Alluring Walk at the Japanese Garden

A little sanctuary in the busy Metropolis of Manila is a Japanese garden to honor the friendship between the two great cultures. The garden near Rizal Park offers nature lovers a serene environment suitable for strolling and meditating. 

What makes this Japanese garden truly unique is the infusion of Filipino elements, creating a delightful blend of two distinct cultures. The park, while well-maintained, also holds the promise of further evolution, with potential improvements that could enhance its modernity and Japanese essence.

A little Japanese pagoda serves as the main entrance, with Japanese grass on the aisle that is a pleasantly alluring walk towards the greener foliage of the garden. The landscape makes it a good place for growing trees and shrubs, and the lush greenery ambiance genuinely soothes the senses, making it healthy for an early morning walk and exercise.

Inside is the veranda for relaxation or other activities like meditation or recollection. One just needs to sit down and relax and enjoy the stillness of the place and the calmness it offers. A momentary relief from stress is experienced if one has to do deep breathing and physical awareness.

The lawn on the hilly side, adorned with shrubs and Japanese bamboo, exudes a revitalizing energy. Observing the bamboo's resilience against the wind, its ability to sway and bend without losing its firm root, is a powerful metaphor for life's challenges. Just like the bamboo, we too can weather the storms and remain steadfast, embracing life's natural flow.

The Japanese bamboo looks thin and weak but has survived the extreme weather and even the aftermath of a typhoon. There's no room to look down on oneself or others despite who and what you are. Like bamboo, people may look weak but are strong and continue to grow and achieve the maximum result.

Although an arch bridge is more elegant, a flat bridge across the pond is fantastic if one has to reach the other side of the garden. Built-in concrete and wooden materials add a little aesthetics and charm to the park.

A pebbled pathway invites you to a leisurely stroll, offering glimpses of the evergreen trees, rock formations, and ornamental features. The garden, enclosed within a perimeter fence, bestows a sense of exclusivity, making local and foreign tourists feel privileged to witness its unique beauty.

A piece of art commonly displayed in a Japanese garden is a 'gong,' a percussion instrument used in ancient Japanese tradition to honor the presence of a higher authority. It has a low and monotone sound but can reach maximum loudness when struck forcefully. A visitor can strike the gong with the mallet using minimal force to produce a sound. Succeeding strikes can be made strongly, producing different tones if desired.

Visiting the Japanese garden is worthwhile, and coming back can be irresistible. An excellent place to escape from too much environmental noise and to give oneself a rejuvenating experience⁠— not in a faraway place, but only in the heart of the metropolis.

© 2013 Del Cusay

Celebrating The Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo

The feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo, a celebration steeped in rich historical significance, has been integral to our cultural and religious heritage for centuries. Established by an Augustinian friar in the 16th century, the church, perched on elevated land in Tondo, Manila, is a testament to our enduring faith and traditions.

The feast is celebrated on the third Sunday of January, a date that holds significant religious importance. This day has been visited by thousands of devotees and pilgrims nationwide. Several activities are witnessed, including the fluvial procession of the holy image of Sto. Niño, mass celebration, and street dancing.

As I celebrated the mass on this day, I was struck by the sight of thousands gathered inside the church and near the parish. The presence of infants and toddlers, carried by their parents to receive Divine blessings, was a powerful testament to our collective faith and the profound sense of community this feast fosters.

The relic of Sto. Niño, a representation of the child Jesus, is considered one of the oldest in the country. The Spanish authorities brought it to influence and embrace Christianity as a religion, making it a symbol of religious faith. This act played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the Philippines. Since then, the devotees have shared many miracles that made it widely known as it is today.

In Cebu City, located in the central Philippines, the feast of Sto. Niño de Cebu is also celebrated by millions of Cebuanos and visitors from different places in the Philippines. Even foreign tourists visit the city to witness the grand parade known as the 'Sinulog Festival, a spectacular event featuring a grand procession of beautifully adorned floats, colorful costumes, and lively street dancing.

The 'Sinulog' is a vibrant and colorful festival that is a major part of the Sto. Niño de Cebu celebration. Niño de Cebu celebration. Several groups or tribes, known as 'Sinulog contingents, 'are dressed elegantly and dance gracefully, along with the beat of drums and other instruments. This yearly event, known as the 'Sinulog Festival ', features a grand procession of beautifully adorned floats, colorful costumes, and lively street dancing. It captures the attention of many people and is visited by millions just to participate and celebrate in honor of Sto. Niño.

Many places in the country celebrate the feast of Sto. Niño and shows the religious devotion of the people to the child Jesus. Despite the misfortune and misery in people's lives, faith in God is still a powerful weapon to remain strong and faithful.

It takes courage and determination to be optimistic in times of difficulty, and the Filipino people have shown remarkable resilience and survival. The colorful costumes, the magnificent parades, and the festive atmosphere are not just for show; they celebrate our unwavering faith and the indomitable strength we draw from it.

Viva Sto. Niño!

© 2013 Del Cusay

Nazareno 2013: Celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene

"Our personal devotion reminds us to be positive and to go on with our lives; improve and make it better; serve others; love unconditionally, and become a guiding light."



Many Filipinos, united by their shared faith, consider the image of the Black Nazarene miraculous and a symbol of their collective devotion. Every 9th January, this shared faith brings thousands of devotees together to celebrate and show their piety before the holy image. 

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is the place of "Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno" in Spanish or "Our Father Jesus the Nazarene" in English and in the Filipino Language called "Mahal na Poong Nazareno." It is considered one of the most venerated holy images of Christ Jesus in the Philippines. Spanish Authorities brought it to Manila via Mexico during its occupation.

Since then, there have been various theories regarding the unique black color of the image. Some believe it symbolizes the suffering of Christ, while others see it as a representation of the Filipino people's resilience and faith. Though there is no official story about how it got its color, the idea has attracted millions of Filipinos not mainly because of its uniqueness but because of the devotees' personal spiritual experiences.

Many people have shared their testimonials about answered prayers and special intentions, and that's how the church became a popular pilgrimage site among Filipino Christians. Throughout the years, people may change, and almost everything in its surroundings may have changed, but the image remains the icon of faith to devoted Filipino Christians.

My personal experiences at the Black Nazarene shrine have been deeply rewarding. Through my visits, I have celebrated the mass, venerated the holy image, and made petitions that have been granted, all of which I consider blessings from God. 

On this day, I got the chance to visit Quiapo church and celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene for the first time. Light rain showered upon us while entering the church, but it was still a blessing.  It was a tremendous devotional experience as I strengthened my faith and expressed my spiritual vow, a promise to live my life in a way that honors the teachings of Christ. This vow has guided me in my daily actions and decisions.

There's a long procession of replicas of the Black Nazarene around the streets of Manila, and it is flocked by more than a million devotees who have tried to reach out to the divine image. Unique clothes with a printed image of the Nazarene are rubbed in the image, which is believed to bring a miracle or a blessing. I have never seen it personally, but I want to witness the scenario even once in a lifetime. 

The significance of this event is not just a religious obligation but also a call to become more Christ-centered: to express and receive love, show compassion and empathy, remove doubts and fear, and strengthen our faith despite the challenges in everyday life. 

Our devotion reminds us to be positive and continue our lives, improve and make them better, serve others, love unconditionally, and become a guiding light.

© 2013 Del Cusay

New Year 2013: Blissful Journey, Greatest Love and Thanksgiving

May this year be a more fun and joyful journey. There will be some places to explore, from the bustling streets of New York to the serene beaches of Bali, wonderful people to meet, from different cultures and walks of life, and exciting adventures to experience, like skydiving or learning a new language. Life is worth living, and there's always a way to celebrate. 

2012 has brought so many good memories that I will forever cherish. Those memories are my learning experiences that will benefit my growth and well-being. From the challenges at work that taught me resilience to the personal struggles that strengthened my character, every experience has contributed to my development. Though there were moments of despair, life must still go on and be able to rise up and take control. 

The previous year was a battlefield of challenges, and I am grateful I've emerged victorious. It may be hard to think, but the result seems lovely and rewarding. Life in 2012 was a series of uphill battles, but I have made it, conquered my fear, and survived the challenges. The joy of overcoming these hurdles is genuinely inspiring.

Looking back at my 2012 new year celebration, I've written "My Goals and Wishes for 2012" (click to read). After the weekly reflection, I have compiled a list of things I wish for 2012. I've written it in a peaceful, serene environment in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. The place is perfect for meditation as it is quiet and can concentrate in a deep meditative state. 

I'm grateful for accomplishing my 'goals and wishes' for 2012. I wanted to be clearer and more specific about my goals beyond my personal desires. Some were attainable, some have been granted, and some are still in the process. 

For this year, 2013, my goals and wishes are just the same as the previous year, but I just want to be more specific.  I have come up with the list below:

Family - to be free from harm, conflict, and illness.

Health - to be more physically fit and active. 

Career - to be more responsible and produce results.

Lifestyle - to be more balanced in personal and social living. 

Personal Development - to acquire virtues and values for growth and transformation. 

May this year be a more fun and joyful journey. There will be some places to explore, wonderful people to meet, and exciting adventures to experience. Life is worth living, and there's always a way to celebrate. Let's embark on this journey with excitement and optimism. 

Success is not a destination, but it is in the process of achieving the goal. More important is the ultimate fulfillment of desires--it is forever in my heart and mind as a reminder of the journey I've taken and the growth I've experienced. 

A blessed year, 2013!

© 2013 Del Cusay