Timeless Magical Moments

What brings you back to the timeless moments in your life? Those times when you're ecstatic and almost living in a fantasy.

There are times in our lives when we're chasing time, which creates excitement. It is an exhilarating experience of a magnificent journey.

If only we could bring back time, it would have been the moment we got to believe in magic. This 'magic' I speak of is not the kind you see in fairy tales, but the inexplicable joy and wonder that we feel in certain moments. It's the feeling of being on cloud nine, when everything seems to align perfectly.

Time is just an illusion. When we're in a hurry, time seems fast, and when we're waiting, time seems slow. But what's certain is that we can always return time to a specific life period—those times when we celebrate our journey to love—whenever we feel loving and giving.

There are also moments when we feel regret whenever we bring back time. There are those moments when we don't listen to our intuition and lose direction.

When I'm in a state of joy, I experience smiles and lightness from deep within. Magic suddenly happens, and the pain disappears—it truly heals, offering comfort and hope.

What makes us glow are our timeless and meaningful experiences. These could be the first time you fell in love, the moment you achieved a long-held goal or even a simple, happy day spent with loved ones. We keep on rewinding and reminiscing about these moments, cherishing them in our hearts. 

From this moment, I won't be chasing time because the magical moment has already happened, and it can make things happen.

Time can tell whenever we look back or see the future ahead. But the real power lies in living in the present moment. Enjoy and let time do its magic, empowering you to be in control of your life.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Moving Forward and Going Further

When was the last time you thought of giving up? Your goals, ambitions! Your dreams and desires!

Quitting is easy when we're no longer fueled by our passion and motivation. But what happens when we no longer serve our purpose just by giving up? Our love empowers us to overcome these challenges and keep moving forward. 

One thing I've learned in the corporate world is to keep on burning. Keep in mind the desires, hopes, and positive future.

Working at Ford made me realize the importance of going further in life and everything. To "go further" means many things to people. For me, it's about achieving our ultimate potential and doing our best to be at the top of the line, at the peak of performance, always full tank and energized. It's about personal growth and the determination to be our best.

My time at Ford Global City and Ford Manila was a period of growth and learning. I was success-driven to go further. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but I always remember to move forward and keep the passion alive.

This time, keep on moving no matter what happens. The road to the peak may be rough sometimes, but we're not giving up because we believe we can always choose to go further and live a better life, filled with the rewards of our perseverance.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Year of the Ox and the Valentine

This year, the Chinese New Year is being celebrated in a unique way. I had the opportunity to visit Manila Chinatown for the new year, and despite the subdued atmosphere due to the health threat of the pandemic, the vibrancy and festive spirit of the celebration were palpable.

I remember the district of Binondo in Manila being full of energy, with the massive crowd celebrating the Chinese New Year. 

It was colorful. It was fun!

And so this year is my year! I was born in the year of the Wood Ox according to the Chinese animal sign, and this year happens to be the celebration of the year of the said animal sign.

From my earliest years, I've been captivated by the rich tapestry of the Chinese zodiacs and the intricate world of astrology, a fascination that continues to shape my life and beliefs to this day.

With the Ox sign, it exhibits some characteristics like dependability and productivity. It may always be challenging initially, but eventually, things will be easy.

An ox-born individual may have higher expectations and good leadership potential. The ox's robust and hardworking build will overcome all obstacles and challenges.

The most meaningful message for this year is to stay calm and patient that, eventually, the wheel of fortune will turn in one's favor. That's what I need to work on myself. I've been patiently waiting after a deep slumber, and may this year be a new beginning.

With the dawn of this new year, I am filled with a renewed sense of hope, a fresh wave of energy, and a rekindled passion for life and all its possibilities!

And so, just two days after the Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day is celebrated. It's about evoking emotions of love and care, remembering and reminiscing.

February is the month of love, so we chose this month for our lifelong undertaking. This time may be the most beautiful moment of meaningful and soulful love expression.

And so, today is Heart's Day. It's the time when we send special wishes to our loved ones. Despite the distance, love will always be there, not just for today but in every moment of our lives.

The new year is about a new beginning. We express our love, and we nourish it. And so, just like a flower, it will bloom and become beautiful. It gives smiles and makes one cheerful.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

A Historical Gem in Downtown Manila

The favorite place for bargain hunters in the metro and probably from all over the Philippines is the busy district of Binondo and Tondo in downtown Manila.

It's often a chaotic and disorganized shopping destination, causing traffic congestion and petty crimes. People would dare to follow the crowd across the street full of carts and products laid over.

It's too crowded and sometimes needs to be more passable to vehicles and pedestrians. Even shoppers would get stuck during rush hours and weekends due to the massive crowd.

For several years, the bustling streets of Binondo and Tondo were chaotic. However, a change in leadership in 2019, with the new Manila Mayor, Isko Moreno, has brought about a remarkable transformation. The once disorganized shopping district is now more organized and clean, a testament to the city's progress.

Downtown Manila, in the district of Binondo and Tondo, is not just a bustling shopping destination, but also a place rich in cultural heritage. It has been the center of trade and commerce since pre-colonial times, thriving even during the Spanish era and post-World War 2. It was the home of Chinese-Filipino businessmen and their families, a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the area.

The district has a hidden gem that's often taken for granted and ignored by the people despite the crowd. But this structure has caught my attention since I love historical buildings and sincerely appreciate the government's restoration efforts.

The Tutuban Railway Station, a historical gem, was built in the 19th century during the Spanish era. It was the country's first road-rail network in mainland Luzon, connecting Manila to Dagupan. This unique feature makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. 

The old structure was built through the acquisition and restoration efforts of the Ayala Company in 2016. The 20-hectare Tutuban property is even made beautiful and more pleasant, and a better shopping experience for visitors with the Tutuban Shopping Center adjacent to the old Tutuban Main Station. 

The 20-hectare Tutuban property is made even more beautiful and pleasant, making it a better shopping experience for visitors with the Tutuban Shopping Center adjacent to the old Tutuban Main Station. 

There's also a monument and a mini-park in memory of the great Philippine hero, Andres Bonifacio, born in Tondo. Only a few people may have noticed, but this little park and monument are significant and remind us of our glorious past. The next time you visit downtown Manila for a bargain hunt, take a closer look and pay attention to this charming building that underwent restoration to meet the new age and generation of mighty Filipinos. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay