A Moment of Contemplation

Have you ever been to a place where you frowned the first time you saw it? Have you thought such a place is far from development and almost impossible to transform? to make it wonderful and habitable?

At times, we may be like that. We see places and things as too underdeveloped and tagged as ugly until someone transforms them into beautiful sanctuaries.

In December 2013, I was invited to beach camping on the Island of Guimaras. From the drop-off point along the road, we hiked for almost 30 minutes, and I never thought of walking on a narrow and hilly road while carrying my backpack and some camping stuff in one hand. That hiking gave me the impression that the place would be better due to the bad road experience.

However, to my surprise, when we got near and overlooked the sea, I was mesmerized by the beautiful and relaxing view from afar. I was wrong to give a negative first impression, and I have learned that a beautiful day is waiting on a road full of suffering,' and this is a good life lesson worth remembering.

That was one of many times I judged a place that turned out to be a fantastic and great experience.

In my hometown, my parents have created a little sanctuary—a place to retreat and contemplate life and what lies ahead. At first, it was like a wilderness, but through their vision and hard work, it was transformed into a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and potential livelihood. This is a testament to the transformative power of personal sanctuaries, inspiring us to see potential in the seemingly ordinary.

While swaying in a hammock, I enjoyed the serenity of the environment and the chirping birds' natural music. The gentle wind made the trees sway, giving off 'Prana,' a vital life force.

As I contemplate, I couldn't be more grateful for a beautiful life and for the blessings that come. It was just a fantasy, but now a living reality. I used to dream of having our retreat sanctuary full of flowers and trees and doing meditation and spiritual work.

Now, we have our little farmhouse where we can spend a weekend getaway or a Soulful Sunday -- from not a faraway place from home.

This little sanctuary, a peaceful haven, is about a 10-minute drive from home and the town center. It is nestled in a highland village with a breathtaking natural landscape and a unique view of the mountains. The beauty of this place never fails to connect us to nature and its calming effects.

Soulful Sunday is not just a day of rest but a time of blissful moments with the Divine and higher consciousness. It's a time of higher connections and renewal of being—this time, not in a sea or a beach, but in a highlands full of love and serenity. This emphasis on spiritual renewal is sure to make the audience feel spiritually uplifted. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Tulfo Justice and Why That Should Bother Us

Image: https://pinastify.com/raffy-tulfo-in-action-grade-2-teacher-melita-limjuco-might-face-child-abuse-case/

When people's advice is 'Ipa-Tulfo mo' or someone utters 'Ipapa-Tulfo Kita,' they are referring to a form of instant justice known as 'Tulfo Justice. ' This concept, popularized by the influential Anchorman Raffy Tulfo, is perceived as a means for individuals to swiftly address their grievances, often bypassing the traditional judicial process.

That would be the case for many Filipinos who would bypass due process to seek the help of an instant justice on-air; a radio show trial by publicity hosted by an influential Anchorman who has been a household name for helping thousands of oppressed Filipinos deprived of social justice and human rights.

The recent judgment of a radio show, 'Raffy Tulfo in Action,' which has gone viral and gained online outrage from Netizens, is one of the opposing sides of seeking instant justice on this popular TV show.

That episode of Tulfo's show may have gone far and damaged the accused's reputation through false justice, with the absence of judicial process on his call to action or outright judgment.

The teacher who was judged by Tulfo and favored the parents' call for the revocation of her license is a one-sided truth, but not hearing the teacher's side is the unheard version of the truth, resulting in false judgment and justice.

The parents who sought 'Tulfo Justice' may just be one of the thousands of Filipinos who believe that the Tulfo is the modern-day 'Sumbungan ng Bayan' or the 'Barangay-on-Air' and that they feel they are genuinely heard and served justice on an instant and free of cost.

Whatever happened to our Philippine justice system? The mediation and conciliation process in the Barangay or even a simple filing of a formal complaint through a Government Agency? How about filing a lawsuit to bring justice in a judicial court? Well, that could be a thing of the past. But how come?

In today's world, people may have become tired and hopeless of a 'Justice delayed is a justice denied' system, a system that is costly and causes too much stress. What could have been more effective for some is to be favored by their Idol for whatever issue they may have against someone. That 'Instant justice' mentality is enough to make them feel a winner for the justice that served them right.

However, the public humiliation the accused has suffered may not be erased in a digital footprint. It stays online even until both parties have reconciled through a mediation process. In the said case, the parents and the teacher have reconciled through the Department of Education Supervisor. The issue between parties may have ended peacefully, but the humiliation and shame may have lasted forever.

Why should all of these bother us anyway? People are now demanding a speedy trial. They want to be heard and favored for their complaints. They are looking at Tulfo as the face of the Philippine justice system—not the police complaint desk, the barangay justice system, or even the higher judicial court justice system.

Will that make our Philippine justice system obsolete? Well, one thing we can learn about the 'Tulfo Justice' is that it can shame the Philippine justice system when millions of Filipinos are already shouting out for 'Tulfo' when they seek the 'Justice and Human rights they deserve.

However, just like the loopholes in our Philippine justice system, "Tulfo Justice" must practice fairness and avoid biases, unfair judgment, and treatment, for nothing lasts forever in a corrupted system.

While the Philippine Judicial System may be losing appeal and trust, one thing is certain: 'Justice-on-Air' will continue to be the voice of the poor, the abused, and the hopeless. However, just like the loopholes in our Philippine justice system, 'Tulfo Justice' must practice fairness and avoid biases, unfair judgment, and treatment, for nothing lasts forever in a corrupted system.

© 2019 Del Cusay

41st Year of Devotion to the Miraculous Medal

We Christians have all prayed for the intercession of the Blessed Mary. We pray the "Hail Mary" to honor the Mother of Christ. Our prayers are heard. We were healed. We are blessed, and we live by Mary's promises.

For our family, we celebrate the 41st year of this annual devotion. It started in November 1978, when my parents initiated it in their early marriage.
Since then, the blessings granted through our devotion to Mother Mary and the Miraculous Medal have not just touched, but profoundly transformed our lives, filling us with awe and inspiration.

As a child growing up in the '80s, I was part of a vibrant community that shared a yearly devotion to the Miraculous Medal. Our relatives, mostly the elderly, would lead the Novena and the singing of praises. The songs and hymns, resonating through the air, strengthened our prayers and our bond as a community, making us feel part of a larger spiritual family.

Our unwavering belief in the power of prayers and intentions is that God is within us and hears us, and this belief is the key to granting our heart's desires.

Ask—Believe -Receive is a philosophy I have believed in for years, and it has been the foundation of our call for the Miraculous Medal. We ask for our intentions, which are granted. Then, we receive miracles, healings, and blessings.

Our devotion to the Miraculous Medal is not just a celebration of the past, but a promise of future celebrations. We eagerly look forward to witnessing the next generations of our family continue this tradition, passing on our devotion to the blessed Mary, instilling a sense of hope and connection to the future.


© 2019 Del Cusay

The Insider's View: Opening of SIDC One Stop Shop in the Visayas

The largest Cooperative in the Philippines, The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), has opened its first-ever one-stop shop in the Visayas. They have chosen our hometown of Jamindan, Capiz.

On October 30, hundreds of Jamindanganons attended the grand opening and blessing of the SIDC One Stop Shop at National Road, Poblacion, Jamindan, Capiz. Our Local Government Unit officials also attended it and welcomed this great opportunity that supports the livelihood and uplifts the economic development of the people and the entire community.

Reverend Father Jeffrey Estrella and Reverend Father Krys Señeres from the Our Lady of  Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish officiated the blessing ceremony. It was followed by a Ribbon-cutting ceremony headed by AGAP Congressman Rico Geron, who played a crucial role in the project, Dr. Angelito Bagui, SIDC Chairperson, SIDC Board of Directors including the LGU officials of Jamindan led by Mayor Mac Valdemar, Vice Mayor Ildy Cusay, SB Members and Barangay Chairmen.

The messages of SIDC and LGU Jamindan officials inspired the people. They have warmly welcomed this newest development in town. They are grateful for the infrastructure project given by SIDC through AGAP Partylist, the Farmer's training center located at Poblacion, Jamindan, Capiz. We also welcome future programs and projects offered by SIDC and AGAP that have economic benefits and social impact through the Barangay Development Fund.

The COOP MART, the largest grocery store in town, promises a modern and convenient shopping experience with the lowest prices for groceries and other merchandise. Its meat shop offers the freshest and highest-quality meat products, all meeting the highest sanitary standards. This is a shopping experience that the people of Jamindan can look forward to with excitement and eagerness.

On opening day, hundreds of SIDC members had their first grocery experience at COOPMART. To become a member, one needs to fill out a membership form and pay a nominal fee. Members benefit from the lowest price and patronage refund. COOPMART is open Monday through Sunday, 7 days a week, from as early as 6 AM until 7 PM, and the friendly and helpful staff is ready to serve the members and consumers. These are the reasons more people and families will love COOPMART.

SIDC Feeds offers the highest-quality products for pig raising and other animal livelihood farming. They also provide veterinary products for quality produce. With SIDC's technical assistance, more families will be able to take advantage of this livelihood opportunity, fostering a sense of optimism and hope for the future.

Another service is the SIDC Koopinoy Savings and Loans. For only 100 pesos, a member can open a passbook savings account and apply for different kinds of loans depending on their needs. There's also a Young Savers Club for those under 18 to start their savings experience. Koopinoy Savings and Loans is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be financially empowered and included.

The SIDC One-Stop-Shop opens various opportunities and benefits for members and the whole municipality of Jamindan. It provides a platform for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and a convenient shopping experience. May it grow in the years to come and improve the quality of living of members and the people through its various quality products and services. SIDC is our partner for local development as we work together to achieve our vision of a Shining Jamindan.

© 2019 Del Cusay