A Decade in Review: 2010- 2019

The decade of the 2010s was the beginning of real-life stories about opportunities, commitments, achievements, and milestones. This is a decade of actual application of learning after graduation. 

No matter how tough life may seem in this decade, I remember the times I rose from pains and sorrows, losses and defeat. This is a bittersweet experience of life's ups and downs. I win, I lose, I regain, and I conquer. That sums up the decade of the 2010s, but there are in-depth stories on each year of the last 10 years.

2010

The beginning of the decade brought us together away from home and my parents. Our siblings live and bond in Manila to celebrate meaningful moments and milestones.

2010 was the time when I gathered enough strength and regained my confidence to be more independent and unleash my inner powers.

2011- 2015

The first half of the decade is the most challenging life ever. I had a great life when I joined the BELife organization of Master Del Pe in April 2011. That year began a journey for personal development and experiencing higher consciousness through various empowering programs aimed at self-mastery.

The year 2011 was meaningful since I discovered the esoteric world and was exposed to and trained for Charity work led by Master Del Pe. I have traveled to the tremendous spiritual country of India and visited some of its major cities to reach our individuals, families, and groups to impart the teachings of Master de Pe, a renowned International Life mentor, and spiritual leader.

During my 4 years of service at BELife and MDP Foundation, I gained knowledge and wisdom about life and other subjects taught by Master Del Pe. I have improved on different levels and will continue that valuable learning forever.

2015

A short and soulful journey happened in Baguio City in the Cordillera in May of 2015. I have lived in this place and appreciate nature while enjoying its vibrant city living.

I trekked the mountains while enjoying the scenery and the cool weather. This is the kind of life I would want to live; a developed place where nature is abundant, protected, and preserved.

In September 2015, I joined the BPO sector when I became a Skills Enhancement Trainer. It was a great experience to have handled a group of eager trainees to become part of the BPO industry as a Contact agent.

2016

In April 2016, I became part of The Medical City team in Iloilo City. I was a Patient Partnership Experience Manager and handled 4 units under its umbrella. I managed the Customer Service, Information, Patient Education, and Corporate Communications units. These units are the frontliners in hospital service, and we had to ensure that the patients and clients would have an excellent patient experience during their stay at the medical center.

2017-2018

In March 2017, I joined the automotive industry as a sales consultant and trainer at Ford Global City.

I never considered selling cars, but this is where life brought me. It was also at this place where I applied my customer experience knowledge, which I had learned earlier in my previous work.

That was a promising career but a tough one. It needs more patience and perseverance to stay in this fast-paced job.

2019

The Last year of the decade was freedom. Being free from the noisy world I used to live in. I have chosen to stay quiet for a while and gain enough energy before the start of the new decade.

This year 2019, I was at home together with my parents. I live simply and comfortably, and we have built a farmhouse where we can unwind. This is life away from the city. Not a fast-paced life, but living in the Now! Living in the present moment.

That was the decade 2010s! A decade full of surprises. A meaningful one and the start of a beautiful journey.

The new decade of the 2020s is coming and will surely bring more surprises. I hope for a great decade ahead and a soulful journey in life.

© 2019 Del Cusay

2019 Year in Review: The Greatest Love

The year 2019 is about to end, and it's the time of the year to review another roller coaster ride of life events and milestones.

This year 2019, is like a deep slumber. I am in a deeper state of rest and slow-paced living. As I experience this life, I learn life lessons about simple living and natural healing.

Religious Devotion

It was my first-ever experience seeing the flock of thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene on its feast day in January 2019. That was followed by the feast of Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, in the same month. These religious events strengthen my faith and belief in a Supreme higher Divine power who does miracles in our lives.

It was also my first time celebrating the feast day of The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish on June 27, 2019. The Blessed image is known to bring miracles for those who believe and pray through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, the Mother of Christ. 

I may not be able to celebrate the feast day of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish in the coming years. Still, my parents and loved ones will be there to express devotion through prayers and religious activities.

Personal Development

• Health.   This year I have learned to listen to my body and slow down. A balanced and healthy diet gives nourishment and healing from illnesses. Although it's hard to fully commit, it teaches me about health consciousness for a better living. 

• Meditation. As I swing through a hammock, I am relaxed and at peace. While sitting on a chair and seeing the sunrise and sunset gives a beautiful feeling about God's loving presence. That's my meditation. Feeling great and sometimes in a trance state but with eyes wide open. 

• Developing Habits. Waking up early morning and early at bedtime makes an excellent daily habit. I didn't have the luxury of quality sleep in the past years, so I feel great upon waking up fully recharged. 

Celebrating Victories

On May 14, 2019, our father was elected by the people to serve another term as a Sangguniang Bayan Member in our town. This is his 5th term in service since he started in 1998-2007 and returned to do in 2016 after 9 years. We are part of my father's victory as we fully support his candidacy and commitment to helping the people. 

Welcoming Opportunities 

On October 30, 2019, the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, or SIDC, was opened in our Community at the R&L Commercial building. We're grateful for this excellent opportunity to serve the people through various products and services offered by the country's largest Agricultural - based Cooperative. This is the greatest blessing not only for my family but also for the whole Community. We're blessed and hoping for more opportunities in the years to come. 

Sustainable Farm Development 

My parents have finally initiated their plans for sustainable environmental development. The newly developed integrated farm features Mahogany trees, different kinds of fruit-bearing trees, and plants that help cool off the surroundings. This is where we unwind and have a good conversation while having coffee. In the years to come, this farm will achieve sustainability as we open some livelihood opportunities.

Some of my Soulful Sunday moments were inspired by the farm. A natural environment is truly a gift from God, and we're healed naturally from being connected with nature. 

Christmas in our hearts

We gathered again as a big family. It feels great to see the kids growing up as a teen. We had a grand Holiday celebration over the past years, and that was memorable and meaningful. This year we celebrate the Christmas eve mass or Misa de Gallo at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lomboy Parish, followed by a Noche Buena, a good night meal to share with the family.

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ as the center of our faith, and it's the time to get together as a family. This is the best time to enjoy the year-end and renew old habits and beliefs. 

We may have a stormy Christmas day and a shaky earth experience, yet we're comforted and saved by His Divine Mercy. We remain resilient through the calamities we encounter, and it'll help us deal with future crises. 

One thing that moved me was the Christmas message of Pope Francis when he shared about the unconditional love of Christ, saying, "God continues to love us all, even the worst of us. You may have mistaken ideas, but you have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you." and that's the expression of His greatest love. 

We all have wronged with our thoughts, intentions, and actions at some point, but God continues showing us His love and mercy. He cleanses our spirits and uplifts our souls, so we may continue showing our love to others.

I celebrate the holidays with the people who matter in my life. We may have differences and life choices, but we bond stronger as one family. This Christmas is about love and understanding; we would want a New year with a new beginning. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Year in Review 2020: Overcoming Great Odds

Weekend Retreat at The Farm

Highland retreat is a soulful activity for the family. And the weekend is the best moment to take a deep breath and experience the solemnity of nature away from noise and distractions.

An excellent way to be connected with nature is to feel and embrace silence. To be distant for a while and be grounded. That's our human nature; we always find ways to heal our bodies and soul naturally. And for us, it will always be our little sanctuary— our farm far away from the city.

A weekend retreat is a food for the soul. We breathe in good energy as we breathe out the toxic negativity. These stagnant energies are considered a poison that must be released into our body system. And nature has its way of helping us to cleanse and to heal.

Our coffee tastes even better as we have a soulful conversation. This begins a journey towards the soulful discovery of our capacity for sustainable environmental development. It is in this place where plans and dreams are materialized.

As I sip my coffee, I reminisce about when I first saw this underdeveloped site in the middle of 2019. And in July of this year, the dream materialized through the capacity of my parents, who are into years of farming on this farmland.

This place is where we can experience solitude as we contemplate or meditate. It teaches us an important life lesson about contentment but being bold and daring to dream and survive.

We are leaving our little ones with a natural environment for them to continue on this legacy and enjoy a quality and blissful life. As they grow up, they will learn to love nature and do their best to protect and preserve it.

Our weekend highland retreat is a simple celebration of life. We will forever be thankful to the Divine for a meaningful life— where dreams are alive. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

When Christmas Tree Makes You Happy

Decorating for Christmas is a jolly moment for our family. It gives a joyful vibe and a nostalgic feeling about our childhood. As we decorate, we also reflect on how our decorations evolved through the years. Back then, we did not have a giant Christmas tree, but we made sure to have something to decorate for Christmas.

It is more fun when a family gathers to help each other do Christmas decorations. We reminisce wonderful stories worth sharing as we put on those Christmas lights and hang the Christmas balls. Those memories last forever, adding color to our life as we celebrate Christmas.

For Christmas 2019, we wanted our Christmas tree to reflect what we feel and what kind of life we want. So we set up sparkling multi-color Christmas lights around the Christmas tree with glittering accessories.

Life has been challenging and a bit dark at times, but the Christmas tree reminds us to stand out and unleash our inner glow to increase our brightness and uplift our souls.

This is a season to be jolly, and it is so true. As we gather around the Christmas tree before the year ends, we would want to give our last best shot. We wish for a brighter year ahead and renew our energy to make it more refined and powerful.

Oh, Christmas tree! You bring light and color to the holidays. You bring smiles to the kids, the family, and everyone. You give meaning to a life worth living. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Garden I Want For Christmas

Christmas is a time for decorating ideas. It is about transforming the home to become bright and glittering with a Christmas tree full of lights. It makes people happy as they accomplish their desired theme for Christmas.

But this time, I thought of doing a different thing. I have improved the landscape of our indoor garden. Several months ago, I had it on my mind and have made the desired transformation. 

Most of the time, we usually serve our meals in this place since it is an open space with good air ventilation and a relaxing ambiance.

It is unique because it becomes a sanctuary for Eurasian  Sparrow birds that serenade us with their chirping sounds in the morning for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. That's a soulful serenade from nature.

This garden is also a source of nutrition for the family since there is a malunggay tree and a papaya tree where birds would shelter happily. And to make it more pleasing, I added some tropical plants and a palm tree. It's now a tropical indoor garden. 

Gardening is a fulfilling activity with many benefits for health and well-being. We bring a piece of nature at home as we celebrate Christmas's soulful and meaningful spirit.

© 2019 Del Cusay

What I Love About December

What excites you about Christmas? Is it about family gatherings? Endless year-end parties? Gifts? Or is it about the highly anticipated coming of the New Year?

At some point, we have all experienced the Christmas mania that December brings. This is the time to mark on a calendar the most important event of sharing good times with the most important people. 

Some may have been planning themed Christmas parties, while others are looking forward to a holiday shopping spree; for gift-giving or buying a gift for oneself.

That's a fun-filled activity for the commercial side of the festivity. Perhaps the most expensive season, but one of the most memorable for whatever reason. 

This Soulful Sunday, the 1st of December, is about welcoming a merry and joyous season of love and peace. A heartfelt season to hug and kiss. 

I will spend the Holiday season in my hometown with my family. This is the best place to contemplate the year that was or year-end, breathing out of what is unwanted and what is to be renewed. 

This Soulful Sunday, the 1st day of December, brings calm wind and drizzle, setting the mood for the coming days before Christmas. The wind blows gently with a natural melody; the trees are swaying; the birds are chirping; the people are singing —Christmas in our hearts is coming. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

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 much 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 made a little sanctuary. A place for a retreat and to contemplate life and what lies ahead. At first, it was like a wilderness, but later it was developed to be a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and potential livelihood.

While swaying through a hammock, I enjoyed the environment's serenity and the chirping birds' natural music. The gentle wind makes 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 away from home, from the town center. It is in a highland village with a beautiful natural landscape and a unique view of the mountains.

Soulful Sunday would be the most uplifting activity I will ever have. It's a time of a blissful moment 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. 

© 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," that would mean instant justice or the 'Tulfo Justice' people think they deserve.

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 caused damage to 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 false justice.

The parents who sought 'Tulfo Justice' may just be one of the thousands of Filipino who believes 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 time, people may have been tired and hopeless of a 'Justice delayed is a justice denied' system, a justice 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 served them right.

However, the public humiliation the accused have suffered may not be erased on 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 stay forever.

Why all of these should bother us anyway? Because people are now demanding a speedy trial. People want to be heard and favored for their complaints. And people 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 Filipino people are already shouting out for 'Tulfo' when they seek the 'Justice and Human rights that they deserve.

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

The Philippine Judicial System may be losing appeal and trust, but one thing is certain the 'Justice-on-Air' will continue to be the voice of the poor, the abused, and the hopeless. And if one day, we are on this case one day, we might find the 'Tulfo Justice' to have saved and truly helped us in our desperate times and needs.

© 2019 Del Cusay