A Soulful Canadian Thanksgiving Celebration Filled with Love, Gratitude, and Filipino Flavors

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food — it’s about togetherness, gratitude, and the quiet joy of being with someone who makes life feel full. This year, our celebration was small — just the two of us — but it was enough to remind us that love doesn’t need a crowd to feel complete.

A Table Full of Stories and Flavors

Our Thanksgiving table was simple yet beautiful — a humble feast that spoke of comfort and care. We served roasted chicken, smoked turkey, and a spread of Filipino delicacies and desserts we lovingly bought to make the day special. The seafoods, however, were home-cooked with love, their aroma filling the room with warmth and memories. Each dish carried a quiet story — of shared dreams, laughter, and the sweet peace of being home together.

 A Celebration of Gratitude

As we sat beside each other, the room felt calm, yet our hearts were overflowing. There was no noise, no rush — just soft conversations, gentle smiles, and a deep sense of contentment. Thanksgiving reminded us that gratitude isn’t measured by how many gather around the table, but by how deeply we feel the blessings that already surround us.

In every bite and every shared glance, there was thankfulness — for love that endures, for peace that stays, and for the unspoken promise that we’ll always have each other.

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More Than a Feast

When the plates were cleared and the lights were dimmed, we looked around and realized that happiness doesn’t always come wrapped in noise or abundance. Sometimes, it’s found in the stillness of a moment — two hearts, one table, and a thousand unspoken words of gratitude.

The night ended softly — just us, the scent of food, and the glow of thankfulness that lingered in the air. It was quiet, but it was everything we needed.

Reflection on Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving this year wasn’t grand — but it was solemn, blissful and full of heart. It reminded us that love isn’t measured by numbers; it’s felt in the small gestures — the way we cook for each other, laugh over dessert, or hold hands in silence.

Sometimes, the most beautiful celebrations are the simplest ones — when you realize that the person sitting beside you is already your home.

We may not have had a crowded table, but our hearts were full — overflowing with gratitude, memories, and love that will last far beyond the season.

Del Make it Happen

©️ 2025 Del Cusay

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2025: The Lantern of Hope

When we feel stuck and not moving forward, there's an absence of light from within that serves as an internal compass. The light that guides us could have been dimmed momentarily, so we sincerely appreciate the light even in dark times.

This time of year, we celebrate the Lunar New Year in Vancouver. When we see and experience the Grand Parade in Vancouver's Chinatown, we feel great about the festive and vibrant way of welcoming the year.

This year's Lunar New Year, starting on January 29, 2025, is a widely celebrated event in cultures influenced by the Chinese community. The most anticipated part is the Grand Parade, which draws a hundred thousand spectators to witness the graceful dancers and the captivating dragon and lion dances. 

Living in Vancouver's late winter season, we were excited for the first significant snowfall on February 2, the day of the Grand Parade. However, the weather had other plans, and we had to forgo the opportunity to witness the vibrant event. 

The Grand Parade in 2023 and 2024 was a sight to behold, and we're always eager to be part of the festivity. Despite missing out this year, we are already looking forward to the next Lunar New Year, living in the positive spirit that it brings.

But then we discovered the "Lantern City," a visual display of giant and colorful lanterns in various locations in Vancouver. The lanterns are displayed until a few days after the Lantern Festival on February 12, which marks the end of the Lunar New Year.

On a sunny weekend, February 8, we seized the opportunity to explore the Lantern City. We visited three out of five locations: Robson Square, Pendulum Gallery, and Benthall Centre, each offering a unique and vibrant display of giant lanterns. 

Vancouver is a highly walkable city, so we could walk from one location to another. It took us an hour to see and appreciate the giant lanterns in three places.

The Lantern City started in 2019 when they invited Indigenous artists to paint their art on a giant lantern that turns into a colorful masterpiece. This visual bridging of cultures fosters a sense of unity and acceptance. It showcases an artistic rendition of one's emotions, ethnicity, and cultural background and is shared with a broader audience.

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The Lantern display in Robson Square was the most colorful and diverse, showcasing lanterns from various cultures, including a lantern painted by a Filipino artist, Mayo Landicho. He called his art "Armour of the Serpiente," representing the Filipino people's strength, courage, and resiliency.

The lantern and art display in the Pendulum Gallery showcases Taiwanese stories and culture, and the ones in Benthall Centre are giant lanterns similar to the Robson Square display. All these giant lanterns light up at night, giving vibrant and vivid glow-in-the-dark visuals.

The year 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake. It's a year of creativity, growth, and transformation. The previous years have been auspicious since they brought more extraordinary luck and success in many aspects of life.

I started celebrating the Lunar New Year, popularly called Chinese New Year, in 2013 in Binondo Chinatown in Manila, Philippines. That was the beginning of my journey to experience the Chinese culture and beliefs, which I've learned to adopt in my way of living.

• Celebrating 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

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020: Love, Peace, and Harmony 

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2022: Desire and Destiny 
• 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲
• 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿
  

I'm optimistic that this year of the Wood-snake will bring luck and prosperity. With the power of positive affirmations, things will manifest by God's will.

Renewal and transformation

This is the time to let go of the old and obsolete and embrace new habits and beliefs. The courage for personal renewal may be challenging, but our desire can bring meaningful and significant transformation in our lives. 

Wisdom and Growth

Seeking wisdom makes life meaningful as we tend to solve complex mysteries. A life full of wisdom makes us understand ourselves better, leading to a better version and letting go of our old selves. 

Hopes and Desires 

Living in fear only makes life miserable, but living in hope and desires makes life worth living. As we journey, we hope for the best and fulfill our heart's deepest desires. 

The Lantern City reminds us that in times of chaos and difficulty, we always have a chance to pause, enjoy, learn, and live our best lives. Amidst the darkness of life, there's always a lantern that sparks joy, lifts up the spirit, and gives lasting hope.

©️ 2025 Del Cusay

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠, 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨; 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩.

As I celebrate the Lunar New Year of 2024, I desire to be fearless and feisty. I must leave the energy of living in fear to unblock energies leading to success and prosperity.

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This year's Lunar New Year is special as we celebrate Vancouver's 50th Annual Lunar New Year Parade. Thousands of spectators participated and attended this colorful and festive event.

As I immerse myself in the vibrant celebrations of Vancouver's 50th Annual Lunar New Year Parade, I am struck by the profound sense of community and inclusivity in Chinatown. This event transcends cultural boundaries, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a shared experience of joy and excitement. Whether it's their first Lunar New Year or a familiar tradition, everyone is welcomed and feels the blessings of the Deity or Supreme Being.

It's the enthusiasm to feel connected to a unique and beautiful culture. It's the eagerness to learn and understand about a strong and vibrant culture. 

This year, as we welcome the auspicious Wood Dragon, I am reminded of the profound influence of a positive mindset. In Chinese beliefs, the Wood Dragon is the luckiest of all the animal signs, symbolizing high luck and prosperity. This resonates deeply with me, as I have experienced firsthand the power of a positive mindset in attracting positive manifestations.

Over the years, I have celebrated the Lunar New Year with joy and anticipation. Each celebration has been a testament to the power of positive manifestations in starting the year on a hopeful note. From new beginnings to auspicious celebrations, each Lunar New Year has brought its unique blessings and lessons. 

• Celebrating 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

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020: Love, Peace, and Harmony 

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2022: Desire and Destiny 
• 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲

I've learned to integrate cultural beliefs that are not unknown to me. It makes me happy to accept something new and believe in myself when it inspires positivity in those who believe.

My desire for this year is about the most valuable thing; to have the willpower to achieve my greatest desires and destiny. Luck and prosperity happen when I fight what's unwanted and unleash the fire within to bring out the best in me.

©️ 2024 Del Cusay

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙? 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨?

Our journey to a bigger world begins with the power of self-discovery. As we delve deeper into our own being, we unearth our potential and the profound impact we can have on the world around us. This process also liberates us from the shackles of fear and doubt, empowering us to shape our own destinies. 

It all starts with a simple question: Who are we, and what can we do to bring about positive change? This introspective journey can lead us to discover our unique abilities and how we can make a lasting impact on the lives of others and the communities we are part of. 

As we celebrate the year of the water rabbit, according to the Chinese animal sign, we have a moment of introspection for our greatest rediscovery and restart of our lives. 

The rabbit sign signifies springtime or rebirth, just as we would want to start a new world of living and experience. 

The rabbit is a gentle animal that commands peace and harmony. Like us, we would want to avoid hostility and violence in our thoughts and intentions. 

For me, the Lunar New Year is not just a cultural celebration, but a time for personal growth. It's when I do my yearly introspection, a great opportunity to make changes within ourselves, unblocking the path to peace and prosperity. 

• Celebrating 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

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020: Love, Peace, and Harmony 

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2022: Desire and Destiny 

Like many of you, I too am hopeful for a better life in the year of the water rabbit. We all yearn for brighter days and make decisions that we hope will lead us to a more fulfilling path. 

As we look forward to the year ahead, we must also take action to turn our hopes and dreams into reality, even in uncertainty. Our energy and determination will elevate our consciousness and enable us to live the fulfilling life we deserve—living our life ahead of its time. 

©️ 2023 Del Cusay

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲

𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙣, 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮. 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙠𝙞𝙙, 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨.

Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year. We sing Christmas carols, receive gifts from our loved ones, and eagerly anticipate the magical gifts from Santa Claus. 

Back then, on Christmas Eve in my home country, the Philippines, we celebrated mass together as a family and shared a meal for "Noche Buena." The joyous celebration, the warmth of family, and the shared love made it a truly special time. 

As a grown-up adult, I still find meaning and joy in celebrating Christmas. This year, however, will be a different experience. It will be my first Christmas away from my family in the Philippines, my first Christmas in Canada. 

Here at Lumagica in Surrey, Canada, it brings back wonderful memories of when I was a kid. The fascination with Christmas trees and lights, the joyful spirit of hearing Christmas carols, and the excitement of seeing Santa Claus are joyous celebrations that I'm thrilled to share with you all. 

Lumagica is a magical light festival with a North Pole winter wonderland theme. It aims to attract families and give them a spectacular white Christmas.

Christmas is fun for the whole family, the

adults, and the little ones. But for the grown-ups, there's always that kid in us. We shout for joy; we genuinely enjoy! 

Let this Christmas season bring back that glow in our faces and sparkle in our eyes like a child. Find the magical experience that Christmas brings. Find happiness and joy in our hearts.

 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay 

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀

𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮. 𝙄𝙩 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙙, 𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬, 𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮. 

We offer that glow to the world, the people around us, and everyone with whom we share our lives. 

But we may stumble and fall at the darkest moment when the light moves away. We kneel, we crawl, and we can hardly stand tall. 

In Richmond, British Columbia, 

we've found the brightest place to remind us 

to unleash our inner glow and become someone's dose of sunshine no matter what we can show. Before the summer ends, we travel to Richmond Country Farms, where the sunflower grows and truly glows. 

At the Richmond Sunflower Festival, you'll discover a diverse array of Sunflowers on a sprawling 20-acre property of this family-owned country farm. This unique summer attraction boasts a maze that guarantees a fun challenge and a U-pick area where you can select and take home freshly handpicked Sunflowers. 

Despite the challenges, the Richmond Sunflower Festival has continued to bloom, now in its fourth year since its inception just before the pandemic in 2019. This annual event has been a beacon of joy, bringing smiles to the faces of visitors during dark times. 

Summer is a time for fun and outdoor enjoyment under the sun. Like the sunflowers on the farm, we too can rise and shine again, grow and glow up again, and find joy and love in life once more. The sunflowers serve as a powerful symbol of resilience and growth, inspiring us to keep moving forward. 

©️  2022 Del Cusay

Surrey Fusion Festival Returns at Holland Park

The largest and most diverse festival in Western Canada returns in its 15th year. We celebrated and enjoyed a weekend of multicultural understanding and experiencing diversity in food, culture, live music, and entertainment.

British Columbians and Surrey residents once again gathered at Holland Park, a symbol of our resilience and the return to normalcy, two years after the pandemic. It had the largest crowd since it started in 2008, a hopeful sign of a more lively scene where everyone could enjoy various cultural offerings from different countries worldwide.

This year's Surrey Fusion Festival theme is COMMUNITY. A single word that describes how the world must be in difficult times where global health threats have affected us to live, interact, and socialize. The theme of 'COMMUNITY' was chosen to emphasize the importance of coming together and supporting each other during these challenging times, and to celebrate the strength and resilience of our diverse community.

The 40 pavilions, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, included the Latin countries of Bolivia, Argentina, and Columbia; Asian countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia; African countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria; European countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands; Southwestern Pacific countries like Tonga and Fiji, and Caribbean countries like Barbados and the Cayman Islands. Each pavilion was a unique window into their food, culture, arts, music, and dance.

The pandemic seems over as the crowd cheers for fun and a manic vibe. The delicious authentic food, arts, dance, and music draw people to taste and experience world cultures in one venue.

Other features include a wellness garden, a serene space where people can learn and experience yoga and meditation, and an Indigenous Village where visitors can learn about Indigenous culture through traditional cultural sharing. Global beer and wine tasting offers the chance to sip some cold beverages from around the world, and a cultural cooking arena hosts a cooking competition. Also, there are stages where world-class performers share their talents with the crowd.

It was a great experience to have celebrated the Surrey Fusion Festival for the first time, and I would be glad to make it a yearly event to celebrate and have fun. Community is about the spirit of camaraderie that builds bridges for multicultural understanding and inclusivity. We unite to bring peace, love, and compassion to make our world a better place to live in and for the next generations to preserve and enrich their own culture for the world to see and embrace.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Seafood Celebration in Steveston

It's getting warmer in Canada in the second half of the Spring season, and this is an ideal time to get out and enjoy the sunshine on the waterfront and patio.

Many people are eagerly anticipating the return of outdoor fun in the Steveston, British Columbia, fisherman's wharf. The fishing village is coming back to life after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and the air is filled with excitement for the much-awaited Spot prawn and seafood celebration from May 6 to June 5. 

For seafood lovers, this is a unique opportunity to witness and purchase the freshest catch of spot prawns and other seafood, all sold directly from the fishing vessel in a floating seafood market. It's an experience that's sure to pique your interest.

This is a chance for seafood lovers to see and buy fresh catch spot prawns and other seafood sold directly from the fishing vessel in a floating seafood market.

Located just a stone's throw away from Garry Point Park, the fisherman's wharf offers a delightful stroll along the promenade up to the restaurant patio, providing a perfect setting to relax and bask in the rejuvenating sea breeze. 

The take-home fresh spot prawn is the star of the show, and for good reason. It's one of the best varieties, with a crispier, firmer texture and a superior taste. Its popularity is evident as people eagerly line up to purchase a pound or more, making it a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

The good thing about the fishing industry in Canada is that the Government actively regulates product quality, public health, and safety. The fishermen can only sell a specific variety of seafood they're licensed to harvest. They need to hold and display a license on their stall and display a whiteboard that lists the species they're selling, the area of harvest, and the name of the vessel used for harvesting. That information safeguards the public that they only sell the highest quality products at the fish sales float.

A visit to Steveston Harbour celebrates reviving the fishing industry and supporting local fishermen in British Columbia. This place has plenty of marine life, vendors selling the highest quality products, and abides by the fishing industry's laws and regulations. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

122nd Philippine Independence Day: Holding the Line

We can never attain absolute freedom if we're still a slave through the colonial mentality and feeling inferior to other races. The same thing is that we can't be free when our government is terrorizing and putting down its people. 

That may be our very own story today. The state of our current societal freedom. A prisoner of faith and hope.

Our valiant heroes fought not just to free us from foreign invasion and rule, but to instill in us a resilience that transcends generations. The pain and struggle they endured have left an indelible mark on our being, a legacy passed down in the blood flowing from our veins by our Forefathers.

Today, Philippine society may have evolved through the years, but it's crucial that the new generations of young Filipinos remain connected to our history. It's our past that shapes our present and guides our future, not just the modern living of comfort and convenience.

Today's society, however, is still struggling to defend our freedom to express ourselves freely. That freedom of expression is being threatened and taken away.

We can be the most law-abiding citizens, but that doesn't mean we will remain silent and blind to what's happening in the government; how it's being run affects the way we live. We follow the rules and regulations, but that doesn't mean we will also track and have a higher tolerance for wrongdoings, abuse of power, and rampant human rights violations.

Philippine society today is at risk of losing its voice—the voice of the masses—the powerless and the most vulnerable.

People critical of the government are being silenced through harassment and false accusations; the worst is detention. If this can happen to political personalities and mass media, it can happen to almost anyone with the most vital voice of dissent or opposition.

I believe we have a good democracy, but what happens when the government has massive power for manipulation, tripping, intimidation, and control. Slowly, public dissent is being killed. No more voice to speak up, or you may be served a sentence without due process of law.

Democracy is what this country survived and thrived for over a century; otherwise, we may still be a colony and in control of a mighty nation. But, with our excellent resistance to put an end to foreign rule, we became a winner -- we regained our independence and freedom.

People can now discern right and wrong, what is real or just manipulation, and express their thoughts with higher judgment and discrimination.

If the government attempts to silence us, let us remember our power. The power vested in our leaders comes from the people, and we can take it away from them. We must hold the line, knowing that the government's control is always temporary.

When we know how to hold the line, we can protect ourselves and uphold our freedom—the freedom that we Filipinos deserve. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

Timeless Loving Memories

Mother. That's one precious and sweetest word we could hear. It's not just a word but brought into action by a remarkable, loving woman. 

The sweetest smile, the warmest hug, the thoughtful gesture, and the selfless love. That describes our Mother. Someone we can truly lean on in good times and bad times. Someone who makes us feel loved and cared for. Someone we can depend on.

Today, the world is celebrating Mother's Day, and we honor and revere them in a unique way of remembering their most significant role in our existence. 

A Mother's value and significance may be felt differently by each of us, but it is a universal truth. The world is indebted to the Mothers who brought us into this world and raised us.

On this day, we not only celebrate our mothers but also our GrandMothers, sisters, Aunts, and all the Other maternal figures who have shaped us. Let's remember their greatness and the timeless loving memories they've given us.

The world may be changing, but our Mother's love remains constant, yesterday, today, and in the years to come, even in our lifetime and beyond.

We express our love and gratitude to all mothers, and to those who have personally impacted or influenced our lives. Your love and guidance have made us who we are today.

This is not just a day of celebration but a lifetime of honoring and remembering our mothers, our greatest love who shows us endless love. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2020: Faith in Uncertain Times

In observance of Holy Week, we focus our energies and strength on the solemnity of Christ's passion, death, and coming resurrection. 

We leave our worries behind. That's the most respectful thing we can do since we live by Christ's promises. GOD is in control, and we put our trust and faith in Him.

This year's Lenten season and Holy Week hold a unique significance. It's a time we haven't experienced in decades, a time when we are confined to our homes and celebrate masses through live TV broadcasts. We can't partake in the Good Friday procession or celebrate Easter with the usual freedom of expression. Yet, these limitations offer us a chance to find new ways to express our love and gratitude.

During this Lenten season, families celebrate Sunday Holy Mass at home, we do the virtual Visita Iglesia online, and we get to kneel on our Holy Altar at home.

This year, we can't go to places on a pilgrimage. We can't show our love through hugs and kisses, but we offer a different kind of love in the distance. To show love to people, we need to keep our distance. A tough love.

Despite the uncertainties we face, we find comfort in the love shared by the religious leaders of God. Our Pope, Bishops, and Priests are there, ensuring our spiritual needs are met and reminding us of God's enduring love.

We can gather with our family at home and listen to God's words. We can also light a candle and offer a prayer. 

As I make my Holy Week retreat in our sky garden, I can see, hear, and feel God's Holiness and loving presence through His natural creations and masterpieces. We have been blessed to live in a natural sanctuary of solemnity and solitude to experience God's Divinity.

He is not absent; He is there with us in the comfort of our homes, wrapped in His loving arms. He is forever in our hearts and transforms our lives.

Yes, we may be living in this time of uncertainty, but we are learning to slow down, to live in stillness, and to notice and appreciate even the little things that matter in our lives.

On this Good Friday, we continue to pray and observe the Holy Burial through the Holy image of the Santo Entierro. We believe that Christ has died to save humanity. Its significance lies in our personal experience and journey when He reveals His Holiness to us.

May this silence and solitude of Holy Week be a time for us to pause and reflect. It's an opportunity to realign our hopes and dreams, to reassess what truly matters and holds value in our lives. This is a crucial moment to listen to our inner voice and steer our lives towards a more meaningful path.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Holy Week 2019: Our Personal Journey to Calvary