Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020: Love, Peace and Harmony

Tikoy (Nián gāo) and Ampao (Hóngbāo) is a famous Chinese symbol of good luck and prosperity. These two are a must-have in the Philippines and among the Chinese-Filipino community during special holidays like the Lunar Chinese New Year and other special occasions. 

Ang Pao, or the red envelope, evolved into an all-season object for gift-giving. It is given during the Chinese New Year and during birthdays and weddings. In the Philippines, we have adopted the giving of Ang Pao during Christmas and other events. 

I always like special delicacies, so I also like eating Tikoy, which signifies harmony and closeness among the family. It is also the stickiness that symbolizes bonding and togetherness. 

In Binondo, the past couple of years was an auspicious celebration as I have experienced the vibrant and enchanting Chinese New Year celebration. The streets of Binondo offer the best in Chinese culture and tradition passed on from generation to generation. 

I remember the kilometer-long street of Ongpin in Binondo when fun-filled activities happen during the Chinese New Year. The lion and the dragon dance are always colorful and graceful, giving positive energy to the watchers. The firecrackers ward off evil spirits and negativity, as they would believe. It's fun, and the excellent vibe would bring in a positive mindset and emotion, and that's the essence. 

The Chinese influence my beliefs about prosperity, so I follow the feng shui and the Chinese zodiac in some ways. They just guide us to a positive life. 

The past years are live-action experiences, and the stories will not be forgotten.

• Celebrating the Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2017: An Auspicious Celebration

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2018: Prosperity and Abundance

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2019: Luck, Prosperity, and Faith

Those were the years of celebrating abundance and prosperity. And so, for this year and in succeeding years, I may not be able to celebrate Binondo, but I will still be open to embracing the culture and tradition that gives meaning to life from different perspectives.

But above all, for this year, it's not just about prosperity; it's about love, peace, and harmony that must reign in our hearts. That's what we all need at this very moment.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Journey of Love

Staring at the first full moon of 2020 was a great homecoming welcome after long-distance travel.

Meeting families, sharing love stories, a sumptuous meal, beautiful conversations, and heartfelt dedications. That was a fantastic and romantic day. A day of smiles, laughter, and tears. A memory that will last for a lifetime.

Lying in bed at night, I was amazed by the moon's greater illumination on the balcony as seen through the glass door. I rushed to get up and saw the full moon shining so brightly. A Romantic scene of saying, "I love you to the moon and back." That was a great day and a fantastic night to remember.

Then comes Soulful Sunday, a moment of breathing in and out at sea. Watching the gentle waves, looking at the horizon, and enjoying the moment of soulful conversation.

An incredible journey ahead starts with a grateful heart. We are blessed with the people who are there to be with us and counsel us.

As we move on to the next level, the journey of love will grow and be strengthened by faith. Just like the grand illumination of the moon, it will shine brighter and fuller.

Until next, we will continue the shining moment and the journey of love, always living in the present moment. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

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The Highlands of Bucari

The holiday continues! It's the first week of 2020 and the first week of the new decade, but the joyful and soulful moment never ends.

The new year 2020 was welcomed with enthusiasm and a positive spirit. It was the most straightforward, fun, and memorable celebration. 

The holiday rush and noise are over, and we are returning to a normal vibe. We missed the playful kids, the laughter, and the great conversations. We have learned some life lessons and have higher hopes to accomplish.

Today, the first Sunday of the year, is a memorable one. It's the first Soulful Sunday moment. This time it was experienced away from home but in a nearby province of Iloilo in the Municipality of Leon. 

This is my first visit, and on my bucket list is to see and experience the highlands of Bucari. I was accompanied by a beautiful person who is adventurous and also a lover of nature. This was our first time visiting the so-called Summer capital of Iloilo, and we had an incredible journey on the road. What a blissful experience I will never forget!

The road to Bucari is a beautiful experience riding a motorcycle while enjoying the magnificent view of the mountains covered with trees. As we approached the higher elevation and the curvy road, we were greeted by the cool mist and the foggy scenery. I was not in Tagaytay or Baguio, but Bucari has almost the same view.

After half an hour of a motorcycle ride, I was amazed at the development when we entered the camping site where cottages and tents were built and set up. I never thought of the development and the crowd of people who visit to experience the place. Visitors are cheerful and seem excited to explore what the area offers. We explored and saw it with ourselves. No regrets! 

We have climbed the highest peak and have passed by the 14 stations of the cross. That was hundreds of steps, and to reach the final station, we climbed the rock formation. We have conquered our fears, and we have reached the summit. No fears! 

That was a fantastic view. Perhaps one of the best I've ever seen. The peak offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Municipality of Leon and other towns of Iloilo. We were on cloud nine! And literally, the surrounding is covered with clouds until it has disappeared momentarily and offer a clear view of the mountains and the small villages from afar.

The majestic view from the top was a perfect moment to appreciate nature and have good conversations about future travel and adventures. This is just the beginning, and hoping for the best journey. 

Before we ended our short trip, we dropped by the chapel and had a final glimpse of the mountains. I suddenly reminisce about my soulful moment in the highlands of Dharamsala in India, quite similar to the view of the mountains that seem closer.

What a great adventure! And a great start to the year. Again that was another breathing out and a way to calm down despite the adrenaline rush. We did it! We made it! 

That was an incredible Soulful Sunday moment. Living well and at the present moment. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

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New Year 2020: A New Decade

It's now the 20s! The new decade has started. A new beginning... New hope and new aspirations.

The decade of the 2010s  has ended, and the new 2020s has started and seems brighter. We have welcomed the new year and decade with a greater vision. And so our mission will come a long way to reach other milestones and breakthroughs over the next decade. 

The previous year 2019, was a great moment in our family as we welcomed blessings that will leave a lasting impact— a living legacy.

In 2020, the new decade showed a glimpse of a shining and promising future, a vision of a distant future. 

We celebrated the new year with a simple yet meaningful family gathering at the farm. This was the first-ever new year we spent outdoors and in nature. It was fun and a great way of welcoming a new year with a lighter vibe but with greater hopes and dreams. 

What the future is like 

As we enjoy the serenity, we are already looking forward to the life our grandparents envisioned for their family and offspring.

My grandfather is a great visionary, and he sees opportunities for sustainable living. He is there to tell a great story of his humble beginnings— how he started it all. 

For us, his grandchildren, that was a story and an inspiration to realize our potential and live a better life. He inspires and instills values and virtues through his example. 

Teaching the minds of young ones

When I was at the farm, I was eager to listen to the words of wisdom from my Father. This may be why I have learned to embrace farm living the way they do. 

For the new year, again, my Father inspired us all, including his grandchildren, about the value of nature through a simple tree-planting activity. The kids were eager to plant a dwarf coconut tree through the guidance of my Father. To touch the soil isn't to get a dirty hand but to reap what they have sowed in years to come.

That tree-planting activity was momentous since they planted in the new year and a new decade, 2020. When they visit the farm, they will see how it will grow and bear fruits in years to come.

A promising future awaits 

In the next 2 decades, about 20 years from now, our hometown will be more livable and offer a more excellent and sustainable opportunity. 

We were born and raised in this place we call home, and we will always come back to see its development and create the future we envisioned. 

What a great start to the year. We took a deep breath and breathed it out. We feel lighter and calmer. We are more inspired, and we would want a life that is on the positive side.

A new year and a new decade, 2020! A new journey to take. A new road ahead. A new crossroad to overcome. A unique soulful moment to live.

© 2020 Del Cusay

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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

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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