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 remember our celebration of Halloween in 2011. That was the time we introduced it to our nephews and niece. They dressed up in a costume of spooky creatures and characters with scary make-up for an added eerie effect. 

They had fun, repeated in 2012 with a more scary look. 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. 

And this realization about life after death happens when we go through deeply with 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 Candidacy for the May 2022 National and local elections has started, and the political noises and dramas are becoming more intense daily.

That's the political atmosphere in the Philippines, and when people become too fanatic and involved in election campaigns and propaganda.

The good thing about being involved is being aware of our rights as a citizen. The right to vote is a fundamental right of every Filipino. And now, people are more knowledgeable and awakened to the present realities affecting their daily lives and the future.

It's good to see that people are becoming more expressive and active in social and political issues. They discuss politics, have a debate, and can strongly oppose with conviction what they believe in. This is an expression of democracy, and people want to feel that they're part of a democratic society where their vote matters and is validated.

Election time brings hope to every citizen. Most especially to those who wanted change in leadership and those hoping for good governance. And we all hope for a better country, a better Philippines, and better Filipino citizens.

©️ 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 her AGOS Project. She's deeply committed to helping Filipino people build a more resilient and prepared community.

I admired her positive outlook. She was brilliant and a champion of many things. She's not a politician, but she's a journalist whose job is to bring news and investigative journalism to the people.

Many people may not like her, but Maria Ressa continues to embrace prejudice and criticism. From online trolls, detractors, and endless attacks from the Government, she's standing still and bravely holding the line.

To hold the line means not allowing atrocities to happen in a civilized society like the Philippines. When we watch and hear about the drug war killings, attacks on journalists, and suppression of news media organizations, Ressa isn't defeated with her strong voice and stance to fight for justice and truth.

Maria Ressa had a share of 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 was conferred a Nobel Peace Prize. She's the first Filipino individual Nobel Peace Laureate winner. A prestigious global award-giving body for extraordinary accomplishments that have a massive impact on the community. The awarding ceremony will be a momentous event in Philippine history on December 10, 2021, in Oslo, Norway.

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.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2021, Maria Ressa, will forever be known to be on the side of truth. She's an ally to keep, a leader with a giant leap. 

©️ 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 thing in life. It fuels our passion, and it keeps us more alive. It's the best time to maintain the inner fire burning and lasting.

And this month reminds me to live the best days ahead. To be highly optimistic even in the midst of uncertainty. To give a smile, to laugh often, and to feel good.

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?

We may still be living on restrictions, but we can always move on and remain hopeful about our plans. 

The blue skies, early morning sunshine, a gentle wind blows, and a good conversation. That gives us the energy to feel suitable all-day long. 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 unblocks our limitations.

When October ends, it will be much more intense energy. It requires motivation to keep the fire burning. But, to pursue greater aspirations, remember to keep our childlike nature. To live, to laugh, and to love. That's the best October we expect to have.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay