Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts

Monday, February 12, 2024

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 have the desire to be fearless and feisty. I have to leave the energy of living in fear to unblock energies leading to success and prosperity.

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


In Vancouver Chinatown, I can see and feel the cultural inclusion and integration. The event is celebrated by people coming from different cultures and diverse backgrounds. Everyone seems thrilled and excited whether it's their first Lunar New Year experience or a regular event spectator, everyone feels welcomed and blessed by a Deity or Supreme being.

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

This year we welcome and celebrate the Wood Dragon. It's considered the luckiest of all the Chinese Animal signs. It brings the highest luck and prosperity in Chinese beliefs. This resonates with me as I believe in the power of a positive mindset to attract positive manifestations.


I've celebrated Lunar New Year through the years and I can attest to the power of manifestations to start the year right. 

I've learned to integrate cultural beliefs that are not unknown to me. It gave me a sense of happiness to accept something new and believe in myself when they inspire positivity for 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. I believe that 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

Sunday, January 22, 2023

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 bigger world begins with us. When we discover more about ourselves, we realize our potential and how we can significantly impact the outside world while eliminating our fears and doubts. 

It begins when we question who we are and what we can do to make a difference and lasting impact on other people's lives and the community we live. 

As we celebrate the year of the water rabbit according to the Chinese animal sign, we have a moment for 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. 

I do my yearly introspection during the Lunar New Year, and it's a great time to make changes in ourselves if we want to unblock the path leading to peace and prosperity. 


We hope for a better life this year of the water rabbit. We keep on hoping for better days ahead. And we are hoping for the best decisions that will guide our path. 

As we are hopeful for the best year ahead, we also take action to fulfill our highest hopes and dreams despite the uncertainties. Our energy would bring us to a higher level of consciousness and allow us to live the best life we deserve -- living our life ahead of its time. 

©️ 2023 Del Cusay

Sunday, December 18, 2022

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 sang Christmas carols, received gifts from our loved ones, and anticipated 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." Family is forever. We had a joyous celebration together. 

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 time celebrating Christmas away from my family in the Philippines. It's my first Christmas in Canada. 



Here at Lumagica in Surrey, Canada, it brings back wonderful memories of when I was a kid. There's a fascination with Christmas trees and lights, the joyful spirit of hearing Christmas carols, and the excitement of seeing Santa Claus. 

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 

Sunday, September 18, 2022

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 certain 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. 

You can find different varieties of Sunflowers on a 20-acre property of this family-owned country farm that's genuinely a must-see summer attraction. They have a maze where you'll easily find a way out and a U-pic to take home freshly handpicked Sunflowers. 



It's the fourth year of the Richmond Sunflower Festival since it started just before the pandemic hit in 2019. The annual event didn't stop notable visitors; it put a smile on their faces when the world seemed dark, and people were down. 

Summer is fun, and we must enjoy the outdoors under the sun. Like the sunflowers on the farm, we can rise and shine again, grow and glow up again, smile and be lovable again. 

©️  2022 Del Cusay


Sunday, July 24, 2022

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 two years after the pandemic. It was the largest crowd since it started in 2008, perhaps due to the people's desire to reunite and bring back a more lively scene where everyone can enjoy a wide variety of cultural offerings from different countries in the world.

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 40 pavilions 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. These are some of the 40 pavilions that showcased 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 where people can learn and experience yoga and meditation in an Indigenous Village to learn about their culture through traditional cultural sharing, Global beer, and wine tasting to sip some cold beverages from around the world and a cultural cooking arena for a showdown in 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

Sunday, June 5, 2022

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 visit and have fun outdoors in the Steveston, British Columbia, fisherman's wharf. The fishing village is alive again after two years since the pandemic, and they are excited about the much-awaited Spot prawn and seafood celebration from May 6 to June 5. 

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.

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.

The fisherman's wharf is just a few meters from Garry Point Park, and people enjoy strolling the promenade up to the restaurant patio. It's an excellent way to unwind and enjoy the healing benefits of a sea breeze. 

A take-home fresh spot prawn is the highlight since it's one of the best varieties. It's crisper, firmer, and tastes better. It's the most in demand as people line up to buy a pound or more.

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

Friday, June 12, 2020

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


Sunday, May 10, 2020

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

Friday, April 10, 2020

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

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Saturday, January 25, 2020

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 experiencing 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.


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.

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


Wednesday, January 1, 2020

New Year 2020: A New Decade

It's now the 20s! The new decade has started. It is a new beginning, with new hope and new aspirations.


The decade of the 2010s  has ended, and the new 2020s has started and seems brighter. We have welcomed the new year and decade with a more excellent vision. And so our mission will go a long way toward reaching other milestones and breakthroughs over the next decade. 

The previous year, 2019, was a great moment for our family as we welcomed blessings that will leave a lasting impact a living legacy.

In 2020, the new decade offered a glimpse of a shining and promising future—a vision of a distant future that we eagerly anticipate. 


We celebrated the new year with a simple yet meaningful family gathering at the farm. This was the first-ever New Year we spent outdoors and in nature, a joyous occasion that brought us closer together. 

What the future is like 

As we enjoy the serenity, we are already looking forward to the life our grandparents envisioned for their family and offspring.

My grandfather is a great visionary. He sees opportunities for sustainable living such as [specific opportunities] and is there to tell the great story of his humble beginnings—how he started it all. 


For us, his grandchildren, that was a story and an inspiration to realize our potential and live better lives. Through his example, he not only inspires us but also instills in us the importance of family values and virtues. 

Teaching the minds of young ones

When I was at the farm, I was eager to listen to my father's words of wisdom. This may be why I have learned to embrace farm life the way they do. 

Again, for the new year, my Father inspired us all, including his grandchildren, about the value of nature through a simple tree-planting activity. The kids were eager to plant a dwarf coconut tree under my Father's guidance. To touch the soil isn't to get a dirty hand but to reap what they have sowed in years to come.


That tree-planting activity was momentous since they planted in the new year and a new decade, 2020. When they visit the farm, they will see how it will grow and bear fruits in years to come.

A promising future awaits 

In the next two decades, about twenty years from now, our hometown will be more livable and offer more excellent and sustainable opportunities. 

We were born and raised in this place we call home, and we will always come back to see its development and create the future we envisioned. 

What a great start to the year. We took a deep breath and breathed it out. We feel lighter and calmer. We are more inspired, and we would want a life that is on the positive side.

A new year and a new decade, 2020! A new journey, a new road ahead, a new crossroads to overcome, and a unique, soulful moment to live.

© 2020 Del Cusay


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Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Birthday Special: Celebrating our Mother's 66th Birthday


When born into this world, we are blessed with the gift of life, which is something to be grateful for. We are bound to a journey of knowing our life purpose. 

Since birth, our Mother has guided and raised us well. She nurtures and protects us until we live our own lives. She made many sacrifices for us to have a brighter future. She loves her family and us, and her energy is about having a family to love and care for and guiding her children to know our life purpose and follow our path.

As we grow to adulthood, our Mother is still there to support us and share life lessons and wisdom. Her years of life experiences have made her stronger and wiser, and she is always there to listen and provide guidance. She is our best counselor, always ready to offer her wisdom and support in times of need.


Today, we honor our Mother as she celebrates her 66th birthday. She deserves the best for her selfless love for our family and the religious community she had chosen to serve. 

Her love has grown beyond self, creating a ripple of goodwill to us, her children. She will be our guiding light and our strength. As we age, we understand her selfless sacrifices and her fight for a better life.

We wish our Mother the best of life as she celebrates her 66th birthday. May she continue to follow her dreams and make them come true. Her goals and visions of the future are bright, and we are hopeful to catch a glimpse of that light as we grow and move further for a meaningful life.

© 2019 Del Cusay



Monday, September 2, 2019

Birthday Special: Love and Gratitude

Birthdays mark a new beginning, a new cycle of life. They are a testament to our resilience, a day to remember how we've weathered life's storms, lived our best lives, and emerged stronger from every challenge.


Life, as I've come to understand, is a series of cycles. There are highs and lows, moments of joy, and times of struggle. Each cycle, like a roller-coaster, has its own unique challenges and rewards. Some cycles have empowered me, filling me with energy and determination to bring my ideas to life. Others have tested me, leading to moments of introspection and growth.

Just before the birthday, the life cycle was a purification time to break negative thoughts and obsolete beliefs. It involved letting go of unpleasant emotions and moving forward for a brighter side, a more excellent cycle of renewal and strong will. 

I was born more than three decades ago on this day, marking the first cycle of life that gives meaning and power. The most critical time of the year is celebrating our precious birthdate. This is when we extend our wishes
 to our loved ones. 

The gift of a good life is the fundamental source of gratitude, and I share its goodness with my family, friends, and dear ones with love and compassion. Their presence in my life is a constant reminder of my blessings.


As I embark on this new cycle of life, one of the best gifts I can give myself is the gift of 'a break'. This break is not about stopping or slowing down but about taking a moment to appreciate the journey so far and gather the energy to continue moving forward. I want to express my deepest love and gratitude for my parents, who have shown me the beauty of a simple, slow-paced life. 

As I embark on another life cycle, I aspire to be a beacon of love and light, not just for my family, but for all those I encounter. Age is just a number, and with each passing year, I strive to live a life that reflects Divine love and light.

Another life cycle will rock my world, but I want to keep my faith and stay above circumstances beyond my control. I have conquered my weaknesses, and this time is the beginning of making the best things possible through Divine power, love, and light. The cycle of life is God's greatest delight. 

© 2019 Del Cusay




Wednesday, June 12, 2019

121st Philippine Independence Day: Our Struggle for National Identity and Unity


T
he present-day "Pearl of the Orient Seas" underwent a massive transformation in terms of Socio-cultural, political, and economic factors, but since the beginning of Philippine civilization, we may have had one of the greatest challenges of all time: to learn about our identity and to achieve national unity.


Las Islas Filipinas, under the Spanish regime, has made a great effort to map our thousands of islands, naming and renaming the places and trying to unify the Filipino people while imposing on their culture and religion.

Spanish influences, as evidenced by our religion, festivals, food, music, and dances, have thrived through centuries. We have celebrated cultural and religious fiestas in honor of Patron Saints. We serve Spanish dishes like Adobo, Afritada, Caldereta, Menudo, Mechado, Arroz Caldo, and Arroz a la Valenciana. We have Spanish influences in our folk dances like the Fandangos; we have the most popular Pandango sa Ilaw, or Dance with Light, which originated in Mindoro province. Another is the Pandango Oasiwas (Wasiwas), which originated from the fishing town of Lingayen, Pangasinan. We have several La Jota dances like La Jota San Joaquiña, which originated from San Joaquin, Iloilo. And we also have an affectionate dance, CariñosaThese are some of the Philippine folk dances I had the opportunity to be part of in High school until College, which made me appreciate our Philippine Arts and culture even more and up to date.

With the treaty of Paris in 1898, Spain sold us to the United States for 20 million dollars, which concluded the Spanish-American war. Then came the declaration of the first Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, headed by Emilio Aguinaldo at Kawit, Cavite. We thought Americans were on our side, but we suffered a significant defeat in the Philippine-American war from 1899 until 1902. We had been under their rule until they granted us independence on July 4, 1946 ⁠—our absolute independence.

During American rule, we started a modern way of living and had our new identity Americanized. We had free education from the Thomasites and learned the English language. The Filipinos had religious freedom by establishing new religions founded by Filipinos. Today, there are several American influences on our culture; we eat hamburgers, sandwiches, and oatmeal. We dine at fast-food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and KFC. We wear polo shirts, belts, tennis shoes, baseball caps, coats, and ties. Filipinos love American culture as we continue to speak English, which is also a great job opportunity for workers in the Business Process Outsourcing industry. We appreciate American music and dance, and some Filipinos covet the American dream of living and working in the land of the free Uncle Sam.

During World War 2, the Japanese occupation came in 1941 and invaded our Islands and had contributed little cultural influence for about 3 years. Still, they have left us with painful experiences, struggles, and deaths. For the shortest time of Japanese occupation, the most significant influence would be 'discipline' due to the imposition of curfew. Today, Japanese influence has been part of our culture as we have embraced their martial arts like Karate, Judo, and the Filipino version, Karatedo. We have Japanese elements in our gardens. We eat sushi, sashimi and Ramen. Some Filipinos are eager to visit Japan because it is an ultra-modern nation with natural wonders and a better way of living as a first-world country in the East.

Over three centuries of Spanish settlement, four decades of American rule, and three years of Japanese occupation, we have absorbed and integrated various elements from these cultures into our own. While painful memories of the past may haunt us, we can also appreciate the richness and diversity these influences have brought to our Filipino identity.

Today, foreign invasions have not ended yet. Trade wars are happening between economic giants from the East and the West. Religious wars are endless in different cities of the world. There is bullying of a more enormous country over a dot on a map in the Pacific. In the face of these threats, it is more crucial than ever that we, as Filipinos, stand united.

We Filipinos may have a world-class spirit and be globally competitive people. Still, with the current trend of globalization, the desire to be different, a colonial mentality, and confusion about our identity, it is our responsibility to preserve and uphold our unique Filipino identity in this 21st century.

This day, June 12, 2019, marks the 121st anniversary of Philippine Independence. It's my first time celebrating a momentous event in Rizal Park's historical place. Witnessing the flag-raising ceremony on this day gave me a glimpse of a nostalgic past and a vision of an uncertain future. 


Today, retaining our real Filipino identity is indeed challenging, and achieving unity for all Filipinos is even more difficult. From the Katolikos (Catholics) of the North down to the Moros of the South. The fight of the Manobos and the killing of the lumads. The struggles of the Aetas, Igorots, and Mangyans. The differences between Tagalog and Bisaya. The war between the Philippine armed forces and the local terrorist groups. Diverse groups and cultures strive to establish and secure their local and indigenous identity while striving for significance with national identity to be a Filipino and be proud to say that I Am a Filipino. 

The solemnity of the flag-raising ceremony on this day signifies our unity in diversity. We may come from different Philippine Islands, but we aspire to raise our voices even in silence, to raise our dignity, and to raise our humanity. With Freedom in Our Heartswe can achieve lasting peace and unity by instilling a sense of national pride and distinctive identity.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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