Seafood Celebration in Steveston

It's getting warmer in Canada in the second half of the Spring season, and this is an ideal time to get out and enjoy the sunshine on the waterfront and patio.

Many people visit and have fun outdoors in the Steveston, British Columbia, fisherman's wharf. The fishing village is alive again after two years since the pandemic, and they are excited about the much-awaited Spot prawn and seafood celebration from May 6 to June 5. 

This is a chance for seafood lovers to see and buy fresh catch spot prawns and other seafood sold directly from the fishing vessel in a floating seafood market.

This is a chance for seafood lovers to see and buy fresh catch spot prawns and other seafood sold directly from the fishing vessel in a floating seafood market.

The fisherman's wharf is just a few meters from Garry Point Park, and people enjoy strolling the promenade up to the restaurant patio. It's an excellent way to unwind and enjoy the healing benefits of a sea breeze. 

A take-home fresh spot prawn is the highlight since it's one of the best varieties. It's crisper, firmer, and tastes better. It's the most in demand as people line up to buy a pound or more.

The good thing about the fishing industry in Canada is that the Government actively regulates product quality, public health, and safety. The fishermen can only sell a specific variety of seafood they're licensed to harvest. They need to hold and display a license on their stall and display a whiteboard that lists the species they're selling, the area of harvest, and the name of the vessel used for harvesting. That information safeguards the public that they only sell the highest quality products at the fish sales float.

A visit to Steveston Harbour celebrates reviving the fishing industry and supporting local fishermen in British Columbia. This place has plenty of marine life, vendors selling the highest quality products, and abides by the fishing industry's laws and regulations. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Birchwood Dairy Farm in Abbotsford

The weekend has never been this fun in a valley and a farm. That's how we spend time unwinding in the beautiful and relaxing ambiance of the Birchwood Dairy Farm. 

 

In Abbotsford, British Columbia, there are many farm destinations to choose from since the city is located in the fertile Fraser Valley, where Agritourism is promoted and becoming a lifestyle.

The Krahn family owns the farm. They've been in the dairy farm business for several decades in the Fraser Valley. The family manages the 22 acres of the farm, caring for hundreds of cows and producing dairy milk and other dairy products.

What makes this dairy farm a favorite destination is its gourmet ice cream, which is rich and creamy from the fresh milk produced by its happy and healthy cows. There are about 50 flavors to choose from, including maple walnut, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, and cookies and cream, which we've bought in a cone and taken home in a liter bucket. That's a relief during sunny and warmer days just before the summer begins.

The dairy farm is also a favorite stop among partners and families who want to explore more and learn about how dairy milk and products and produced on the farm. On an educational tour, it's also a popular stop among cyclists, motorcyclists, and students. This dairy farm is family-friendly and just for anyone who's into 

uncrowded, fresh air, and a great view of a natural environment.

I've learned that Canadian livestock is free from growth hormones, and antibiotics and other medications are strictly regulated. Birchwood Dairy Farm takes good care of its cows, is always healthy, and produces the tastiest and creamiest milk. That makes their gourmet ice cream one of the best premium-quality I've ever tasted.

Exposure to the dairy farm for a brief period gives a perspective on how the cows are ethically raised, dairy products are produced, and the products are sold and patronized by people who know the real taste of a quality dairy product. 

At Birchwood Dairy Farm, we see happy families, playful young kids, and everyone who radiates the calm and positive energy of the dairy farm. It's on my farm destination lists, and I'll always be happy to return and create beautiful memories to cherish and reminisce.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Cherry Blossoms at David Lam Park

Spring has sprung. At this time of year, we experience a renewed season filled with joy as we see flowers blossoming.

Springtime reminds me of rebirth and reinvigoration. We become alive as days become more temperate and people enjoy the outdoors. 

This beautiful season is only complete with witnessing the cherry blossoms festival in Vancouver. And so we visit the charming district of Yaletown to celebrate the "Big Picnic" event. It's the best time to see the flowers in full bloom and when many people gather as friends under the cherry trees. There are no strangers, but just friends and lovers.

The Big Picnic and the Cherry Blossoms Festival aim to bring people from Metro Vancouver together for fun and excitement. There will be programs, art exhibits, and workshops for everyone to participate in, learn from, and enjoy.

This year's event may have been more significant as people move freely without restrictions. The mask mandate is no longer mandatory; people see each other's faces. But beyond looks are beautiful smiles, laughter, and joy that brighten the day and lift the mood. 

David Lam Park is a magical experience when people enjoy the hundreds of Akebono cherry trees donated by the 25th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Dr. David Lam, named in his honor.

Physical fitness activities like yoga are available. They're a great way of becoming one with nature while relaxing the body and clearing the mind. There are also winning haiku and haiku installations that connect poems to cherry trees.  

It's good to see families and children enjoy various programs and activities. It's also good to see more people outdoors and appreciate the wonderful nature in the city's heart.

As the clock springs forward, we show the world how we're progressing despite the situation, making joyful cherry blossom experiences and incredible memories. The Big Picnic is a unique event that brings people from different places in British Columbia to see the magical cherry blossoms and to experience "why there are no strangers under the cherry tree." We're all united; we believe we can be.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

A day trip in White Rock: City by the Sea

What makes British Columbia beautiful is its stunning views of landscapes and seascapes. In Metro Vancouver, there's a place to see the natural grandeur of a city by the sea.

It's the City of White Rock, about 45 km south of downtown Vancouver and just 10 10-minute drive from the Peace Arch, where the US-Canada border is located.

What's significant about this place is its rich history as a fishing village and where it got its name. It's a literal white rock! Glaciers carried away a massive rock to the South of the metro during the last glacial age period. It's also where Canada's longest pier is located, so people get to walk on a long and unique wooden structure originally built in 1914.

Walking down the steep hill to the main street, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Semiahmoo Bay. There, you can see beautiful houses on a hill overlooking the sea—such a scenic view of the horizon on a sunny weekend. 

Approaching the main street is an ideal promenade for fitness and sightseeing. People walk, jog, dine at a table, sit on benches, and simply take a deep breath to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. 

Just a few meters walk, and you'll be welcomed to enter the elevated wooden structure of the pier, a fantastic landmark about 470 meters long. It's where individuals, couples, and families stroll and enjoy the natural scenery. The majestic mountains, the flying seagulls, and the long stretch of beaches make it a relaxing place to unwind.

The pier bridge underwent restoration in 1977 and was rebuilt and re-opened in 2019 after a wind storm hit the place at the year-end of 2018. They restored the pier to weather the storm and withstand natural calamities this time.

Visitors must get down the wooden lane structure to be on the shore at its low tide, walking towards the 'white rock' visible even far away. It's vast and a significant landmark worth seeing. 

On the main strip of the town center, you can see a long stretch of restaurants offering al fresco dining while enjoying the sunshine, the blue waters, and the cool sea breeze. Sunlight is fantastic as it gives a good vibe and a pleasant experience.

And whenever the sun shines so brightly, we shouldn't miss the outdoors and have some fun. That's what the city of White Rock has to offer -- simply the sunniest place in the metro.

A trip to the White Rock pier and promenade is a great way to experience living in a city by the sea, even for a day. They have preserved history and culture where peace and serenity are enjoyed by many. 

White Rock is undoubtedly a wonderful place to visit and live. It is a vivid memory worth reminiscing about and a fantastic destination worth revisiting. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Labyrinth in Fleetwood Gardens

The winter season has finally ended in Canada. Gone are the snows, frosts, and unbearable coldness for a newcomer like me. 

Finally, here comes the much-awaited season of all: spring. Flowers and tree leaves are blossoming everywhere. I can't wait to see the cherry blossoms in different places on the metro, as they give a naturally stunning view of a picture-perfect scene. 

As we welcome spring, it's the best time to visit a nearby park on a lovely sunny day. Enjoy the fun moment and relax, strolling and seeing people around. 

Fleetwood Gardens is the best place due to its proximity to our home. It's in a vast park where cherry blossoms are waiting to bloom. The pergola gives the feeling of a romantic walk for a couple, and the benches are perfect for soulful conversations.

The most impressive feature is the presence of a labyrinth. It's an ancient pattern found in many places and cultures worldwide. A maze has only a single path and no dead ends. As we walk inside, it winds throughout and mirrors our current state in life. We walk in peace with an open heart and a clear mind. 

The labyrinth in Fleetwood Gardens is a classical 7-circuit or path. It's now installed in many places, such as wellness centers, churches, and community parks, as an alternative for healing the body, mind, and soul. 

As we walk the path, we become more mindful of the sensation of walking. And as we go along, we develop a strong sense of concentration and awareness needed to gain insights. 

A labyrinth walk has three stages and beautiful healing benefits. The first stage is releasing or purgation. This is when we remove all unwanted thoughts and mental distractions, quiet the mind, and open our hearts. 

The second stage is receiving or illumination. As we reach the center, we stay for a moment to sit and stand as we meditate, offer prayer, and allow ourselves to receive guidance from a higher power source. 

The final stage is returning or union. As we're about to exit, we follow the same path back out. We then experience a stronger sense of well-being and clarity of mind. We feel more empowered to pursue our life purpose and heart's desire. 

It feels good to welcome spring with an open heart and a clear mind. Like the spring season, we're about to bloom like colorful, fragrant flowers. We are incredible beings with beautiful souls who live daily to find meaning and purpose. We live our best lives, give back, and be generous. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Fitness Goals in Fleetwood

Fitness continues from Manila to Surrey, British Columbia. Back home in the Philippines, I used to do a lot of fitness exercises on the streets of BGC on a cool morning and even on warm summer days.

How could I step out for an outdoor walk on a rainy week in British Columbia? Yes, it rains a lot in BC, but the weather seems favorable. I expect a sunny day perfect for an afternoon stroll in the neighborhood.

Fitness goals could be challenging when stuck at home on gloomy and rainy winter days, but I must enjoy the outdoors whenever I wake up with sunlight. 

It's cold outside even when it's sunny, with a daytime high of 10 degrees. However, winter is about to end, and the best of spring is coming on March 20th.

Walking on the residential streets of Fleetwood on a cold afternoon is an excellent activity as I aim to become more physically fit. I don't sweat, but it makes me feel warm in less than an hour. That's already about half of my 6,000 daily steps target. It feels good to get moving and see the beautiful neighborhood around me.

We travel to places occasionally and try different global cuisines that suit our palates. Metro Vancouver has diverse food choices, and we couldn't resist the best Asian cuisine. However, this could challenge my fitness goals as I increase my caloric intake, resulting in weight gain.

That's why I need to burn calories and unwanted fats. I need to walk, run, climb, and jump up high. I'm glad to start my fitness journey here in Fleetwood by simply taking a stroll. Having a long walk in a day makes me feel energized and revitalized.

In the coming days and weeks, I'll be able to discover more places in Fleetwood where I can fully achieve my fitness goals. The quietness of the site and the simplicity of living is ideal for a healthy mind and body. This is where I have always wanted to be. And here I am, about to live my most extraordinary life.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Promenade Walk at Garry Point Park

Vancouver, Canada, is on the top list of the world's most livable cities. Scenic mountain ranges and beautiful bodies of water surround it. 

When I arrived in Vancouver at the end of February 2022, I finally landed in beautiful British Columbia. I was greeted with cold and gloomy weather for several days. From then on, I'm still waiting to see sunny weather, ideal for sightseeing and walking in the neighborhood.

A few days after I arrived, I was glad to see the blue skies as we visited a dear friend in Richmond.

That was a lovely sunny day in Steveston, a village Southwest of Richmond, British Columbia. The sea, the sand, the sun, and the cool winter air matched the scenic view of the surrounding sandy trail, making for a romantic stroll.

Looking at the horizon along the seaside is a spectacular view of Vancouver Island, Victoria's capital city. That's a beautiful island to visit and explore, but I must enjoy the moment at Garry Point Park this time. The ambiance and serenity are genuinely captivating and soothing, perfect for a promenade walk to remember.

Metro Vancouver has many parks, and I am grateful to have seen one of them. Living in a city blessed with natural scenery that heals the body and soul feels good. Whenever I need to unwind and rejuvenate, I'm glad there's always a place I can go.

Garry Point Park is a place for recreation. It has an open-air green space and trails for strolling and fitness activities. Young and older adults walk along the promenade with their partners and loved ones. Others love to take their dogs while enjoying the cool sea breeze on a sunny day.

The coastline was once a fishing village and a site for canneries and boatbuilding warehouses. One of the prominent structures in the Park is the Steveston Memorial Needle which is a marker for all those who were injured or died in the fishing industry in this place. 

Sitting on the big rock while watching the sailboats and commercial boats pass by is a beautiful scene. It reminds people about its historical past as a thriving fishing village. 

The winter season in Canada is about to end, but the warm welcome feels like home. That's one thing I need to get warmth. Living in a tropical country for so long makes me slightly adjust to the cold weather in Canada. However, I must remember that the season changes and only stays for a while. Soon, the winter is over, and the spring season awaits.

Like the hundreds of cherry blossom trees in Garry Point Park, it's beginning to blossom once again. When the Spristartsson begins, I'll witness the Sakura trees and cherry blossoms bloom. And it blooms in many parks in the metro. It just blooms when it is ready. It blooms at the right season. And it blooms at the right time.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Joy of Gardening

The weekend is an excellent time to spend outdoors in the garden. We get energy from the fresh air and a little sunlight, just enough to revitalize us.

Outdoor gardening is fun for the family as it creates a bond. We enjoy our conversations and put smiles on our faces whenever we finish our activity. It brings serenity and joy to our hearts as soon as we see how refined and beautiful it is. 

Gardening is a therapeutic activity for physical and mental wellness. We don't fear getting dirty hands because of the many healing benefits they bring.  

During this pandemic, many people realized how gardening brought joy to their lives. It has changed their perspective on the essence of having a piece of nature while working from home. 

My parents had influenced us to enjoy gardening even before the pandemic. Since then, we have appreciated ornamental plants for indoor display as they purify the air and give us fresh and revitalized energy that genuinely makes us joyful.

Even a few small pieces of potted plants indoors can uplift our mood. So, there's no excuse to feel down and uninspired when we can create a little sanctuary at home. 

Sometimes, we get more inspired and creative when surrounded by natural elements like plants and flowers. It heals us naturally and restores our well-being after stress and burnout from work. 

Life is always good. There may be a lot of chaos outside our homes and in this world, but we can always find time for solemnity and joy as we learn to create and live. 

We create our simple pleasures, soulful desires, and greater joys. We make our natural healing, and we help create a better world.

© 2022 Del Cusay

Wellness at Home

We can never feel good about the world around us if our mind is stuck with the effects of the pandemic. We've suffered a lot already, bringing stress to our lives from our everyday living and even the new normal.

We've been stuck at home at some point, affecting our coping mechanisms and ability to manage stress. Given some restrictions, life is hard outside the house, but we've also proven that life could be more stressful when on home quarantine.  

Not everyone may like to stay at home for an extended period, or the work-from-home setup may not work for them. However, we can always find solutions to make our lives more comfortable and less stressful when there's no boundary between work-life balance. 

During this pandemic, our home has become a sanctuary for wellness. We can make it more livable and create a wellness hub for the entire family that aids in healing and restoring health and vitality.

Home gardening is a fun and healthy activity that beautifies our home environment. It purifies the air at home and gives off oxygen needed for a more muscular respiratory function. 

We can grow good ornamental plants at home that filter air impurities. This makes our little sanctuary more breathable and less toxic than our actual workplace outside the house. 

Flowering plants also make us feel good. They give us happiness, which is vital for our mental health. Being happy is a positive state of mind. We can't feel sad when we're stuck at home. We can shift our mindset to be on the positive side. A simple, fresh flower on a center table can elevate our mood, giving us a pleasant emotion and a clear mind. 

We can also transform a specific place at home where we can spend some time relaxing and rejuvenating. Our balconies and roof deck are examples of where we can convert to a bit of nature at home. It feels great to have a conversation while having a cup of coffee as we are surrounded by flowers and plants in our little sanctuary. 

Life has to move on despite the pandemic. We may be spending more time at home, but we can choose to live a quality life. Wellness at home is a lifestyle we can adopt toward our goal of a healthy body and a happy life. 

This year, 2022, is about our commitment to a healthier body and mind so that we can achieve the success and fulfillment we deserve.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Sunday's Best at the Farm

How do you live your best life? Life coaches commonly ask this question to assess our present and future lives.

To live our best lives, we must enrich our lives with pleasant and beautiful memories. As we journey through life, we're bound to experience ups and downs, but what matters is how we live with more positive energy despite the odds.

Sunday is always the most peaceful time to experience being alive. It is a moment of healing and rejuvenation as we take a break, made possible by living in a natural environment ideal for the body, mind, and soul.

Visiting the farm on the weekend is pure joy. We feel more relaxed and grounded. This is where we can meditate or have some pure thinking time. This is the place where ideas and plans happen. 

We live in a world where noise and chaos would deplete our energy. However, we can always find a place to unwind and get energized fast. We need to regain our vitality and live a healthy life.

Since we're in the 3rd year of the pandemic, it's great to be closer to nature. Farm visits and gardening are healthy physical activities that make one happy. And that's the essence of living. We want to be happy and to radiate happiness to others.

Yes, life is so short in this uncertain time. So, we live each day with a positive spirit to achieve our highest hopes and dreams. With determination, divine blessing, and guidance, nothing is impossible. We can always make things happen in His time.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

My Sister's Sky Garden

It feels good when we have a piece of nature at home. It gives us serenity and peace of mind when we need a break or relaxation.

With the hustle and bustle of city life, we often feel depleted of energy due to chaos and pollution. Having a home garden gives off incredible and healing power to live our most remarkable life.

It's truly inspiring to see how my sister turned her dream of a sky garden into reality. Her roof deck, now transformed into a perfect spot for family gatherings, weekend fun, and relaxation, is a testament to the power of determination and creativity. 

The al fresco vibe of the sky garden is a perfect setting for family gatherings and celebrations. The cool breeze, especially during Christmas, adds a touch of magic to these moments, making them even more memorable. 

A green space at home is more than just a garden. It's a connection to nature, a reminder of the lush landscapes we grew up with. Even in the city, it's possible to create our own little oasis, bringing a sense of home wherever we go.

During this pandemic, everyone realized the importance of having a clean and green environment. More individuals and families are interested in plants and gardening. And they brought nature home, making them feel happier than before.

My parent's love of nature influenced my sister's interest in plants and flowers. They love to develop a natural place for a happy and healthy family. My mother also loves indoor plants and flowers, so she feels satisfied even when not on the farm.

My Sister's Sky Garden is an excellent place to celebrate Christmas with the family. The bonding and happy moments always create beautiful memories worth remembering. A joyous season worth reminiscing about.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Sunday's Best at Lilia's Sky Garden

👉 Coffee in the Sky Garden

The Journey Continues: From Lambda to Omicron

Just before the world celebrates Christmas on December 25, we are again threatened with the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.

Our suffering is unending with every new variant discovered, and we're about to cover all the Greek alphabets already, from Alpha to Omega. 

The Delta variant was seen as the most contagious and deadliest. However, this newly named Omicron variant is said to be highly transmissible, with several countries in Africa now affected.

We've learned our lesson with the Delta variant. Several hospitals run out of beds due to overwhelming cases and admissions. And this scenario is bound to happen again if the government keeps borders from countries where the Omicron variant originated.

The Philippines recorded 26,000+ all-time high COVID-19 cases when the Delta variant peaked. We couldn't afford to match or even reach another all-time high number of cases once the Omicron variant is detected in the country.

It's about preparedness and alertness. Several countries have already closed their borders from African countries affected by Omicron, and the Philippines has followed suit. That sense of urgency in the decision-making of our government is commendable. 

We must be better at this time. We've learned our lesson about the importance of securing our border to prevent the transmission of any new Covid variants. However, just like health experts have predicted, it's a matter of time before the new Omicron variant is discovered in every country.

What we've learned from Alpha to Delta variants still applies to other variants, including Omicron. Basic health protocol must still be observed, and having been fully vaccinated gives a more substantial layer of protection and immunity.

No matter what happens, life goes on. We must learn to adapt to this pandemic, and it starts with an acceptance that it will now become part of our daily lives. We've learned to identify what's essential vs. non-essential. We've learned to prioritize people, events, and things that truly matter. And above all, we've learned to survive. This adaptability is a testament to our resilience and capability.

When this pandemic ends, we're all survivors. We can survive all other challenges and threats that may come our way. This must be part of the Divine Plan for humanity, and those who won't make it just fail to learn about the essence of survival instincts and skills, just like in any disaster.

It's still possible to better protect ourselves from the pandemic. We must always plan ahead and not become victims of this global health threat. Let's do our best to avoid becoming included in the tally of cases by being inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a preventive measure and a powerful tool that empowers us to save the world and end our suffering.

As we welcome the New Year 2022, we're learning to live in a different world. A world that is harsh and full of suffering. And so, we better prepare ourselves for a more unforeseeable crisis. Always think, plan, and always dare to survive and thrive.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Related Post: 

👉 Journey from Alpha to Lambda

A Momentary Sad Life

We know the feeling of being sad. It destroys our peace of mind, and we feel bad about ourselves or any circumstances that trigger it.

There are moments when we no longer feel good about the things or activities we used to do. Our energies are drained, and we lack the inspiration and motivation to achieve something worthwhile.

What makes us feel sad? How do we get over it? Life can be a roller coaster of emotions, and we experience all of it, from happiness to sadness.

Feeling sad is just momentary, and the emotion just fades away. We're not supposed to experience it for a long time since that will lead to a more severe consequence, which is depression. It's important to note that while sadness is a normal human emotion, depression is a serious mental health condition that may require professional intervention.

Our feelings, whether positive or negative, are a crucial part of our human experience. When we feel sad, it's often a result of feeling rejected, disappointed, or not getting what we want. In these moments, having our emotions recognized by others can be incredibly comforting and affirming. It's when our feelings are dismissed or ignored that we can feel even sadder and more isolated.

Overcoming sadness is not about waiting for someone to come and rescue us. It's about tapping into our inner strength and resilience. Yes, the support of others can be invaluable, but ultimately, our determination and courage can lift us out of the depths of sadness, even when it feels like no one is there to listen. 

A moment of sadness makes our life meaningful when we're back to our best selves. Nobody wouldn't want to be sad. We want to be happy, feel good about our highest self, and just be glad.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Coffee in the Sky Garden

What's that one thing you've given up on this year? It may be permanent or temporary, but that decision may impact your life.

Whether it's a vice, a bad habit, or a faulty diet, these are the things we hope to change. And when we take the first steps towards a new life, free from the shackles of our old ways, we're empowering ourselves for a brighter future.

Setting a resolution usually starts at the beginning of the year. But what happens when suddenly we decide in the middle of the year? 

In May of this year, I decided to stop drinking coffee. This is for health reasons, such as limiting sugar consumption. Our blood sugar levels may increase as we age due to dietary choices and other factors. Thus, we suffer in the long run.

For five months, I've been in control of my sugar intake. I've abstained from coffee and soft drinks, which I used to consume for several years. This dietary lifestyle change is a testament to my commitment to a healthier body, and it's a feeling of control I wouldn't trade for anything.

After five months, I reintroduced coffee and soda into my life, but I didn't succumb to the same cravings. I've learned to control my sugar consumption to maintain an ideal blood sugar level, and it's a small victory that brings a sense of accomplishment. 

Before, I couldn't function physically and mentally well without a cup of coffee. It helps me stay awake and more energetic. But there's a downside to drinking too much, and so I have to cut it before its irreversible effect happens.

Forming a habit couldn't be easier without the will and knowing its purpose. For me, I had to sacrifice my craving for health. Lifestyle diseases like diabetes can ruin our lives and better functioning, so there's a limit to everything. 

When we have a healthy physical body, we can also have a healthy mind. We can achieve freedom from diseases and illnesses brought about by our bad habits and choices. Yes, we only live once. And so, we also take the chance to live it well and to be well. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Silent Heroes of the Pandemic

Do you believe in Superman? Does he exist? Does he have supernatural powers? Today's Superman is the one who doesn't wear a cape. They don't fight a big enemy. And they don't possess physical and mental strength at all times.

Today's healthcare workers, our modern-day Supermen, are not invincible. They can be brought down by an invisible enemy, their stamina and endurance can wane, their healing may not be swift, and worst of all, they can succumb to the disease they fight against.

During my time at The Medical City Iloilo, I witnessed the many faces of our modern-day Supermen. These healthcare workers, from nurses to doctors and other personnel, have dedicated their lives to a mission of healing, survival, and recovery.

Today's pandemic has revealed our healthcare workers' real value and worth. They are the silent Heroes who have saved thousands and even millions of lives from Covid-19. They have made a big sacrifice to extend the lives of the sick and the dying. 

However, the stories we hear about our silent Heroes are not always uplifting. In some countries, we see them on the brink of giving up, not due to their own exhaustion or mental health struggles, but because of a lack of support from the Government.

In the Philippines, we see the effect of the Government's negligence regarding our healthcare workers' welfare, especially the nurses who are already losing hope and morale. They are the modern-day Superman, yet they cannot even protect themselves the way they protect and care for their patients. They extend people's lives, yet they die inside from frustrations and disappointments. They are Superman, yet sometimes they couldn't rise up but fall.

As a nurse, I will always advocate for the proper treatment and support for my fellow nurses and healthcare professionals. We don't seek recognition, but we need the government to ensure our welfare and provide the necessary resources to fight these challenging times of health crisis.

We are Superman, but we are also human. We get tired and burned out. We can be hopeless and depressed. And we are not limitless, but we can also suffer from powerlessness. 

When this pandemic ends, our best salute goes to the silent Heroes who continue to serve the health and well-being of the people. Give your best gratitude and appreciation to them. That's the greatest gift that can open their hearts. Because it's when we have an open and big heart that we give and love more.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay