The Tulip Festival in Chilliwack

It's Springtime in Canada, and other flowers take their turns to bloom just when the cherry blossoms start to fall off.

It's time to see the 30 colorful varieties of tulips and other flowers like daffodils and Hyacinths for this year's re-opening of British Columbia's largest flower festival.

The Tulip Festival in Chilliwack is the largest flower festival in British Columbia and Western Canada. It's this time of the year when millions of bulbs of Tulips are blooming on a 20-acre flower farm. 

It's the 16th year of the Tulip Festival in Chilliwack. It attacks tens of thousands of people from the lower mainland and nearby cities to witness the beautiful blossoming of tulips similar to the famous tulip farms in the Netherlands.

The Dutch-inspired tulip farm has features like a windmill, a chapel, a swing, and benches for a great photo opportunity. It's a perfect place for families and couples for a romantic walk surrounded by a magnificent mountains backdrop.

In times when people are starting to live normally again, a visit to a Tulip farm uplifts the mood and makes one appreciate the natural wonders while seeing each other's faces and smiles without barriers.

Life is more beautiful when people bloom like a flower, radiating purity, serenity, and positivity. When life seems blue, these flowers remind us that we can stand tall, create abundance, and experience pure joy and peace in our hearts. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Celebrating Filipino Cuisine in Canada

Since arriving in Canada, I've sought specific connections to Filipino culture. The music, handicrafts, and food of the Philippines bring back memories of the melody, touch, and taste several thousand miles away from home.

To celebrate Filipino culture and cuisine, we're lucky to participate in Canada's first-ever Filipino Restaurant Month. This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Philippine Department of Tourism, the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, and the Philippine Consulates in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver. 

It's a celebration of Filipino touch, taste, and sound in a month-long food festival style participated by 40 Filipino restaurants across Canada.

In Surrey, British Columbia, we visited a Filipino restaurant after our afternoon walk in the park. We had our sumptuous dinner in Grandt Kitchen, where they served a platter of various Filipino dishes. 

What made it festive was when the restaurant was full of Filipino diners and the presence of a live band playing a selection of romantic OPM songs that gave a nostalgic feel. 

Celebrating Filipino restaurant Month in Canada is a great way to level up our cuisine and put it in the mainstream where other competing Asian cuisine seems to dominate.

We must support our food and take pride in being Filipino. This way, we help elevate our Filipino cuisine to the global stage. 

The first-ever celebration of Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada was a huge success and hopefully will become bigger and more widely participated in the years to come. 

We have to offer the best of our Filipino cuisine to the world. We must showcase our culture, live on with our traditions, and pass them from generation to generation. Our Filipino spirit will always be alive wherever we are in the world.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2022: A Journey to Paradise

The earth is healing. That's the message of hope and love this Holy Week. Finally, we get healed from the suffering brought on by the pandemic. It may not end yet, but we don't live in fear and prolong the agony.

Travel is what we desire this Lenten season. This way, we get to experience a new perspective on living. We cross borders and travel across the sea—a hundred miles of the journey, with immeasurable faith in Thee. 

We journey to a paradise to see and feel God's heavenly creation, and this time in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. It's a charming city that's rich in history. A story from the first nations passed down from generation to generation.

A walk around downtown Victoria is reminiscent of the distant past, where laidback living thrives even in the present. I feel the calmness, the serenity, the relaxed vibe I'm eager to see. It's a place to explore, find meaning and start a new beginning.

The message of God is evident; beyond suffering is a promised land where we live a heavenly experience. We walk with faith and allow suffering as we carry the cross toward our destination and salvation. We do not fear, but we trust God's will. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Taking a Leap from Hope to Faith

We all have fears and doubts. But believing that something can happen makes a difference in our lives if we leap from thinking to surrendering. 

We have hopes because we can achieve whatever our hearts desire. That's when we believe our higher hopes can lead to tremendous success and fulfillment.

When we hope for something, we say, "it can happen." However, we're dealing with the possibility of keeping our fingers crossed. It may or may not happen. When we don't get our hopes, we slow down and may easily give up. 

Leaping hope to faith is believing that something will genuinely happen. It's about removing doubts that things are hard to achieve. But with confidence, nothing is impossible. That's the difference in why faith can make miracles in our lives. It's when we have great faith that we achieve things with easiness and a higher level of success.

When things go wrong, or we're behind in the race of life, we may pause for a moment, get energized, and take a giant leap from hope to faith. Then, the universe conspires to make things happen. It shifts our mindset from probability to a greater possibility. And our dreams and desires take a quantum leap of our faith to eternity. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

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👉 Quantum Leap of Faith in the Summit

The Cherry Blossoms at David Lam Park

The spring has sprung. It's this time of the year when 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 flower 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 together from Metro Vancouver to experience a day of fun and excitement. There are programs, art exhibits, and workshops for everyone to participate in, learn and enjoy.

This year's event may have been more significant as people move freely without restrictions. The Mask mandate is no longer mandatory, and people see each others' 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.

There are physical fitness activities like yoga. It's a great way of becoming one with nature while relaxing the body and clearing the mind. There:s also winning haiku and haiku installations where they connect poems to the cherry trees.  

Seeing families and children enjoy various programs and activities is a good feeling. It's 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 mins. 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! A huge rock was carried away by glaciers 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 heading to the main street is 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 place for fitness and sightseeing. We see 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 is where 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 in. A vivid memory worth reminiscing, 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. The blossoming of flowers and tree leaves are just everywhere. I can't wait to see the cherry blossoms in different places on the metro as it gives 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 are the best place to be due to its proximity to our home. It's in a vast park where cherry blossoms are waiting to bloom. The pergola gives a feel of a romantic walk for a couple, and the benches sit 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 like 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 3 stages, and it gives beautiful healing benefits. The first stage is releasing or purgation. This is the time when we remove all unwanted thoughts and mental distractions. This is also the time to 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. A wonderful being with a beautiful soul, living daily to find meaning and purpose. We live our best life, 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 here in British Columbia? Yes, it rains a lot in BC, but the weather seems favorable as 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 whenever I woke up with the rays of sunlight, I must enjoy the outdoors. 

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

Walking on the residential streets of Fleetwood on a cold afternoon is an excellent activity as I aim to become more physically fit. No sweat, but it makes me feel warm in less than an hour. That's already about half of my 6000 daily steps target. It feels good to get moving and see the beautiful neighborhood around.

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

That's the reason why I need to burn calories and unwanted fats. I need to walk. I need to run. I need to climb. And I need to 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. It's surrounded by scenic mountain ranges and bodies of water that are naturally wonderful. 

When I arrived in Vancouver at the end of February, 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 in the Southwest of Richmond, British Columbia. The sea, the sand, the sun, and the cool winter air match the scenic view of the surrounding sandy trail 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 a lot of parks, and I am grateful to have seen one of the many beautiful parks in the metro. It feels good to live in a city that is blessed with natural scenery that heals the body and the soul. And whenever I need to unwind and rejuvenate, I'm glad there's always a place I can go to.

Garry Point Park is a place for recreation. It has an open-air green space and trails for strolling and fitness activities. Young and old people would walk along the promenade with their partners and loved ones. Others would 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 a slight adjustment 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 spring season begins, I'll witness the blooming of the Sakura trees and the cherry blossoms. 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

A Thousand Miles of Dreams

Chasing for a dream above the sky is truly a magical moment. We soar high to achieve our goals and plan our next life chapter, even in the most uncertain times.

Life is meaningful when getting ready to launch life's best shot. The processes we've been through and the sacrifices we've made make us wiser and braver.

As I embark on my next journey, I remember the good things and those memories that have contributed to where I'm heading. 

Life has its fair share of bittersweet happenings, but we learned to be driven by our life purpose. We do not stop, but we continue the desires of our hearts. We become unstoppable. We become limitless.

In our aspiration for a better life, we have to cross beyond borders and see what lies ahead. Because only when we face our fears and doubts that we become fierce. We become fearless. 

As I begin a new life chapter, I am grateful for the love and support of my loved ones. People who are dear to me and close to my heart. They inspire me and help me achieve my deepest desires. 

Looking forward, I'll take the road ahead with caution and limits. I'll be taking the crossroads with certainty and ability. Because, in the end, I believe in a mighty spirit within me. With a thousand miles of dreams, be guided by the Almighty.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

You'll Never Walk Alone

We walk on with hope in our hearts. That keeps us alive, and we aspire to live our dreams and desires.

Dreams make us live a fantasy-like reality. When we dream, we become limitless in what we can achieve. We introspect to find a world with meaning. We desire things we believe are worth having.

There's a break we need to take to realign ourselves with our goals and ambitions. We look back to moving forward. We climb a little higher, so we can see things farther. We believe in ourselves and that we can make things better. For one thing, remember, we are what we think, and we become what we believe. Be it forever.

As we move along and follow our path, we're guided by our real intentions to manifest. There may be delays and unanswered questions, but the universe answers at the right time with the proper request. Truly life at its best. 

We move on to what's next. What's there waiting for us? What more can I hope for? What's there to live for? 

We can be awakened from a deep slumber but fast-track our best way forward; like a slingshot reaching greater heights and struggles, we can fight. 

We can be sure of the best life ahead with the right people. They push us to our limits and lift our spirits.

We used to be scared when we were defenseless. We used to be frightened about things. We were clueless. There may be lonely moments, but we're not alone this time and will never walk alone from this moment.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Heart's Desire: The Lens of Gratitude

One of the most unforgettable statements I heard is, "Not all days are good, but there's something good every day. 

That statement was shared by an Elementary public school teacher during their In-Service training back in 2014. I was there to give a talk about "Living Your Greatest Life," and that statement complements the subject of my discussion.

Yes, life may be full of uncertainties. Full of ups and downs. Full of doubts. And full of miseries. However, when we reflect on our life, there are many things to be grateful for. 

We may not celebrate Thanksgiving daily, but there's always a reason to step back and see life from a new perspective. And that's through the lens of gratitude.

Feeling grateful for life begins when we recognize all the blessings we've received in any form and any way. As we live each day with a grateful heart, we attract new opportunities and great chances. We also create miracles, and we destroy obstacles. That's the power of gratitude we shouldn't take for granted.

• Heart's Desire 2016: Living a Fantastic Life

• Heart's Desire 2017: Living a Humanitarian Life

• Heart's Desire 2019: Evolution of Love

In times of sorrow and when we're on our lower emotions, expressing gratitude lets us redirect our attention to a more positive mindset. It recalibrates our feelings to the ones that make us compassionate, understanding, altruistic, and loving.

The lens of gratitude is always on us. We experience falling, but we can rise to fight again. We believe in ourselves that we can break barriers and live a fearless life as we begin.

With gratitude, we open our hearts to extraordinary living. We learn to be more forgiving. We know to give more than what we receive. And we learn to share even a little of what we can afford to give.

With gratitude, we become more loving. We learn to give even at times we have nothing. We open our hearts even sometimes we are hurting. We just offer, we just share, we just love, and we just care.

©️ 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 get revitalized.

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 that is good for our physical and mental wellness. We don't fear getting dirty hands because of the many healing benefits they bring to our well-being.  

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 to have solemnity and joy as we learn to create and live it. 

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

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2022: Desire and Destiny

What's your ultimate desire that you want to get fulfilled? Is it wanting to be loved? Is it about maximizing your potential and performance? Is it about discovering your true self? Or is it about living your most extraordinary life?

Our deepest desires always come from our connection to our souls. Our soul's purpose makes us feel more alive, and we want to live what we're destined to be. To be who we are is when we ask the fundamentals of "Who am I?" and "What's my heart's desire?" 

As we celebrate the Chinese New Year 2022, we also welcome the deepest desires of our hearts. We tend to be more loving and caring when we have an open heart. We become more compassionate and altruistic. We give even a little of what we have and share the abundance we've received.

That's the critical message for this year's welcome of the Year of the Tiger. It's not only about being fierce and strong like a tiger but also about the soft quality of being dependable and altruistic. 

As I celebrate the Chinese New Year each year, I spend some quiet time contemplating and reflecting on my soulful desires and destiny. How will I improve this year, and what will I become? These questions trigger some actions for the fulfillment of my aspirations.

• Celebrating 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

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020: Love, Peace, and Harmony
  

In this year of the Water Tiger, everything might still be uncertain. But in this world of uncertainty, we can create our desired path and destined future. That's one thing we can be sure about. 

We create our world and live it with our rules and policy. We make a bigger world where we can set our intentions and fulfill our missions. We create our ultimate destiny and desire a living legacy. 

©️ 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 home. 

Flowering plants also makes us feel good. It gives 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 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 to achieve the success and fulfillment we deserve.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay