The Insider's View: A Better Living Through Cooperative

Life becomes more manageable, lighter, and brighter when we come together as a community, sharing common goals and interests to uplift and improve our lives. This is the essence of a Cooperative— a group of like-minded individuals working towards sustainable economic development, fostering a sense of togetherness and community.

In our hometown in Jamindan, Province of Capiz, we have welcomed the establishment of the largest Agri-based Cooperative in the Philippines. The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, or SIDC, was founded in Batangas in 1969.

In celebration of SIDC's 50th year, we warmly welcomed their partnership for local economic development. We opened the first-ever SIDC One Stop Shop in Visayas, our hometown of Jamindan.

Fortunately, I applied for a regular membership before the opening on October 30. As a member, I could see firsthand the products and services they offer to the people and community. Becoming a member was straightforward, involving [specific steps or requirements].

As an Agricultural-based Cooperative, SIDC will offer its members products and services such as Organic fertilizer, veterinary products, feeds, and meat shops. It will also provide assistance and partnerships for Hog raising or pig farming. 

SIDC also has the Koopinoy Savings and Loans service for its active members to support their financial needs and growth. Members will have a loan opportunity to start their farm business, with [specific loan terms and interest rates]. They also provide other loan services like vehicle loans, motorcycle/tricycle loans, and micro and enterprise loans for entrepreneurs with no collateral requirement for members.

Koopinoy provides a passbook savings account and time deposit with higher annual interest for member Savers. Opening a savings account was [specific process or requirements]. Even children under 18 can open a savings account to secure their future.

SIDC has a modern look grocery/convenience store that offers the lowest price in town. This is another saving for the members and consumers
aside from the Loyalty rewards as a member.

SIDC will also accept bill payments for various utility bills and has a money remittance service in partnership with Truemoney padala. This brings a sense of relief and convenience to consumers, making the use of these financial services a breeze.

SIDC One Stop Shop in Jamindan will open its doors to everyone, offering a pathway to personal and community growth. May it bring progress in the lives of the people who patronize its products, services, and programs, fostering a sense of hope and optimism for a better local economy and community.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Sunday's Best at Lilia's Sky Garden

It's Sunday, and it's the best time to have a soulful conversation with the people who matter in our lives. Sunday makes us feel thankful for our blessings and the serenity that gives us peace of mind. It's the perfect time to unwind and rejuvenate, making us fully alive as we start our week right.

This Sunday, we joyfully chose to immerse ourselves in the vibrant beauty of our little Skygarden. Here, we plant, nurture, and revel in the splendor of the colorful flowers that never fail to uplift our spirits. There's a unique magic in the garden and its blossoms that never fails to bring a smile to our faces and brighten our day.

Despite our limited space, we've managed to create a tranquil oasis in the form of a sky garden. This serene sanctuary, nestled within our home, not only attracts butterflies and chirping birds but also provides us with a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

This is one of my favorite spots for meditation and reflection. It is also an excellent place to have a morning cup of coffee and get some sunlight for energy. Sometimes, in the afternoon, I would lie down or swing through a hammock while gazing at the blue skies until sunset or dusk. 

My Mother would share how she started her little garden in the 1970s, and she relates it to some level of success through blessings that have come. It may not be the garden and flowers, but the positive energy brings happiness and joy, leading to health, wellness, and fulfillment.

Then I must believe my Mother since it is also in this garden where great plans have been imagined and conceptualized. As I lie down in the hammock, I think of the present moment and visualize the future. This is somewhat of a thought-form building where thoughts become a reality—where the power of positive thinking and visualization can manifest into tangible outcomes. It's a belief that has been reinforced by our experiences in this garden. 

Our Mother's love for gardening has been a profound inspiration for us. Her passion has not only brought her joy but has also sparked our own love for nature and its grounding effect.  As a token of our gratitude and admiration for her, we've named our little haven 'Lilia's Sky Garden. ' It's a constant reminder of her influence and a testament to the beauty that can be created when passion and inspiration converge.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Soulful Conversation: Spiritual Guidance from a Priest

Sometimes, we meet people by chance and then become friends or acquaintances. Often, we have met someone so special to bring enlightenment and guide our way— our spiritual path.

With that particular person, I am referring to a Priest who is our Religious leader with a higher level of holiness. Someone who guides us on our moral actions and the one we seek blessings as God's chosen disciple.

It was a sunny day at the beachfront restaurant a few weeks ago, September 17, when I had a pleasant conversation with our Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Lomboy, Rev. Father Everett Jeffrey Estrella. He has served the Parish since July 2018 and will continue his Religious mission for the next few years. He has a great mission and service to the Parish and the faithful community. 

I was with my parents and shared a meal with Fr. Estrella. It was lunch at our favorite restaurant overlooking the horizon, where the blue sky meets the sea. The gentle waves and the sea breeze were relaxing, and the conversation had a deeper meaning. 

I have had some aha moments before, but this time, it came from our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Estrella. Whenever I have an aha moment, I cherish it and live through its meaning and significance. 

What was that conversation about? It's about present and future living. It's about following our dreams and desires and making them come true. What struck me most was when he said that sometimes we don't get what we want in life because we have too much belief in our human capacity and don't back it up with Divine intervention through our most profound faith and prayer. 

Yes, we pray, but why are some of our wishes not granted? It may be in the process. It may just be a delayed answer, or our intention may not be the best for us and not by God's will.

He then revealed that when other people so dear to us pray for us, God may hear it out loud. God always hears our heart's desires and intentions. For instance, we may be the recipients of our parents' good deeds. That's like spiritual merit. When our parents pray for us, God truly listens. Our parents' deepest love always saves us.

From that moment, I have considered my parents' sacrifices and everything I have achieved because I believe they have prayed for me.

That was a soulful conversation. The message was simple but challenging: keep doing good things, and good things will come to you. We plant seeds of goodness, nurture them, and cultivate them until we reap a fruitful reward.

Our community is blessed to have Rev. Fr. Everett Jeffrey Estrella. He touches the lives of the faithful and deserves the utmost reverence. He is a Divine gift to us, and we are most grateful for his love and compassion for everyone. He may leave the Parish in a few years, but his excellent service and good memories remain in our hearts forever.

© 2019 Del Cusay

International Coffee Day: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

Coffee is one of the topmost beverages in the world, and in the Philippines, it has become a staple drink due to its caffeine-addictive substance that people can't live without. Who wouldn't resist the aroma of freshly brewed coffee served in your favorite café or at home? Globally, it is best served with the ever-favorite cakes and pastries, donuts, and croissants, while in the Philippines—all over the archipelago—it is best served with local bread and delicacies like freshly baked pandesal, puto, and bibingka. 

Like Western Visayas, people drink coffee partnered with suman, biko, and the most popular biscocho, the region's pride. Other areas would have their local delicacy, which is best served with a hot coffee to start the day right and get energized at any time of the day. Whether for breakfast, snacks, or post-dinner, we love having a cup of coffee at any hour and place.

Filipinos have adapted to the global flavors of gourmet coffee. From purely black Americano coffee to frothy cups of cappuccino and latté, we blend with the rest of the world. Now, we have a choice beyond the traditional hot black coffee; we also have a selection of whether to be served cold or iced and blended. No matter how pricey it is, espresso coffee has been our favorite beverage because we are now after the experience. However, let's not forget our unique local coffee varieties such as Barako and Benguet, which are gaining popularity and are a testament to the rich coffee culture in the Philippines. 

Our favorite cafés are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee. They're the backdrop to countless conversations, business meetings, and moments of relaxation. The warm greetings from baristas, the delicious coffee, and the inviting ambiance all contribute to a sense of community and shared experience.

As we enjoy a sip of our favorite coffee, we must remember the coffee farmers who sweat out to carefully plant, harvest, and roast good quality coffee beans. From farm to cup, it is truly a journey of the farmers to give us the most delicious beverage we will enjoy. From Tagum City in the South to Lipa City in Batangas and going up in the mountains of the Cordillera, we have our hardworking coffee farmers who are coffee entrepreneurs. Their dedication not only provides us with great coffee but also significantly contributes to the economy. For every cup of freshly brewed local coffee beans, we help support our local coffee farmers in their livelihood and the growth of our coffee industry.

It is also proven by scientific research that coffee consumption has a lot of health benefits due to the higher level of antioxidants that prevent certain types of cancers, leading to healthier cells and longevity. For health and wellness, a cup of coffee daily gives us energy and protection from free radicals. Others would consume not just 1 cup but up to 4 cups or more daily, and they are certainly well -- just enough caffeine for daily consumption.

Today, the world is celebrating International Coffee Day. Coffee is no longer just a simple beverage; it's now a lifestyle. We help promote coffee and its excellent benefits. Wherever we are in the world, no matter what language we can utter, Koffi, kopi, kape, and Cafe, we just mean one thing: our craving and need for a daily dose of coffee. It has been our trusted health partner and part of our success and life's journey.

© 2019 Del Cusay