Spooky Memories of Halloween

Halloween could be more fun for adults. But that doesn't mean we can never have as much fun as little kids do.

As a kid, we celebrated Halloween by wearing spooky costumes to scare each other. That was a yearly activity for us until it ended when such a thing wasn't exciting anymore, and we were already grown-up individuals.

Back then, we learned about the essence of celebrating Halloween and its hidden dangers. We knew that many people, especially young children, were doing it.

I still vividly recall our Halloween celebration in 2011. It was a joy to introduce the tradition to our nephews and niece. They were so excited, dressing up as spooky creatures and characters, their faces adorned with eerie makeup for that extra scare factor. 

They had fun, repeated in 2012 with a more scary look, dressing up as [specific scary characters or creatures]. During those years, we have yet to teach them the significance of Halloween. All we knew was the fun it brings until the year that follows when we no longer celebrate it.

In recent years, as a working adult, I've learned about the dangers of Halloween, especially to young children. That's why I would rather see them wearing a costume like a saint or holy person instead of a scary one. 

We never know about the afterlife, but we must celebrate the holiness of those who have lived clean lives. We celebrate the lives of the saints who have touched so many lives when they are living. 

We don't want to invite negative entities into our bodies and consciousness; we encourage people to celebrate people's holiness and not their negative and evil side. We denounce evil and strive for holiness no matter how sinful we are.

I'm glad to see that nowadays, more people are aware of the dangers of Halloween, and so they would want to correct their mistakes of celebrating wickedness and spooky culture copied from the West. 

Now, our nephews and niece are grown-up children, and they have stopped celebrating a spooky Halloween like we used to, opting instead for a more [specific type of celebration]. 

This realization about life after death happens when we deeply examine our lives. When we go to the afterlife, we want to see the good and the holy people. We would like to see heaven and not hell. We would like to see the Angels and not the demons. Because when we live a good life, we also look forward to a better afterlife.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Last Quarter of 2021

We've entered the beginning of the final quarter of the year. This month of October brings energy and time to ponder many things -- from the pandemic to politics.

In the Philippines, the filing of Candidates for the May 2022 National and local elections has started, marking a crucial period in our nation's history. Political noises and dramas are becoming more intense daily, underscoring the gravity of our decisions in the coming months.

That's the political atmosphere in the Philippines, a dynamic landscape not just about fanaticism and involvement in election campaigns and propaganda but also about the formidable power of the people to shape it. Each voice and vote has the potential to steer our nation's course.

Being involved in the political process means being aware of our rights as citizens and understanding the issues and the candidates' platforms. The right to vote is a fundamental right of every Filipino, and we must use it wisely. Understanding the candidates' platforms is crucial, allowing us to make informed decisions. Now, people are more knowledgeable and awakened to the present realities affecting their daily lives and the future, and this awareness should guide their voting decisions.

Seeing people becoming more expressive and active in social and political issues is heartening. They discuss politics, have a debate, and can strongly oppose with conviction what they believe in. However, it's important to remember that these discussions should be civil and respectful. Respectful discourse is the essence of a healthy democracy. It makes people feel that they're part of a democratic society where their vote matters and is validated.

Election time brings hope to every citizen, especially those who aspire for a change in leadership and those who yearn for good governance. We all share the hope for a better country, a better Philippines, and better Filipino citizens, a hope that is not just a wish but a call to action.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Holding the Line with Maria Ressa

When I met Maria Ressa in July 2017, I had the opportunity to briefly interview her about her views on climate change and disaster resilience.

That's part of her mission with the AGOS Project. She's deeply committed to helping Filipinos build a more resilient and prepared community, a mission that is of utmost importance.

What struck me most about Maria Ressa was her unique role as a journalist. She's not just a reporter, but a champion of many things. Her brilliance and positive outlook are truly admirable. Her job is not just to bring news, but to bring investigative journalism to the people, a task she performs with exceptional skill and dedication.

Despite facing criticism and prejudice, Maria Ressa remains steadfast. Her endurance of online attacks, government opposition, and detractors is a testament to her unwavering courage and determination. Her resilience, a quality we can all aspire to, is truly inspiring.

Maria Ressa's work is not just important; it's crucial. Her strong voice and unwavering stance against the drug war killings, attacks on journalists, and suppression of news media organizations are a beacon of hope for justice and truth. Her work has had a significant impact on the prevention of such atrocities in the Philippines.

Maria Ressa has faced attacks from the country where she serves with love. Her role in mass media is beyond ordinary since she does things extraordinarily well.

On October 8, 2021, Maria Ressa made history by winning the Nobel Peace Prize, a momentous occasion for the Philippines. As the first Filipino to receive this prestigious honor, her extraordinary contributions to society are undeniable. The upcoming December 10, 2021, awarding ceremony in Oslo, Norway, will mark a significant event in Philippine history.

Maria Ressa will be my inspiration for holding the line. She will be known for her legacy of fighting against injustices and suppression of fearless journalism, press freedom, and freedom of expression. Only a few in her profession can be as challenging and bold as her. She fights with the giant bullies and the killers of press freedom and social justice.

Maria Ressa, the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, will forever be remembered as a champion of truth. She is an admired leader and a fearless advocate for press freedom and freedom of expression. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Welcoming October's Best

When September ends, we feel more energized moment. It's about welcoming a new month with enthusiasm and positivity.

When we feel good, we attract the best things in life. It fuels our passion and keeps us more alive. It's the best time to keep the inner fire burning and lasting.

This month is a testament to the power of optimism. It's about waking up each day with the unwavering belief that the best is yet to come, even when the future seems uncertain. It's about sharing a smile, laughing often, and feeling good because we have the power to shape our own happiness.

What's the best thing you're hopeful about this month and beyond? Is it the Yuletide season? A pleasant surprise? Or a new chapter? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's inspire each other. Your hopes and dreams can be a source of inspiration for someone else, so don't hesitate to share.

Despite the ongoing restrictions, we have the power to choose hope. Hope is our anchor, our guiding light, that keeps us optimistic about our plans and resilient in facing challenges. 

Blue skies, early morning sunshine, a gentle wind blowing, and a good conversation give us the energy to feel suitable all day. It keeps us youthful, like a playful child who teaches us to be carefree and free.

October's Best is about our mindset. Expectations that can empower our actions and unblock our limitations.

As October draws to a close, keeping our fire burning may seem more challenging. But in pursuing greater aspirations, let's not forget to keep our childlike nature alive. Remember to live, laugh, and love just like a carefree child. That's the best October we can hope for, and it's up to us to make it so.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay