Invigorating Walk at the Lodi Garden

It's a great feeling when ancient architectural wonders are well-preserved and restored. Those structures were built to last and tell a tale as old as time.

In New Delhi, India, I was happy to visit a 15th-century tomb. It's a combination of Hindu and Islamic architecture. That was a decade ago, on my first visit to India in 2011.

Ancient tombs in India are grand and built with love. It says something about their character, status, and power in society. 

Lodi Garden is named after Sikander Lodi. He was an Afghan Sultan of Delhi Sultanate from the Sayyid dynasty that ruled places in Northern India, like Punjab, including modern-day Pakistan. Together with three other rulers, their remains are in the tomb of this beautiful garden.

I deeply admire Hindu and Islamic architecture as they reveal charm and character. Its artistic expressions are evident in the detailed carvings and designs.

That was a soulful moment when I strolled in the garden, touched the surfaces of well-preserved structures, and felt the vibe back in time.

The Lodi Garden is an ideal place for a morning walk and exercise. It's a solemn place to unwind, sit on the grass, and do yoga and meditation. The surrounding is calm and clean and has a beautiful landscape and greeneries. It's truly relaxing and revitalizing.

In our modern-day world, with advancements in architecture and technology, people will appreciate and value history and culture. It's valuable and priceless. It deserves recognition and respect. And so I did.

I had meaningful moments at the Lodi Garden. The history and culture are what fascinate me. I appreciate a place of such a very high historical value. It leaves a lasting memory and a pleasant reminisce.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Nazareno 2021: A Timeless Devotion

This time of the year, millions of Filipino devotees celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

This black image of the 17th-century Jesus of Nazareth has been a source of inspiration and undying faith for the Filipinos.

What makes the Holy image of the Black Nazarene so special is the miracles that transpired for the believers. When a faithful sincerely prays, it's always granted -- even the most impossible.

My first ever Nazareno experience was about eight years ago. I celebrated the morning mass and prayed for blessings to happen in my life. 

That was a pleasant experience to be with the flocks of the faithful. And so, I celebrated again in 2016 and 2017. Since I was in Manila for those years, I did not miss it.

One of the most memorable experiences was the Nazareno 2019 when I witnessed the Traslacion. That was a day-long procession, but I had captured a glimpse of a holy hour near Binondo Chinatown.

How's this year's celebration possible amidst the threat of the pandemic? And when there's a threat of the new variant that's possibly been around undetected.

Filipinos would always defy the odds in observance of centuries-old religious traditions and expression of faith. Even with the health threat, devotees are unstoppable.

The good thing about this year's celebration is the strict observance of the health protocols. Devotees practice physical distancing and wear a mask for their protection.

This year, the Traslacion is declared canceled. However, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene will celebrate the Holy Mass.

Compared to the previous year's experience, the Nazareno 2021 was something new we have yet to see. It was more orderly and quiet. This personal devotion is a celebration in the absence of chaos.

Millions of devotees may have yet to participate in this year's Feast Day of the Nazarene in Quiapo, but it's still possible in the comfort of our homes through online streaming.

The message was clear, and the hope of a better life is still my heart's desire. For this year, better health and protection would be of topmost priority. 

And beyond personal intentions, it's about health, safety, and security. We're hoping that this pandemic will come to an end. May it be the end of suffering and a fresh start of the year and decade.

Nazareno 2021 is about hoping for a brighter year in uncertain times. Our timeless devotion will always be in our hearts, and our unwavering faith will bring new hope, a renewed life, and a new beginning.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉Nazareno 2019: Celebrating the Traslacion

👉Nazareno 2017: Devotion to the Feast of the Black Nazarene

👉Nazareno 2016: Feast of the Black Nazarene

👉Nazareno 2013: Celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene

New Year 2021: A New Hope

The year 2020 brought a lot of pain and suffering into our lives. It seems like the darkest era of our times. Something unexpected, but we've learned to accept and embrace it.

If this is the preview of a new decade '20s, we could predict the future; that uncertainty is now part of our daily living. 

Things change instantaneously. It's like a blink of an eye, and our fate would change.

The year 2020 was the saddest and most unpredictable moment we've experienced. It ruined our hopes and dreams and redirected our compass to a crossroads. That was the end of the year 2020. Finally, we've all welcomed the new year 2021 with our greatest hopes. After the long agony, we can blur the sad memories from the deepest of our consciousness.

That was the end of the year 2020. Finally, we've all welcomed the new year 2021 with our greatest hopes. After the long agony, we can blur the sad memories from the deepest of our consciousness.

A new world

Whatever earth changes we've been experiencing, one thing I'm sure of is that this is part of the Divine plan. We're not in control; hence we let things happen and make things happen in our human capacity.

If the world has to change this way, then a more significant force can move us and direct our path -- either to follow and have faith or to step back and have doubts.

So, in this new world order, some would-be victims of a sad reality, while others would be victorious survivors.

New opportunities

We've seen people who have lost a living; have missed some chances and opportunities for the past year.

Some may have struggled a lot in business, career, and life. It also caused our fears, frustrations, and anger. It made us express all kinds of emotions. It had caused inconvenience and a downgrade in the quality of living at some point.

This year 2021, is about new opportunities that await us. The missed one is just a moment of pause; to stop for a while; to re-calibrate, and be ready to stand up again.

This year 2021, is about an opportunity to be together as a family again. To be reunited and to recall how we've started it all.

When we're somewhat lost, our family will always be there to guide and light our path. They're there on our knocked down and cheer us on our way up.

Opportunities don't only knock once. We see opportunities everywhere. And if there seems to be none, we create it ourselves and even create opportunities for others.

A new dream

Yes, we've awakened from a deep slumber. It was somehow a nightmare! 

This year, we're hoping for a better night's sleep. We're hoping for a better dream. And so, as we wake up, we'll turn that dream into a reality.

And when we dream, we extend it to the special people in our lives. They are the source of our inspiration, happiness, and reason for living. Family is love, and family is forever. That's one thing I know for sure.

A night or a daydream is both a pleasant experience of hoping for brighter days ahead. 

A new hope

We're hopeful that no matter how life seems uncertain, we still believe that something good will happen.

Our hope will always keep us alive to make us believe that miracles happen daily. From the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep. 

A new hope is there to give us the energy to live actively. A new hope gives us many chances to try again and never give up but hope when things seem to be falling.

This year 2021, is about hope in all aspects of living. We hope for the best things to happen. We hope for the best wishes to come, and we hope for the best life ahead.

 ©️ 2021 Del Cusay 

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👉 New Year 2020: A New Decade

2020 Year in Review: Overcoming Great Odds

What a challenging year it has been! Full of surprises, chaos, and unmet expectations. A year of lost hopes and breaking barriers. That's how I sum up the year 2020. 

No matter how good the year 2020 has started, there are always obstacles. That's an uncertain moment of what the future holds. 

How the year started

Celebrating the New year 2020 with my family was one of the best moments. It brought happiness and a joyful spirit to be with my loved ones.

We've shared many meaningful conversations, short travels, and family gatherings that strongly bonded us. We don't get a chance to celebrate yearly together as one big family; whenever we do, we make it very memorable.

Meaningful moments had been a celebration with a dear person in my life. I had a great time and sweet memories that I always reminisce about.

The Great Challenge

The end of the first quarter of 2020 brought misery to our lives. The pandemic caused by Covid-19 knocked us down. It made us paralyzed for a moment. It made us worry, fear, and angry over the unknown enemy.

Covid-19 caused a global freeze. No local and international flights, some travel restrictions, closed businesses, and bankrupt companies. 

It separated countries by closing the borders, made us feel disconnected through physical distancing, and taught us to set boundaries for our protection and our loved ones.

Before the lockdown in March this year, I shared a meaningful journey with special people. We never thought the worst was yet to come, but we celebrated the triumph with courage, faith, and love.

Despite this century's surprise, we're able to survive and thrive. No matter how challenging the situations are, we keep fighting to live a good life in a new normal.

Lessons from the Pandemic

Lots of meaningful lessons are thrown at us to learn. This pandemic is just a preview of a series of disastrous moments for humanity. We have to prepare to experience the worst. And so we can better prepare for the next to come. Be better and be bold.

That's a great lesson for humanity, but the pandemic made us realize that we're all globally connected and can feel people's suffering wherever they are.

However, it's not the end of the world. We had to do something. We don't have to feel miserable, lonely, or depressed. Instead, we have made things possible.

In times of pandemic, food is an essential thing to survive. When people in the cities struggle with food supplies, people in the countryside or rural areas have a reason to be more grateful.

Integrated farming lifestyle

My parents decided to make use of their time while on lockdown. And so they started to develop our farmland to be our new lifestyle.

Integrated farming has converted our farm into a mini forest with different kinds of trees. This place is where I do forest bathing every time we visit the farm. Its healing effect is Wonderful as it helps to be more grounded. To be connected to the natural source.

We've also started to plant vegetables and fruits and have made farm-fresh harvests for our food. This time, health must be an utmost priority. We have to strengthen our immunity against diseases, so it's good to eat organic fruits and veggies that are more healthy and keep us strong and have more energy.

Overcoming challenges

We've had enough of Covid-19 and are helping to defeat it. It can never break or kill us if we keep the faith.

When we can travel again without restrictions and quarantine status is at the lowest level, we rejoice that finally, we are back to normal, although some health protocols are still in place.

We've had simple family gatherings to celebrate precious moments and religious devotions. This time no kisses and hugs, but a little distance to ensure safety. It's a robotic feeling, but we must get used to it.

Christmas in our hearts

Our world brightened up when the 'Ber' month started. We're in a festive mood and celebrating Christmas early on.

From September to December, we anticipate a very long Christmas season unique among Filipinos. It brings hope that we can always be cheerful and win any battle of life's ups and downs.

And so, we celebrate Christmas. It may not be the merriest celebration this year, but we never fail to bring the light of hope and higher aspirations. 

This Christmas, during the pandemic, is a reminder to be with the people who truly matter and celebrate with simplicity and the highest gratitude. It's a time for introspection about our purpose and continued life journey. To give hope and bear the light.

Christmas is the most anticipated moment, so we make peace with ourselves over wrongful actions. This holiday is the time for a soulful evaluation of the previous year. And also the best time for planning for the next year ahead.

So many turns of events. Some unexpected moments. Some unimaginable happenings. 2020 may be the beginning of a new earthly change, but it's also the beginning of a New personality and more refined energy.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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👉 Year in Review 2019: The Greatest Love

Stairway to the Ruins in Macau

The former British colony Hong Kong brought a wonderful surprise for my parents as we explored the vibrant cosmopolitan in the East. And so, at the end of the 4-day trip, we had one last stop: a day visit and tour in a neighboring Special administrative region, Macau.

It was just an hour and a half ferry ride from Hong Kong, and there was a welcoming message Bienvenido or welcome in the Portuguese language. Macau is a former Portuguese colony, and its preserved buildings and other structures are reminiscent of European heritage.

I always love cultural and heritage preservation, and Macau is home to a famous World Heritage site, the Ruins of St. Paul.

In the early morning, before heading to the airport for our flight back to the Philippines, we had a walking tour from our hotel to the Ruins. It was the proximity of about 15 minutes walk until we reached Senado Square. Just a few steps away from the Ruins.

That was in September 2016. A surprise made possible in celebration of the 64th birthday of my Mother. That was our first family travel abroad, so it was truly memorable.

In the 17th century, they built the St. Paul Cathedral. It was destroyed by fire in the 19th century, leaving the façade as Ruins.

But even in its ruins state, it's still beautiful and a work of art, just like the great churches of European craftsmanship. People of different creeds come to visit, and it attracts both local and international tourists eager to see and know the history behind the ruins.

The Ruins of St. Paul in Macau had just preserved a piece of the structure. With the heritage preservation effort, they decided not to demolish it for the world to see. And to appreciate the once-largest Cathedral in Asia.

Macau may have been transforming into a bustling metropolitan, with beautiful lights from its mega and ultra-modern structures, but it remembered its history and culture.

Macau felt like a cultural city where its people live simply amidst modernity. It may transform into a much more progressive metropolis in the future. But it will have a unique identity blending East and West cultural influences.

We may have yet to explore much about other tourist sites in Macau, but we've seen one of the image structures of our faith. 

The stairway to the Ruins of St. Paul will always be a memorable travel experience. It leaves an imprint in our hearts, making the whole experience worth remembering.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Kathmandu Valley and the lost Kingdom

The check-in counter was almost closed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport when I arrived in a hurried mode. That was like an episode of Amazing Race. The good thing is I can check in and board the plane successfully. And my destination was the old Kingdom of Nepal. 

I got excited upon leaving India to see its neighboring country in the north after my six months of stay in India. For almost a week-long vacation, I'd imagine living in Kathmandu valley surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan mountains. And that was awesome to glimpse from thousand feet high above and upon descending the plane. 

Kathmandu City was a bit dry and dusty as I took a cab from the airport and went downtown for hotel check-in. I needed to prepare for a walking tour within the vicinity to see and observe the daily living of the Nepalese people. 

Since I've stayed in the city center, places of interest were almost within walking distance. The mall, park, pond, temples, street bazaar, and durbar square were nearby, and I started my journey on my first day.

My impression of Kathmandu is that it is a city of friendly and kind people. The hotel staff, the mall and street bazaar salespeople, the kids in durbar squares, the security personnel in tourist sites, the cab drivers, and the random people I've met were all friendly and conversant.

It's their character to be congenial since they rely heavily on tourism. And have to give that great impression to every tourist they meet. 

The other cities like Lalitpur and Bhaktapur comprise the Kathmandu valley and overlook the heritage site on top of a hill. The Swayambhunath offers a breathtaking view of the Kathmandu valley on a bright sunny day and clear blue skies.

Swayambhunath was my first stop among the World Heritage sites recommended by my tour guide, and I was amazed by the old structures and the presence of monkeys everywhere. Hence it's also known as the Monkey temple.

I was happy to have visited one of the oldest heritage sites built in the 5th century, long before the birth of Buddhism in Nepal. But then, I knew that Nepal was an old country, just like India, so they had these heritage structures back in the early days of civilization.

Nepal is a great nation and was once ruled by a King when it was still an absolute monarchy. However, it ended in 2008 with a constituent assembly creating a federal democratic republic.

I've learned about Nepalese people's culture, tradition, and way of living. It may be less extravagant and as developed as other world cities, but it has a natural charm and a calming presence for tourists.

As much as I'd want to discover more about Nepal, my almost week-long vacation ended, and time for re-entry to India.

I've created meaningful memories on a short visit, which has a lasting impression on my heart. Nepal is Amazing, and its charm is everlasting.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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👉 Strolling at the Garden of Dreams

👉 Kathmandu: The gems and the Lost Treasures

Wellness in the Green Village

 

If there's one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it is a shift to a futuristic mindset. 

To create the next big thing out of a soulful desire to live a better and more comfortable life in a rural setting, a peaceful and green environment.

I call it the next big thing since sustainable farming is one thing that would thrive in the next pandemic or any financial and health crisis that may come in the future.

During this pandemic, we've awakened the power of our intuition and creativity. It's to make use of our productive time while in quarantine. It may not be easy; it requires passion, endurance, and perseverance to accomplish the plan and make things possible, even when times get rough.

And so, after eight months of quarantine, we've created a green village that would be our additional source of sustainable farm living.

We've built two traditional Filipino farmhouses that serve as a rest houses whenever we visit and do some farming activities. We plan to establish farm infrastructures such as concrete roads, multi-purpose halls, villas, ornamental gardens, and a tree park.

It's my parents' dream to have a place where they could live a simple, serene, and meaningful life, and they're making it possible with their strength, willpower, and Divine guidance.

When living in Manila, I always thought of returning to our hometown and presenting some dream farm ideas to my parents. And fortunately, they've accomplished some of them. Even if there's more to develop, still I'm happy with what they've started.

Within the decade, we're looking forward to seeing a growing family. We're also hoping that the green village will bring us closer. We express a deep love of nature and a deeper connection to the Divine and its creation.

I may be living away from home and may not be able to see the development physically in the years to come, but I'm happy that I've seen how it was able to start and what it would be like in the future -- such a futuristic glimpse.

This pandemic might be a blessing in disguise because we learned to keep going and believe there's always a great opportunity in adversity.

The making of a green village is not just about health and wellness. It's also about building a lasting legacy with our environmental responsibility and contribution. We protect the Greenville country farm with the love of nature. And a conscious connection with the Divine love to nurture.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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👉 The Japanese art of Forest Bathing 

Walking Tour in Mumbai

I had a terrible experience in Mumbai, and that's something unforgettable. The city is the financial and cultural capital of India. And it's one of the finest and wealthiest cities in India.

But with its glamour comes the downside of bustling city life for the Mumbaikars. It's the chaos of daily living like other major world megacities. And with a month-long stay in Mumbai, I couldn't help to stay much longer. I had had enough of the good times and the bad times.

The district of Bandra where I stayed was a busy scene of street commerce, where businesses are displayed on the streets, primarily ready-to-wear, colorful garments, and other personal products. I didn't bring many clothes from New Delhi, so I could buy something new from Mumbai, but then I haven't bought a new Kurta, but just a few shirts for 150 rupees each and a new pair of shoes from a Nike outlet store in Bandra. That's all I needed for my walking tours around Mumbai's streets and downtown areas.

In Bandra, I would take a daily walk along with the bandstand and pass by the mansion of Shah Rukh Khan, one of the famous Bollywood actors. The Bollywood "Walk of Stars" was newly installed then. The name of stars like Kareena Kapoor, whom I've known from the movie "3 Idiots" and other celebrities whose expressions and body marks are inscribed and molded-- their version of the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."

Some days, I would travel by cab from Bandra and pass through the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It's a majestic bridge connecting Mumbai's two most essential districts and the gateway to the downtown area where the world heritage sites are located.

I would pass and get intrigued with the tower mansion of the Ambanis. They're India's richest family and business tycoon. That's a million-dollar house in Mumbai's most expensive real estate location.

As I reached the old downtown area, my walking tour started with appreciating the old European structures like the Gateway of India and the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, rich in colonial history and built during the British Raj.

I enjoyed the gallery viewing inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. From its construction, the Royal visits, and the terrorist attack, I learned a piece of its glory and gruesome history.

One day, I traveled by train from Bandra to Christchurch station, and I had a horrible experience with the ticketing system, in which I got into trouble. Luckily, I survived and continued exploring the cricket field around the University of Mumbai and the nearby areas where I had escaped from another trap. Still, I enjoy watching students playing cricket -- a popular Indian sport similar to baseball.

I spent more days in Bandra, and so I explored the streets. There were days I enjoyed a cup of cappuccino in a café, and some days I visited the nearby churches to pray. I went to a church on a hilltop, a short distance car ride via Hill Road.

Before I left Mumbai, I had yet to find Bollywood. It's not a place, but it's a film center. I understand they're the largest producer of films in the world. I've watched some of Shah Rukh Khan and Amir Khan's films not in Mumbai but in the cinema in Delhi. There's more to Bollywood in Mumbai, but I needed more.

That was a month-long stay, and I learned about the place and the people, culture, food, music, and lifestyle.

Mumbai has a colorful heritage and history; whenever I have a chance to return in the future, it will be much more wonderful and truly memorable.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay