and her husband Drew Arellano, as well as the singer Morisette Amon. By the way please click the names of the underlines it will link you to video information regarding their covid struggle.

But as many people would empathize with those who were affected, there are also cases such as that of Poblacion Girl who should be held accountable for incurring covid infection to at least nine people she acquainted with when she sneaked out of her supposed quarantine period.

Of course, no one wants to single out and isolate someone amidst these challenges but each one has to make a move to ensure his or her protection, as well as his or her immediate family members and the people in the community.  But how can you provide protection if you would continue to avoid vaccination and quarantine. Thus, making unvaccinated person a candidate in spreading the virus. 

Most people are afraid, yes, but let not fear overtake you.  Stand up and take on the challenge, and accept the vaccine because it would provide increase security versus the pandemic. Be the responsible person that you are. Think of your loved ones and the people around you and what's at stake if you continue to dismiss the vaccination which the authorities worldwide have been espousing. In Manila City the local government has open its door to anyone willing to be vaccinated. Let go of your fear. Act now because tomorrow is never promised.

 

REFLECTION

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As we go through the hurdles that 2022 will bring, perhaps it is also good to pause for a while and reflect. Reflection could help organize what seems to be a clash due to needs over wants.

At this time that the world has been living with the pandemic for the past two years already, there must now be a realization that life should be lived with care and meaning. 

While true that everyone is gifted by time but tomorrow is never promised. There are 24-hours in a day, seven days in a week, and 30-days in a month to complete the year cycle for 2022, and in between these periods one could either leave or come to life. Therefore, it would be good to know your sense of purpose, your mission in life because in this period of uncertainty anyone can go ahead of anyone. And for people living with uncertainty, they easily forget. Thus, you can either be forgotten after a month or you could be remembered for your support and what you have contributed.

So before missing the chance in this winding road, step up in putting extra meaning to life and living as not everyone gives value to waking up in the morning. This writer is no different to most people, as there are days that I look at life narrowly, and there are moments in a day that I can also feel the world, from their predicament to challenges. 

Truly, ordinary people are too small to do a quick change but if people would agree to make a common stand on how the people and the world should view and value life in this era, there is a chance to make it happen and instill change.

 

Plus if you will include God in your day-to-day activities it would be better, because with Him you can lift up all your troubles and worries (Jeremiah 29:11) that you can not easily share with anyone.