The Summer Waves and The Agoho Trees

What makes summer memorable is having fun under the sun, getting sunburned, and getting a natural tan. The end of May is just perfect for a sunny beach escapade. This is a great time to feel the summer breeze of the sea, unwind, and enjoy the serenity. 

In the peaceful town of San Narciso in the Province of Zambales in the Western Philippines, I have found one of the finest beach resorts; Crystal Beach. The ash-grey sand turns white on a sunny day and into glittering sand at night.

I was in love with the beach in Liwliwa, a nearby town, but I was amazed by the relaxed ambiance of Crystal Beach in San Narciso. Here, I can sit on a seashore for hours while staring at the horizon and watching the waves. 

A deep inhalation is like breathing in the air, which brings complete relaxation and healing. That's the power of nature—the power to heal and transform. It's a natural medicine and must be prescribed by modern medicine. 

When the waves get stronger at night, I feel the calm wind with a mist. As I lay down on the chair facing the sea, I could hear a relaxing beat of acoustic music, bringing an upbeat vibe to a soulful night.

From the healing waves of the sea, there's one thing that gives off fresher air: hundreds of Agoho trees not far away from the shore. These tall, slender trees, part of the pine family, stand majestically against the sky, their long needles rustling in the breeze. The gentle swaying of the Agoho trees, accompanied by the soothing sound of their needles brushing against each other, helps rejuvenate after a moment of silence.

The Agoho trees would be part of my mental picture of the place. It's quite a different ambiance. They cool the surroundings on a hot summer day. They excite me as I wake up to breathe deeply and glimpse the shore.

Crystal Beach will always be one of the best on my list. I would love to return and spend time there with my loved ones. We have a lot more to explore in this Philippine archipelago. And this is achieved one place at a time—one beach at a time. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

Sunday Thanksgiving: A Victorious Journey

A milestone was achieved when we worked together for a common cause—a strategic operation that is mission accomplished. It was a thousand miles, yet a fulfilled journey. 

It all started in 1998 when a Divine calling for public service was initiated. My Father was chosen and called to serve the people. At first, there was resistance, a protest due to fear. However, in the end, we all agreed and listened to the Divine call. 

As a three-termer legislator, my Father showed courage and perseverance. He may have had his fair share of struggles, but stood up and fought for the common good. 

With the values he upheld and the principles he instilled, he was never frightened of those in higher authority. 

In 2007, after his 3rd term of public service, he returned to business and enjoyed farming as a hobby, a source of joy and serenity. 

In 2013, at 61, he was back in public service and became the head of our town's Office of Senior Citizen Affairs. 

He advocated for the rights and benefits of the elderly in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. 

On May 14, 2016, after 9 years since his last public service as a municipal councilor, he decided to come back to answer his constituents' calls. On May 15, a day after the midterm election, he was declared for another seat. He actively serves the public's interest through local legislation and resolutions that will benefit the general public and uplift the people's lives. 

On May 13, 2019, during the Midterm election, my father was declared a winner for his second term. He will continue his public service, speak out, and fight for the rights of his constituents. He will continue to advocate for our town's agricultural economy and livelihood and stand up for the welfare of the public transportation sector—his major committee chairmanship. 

My father is forever thankful for his constituents and everyone who supported him on his political journey. His love of public service remains even when he is not in the position. He speaks loudly about his advocacy for general assistance in the community. He is leaving a legacy for his love of society. He is forever grateful to God for his victory. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

Mother's Day Special: A Sweet Embrace

A Mother's love, enduring and unwavering, is a constant presence in our lives. Her compassion and tender care nourish our soul and spirit, shaping us into who we are.

Today, as we celebrate Mother's Day, it reminds us of what we have become due to motherly love and care. As we reminisce about our childhood, our Mother was there to comfort us when we were afraid, care for us when we were sick and in pain, and push us forward when we were frightened or timid.

Looking back at the past is all about the struggles and sacrifices of our Mothers, but looking forward to the future, it's about the higher hopes and positive spirits that our Mothers have instilled in us. We will still feel a sweet embrace —a tight hug that symbolizes love.

Today and in the years to come, we may not be together every day and will be miles away, but the soulful connection binds us together, reminding us that distance can never diminish the love we share.

Our Mother, the love of our life, has given us the gift of the best life she could offer. Her love is a treasure that will enrich our lives forever.


© 2019 Del Cusay

Living in Faith: The Greatest CEO Alive

"Our greatest CEO doesn't fire people, but He is forgiving. He doesn't hate and curse, but He is kind and loving. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And so when life seems so dark, let us remember that there is one greatest CEO alive who is there for the rescue. For His love is greater, for He is a true Master."

In our world today, more people are becoming obsessed and are a fan of grandiose titles just as People magazine's "The sexiest man/woman alive" or Time magazine's "Most Influential People in the world" and Forbes magazine's "World's Most Powerful CEO" which are quite famous and have huge followers worldwide.

This obsession with great titles could mean more extraordinary power, fame, prestige, and authority. It also evokes superiority that sets boundaries in social class and standing, being superior and powerful versus ordinary and less privileged people.

Today, we may idolize someone based on merits that make him superior in many aspects. For instance, one may look up to his father for being a good provider and leader for the family. Others may have great admiration and support for their community or religious leaders. The working people may have the most respect for their CEO or the Chief Executive Officer.

I have worked with several CEOs in my corporate life. They are among the best and the brightest in their industries. They have gained my respect and admiration even though they may have their flaws and different personalities and values that make them imperfect.

Today, I am working on following with the greatest power, love, and light. I am working for the best and the brightest CEO of my life. His personality is beyond excellence. He is a Supreme power, a Divinity.

This ever-powerful CEO has died and risen again. He is our Lord, our savior. He is Jesus Christ. He is the Greatest CEO alive. My God, our God.

Jesus works as the greatest CEO who directs us and guides us to the right path. He empowers, uplifts, and inspires us with his great deeds and miracles.

Jesus, our God, is working on us, our family and small community, our country, and the world. It is only fitting that we must also work with Him and follow Him. Jesus is not dead, but He lives in us. His presence is in our hearts, in our minds, and in our souls.

Our greatest CEO doesn't fire people, but He is forgiving. He doesn't hate and curse, but He is kind and loving. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And so when life seems so dark, let us remember that there is one greatest CEO alive who is there for the rescue. For His love is more significant, for He is our true Master.

© 2018 Del Cusay

The Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Our Love and Devotion

In times of difficult moments, we always seek Divine help, a spiritual intervention that will give us answers to our specific needs. We have our prayers, our personal petitions from God. We come to the house of God, His church, with humility and faith to kneel and offer a prayer.

Today, I chose to travel to a particular place of the Mother of God. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Baclaran church. I have visited the Shrine many times since mid-2000, just the beginning of the new millennium. 

What makes our devotion special is when our Mother took us to the Shrine to pray the novena and celebrate the mass. Later I realized that my Mother has a great devotion and faith in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and with the intervention of Mama Mary, a mission station was built in our hometown in Jamindan, Capiz, and was named after the same title as Mary - - Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 

Located in Barangay Linambasan, the mission station of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was elevated to a Parish in the year 2018 with Reverent Father John Denosta as the first-ever priest assigned a few months before Reverent Father Jeffrey Estrella took over to continue the religious service to the people. 

Whenever I am in our hometown for a vacation, I visit this peaceful sanctuary to pray for the intervention of Mama Mary. My devotion started because it was our own Mother who led and guided us to come to the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. My mother has testimonies of the blessings and miracles of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and she would want us to devote ourselves to Mama Mary as our Divine love and light. 

Since then, I have experienced peace and serenity and answered prayers which I consider a miracle because it was responded to at the right time when I almost felt hopeless and desperate. 

Today, the first day of May 2019, was a blissful experience with thousands of devotees who recited the novena and celebrated the mass. There is a Divine presence that keeps us feeling embraced and comforted. The solemnity of the eucharist makes us feel strongly connected, and our communication feels like being heard. 

During the silent moment, our hearts could feel that Mama Mary, the Mother of Christ, is there for us like our mother, who protects and comforts us. 

Today, my petition is for our good health and healing, that God will protect us from sickness and illnesses and heal our physical, mental, and emotional discomforts. And my greatest desire is to have found the one who will complete me and live a better life together.

Today, I am with the Divine and have prayed for whatever my heart desires. I am forever grateful to Mama Mary, and may she always hear and intercede on our prayers to God, for our love and devotion is never-ending and eternal.

© 2019 Del Cusay

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